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Squier Vintage Modified Precision V: who's got one?
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
Thanks, man! I'm actually getting ready to do a MAJOR mod. My luthier is going to install a Fender humbucker (the one that was in the Deluxe P5 back in the day - it was given to me by a friend) in the bridge position. I think we're going with a volume/tone stack and blend knob, plus he's going to take some of the gloss finish off the back of the neck. It's gonna be RAD.
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About 2 months ago, I made yet another mod to my VMP5. I have posted here previously about all the mods I've done so I won't repeat them except for the fact that I had the pots, wiring, cap and jack all replaced with CTS pots, cloth wiring, an orange cap and switch craft jack. Well, something happened over the past few months and something in there just died. Not being a tech, I decided to order an Obsidian wiring harness. No soldering at all required.
VERY high quality parts, easy install and my bass honestly sounds better than ever.
Highly recommend!!!
VERY high quality parts, easy install and my bass honestly sounds better than ever.
Highly recommend!!!
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
This is good to know! A couple months ago I replaced all the guts in mine with a CTS/Sprague/Puretone jack kit (plus copper shielding) and it made a big difference in tone and output. Simple, inexpensive mods that go a long way.
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
Fantastic! I'm glad you were able to score it!
The stock pickup is considered to be quite good (and I concur) but many others have upgraded to:
- Fender American Standard V pickup
- Nordstrand NP5F/Np5FA (I will probably put either one of these in mine eventually)
- Delano PC 5 AL/M2 AS
- Aguilar 5P-60CL
- Bartolini ???
I'm sure others would chime in with those that I've missed. I would highly recommend shielding it at some point and changing the pots/jack/tone cap if you want an inexpensive mod that will make a big impact (I did both of these). Good luck with that thing, and keep us informed!
I'll probably change the electronics cause I have parts laying around. I use a pure vintage 63 on my 4 string p and I love that pickup I may have someone wind me one w similar specs
I seem to be an outlier, but I DID NOT like the stock pickup AT ALL. I may have gotten a lemon (the stock pickups in my VM SS Jaguar are considerately better—but I will still replace those as soon as I get enough time and energy away from my kids to re-learn how to solder). I have had both the M&V Atlas and the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound in my VMPV now; both were huge improvements over stock to my ears.
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skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
That's a darn good idea - stick with what you love.
has anyone put an emp 40 p5 in a squier vm? If so where did you find a blank pickguard that I could cut to match the pickup. I love my emgs in my other bass so thinking about this
I was an EMG fan for nearly 25 years. I pretty much ran through the whole 40-series catalog, and my favourite configuration by far, was a pair of DC40 P5’s at 18V.
I have no experience with them in a Squier, but it sounds like a great project!
Jeremy, I'm fixing to get one and install on my P5. Was it really 'plug and play', anything unexpected? Do I need anything that Hipshot did not include in the box ?
BTW, I see you have a red one; is yours not quite candy apple red? Mine seems like that color with a slight bit of orange in it. Close, but not quite. How 'bout yours ?
Thanks,
JW
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
Hey JW,
The Kickass bridge is absolutely plug and play, but be sure to order the Squier hole pattern model (Hipshot #5K502C). Some of the pre-installed intonation springs might be a little long on the the larger strings, potentially making it a little difficult to set the saddles back far enough. But there are a few shorter springs in the box (and screws too) that you can swap out if needed.
The color on mine is definitely CAR but I think the tort PG and the lighting in the picture make it look a little orange. I really like that it looks that way though, and I'm a big fan of tort. These basses makes a great mod platform - mine is with my tech as we speak having a Fender humbucker (from the older US Precision Deluxe V basses) installed in the bridge position.
Let me know how the bridge mod turns out and if you have any other questions - I'm happy to help!
Thanks for getting back to me.
It's amazing what a value these axes are, and that for all intents and purposes it really is a PBass with an extra string. It just works.
Like most, with the stock bridge, even wearing non-silked strings, some of those extra 'cinch' windings at the ball end are partially resting on the saddle; the B-string response suffers a bit, I think I can hear it, so I'm going to get the hipshot (in the Squire pattern).
I'm toying with the idea of making it PJ with a Seymour Quarter Pounder set up in vol/fader/tone, but time will tell. I have a terrific tech here in Nashville that could do it for me, but I'm really trying to decide should I leave well enough alone . . . .
Thanks Again,
JW
It's amazing what a value these axes are, and that for all intents and purposes it really is a PBass with an extra string. It just works.
Like most, with the stock bridge, even wearing non-silked strings, some of those extra 'cinch' windings at the ball end are partially resting on the saddle; the B-string response suffers a bit, I think I can hear it, so I'm going to get the hipshot (in the Squire pattern).
I'm toying with the idea of making it PJ with a Seymour Quarter Pounder set up in vol/fader/tone, but time will tell. I have a terrific tech here in Nashville that could do it for me, but I'm really trying to decide should I leave well enough alone . . . .
Thanks Again,
JW
skyline_01
Endorsing artist: Nordstrand Audio, Tsunami Cables
Yes, they really are an amazing value - I think Fender decided they were TOO good.
I am almost always in agreement when someone asks if they should do a mod, especially adding a second pickup! The good thing about the Squier is that it's an inexpensive platform, but a quality instrument. Even if you're not 100% happy with the result then you're not out a lot of cash. I have a feeling you'd be pleased with a mod like that though.
I'm going with the vol/blend stack and keeping the tone knob as-is. That way there are no added pot routes and I didn't have to move the jack to the side.
I went with the Hipshot Kicka$S and Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P bass pickup (no J, though) myself (I also sent that tortoiseshell guard to @skyline_01, haha). It’s a fine bridge, but you probably will need those shorter screws, and you might need to trim your springs as well. I tune mine GCGCF, so intonation’s probably a bit trickier for me than for those tuning BEADG, but still. I found string changes difficult with the stock bridge, and also found the funky wraps at the ball end of the string riding up onto the saddle, so I’m glad I went with the Hipshot. I like the QP as well; some knock them as scooped, but I wouldn’t describe them that way even in my alder-bodied Fender, and the basswood body of the VMPV means you’ll have all the mids you could ever want.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
Before I buy a replacement, does anyone have a black pickguard that you would like to trade for the stock tort? Thanks!
