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

[/\/\3phist0]

Aaaand I'm in.

This neck is a big 'un. Still, in fifteen minutes of right-out-of-the-box playing, I was able to adapt surprisingly fast. And only 8lbs., if the scale is to be believed.

Looks just like mine before all the mods (none of which were NECESSARY )

 

[Gougedeye]

So I have one of these on the way. I've played 2 or 3 and each has been really well made and sounded great for the time I played, but I've not spent any significant time with one. I think I'd like to add a strong arm or stealth B string retainer, whatever you call it. Two questions...1st Do you guys think the string retainer is even necessary? and 2nd what tuners do I need to upgrade to, if it is?

 

[jallenbass]

So I have one of these on the way. I've played 2 or 3 and each has been really well made and sounded great for the time I played, but I've not spent any significant time with one. I think I'd like to add a strong arm or stealth B string retainer, whatever you call it. Two questions...1st Do you guys think the string retainer is even necessary? and 2nd what tuners do I need to upgrade to, if it is?

On mine the B breaks over the nut at the same angle as the other strings.

The stock tuners work just fine to me.

YMMV

 

[Gougedeye]

What strings do you use?

 

[jallenbass]

What strings do you use?

Right now round core Boomers. I'm still experimenting though.

 

[NicJimBass]

Had a couple gigs this past weekend. The Tonestyler is very cool. I was able to quickly and easily dial in the tone I needed on any song, though I primarily stayed on setting 7 or 8, which seems to accentuate the mids and high mids, allowing the bass to sit in the mix really well. Number 10 or 11 work well for slap, number 1 is excellent for Reggae-type stuff, and number 3 or 4 work well in cutting the highs on a couple pedals I have, without losing the meat of the tone. I still think these things are a bit pricey, but, in the long run, it'll be money well spent.

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

I use Chromes (flats) on mine. Massive. Just got another bridge and will probably install some Barts or Delano pups next week. I will also change the caps and the input jack.

 

[jallenbass]

I use Chromes (flats) on mine. Massive. Just got another bridge and will probably install some Barts or Delano pups next week. I will also change the caps and the input jack.

How do you like the B string? I haven't had good luck with Chrome B's.

 

[NicJimBass]

I use Chromes as well. B is really good, IMO.

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

I have zero problems with the B string using Chromes. However, my personal favorite are Ernie Ball flats. The store was out. The EBs have a higher tension.

 

[jallenbass]

I have only had rounds on mine so on went an old set of GHS Precision Flats tonight. The pickup is the Nordstrand NP5F.

 

[Fangry]

I use Chromes as well. B is really good, IMO.

I have zero problems with the B string using Chromes.

This. My Chromes B is great on the P5.

 

[Doug Parent]

I have only had rounds on mine so on went an old set of GHS Precision Flats tonight. The pickup is the Nordstrand NP5F.

What changes did the Nordstrand make in your bass?

 

[jallenbass]

What changes did the Nordstrand make in your bass?

Mostly the highs are nicer which is important to me. Anything other improvements are negligible to my ear.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I've been thinking a lot about this lately.

Have you ever heard a replacement pickup that made a P-bass sound like something else? A Jazz, a Rick, or maybe a an Ernie Ball MM?

Me neither.

Doing a pro setup, switching to a BT string set, and changing the tuners did far more to wake up my VMP5 than swapping the Squier pickup for an Am Std.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that as long as a pickup sounds balanced and doesn't hum, you're far better off working on the rest of your signal chain, or even better, your physical tone production.

Check out this vid:

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Anybody use Sadowsky strings on their VM P5? I may order the Blue Label roundwound a or the Black Label flats. After playing a Sadowsky and falling in love with its B string, I am going to follow Roger Sadowsky's advice, and put on a set of strings with an exposed core B.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I've been thinking a lot about this lately.

Have you ever heard a replacement pickup that made a P-bass sound like something else? A Jazz, a Rick, or maybe a an Ernie Ball MM?

Me neither.

Doing a pro setup, switching to a BT string set, and changing the tuners did far more to wake up my VMP5 than swapping the Squier pickup for an Am Std.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that as long as a pickup sounds balanced and doesn't hum, you're far better off working on the rest of your signal chain, or even better, your physical tone production.

Check out this vid:

Thanks for sharing a nice dose common sense.

 

[Thumper]

I used Sadowsky Black Label stainless round lites on my American P5. I really liked them, the B was great. After 2.5 years they got a bit too dark sounding for me. I'd be glad to send them to you, or just the B if you want to sample them. Used Bs are probably in pretty good shape. Of course don't need them back.

Switched to TI's since I'm in a Country Band.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I used Sadowsky Black Label stainless round lites on my American P5. I really liked them, the B was great. After 2.5 years they got a bit too dark sounding for me. I'd be glad to send them to you, or just the B if you want to sample them. Used Bs are probably in pretty good shape. Of course don't need them back.

Switched to TI's since I'm in a Country Band.

Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on that offer.

 

[Doug Parent]

Anybody use Sadowsky strings on their VM P5? I may order the Blue Label roundwound a or the Black Label flats. After playing a Sadowsky and falling in love with its B string, I am going to follow Roger Sadowsky's advice, and put on a set of strings with an exposed core B.

I have found that helpful hope it works for you.