Interesting. I've noticed that some pick guard makers won't do guards for Squiers without a tracing.
I guess this is why.
I guess this is why.
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Squier Vintage Modified Precision V: who's got one?
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
I seriously considering a hum canceling Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio as a bridge pickup since the run under $85.
I can verify that at 72mm overall string spacing, the Dimarzio Area J 5-string bridge pickup matches nicely with the stock bridge. I shimmed my saddles a little wider to get better spacing over the stock (and Am Std) P5 pickup, and the Dimarzio still works fine.
The Basslines SJ5b has the same 3 3/4" shell length as the Dimarzio, but the wider 74mm spacing doesn't line up well with the strings. I had to slant the pickup pretty drastically, in order to get the outer pole pieces under the strings.
Can't comment on how either set would sound or how they would match up with the P pickup level-wise yet. I have used the 4-string version of the Area J in project basses before though, and it's my favourite passive Jazz bass pickup. Also, the Dimarzio is noiseless, which makes it a better match with a P-J setup than the Basslines, which is a true single-coil.
On a related note, be careful about router templates. Both the Dimarzio and Basslines use the narrow 3 3/4" pickup shell length, which is popular on offshore basses, but not a Fender standard.
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What would you guys compare the necks on these Squire VM P5's to? I don't have any locally I can try out, but my local GC has a Squire Jag up. Is it an identical neck?
For me, the neck is thicker than the Jazz 5. It's more like a true P neck. Chubby and flat.
- Jul 30, 2006
- 2,315
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- Endorsing artist:Regenerate Guitar Works Carvin, Micheal Kelly Guitars
I agree the neck is thicker than a five string Jazz neck. It's a P neck for sure. That old comfortable spacing that I grew up playing is there. Mine is flawless.
I have not played a Fender Jazz for a while, so I will defer to you all. I do agree that the neck is very comfy.
Okay, so I managed to sort out the problems with the Delano pmvc5 FE/M2 and the pickup is now installed. There is still a slight grounding hum, but it's so quiet that I'm not even going to bother fixing for now. I have to say I am a bit disappointed in the output of the pickup. It isn't as loud as you would think when you look at the pickup itself with its' massive polepieces and bold looks. But the sound is nothing short of amazing. Clear top end, with rumbling lows, overall a very growly tone. It can't quite deliver the old school Pbass thing, but gets close enough to me with a bit of the tone rolled off. As a matter of fact I actually prefer it with the tone rolled back just ever so slightly, it really brings out the mid range. I'd consider this upgrade worth it, if you feel like you want a more modern sound.
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Interesting! I also would have guessed that the output would be much more..... well more!
I'm wondering now whether or not to change the stock PU. My bass's sound changed for the better when I recently replaced the stock bridge with a Hipshot A style. For those who don't think the bridge affects the tone, I say it does. Much more than I would have thought.
I'm wondering now whether or not to change the stock PU. My bass's sound changed for the better when I recently replaced the stock bridge with a Hipshot A style. For those who don't think the bridge affects the tone, I say it does. Much more than I would have thought.
Strings will too bro. But I changed pickup as well (Wyldepickups p46), and now it sounds magnificent. (I have the stock bridge.)
Everyone needs one of those! Now pls make it in lefty Squire!The wood pieces are certainly better matched than on mine:
How is the string-to-string balance with the Nordy? Is the low B a bit boomy now?
I ask, because the photo makes it look as though the bass-side pickup half isn't slanted enough for a proper balance between the B and A strings...
I ask, because the photo makes it look as though the bass-side pickup half isn't slanted enough for a proper balance between the B and A strings...
It's fine actually, I'm not sure what you mean by slanted enough though. The poles are slanted evenly and the pickup height is good.
I picked them up unused but second hand on Basschat.co.uk for about a third less than a new regular NP5. I believe they were a special order for somebody.
These pickups, although looking modern, make my bass sound like a rosewood boarded pre CBS P I sometimes have use of at a local open mic. Sounds very warm and creamy yet very clear.
Strange, As I've never bought into the old fingerboard wood makes no difference argument.
The B does sound huge and clearer now (I'm using Fatbeams and a light touch) I love it. But then again this is still my first 5er so maybe ignorance is bliss! I bet it's a different story having a Dingwall to compare yours to Steve, as they have one of the best Bs you can buy I believe.
I picked them up unused but second hand on Basschat.co.uk for about a third less than a new regular NP5. I believe they were a special order for somebody.
These pickups, although looking modern, make my bass sound like a rosewood boarded pre CBS P I sometimes have use of at a local open mic. Sounds very warm and creamy yet very clear.
Strange, As I've never bought into the old fingerboard wood makes no difference argument.
The B does sound huge and clearer now (I'm using Fatbeams and a light touch) I love it. But then again this is still my first 5er so maybe ignorance is bliss! I bet it's a different story having a Dingwall to compare yours to Steve, as they have one of the best Bs you can buy I believe.
Maybe it's just an optical illusion.
Given the tight. nearly vintage fingerboard radius on the P5, the two halves of the pickup have to be arched quite a bit in order to maintain the proper clearance between the strings and the pickup shells all the way from the B to the G.
Maybe it's just the camera angle, but the treble half of the pickup shows that slant, with the G end set deeper down into the body. The bass half looks like it's flatter, perfectly parallel to the pickguard.
Perhaps you're running the B and E strings higher than Fender spec, for extra clearance?
Ah, I see what you mean now. I think it's just shine and shadow making it look strange.
I do have my action on the B and E a bit higher than the others but it's still easy to play thanks to the round cores.
I've never seen a regular NP5f in real life, would be interesting to see how they compare.
All I know is that my bass is good, I'm happy. Just need a Fender Rumble 500 v3 to compliment it now! GAS GAS GAS GAS..
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I would not kick a Nordstrand-equipped VMP5 out of bed.
It all comes down to taste. The 37" B string on the Dingwall makes it possible to have a nice firm string tension and low action, without having to use a huge, fat string. It also makes for a slightly different note attack, a bit more clarity down low, and better intonation above the 7th fret on the lower strings.
But how often do most people play the bottom string on a fiver above the 7th fret?
Besides, not everyone judges a B string by the same yardstick. Some people have tried the long-scale Dingwalls, and weren't that impressed. Not because they're tone deaf, but because the things it brought to the table didn't interest them.
I want extra growl and pitch definition, plus a very even tone from top to bottom. For me, that makes the ABZ a real treat. I actually started liking the Squier a little more after I used a set of D'Addario BT (balanced tension) strings to make it sound more even.
But other people want a big, round, swampy-sounding low end. They might like the chubby attack envelope and darker tone of the Squier better than the Dingwall.
Actually, I must have a little bit of that attitude going myself: I started to like the Dingwall even more after I added coil tap switches to it, so I could put the pickup coils in series for a fatter, more P-like option...
