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Squier Matt Freeman p-bass sounding quiet and dull?!

Nykki Madd

Nykki Madd

Guest
Jul 5, 2014
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#1
My Squier Matt Freeman Precision bass that ive had for almost 2 years now is not sounding the way it used to.I tried new strings thinking it was because the old strings were just worn out.But still no defiance in the high end.Its sounding dull and its not loud at all anymore.My amp is brand new and my other basses sound grrat so I know its not the amp.It just doesn't have that growl it once had/that nice vintage sound.Is it time for new pickups or what? any opinions/inputs/solutions/info??
 
#2
What specifically are your sound concerns? I have a CV precision that I have done some preventive maintenance on in order to keep it sounding as it should, along with a few upgrades. The choice of electronics can be a bit dodgy for Squiers, though the stock pups are really good, IMO/IME. You may have a bad pot (tone, I assume), or if your overall sound is dull and the output is worsening, it may be simple as bringing the pup higher relative to the strings.
 
#3
The pickups are high enough, i never have them screwed down. Its just compared to when I first bought it brand new and now.LIke it sounded great until about 6 months ago.I tried strings,dialing in my amp different ways but its the bass.Its tone doesn't have the sound.That "it" factor.It seems quiet.and yes the stock pickuos are good I think it my be time for some new Seymour duncans and a preamp pedal or something.It just always sounds Dull and quiet.Its not strong or defiant sound any more
 
#4
Bump.

I'm having a very similar situation with my bass as well. I changed the strings and it still sounds kind of dull. Everything sounds great on a different bass with a similar setup. I was also thinking of changing out the pickups but I read it might the active eq that needs to be changed. Anyone have any advice?
 
#8
pudgychef said:
Battery? On a Matt Freeman P bass? Did you mod it to make it active? AFAIK there should be no battery - its a passive P bass..
Click to expand...

Sir_Daniel said:
I'm no expert but everything looks ok.

The output is just lacking. I thought it was the battery but that's fine.
Click to expand...

Sorry I assumed when you didn't specify your bass that you also had a MF P bass like the OP - what is your bass exactly? It certainly could be the battery..have you tried swapping them? Letting folks know exactly what bass you talking about will help them offer better advice.
 
#9
Oops yea I should've stated that. It's a LTD B-334 bass. It has an Ash body with. Active "esp" pickups. I'm starting to think maybe the pickups are just terrible. I hope it's just that and not something else.
 
#10
HMMM.. Do you guys think that your hearing has changed or you perception of tone has changed?? That is.....perhaps you play a different bass for a while and you get used to the "sound or tone" of that instrument then you go back to your "old friend" bass and all of a sudden,,it sounds kind of off?

Case in point..I recently purchased two new to me speakers for my home stereo. My older speakers sounded fine to me,,until I compared them to my newer ones and my older ones sound dull and flat...just putting out some thoughts..YMMV.
 
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