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Squier 5 string P bass Special

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by bassistjedi, Sep 21, 2001.

  1. Sep 21, 2001 #1
    bassistjedi

    bassistjedi

    May 10, 2001
    Lake Charles, LA in a galaxy far far a
    Spare me the "squier is crap" jargon. I just want to know if this bass sounds any good. Please only people who have played this bass or have heard it being played. Preferrably the former. Any positive remarks or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Sep 21, 2001 #2
    LWatford

    LWatford

    Jul 28, 2001
    Helena, AL
    I think that bass is very good for the price. I would say it is better than the regular Fender 5-string Jazz bass. It has a nice neck, with a good string spacing. You might want to replace the hardware, it didn't seem to sturdy. The pickups were good, but they could probably be upgraded to something better down the road.

    Lee
     
  3. Sep 21, 2001 #3
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    It has a better B string than the 5 string Fender Jazz, IMHO.

    But the pickups are made for a 4 stringer. The B string is noticeably quieter than the other strings, because of this.

    There is a modification on the Fender board that you can do yourself to make the pickups cover the outer strings better, or you could go ahead and replace the pickups and still have a good 5 for under $450.
     
  4. Sep 21, 2001 #4
    Pea-NUT

    Pea-NUT Guest

    Jul 1, 2001
    Jerseyville, IL
    I have a Squire special 5. What those 2 said about sums it up. The B is quieter, but over all i like it. For a cheap 5 string is great.Hardware is ok, It isnt sturdy, the pickguard on mine has gaps inbetween it and the guitar. It plays well. Im gettin new strings here soon for it. Its a good cheap 5 string...
     
  5. Sep 21, 2001 #5
    Komakino

    Komakino Guest

    Feb 23, 2001
    Somerset, England
    I have a Squier special 4 and I think it's a very good starter bass for the money. It's very sturdy and plays well...I've never tried the 5 though.
     
  6. Sep 24, 2001 #6
    bassistjedi

    bassistjedi

    May 10, 2001
    Lake Charles, LA in a galaxy far far a
    Thanks guys for the input. I will start exploring pickup and hardware replacement options. I would like to put some active electronics in there. Maybe some DiMarzio pups. We shall see.
     
  7. Sep 24, 2001 #7
    RED J

    RED J Lol

    Jan 23, 2000
    I have a "first generation" Squier P spec 5 and it is a great bass for the money. I can agree with much of what was said above with the exception of cheap hardware and gappy pickguard. The hardware,fit and finish on mine are all very good. I was one of the posters in the FDP thread who did the mod to the pickups and got very good results. I am still amazed how much bang for the buck this bass delivers. I can't speak for the later models,though I have read they have sealed pickups so they can't be modified. The original run such as mine and Holdermans are good basses. As to Squiers in general, there are crappy Squiers but all Squiers are not crap. Headstock decals do not make any bass good or bad. I have two that are as good as any Fender I have owned. If you don't like Fender or Squier so be it brother but if you like 'em,This one is hard to beat IMO.

    REd J :D
    Who loves his Black P Bass Spec 5
     
  8. Sep 24, 2001 #8
    Phoenix21

    Phoenix21 Guest

    Jun 26, 2001
    Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
    That is exactly what I have right now (shorline gold finish, though). I really like it. It's a very nice, good-quality starter bass. I've never in a year of owning it had any problems with hardware or a gappy pickguard, though. Except for what embellisher said. My B was somewhat quiet and it rattled a lot. I speak in past tense cause I broke the em'effer. Anyway. I say go for it, as a starter bass. Squier, despite some of their eff-ups, have some nice stuff.