It's normal to vacillate on a bass/guitar purchase, especially if it’s not your first or only such instrument.
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Squier Deluxe Dimension Bass (IV & V string)
- Thread starter Hank Scorpio
- Start date
I picked up the black & maple model fairly recently, have practised and gigged with it, as well as put it through it's paces at home through a few different drive pedals and short answer is - I like it.
Will get some photos and a mini review up soon-ish, once I have a few minutes spare. I will say that, although I'm no expert on active basses, I don't have any issues with the pre-amp. I'm sure if I swapped in something better (and I am considering trying it) the difference would be there; same with the tuners, the usual Squier functional pegs, work fine, but I may put Hipshots on at some point. The bridge seems great. I like the pickup location and the sound I get from it, even with everything set completely flat. The weight is fine, maybe 9lbs, probably less, and it balances impeccably. Access to the higher frets is fantastic - it's almost a shame I don't use them!
I will say, the gig I used it at was VERY hot and the back of the neck felt a bit sticky for a song or two. I may get rid of some of the gloss if it happens again.
Will get some photos and a mini review up soon-ish, once I have a few minutes spare. I will say that, although I'm no expert on active basses, I don't have any issues with the pre-amp. I'm sure if I swapped in something better (and I am considering trying it) the difference would be there; same with the tuners, the usual Squier functional pegs, work fine, but I may put Hipshots on at some point. The bridge seems great. I like the pickup location and the sound I get from it, even with everything set completely flat. The weight is fine, maybe 9lbs, probably less, and it balances impeccably. Access to the higher frets is fantastic - it's almost a shame I don't use them!
I will say, the gig I used it at was VERY hot and the back of the neck felt a bit sticky for a song or two. I may get rid of some of the gloss if it happens again.
Excessive weight tends to be an issue for me. I prefer basses under 9lbs., and that includes five-strings. Luckily, I have spotted several MIM Deluxe Dimension Vs on Sweetwater that fulfill that requirement.
I'm feeling better and better about my purchase. Does anyone know if the Fender pickguards for the MIM or MIA dimension basses fit the Squier models? I'd like to just be able to order a white pickguard without having to order a custom one.
The MIA Deluxe version has the coil switching almost to the point of too many choices.
Gonna be getting the Natural/Maple finish American Deluxe H-H V.
An excellent and astute choice. The MIM Deluxe is sensibly priced and often lighter than the MIAs.
Why do I get the feeling, you're more excited and anxious over MY purchase than I am? Ha!
LOL. You made my day with that remark.Why do I get the feeling, you're more excited and anxious over MY purchase than I am? Ha!
Am I the only person who thinks these (especially the 1-pup) look like Gibson Victory Standards? I think it's ironic that that was Gibson's attempt at building a Fender bass, and now a Fender looks like it!
Very curious about these squiers. Anyone have comments on how they stack up to the mim Fender model? I was originally bummed they didn't make a 2 pickup model but after playing 1 pickup and 2 pickup models back to back I actually preferred the single pickup.
It looks like the backorder was pushed back a month. I emailed them to change my order to the 5 string in sunburst. THAT they have in stock.
Finally got around to taking a quick phone picture. Still liking the bass. I've found it plays with the Joyo American Drive in the picture, a lot better than my passive basses do, and it may replace my VT Bass on my board - it gives a growly, smooth yet grindy overdrive at low gain settings, I'm looking forward to trying that pedal at practice tomorrow.
Here's a small list of observations of the bass so far:
- the neck is very comfortable, a P-width neck with a thickness that suits me great (for reference, somewhere between an MIA P and a Squier VM PJ)
- however, it is quite glossy, and I may sand it down in future just to make sure it's not sticky for gigs
- The preamp seems good, but I don't know enough about them to say - it may be something I swap in future. I do like turning the mid up full, turns the driven American sound into a face-melting, heavy gain distortion. Not a lot of call for it, but it is fun!
- the bridge works perfectly, the tuners are adequate but may be swapped out for Hipshots
- I have only played with the stock strings so far, but they do seem to work well. I'll probably put some D'addarios on it soon, maybe DRs
It's a very good bass, in honesty. It feels like a Fender, the neck is very P-ish, the bass hangs comfortably and feels almost like a Jazz (albeit smaller). Weight is fine, balance is perfect. Frets are smooth, none seem to be high, none sharp. It doesn't sound like a traditional Fender, with the large 'bucker and preamp, but it can do relatively good approximations of vintage sounds, as well as modern. For a bass that retails here at £250-ish, I can't really find any faults with it.
My 5 string has arrived here at work. I've unboxed it and first impressions are fantastic. The build quality is quite nice. I'll have to bring it up to pitch, do a setup and play it through my amp at home. A review to follow....
Edit: I hate the sound of brand new strings. Too bright!!!!!
Edit: I hate the sound of brand new strings. Too bright!!!!!
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And....it's going back. It's beautifully constructed, but I should have just waited the extra month for the 4 string. A 4 string bass better suits me.
I played a Squier Dimension V yesterday, and I liked it much more than the MIM Dimension V. The voicing of the Squier preamp is much better.The MIM preamp's treble was way too harsh for my tastes. The Squier neck is quite good. Another TB has measured the spacing at the bridge, and it is actually 19mm, and that is great for me. The bass simply feels like a mid level instrument like MIM Deluxe or a Skyline 55-01, the only thing that seems budget is looking at that multi piece basswood body, but even that does not negatively impact the tone. The tone is much closer to a Stingray than the MIM Dimension. The tone and string spacing make this a great catch. The B string was also tight, and was quite clear. This bass is a killer value.
