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Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special 5 String

#21
awilkie84 said:
Find a used Spector ReBop 5DLX. They can be had for 5-700. :) And they're killer! my R5 is my main bass.
Click to expand...

Not a huge Spector fan but I do like the Rebops and in particular the MM model. I tried a regular Rebop at a GC years ago that was listed as new but was missing a knob and the finish was trashed by it being so thin and a bunch of people trying it out, they would not drop the price at all. I was not going to pay premium for a new bass with a missing knob and dings all over it, so there is sat when I left. Their reason (at least how it was given to me) was that it was already a lot cheaper than their other Spectors (neck through models with flame tops, duh).
 
#28
Ok. They're bit like EMGs then, not very battery thirsty. Still it would be nice to be able to use the pu's in passive mode since that's what I usually favor but probably it's not a big thing to add a passive switch if I feel it's necessary.
 
#29
basmicke said:
Ok. They're bit like EMGs then, not very battery thirsty. Still it would be nice to be able to use the pu's in passive mode since that's what I usually favor but probably it's not a big thing to add a passive switch if I feel it's necessary.
Click to expand...

A passive switch is easy. Swap 1 of the vol or the passive tone knob for a push/pull. :) It sounds great without the bass boost on, though. And, no, it's not battery hungry at all.
 
#32
I'm still happy with mine. Still remain impressed with how playable it is (the necks on these 5-string VMs are pretty great), and I've had a ton of had fun modding it.

The pickups have solid classic Fender P and J sounds. I actually ended up keeping the stock P-pickup in it (and the single coil grew on me, but I ended up switching it out for a nordstrand).

Since we're showing headstock logo mods, here's mine (also shows fancy new tuners). I promise not to try and pass this off on ebay as a handmade custom bass. ;)

11070519496


Huh, can't get the pic to show for some reason? Here's the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46931171@N04/11070519496/
 
#34
Well, the bass came in today and I must say, I am quite thrilled. Fit and finish were far superior to what I expected from a $250 instrument. Fretwork is on par with my MIM Jazz. The finish isn't quite as nice, but I didn't buy it for decoration. Playability is very similar. The only noticeable difference is the finish on the back side of the neck, and the rosewood fretboard seems to maybe be a bit cheaper. The neck on this bass almost feels sanded, but not coated. On my MIM I can feel more of a "finish". The rosewood on my MIM seems to be a bit thicker and have more texture to it. Maybe this one will develop some texture over time. I'm pleased with the pickups. They are smooth and even sounding. If you leave the preamp off, they aren't very hot pickups. I have to turn the gain on my amp up a bit compared to my other bases. Once you engage the preamp, the output level comes up to par with my other basses. I had to adjust the truss rod a full turn, which I expected to have to do. I had to adjust the saddle heights because the factory setup was a little high for my taste. The intonation was also off quite a bit, but adjusted well. The B string didn't sound right, so I re-strung it and it sound great now. I think it was twisted during the install. The tension and tone of the B are very acceptable to me. I've played a few other 5 strings in shops (Ibanez SR and ATK lines and several Schecter models), and would say the ATK was the only one that could compare. This one is certainly better than the SR's and Shecters I tried. This is my first 5 string, so I didn't want to spend much. Over all I'm very pleased and would recommend this bass to other in a similar situation.

ImageUploadedByTalkBass1385615677.361076.jpg
 
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#35
Gigged with the VM Jag V this past weekend and was really pleased. The J pup is pretty loud at my house (big power lines just beyond my backyard), but was really quiet at the venue. The bass feels great in my hands and didn't feel any heavier than my other basses. I need to raise the pickups a bit under the D and G strings, they were a bit quiet compared to the B, E, and A strings. The sound guy (has done sound for us for over a year) made a comment about enjoying the sound when we were done playing, and my band mates didn't have any complaints. I listened to a recording of the performance and was pleased with the sound in the mix. The lowest note I played was a low D, and the B string sounded and felt fantastic. The neck is thick and the spacing is pretty wide, but it feels really comfortable to me. No complaints at all! Doesn't seem like there are too many of these around yet...maybe that will change in time.
 
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#36
Any recent opinions on this modell?
I'm still a bit hesitant even though it's a low priced instrument.
Are the stock pickups ok? That is, do they sound lika a classical J- and P- pickup and does the sound work in a real gig situation with all the noice and factors that comes with that kind of at situation.
It would be great to hear from some of you guys that has owned this instrument for a while now and has landed in your opinions.
 
#37
Ok. No comments.
I just got mine. After an afternoon changing strings, tightening the truss rod and some slight pickup adjustments it's ready to go. I also had to file and dress the highest fret since it seemed to have been forgotten at the factory set up.
But after that I think it seems to be a very functional 34' five string bass in the Fender tradition and craftsmanship and overall finish is good and extremely good for being this price-range. It lands over the mexican fenders I bought earlier in my book and almost has the same quality feel as the US made instruments.
I have still to play it in a live situation and don't want to be too enthusiastic too soon but first impression is it's a crazy good deal and hard to beat value for money.
 
#38
I ended up returning mine. After playing it in a band setting a few times and listening to some recordings, I realized there were just too many dead spots on the fingerboard. I didn't quite get along with 5 strings either. Other than the dead spots, I really can't knock the build quality considering the price of the bass. Unlike you though, I would say the MIM Jazz I owned was a better instrument, and my MIA Jazz is a better instrument by leaps and bounds...it also cost a ton more, so take it for what it's worth. Glad to hear you're enjoying yours!
 
#39
Ok. I haven't played it out yet so of course there are factors about sound and playability that I will be aware of in time.
I'm not expecting it to feel or sound as good as my 1961 Jazz or a MIA jazz at this price point.
I might end up keeping it as a backup 5-string or maybe I'll sell it. My experience of the mexican fenders is limited to a Jazz5 a couple of years ago that I ended up selling because I never got the action right so it's probably very different from instrument to instrument.
This Jaguar was easy to set up and I got a good action with no buzz. What Im yet to experience is that factor that comes after gigging for real. Maybe it just wont cut it for many reasons but it's really fascinating that this bass costs as much as a decent pair of replacement pickups. I don't get how its even possible to put the instrument together at this price.
 
#40
My Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar V review scale 1-5 1-lowest.
I received my Jag V 3TS 3/10/14. Looks-5 The bass is beautiful and my 2nd 3ts bass in over 25 years. The paint job is amazing, I'm still wondering how this much quality work cost so little. Tuners-5 (open-gear stays in tune). Frets-5 (I guess I'm just lucky) not 1 high fret and all level with no sharp fret edges. Fretboard-3 1/2(rosewood) looks dried out I'll condition it Dunlop to the rescue. Neck-5 I love the feel of the neck wide/flat but fast for me. Pickups-P-5 J-5 I found the pickups to be clear and articulate in reproducing the P tone and J tone. Some of you might know what I'm talking about when you pick up a new bass and without it being plugged in you hit that open B,E and it resonates so clear that you know before you amplify it its gonna sound good. Well thats what happened to me when I hit those strings and people complain about the stock strings but to me they have the right amount of zing to them. B-string is tight not floppy. String height-4(minor adjmt Inton-4 1/2 Bridge-5 (standard been working over 50 yrs)
Now the Meat and Potatoes Overall Sound-5 Bass Boost-5(does just that boost bass) now
if you dont know how to EQ your bass then maybe you should pass on this 1 as a thorough knowledge of your personal tonal range can be had without upgrading anything on this bass. Now your taste may differ from mine thats why I say YOUR PERSONAL tonal taste. Now if you think its gonna sound like a Sadowsky Spector MM then you're kidding yourself and need a reality check. But for what it is a very good bass at the price point and gigable out the box, you cant loose. Again, I love the pups they do what I want tonally and I'm not changing them. I've gigged this bass stock through my GK MB210 + MBE115 LOVE IT simply LOVE IT.
 

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