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

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Nykki Madd, Dec 22, 2014.

  1. Dec 22, 2014 #1
    Nykki Madd

    Nykki Madd

    Jul 5, 2014
    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. Dec 22, 2014 #2
    TheAnalogKid

    TheAnalogKid Yer Doin' GREAT!!!!

    Dec 7, 2011
    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. Dec 23, 2014 #3
    Nykki Madd

    Nykki Madd

    Jul 5, 2014
    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. Apr 8, 2015 #4
    Sir_Daniel

    Sir_Daniel

    Apr 8, 2015
    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?
     
  5. Apr 8, 2015 #5
    pudgychef

    pudgychef In Memoriam

    Jan 22, 2005
    Chongqing, China
    have you checked that nothing has come lose wiring wise?
     
  6. Apr 8, 2015 #6
    Sir_Daniel

    Sir_Daniel

    Apr 8, 2015
    I'm no expert but everything looks ok.

    The output is just lacking. I thought it was the battery but that's fine.
     
  7. Apr 9, 2015 #7
    pudgychef

    pudgychef In Memoriam

    Jan 22, 2005
    Chongqing, China
    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..
     
  8. Apr 9, 2015 #8
    pudgychef

    pudgychef In Memoriam

    Jan 22, 2005
    Chongqing, China
    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. Apr 9, 2015 #9
    Sir_Daniel

    Sir_Daniel

    Apr 8, 2015
    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. Apr 9, 2015 #10
    Laurie Bass

    Laurie Bass

    Nov 2, 2008
    Bridgewater Nova Scotia Canada
    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.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2015
    christle and MattyH like this.
  11. Apr 9, 2015 #11
    Sir_Daniel

    Sir_Daniel

    Apr 8, 2015
    Well I took it to a tech and he stated the electronics were working fine. So it appears the pickups are just garbage.
     
  12. Apr 10, 2015 #12
    reddog

    reddog

    Mar 5, 2013
    Philly burbs
    change in weather? truss need a slight change?
     
  13. Apr 10, 2015 #13
    Sir_Daniel

    Sir_Daniel

    Apr 8, 2015
    The weather is consistent here in southern ca. And it's had a proper setup. It's just crappy pickups.