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Squier Vintage Modified Precision V: who's got one?

I have recently installed a set of Dunlop nickel (.45-.130) on my VMP5 and it really improved the tone over the stock strings.

I'm getting closer to the tone i want. This bass is really a great match to the fender rumbles V3 combos...

I changed the original strings on my VMP5 to nickel DR Lowriders and it has transformed the bass. The low B is fantastic now, great tone and balanced across all the strings. I'm very happy.

This bass is insanely good for the money.
 
Yeah the stock strings are really nothing special. I about to try a tapered B (same nickel XLs) and maybe tapered E as well hoping it'll even out my tone across strings. If that doesn't work I'll be trying Roto 99s. If THAT doesn't work I'm going to try new pickups.

I have a pretty specific tone in my head though. Even with stock strings this thing is a really solid instrument.
 
Yeah the stock strings are really nothing special. I about to try a tapered B (same nickel XLs) and maybe tapered E as well hoping it'll even out my tone across strings. If that doesn't work I'll be trying Roto 99s. If THAT doesn't work I'm going to try new pickups.
The best thing I've tried for a more even tonal response, is the Balanced Tension sets. D'Addario only lists them for 4-string, but One of the online dealers assembles matched sets. Huge improvement, and the balance wasn't bad in the first place.

The BT's have none of the intonation or fit issues I've experienced with taper-core strings.
 
I keep going through other much more fancy/expensive basses, but this vmp5 is still my go to bass. Why can't I come to terms with the awesomeness of a passive p bass? This bass alwas satisfies, but for some reason I'm convinced that an active super custom bass must be better. It's always a let down. P-bass ftw.
 
The best thing I've tried for a more even tonal response, is the Balanced Tension sets. D'Addario only lists them for 4-string, but One of the online dealers assembles matched sets. Huge improvement, and the balance wasn't bad in the first place.

The BT's have none of the intonation or fit issues I've experienced with taper-core strings.
I've use d the 4 string versions. My issue is I like very heavy gauge strings and my bridge isn't doing so hot with .135s or bigger. I know I could upgrade but I'm going to try string options first.
 
...My issue is I like very heavy gauge strings and my bridge isn't doing so hot with .135s or bigger...
???

I had the .145 set of BT's on my second VMP5. My buddy is still playing it, and loving that setup. Stock bridge. Although I might have had to ream the string hole very slightly, I don't think so. Pretty sure that all I did was trim the nut a little.
 
I played my P5 out for the first time on Saturday - actually the first show we've played in 13 months (originals band recording self-financed album whenever we have time). I ran my VT Bass DI to the board as well as to the FX return of another band's Peavey combo, and wow. Yeah, sounds like a BASS.


P9141043_zpsefd6626d.jpg
 
I played my P5 out for the first time on Saturday - actually the first show we've played in 13 months (originals band recording self-financed album whenever we have time). I ran my VT Bass DI to the board as well as to the FX return of another band's Peavey combo, and wow. Yeah, sounds like a BASS.

This is what a mate of mine said when I got my P-Bass! 'I like your Jazz, but that one sounds like a BASS'.
 
I have picked one of these up. I got a 9 lb burst demo from Sweetwater and I'm honestly very impressed with it. Neck profile is great for me. I was posting to comment on the Hipshot Vintage 5 bridge being a drop-in replacement.

It is true that the Hipshot's 4 holes line up pretty well with the inside 4 holes on the Squier bridge. There does seem to be a very slight offset (approximately 1.1 mm, or .043")The Hipshot will also sit back slightly from where the neck side of the Squier bridge sits.

I would have taken a pic of this, but I was sent a .750 instead of a .708 bridge (they use the same base plate) and am in process of returning it.

I figure that's pretty close, and much easier than the dowel and re-drill work required for other bridges w/this Squire 5-string bridge. Honestly, at this point, I'm surprised there isn't a company making drop in replacements for the Squier bridge.

All the best,

Bob
 
I ordered one of these from GC the other day to take advantage of the 15% off deal. This will be the first bass I've ever bought before playing and the first bass I've ever bought from GC. It will take a few weeks to show up since I ordered sunburst. I got it shipped to store. I would have waited on Sweetwater but this way at least I can leave it at GC and get a refund if it's a dog when it arrives. I'm a 4 string player so this will be new territory for me.
 
Congratulations Relsom! I'm sure you will be very happy.

So, I opted not to replace my stock bridge after all. The stock one is working very well. I did put threaded inserts into the neck and that's tightened the body/neck joint a bit. I can really feel the string energy being transmitted through the body.

As a lot of folks have said, Squier has really come to play the last few years. This bass will stand up to basses that are quite a bit more expensive.

Bob
 
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I've been wanting to get another 5 string since selling my last one. I had bad experiences with Fender 5's in the 90's and was turned off to 5's for while. Then I decided to try the 5 again and I bought an Ibanez SR505, loved the weight, neck was great too, good B string but the tone wasn't what I was looking for. It wasn't bad, nor great but kind of plain to me, perhaps a little too polite. Instead of swapping pickups, preamp, etc. I decided to sell it and get a Ray35. I loved the tone, B string and playability of the bass but at 10.5 lbs. it slaughtered my shoulder and I gave up on trying to get used to it within a few months.

I figured unless I was going to get another Ibanez that finding a sub 9 lbs. 5-string bass that I liked and could afford was out of the question, especially a Jazz V. I started reading about the Squier VM P5 and it sounds like something I'd be interested in.

I have a lead on a sub 9 lbs. CAR model at a decent price. I've never owned a "red" bass and never have been fond of the color personally but it's under 9 lbs. and weight is a serious issue for me. I don't know if I want to play the waiting game at Sweetwater for a sub 9 lbs. Olympic White version.

The price is right, the weight is right but oh the color, decisions, decisions.