Squier Deluxe Dimension Bass (IV & V string)

[Joybass]

I just love this Dimension bass... it has a great maple neck, low action, if anything the neck should have a little more relief, but that is a quick fix. Had to get used to the sound and plays with the mids totally rolled off most of the time, yet no loss of harmonics. What is important is that it sits just right in a live mix - the growl does the trick. Also lowered the pickup a little more on the B side than the G. Only issue for me personally was that the G string could not be lowered enough to my liking for slapping/plucking. So a little minor filing of the G string saddle fixed that in a jiffy.

I agree totally. I couldn't get really happy with the sonic character of the preamp so I decided to remove it from both my 4 and 5-er. Now I run them passive with a serial/parallel/single coil switch and I love the big throaty growly sound I can get out of them. Indeed perfect in the mix.
I also encountered the high G string issue on the 5-er. I measured the thickness of the neck heel at the G side at 23mm, whereas 25mm is more usual. This does not combine well with the thickness of bridge. I considered shimming the neck or replacing the bridge. Never thought of filing the saddle . Certainly going to try that. Thanks.

 

[dxb]

I agree totally. I couldn't get really happy with the sonic character of the preamp so I decided to remove it from both my 4 and 5-er. Now I run them passive with a serial/parallel/single coil switch and I love the big throaty growly sound I can get out of them. Indeed perfect in the mix.
I also encountered the high G string issue on the 5-er. I measured the thickness of the neck heel at the G side at 23mm, whereas 25mm is more usual. This does not combine well with the thickness of bridge. I considered shimming the neck or replacing the bridge. Never thought of filing the saddle . Certainly going to try that. Thanks.

I have that problem on my American Fender Dim V, but my Squier Dim V has plenty of height adjustment left in the saddles. I guess it all depends on how deep they cut the neck pocket. I've also had two identical G&L guitars with 1/8 inch difference in the depth of the pocket, so I guess it happens with all brands. Definitely something manufacturers should pay more attention too though.

 

[Dec1975]

I agree totally. I couldn't get really happy with the sonic character of the preamp so I decided to remove it from both my 4 and 5-er. Now I run them passive with a serial/parallel/single coil switch and I love the big throaty growly sound I can get out of them. Indeed perfect in the mix.
I also encountered the high G string issue on the 5-er. I measured the thickness of the neck heel at the G side at 23mm, whereas 25mm is more usual. This does not combine well with the thickness of bridge. I considered shimming the neck or replacing the bridge. Never thought of filing the saddle . Certainly going to try that. Thanks.

Care to share the wiring diagram for this mod? I love the bass, but the pre-amp leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Joybass]

Care to share the wiring diagram for this mod? I love the bass, but the pre-amp leaves a lot to be desired.

Sure. I will draw up a diagram, but please give me some time.

 

[Joybass]

OK, here it comes. I have tried to draw it all out as clearly as possible. About the preamp: four wires attach to it that you have to unsolder. After that you can loosen the pots and lift it out. You will need two new pots. I used a A500 for tone and a B500 for volume. And a 47 cap. Have fun.

 

[Joybass]

Oh, and the battery wires can be removed too, obviously.

 

[Dec1975]

OK, here it comes. I have tried to draw it all out as clearly as possible. About the preamp: four wires attach to it that you have to unsolder. After that you can loosen the pots and lift it out. You will need two new pots. I used a A500 for tone and a B500 for volume. And a 47 cap. Have fun.
View attachment 2859546

You are the absolute best! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks again.

 

[Joybass]

So, I solved two minor but annoying problems with my V-er: the action on the G string being too high with no room to adjust left on the saddle, and the G string sitting too close to the edge of the neck. It did involve dumping the shiny big hi-mass bridge, but I can't detect any loss of sustain or presence with the new bridge. And I did not have to relocate the screws (maybe add two, not sure yet). No intonation issues either. Total cost approx. $15.

 

[Treebeard]

going to put flats on it when it gets here

How did you like the flats? Google lead me to your post haha

 

[kkaarrll]

How did you like the flats? Google lead me to your post haha

I loved i---pure acdc and queen tone

i would just have kept mine if a 4 string

I am transitioning to 4 string only

 

[Treebeard]

Heck yes, the Deacon tone is the goal. I really appreciate you reaching out, thanks. I'm almost exclusively a P bass player.
And I've never been able to get used to a 5 string, so I'm with you on the 4. Been playing cello too long I think.

 

[Treebeard]

I loved i---pure acdc and queen tone

i would just have kept mine if a 4 string

I am transitioning to 4 string only

(See previous)

 

[Treebeard]

Thanks for all you guy's info on this thread. Personal review to come.
NBD - GC and Squier, a 'good one'.

 

[MtManiac]

OK, here it comes. I have tried to draw it all out as clearly as possible. About the preamp: four wires attach to it that you have to unsolder. After that you can loosen the pots and lift it out. You will need two new pots. I used a A500 for tone and a B500 for volume. And a 47 cap. Have fun.
View attachment 2859546

If I were going to do the 4-way switch, how would I add a passive-active switch pot as well?

 

[Joybass]

If I were going to do the 4-way switch, how would I add a passive-active switch pot as well?

Don't know about that. In my setup the preamp ended up in the dustbin. Maybe there is a way, but it would imply keeping the preamp with its four control pots, and add a 4way switch and two passive pots, plus an active/passive switch or pushpull pot. I doubt that all of that will fit. And I wouldn't know exactly how to wire all of it up.

 

[MtManiac]

Don't know about that. In my setup the preamp ended up in the dustbin. Maybe there is a way, but it would imply keeping the preamp with its four control pots, and add a 4way switch and two passive pots, plus an active/passive switch or pushpull pot. I doubt that all of that will fit. And I wouldn't know exactly how to wire all of it up.

Thanks! Trying to figure out what to do with the 4th know after removing the preamp. I too have no use for it.

 

[bassman74]

Hello Gentlemen, I'd like to buy a Squier Dimension Deluxe 5 but I have a modification in mind. Is someone here kind enough to measure the 5 sting pickup casing for me please? I need the overall lenght and width of the casing.
I'll tell you what are my plans later

 

[Joybass]

Hello Gentlemen, I'd like to buy a Squier Dimension Deluxe 5 but I have a modification in mind. Is someone here kind enough to measure the 5 sting pickup casing for me please? I need the overall lenght and width of the casing.
I'll tell you what are my plans later

So, tell us your plans...

 

[bassman74]

View attachment 3009952

So, tell us your plans...

Wow, thank you very much.

My plans are simple, I find the dimension basses more comfortable and lighter than stingrays but I prefer the tone of Stingray classic basses. I can't afford a stingray at this moment and I found a dimension V at 25% discount. Since, the MM5 pickup will cover the dimension pickup hole, I'll have the body routed for a Nordstrand MM5.2 and will also install a mojotone MM clone preamp with push-pull series/parrallel knob. End Result: I'll have a light and comfortable Dimension Classic.

 

[Joybass]

I gave my 4-string a little make-over. I had a Wilkinson single coil P-bass pickup lying around that I bought used a while ago, and I decided to add it to my Dimension to give it a P-bass alter ego. With a bit of drilling, chiseling, filing, making a rout for the wire under the pickguard and adding a selection switch, it all came together. Because of the 500 kohm pots I chose for the humbucker it sounded a bit harsh at first, but with the tone dialed down to 60% it sounds just fine and P-bassy.