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

[AREA]

I like that Hipshot Bridge......have to think about it, but especially Hipshot is expensive in Germany. How do you like the SD Quarterpunders? If I see right, there are three PU's that I could swap in directly. Fender PU, Nordy NP5f, or SD Quarterpounders.
Not that I don't like the Stock PU's, but there is some Room for optimizing...

 

[NicJimBass]

I like that Hipshot Bridge......have to think about it, but especially Hipshot is expensive in Germany. How do you like the SD Quarterpunders? If I see right, there are three PU's that I could swap in directly. Fender PU, Nordy NP5f, or SD Quarterpounders.
Not that I don't like the Stock PU's, but there is some Room for optimizing...

I like the Quarter Pounder. It's not a night and day difference from the stock pickup, but, to me, it sounds a bit hotter and thicker. I dig it.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don't remember if I posted this before but I love the way my VM P5 sounds. I honestly do not believe my old Lakland 55-64 sounded better.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I hear you, Dr Cheese.

The Precision Bass is very much the Model T, or maybe the WWII Jeep of basses.

Leo's formula was so simple, and so carefully optimized for 1950's mass production, that it's pretty hard to get the formula wrong.

Despite the way I fuss over minor differences between one boutique P and the next, the fact is that in the right hands, a cheap Univox copy can be just as effective as (insert famous brand name here).

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I hear you, Dr Cheese.

The Precision Bass is very much the Model T, or maybe the WWII Jeep of basses.

Leo's formula was so simple, and so carefully optimized for 1950's mass production, that it's pretty hard to get the formula wrong.

Despite the way I fuss over minor differences between one boutique P and the next, the fact is that in the right hands, a cheap Univox copy can be just as effective as (insert famous brand name here).

I said in a thread about Jazz Basses that if were truly a P-bass guy, the only other bass I would need would be back up Squier VM P5. This bass sits in the mix like nothing else I own.

 

[bassman74]

My VMP5 is still stock but I'm tempted to turn it into a PJ bass since I have a custom P4 on order. I want to install a Nordstrand Big Split or Dual coil in the bridge position to match the neck pickup output. I always thought that the jazz bass pup's output is too weak for a precision bass pickup. I know that many of you have modified their VMP5. Am I on the right track? Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

[TomB]

My VMP5 is still stock but i'm tempted to turn it into a PJ bass since I have a custom P4 on order. I Walt to install a Nordstrand Big Split or Dual coil in the bridge position to match the neck pickup output. I always thought that the jazz bass pup's output is Togo steak for a precision bass pickup. I know that many of you have modify their VMP5. Am I on the right track? Any suggestions or recommandations?

I might have said more New York strip than Togo ...sorry

 

[bassman74]

I might have said more New York strip than Togo ...sorry

FIXED.... Sorry, I should not use my phone to post on Talkbass, my phone's french autocorrection makes me go nuts... Or I should proof read my posts.

 

[Bodeeni]

I saw a bass player using one of these at a gig the other night. Sounded great, thought it was a custom shop. Played it for a minute after the gig and it was very nice. As nice as my USA models. Go figure.

 

[Wallofbasses]

I picked up a used Babicz five string bass bridge to install on my VMP5. After reading a bit through this thread, I see now that the stock bridge has 18 mm spacing whereas the Babicz has 19 mm spacing. Has anyone done a successful installation of the Babicz bridge on the VMP5? Should I try it or am I best not to go there? Sorry if it has already been discussed, but I haven't read through the whole thread.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

...the stock bridge has 18 mm spacing whereas the Babicz has 19 mm spacing. Has anyone done a successful installation of the Babicz bridge on the VMP5?

If the Squier bridge spacing is exactly 18mm (don't have mine close at hand to check), then the Babicz will add 4mm to the overall spacing at the bridge.

You can check it out fairly easily: first, check that the stock spacing is 18mm, center to Center.

If it is, then loosen the the G and B strings a tad. Lift out of their grooves, and spread them by 2mm on each side.

Now look at the string spacing at the last fret. If you still have enough room at the edges of the FB, then you're golden.

 

[Wallofbasses]

Thanks so much for the advice, Steve. I'll give that a try.

Brian

 

[Joybass]

Not a P, but very nice too

I like Squiers

 

[petrus61]

Just ordered one in CAR from Sweetwater and should have it soon. This will be my second VMP5. The first one I had upgraded with an American Std pickup, but the differences were nominal and the original IIRC had more output, at least to my ears. I sought one out in the 9-9.5lb range, as my first one was stupid light and I think that may have contributed to the neck dive that ultimately was my reason for selling it. I have some flush mount Dunlop buttons that I may use and a "sticky" strap so I'll see if either are necessary, but I plan on keeping this one. I've been too long without both a 5 string, and a decent backup bass, so I'm hoping to fill both needs with this one. I was going to get a VMJ5 (I've also owned several of), but just couldn't get over the idea of having such a boat anchor...the lightest posted weight I could find was just under 11lbs from Sweetwater and my shoulders just can't do it anymore. I'm a die hard P basser anyway, so this will round out my stable nicely.

For strings, I went with Labella Deep Talkin Quarter Rounds. My AmStd P currently sports them and I think they might be one of my favorite strings ever. Incredibly balanced, thumpy or growly with the turn of a knob and none of the "worst of both worlds" attributes of most other half wound strings I've used. I'm excited to see how the .128 low B responds. I'll report back with some pics when she gets here.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

Just ordered one in CAR from Sweetwater and should have it soon. ...I sought one out in the 9-9.5lb range, as my first one was stupid light and I think that may have contributed to the neck dive that ultimately was my reason for selling it...

Nice.

Mine is in the stoopid light range.

Hipshot import ultralites took 6 ounces off the headstock, and a flush mount Dunlop straplock on the back finished the job.

Perfect hanging balance on a strap, 8lb 6oz...

 

[steve_rolfeca]

50's-themed New Years gig tonight, so I took my Oly White VMP5. Seemed more visually appropriate than my exotic-looking ABZ-5.

Sounded ridiculously good on the 50's tunes, which was not unexpected.

But when we switched to current material for the countdown and after-party, I was surprised to find that it still seemed to sound better than my Dingwall, both at FOH and through my in-ears.

Gah. My weird, conflicted relationship with P-basses continues...

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Gah. 50's-themed New Years gig tonight, so I took my Oly White VMP5. Seemed more visually appropriate than my exotic-looking ABZ-5.

Sounded ridiculously good on the 50's tunes, which was not unexpected.

But when we switched to current material for the countdown and after-party, I was surprised to find that it still seemed to sound better than my Dingwall, both at FOH and through my in-ears.

Gah. My weird, conflicted relationship with P-basses continues...

I feel your pain.

 

[AREA]

Gah. 50's-themed New Years gig tonight, so I took my Oly White VMP5. Seemed more visually appropriate than my exotic-looking ABZ-5.

Sounded ridiculously good on the 50's tunes, which was not unexpected.

But when we switched to current material for the countdown and after-party, I was surprised to find that it still seemed to sound better than my Dingwall, both at FOH and through my in-ears.

Gah. My weird, conflicted relationship with P-basses continues...

Yeah, I also like my VMPV very much. I've kept myself playing more Soul and Motown Stuff, the last few Days. Just played "I'll take you there" by the Staple Singers. What a Fun, but also for the Standard Rock Songs I grab my VMPV since I have it..It is so lightweight and really sounds like you would expect from a P-Bass. Fits in the Mix perfect.

 

[petrus61]

Gah. 50's-themed New Years gig tonight, so I took my Oly White VMP5. Seemed more visually appropriate than my exotic-looking ABZ-5.

Sounded ridiculously good on the 50's tunes, which was not unexpected.

But when we switched to current material for the countdown and after-party, I was surprised to find that it still seemed to sound better than my Dingwall, both at FOH and through my in-ears.

Gah. My weird, conflicted relationship with P-basses continues...

I'm really hoping I have the same kind of conflicted joy when mine arrives. Of course, I'll only have my trusty AmStd 4 banger P to compare it to.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

As long as you're comfortable with fivers, you should find it a very comfortable, friendly instrument to play.

A bit of minor setup goes a long way on these, and thankfully the fretwork has been uniformly excellent on all the examples I've seen.