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

[steve_rolfeca]

All is right with the world again.

Used the VMP5 again this morning and enjoyed it, but the sound folks both asked me to bring the Dingwall next time.

They agreed that the Squier sounds nice and warm, but they missed the pitch definition and clarity of the ABZ, especially at the low end.

Still waiting for my set of custom Chromes in balanced gauges from Bass Strings Online. Gives me something to look forward to for 2017 already!

 

[IotaNet]

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

Very well said. I've never seen a bass described as friendly but that's a perfect way to put it.

I'm not one of those "P-bass is the holy grail" types but strung with LaBella deep talkin flats, mine just feels great to play and the tone makes me smile whenever I start to play it. It's like, "Yeah - this is what BASS is all about."

It's an amazing amount of instrument for such a small price.

 

[petrus61]

New P5 is here! Pics and first thoughts shortly...

 

[petrus61]

First impressions:
The fret work is immaculate. Better than any Squier I've owned and as good or better than any US Fender I've owned. Truss rod turned as it should and I set the action to about 5/64th's on the bass side, 4/64th's on the treble. Relief is nice and low with no serious buzz. Hopefully it stays that way and if the relief creeps back up in the next day or so, it's going back. Plays fantastic where it's at now. None of the screws needed tightening anywhere, be it the bridge screws or the neck screws. The tuners move with no slack. This particular pickup is noticeably less boomy on the low B than my previous one and I didn't need to drastically alter the height to any extremes either to get it sounding balanced. The low B is fantastic, IMO. No flop and surprisingly articulate, though these strings are terrible (if anyone knows the exact gauge of the stock strings, I'd love to know...feels almost like a .130B and a .105E).

No excessive noise but I'll reserve that call until I get it out at the rehearsal space. The shielding and soldering appears to be excellent. 250k Audio pots and a .05uf cap, if anyone was wondering. I will be adding a switchcraft jack and possibly some full size CTS pots, but the stock pots are fine, with a nice sweep and no big jumps. The nut is cut perfectly as well. The only flaw I could find so far is one of the screws holding the string retainer down was mounted crooked. I'll probably fix that at the first string change. It's not noticeably heavier at just over 9lbs than my 8.5lb AmStd P and while there is some slight neck dive, it's not bad enough to where my hand is having to support the neck with a slippery nylon strap. It stays put and when I add the strap locks and use my usual neoprene strap, will undoubtedly be even more of a non issue. Tone wise, sounds like a P bass! So far, so good.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

First impressions:
The fret work is immaculate. Better than any Squier I've owned and as good or better than any US Fender I've owned. Truss rod turned as it should and I set the action to about 5/64th's on the bass side, 4/64th's on the treble. Relief is nice and low with no serious buzz. Hopefully it stays that way and if the relief creeps back up in the next day or so, it's going back. Plays fantastic where it's at now. None of the screws needed tightening anywhere, be it the bridge screws or the neck screws. The tuners move with no slack. This particular pickup is noticeably less boomy on the low B than my previous one and I didn't need to drastically alter the height to any extremes either to get it sounding balanced. The low B is fantastic, IMO. No flop and surprisingly articulate, though these strings are terrible (if anyone knows the exact gauge of the stock strings, I'd love to know...feels almost like a .130B and a .105E).

No excessive noise but I'll reserve that call until I get it out at the rehearsal space. The shielding and soldering appears to be excellent. 250k Audio pots and a .05uf cap, if anyone was wondering. I will be adding a switchcraft jack and possibly some full size CTS pots, but the stock pots are fine, with a nice sweep and no big jumps. The nut is cut perfectly as well. The only flaw I could find so far is one of the screws holding the string retainer down was mounted crooked. I'll probably fix that at the first string change. It's not noticeably heavier at just over 9lbs than my 8.5lb AmStd P and while there is some slight neck dive, it's not bad enough to where my hand is having to support the neck with a slippery nylon strap. It stays put and when I add the strap locks and use my usual neoprene strap, will undoubtedly be even more of a non issue. Tone wise, sounds like a P bass! So far, so good.
View attachment 1022797

It looks just like mine. Man, my VM P5 is so nice, I really wish I were more of a P guy because this bass seriously sounds as good live as my DJ5, a $1,300 bass!

 

[jmbjandfam]

Okay, so I have been following this thread for some time and have finally dipped my toes into the Squier VM P5 pool.

I've been trying to settle on a P5 for about 8 or 9 months. I've gone through 2 Fender USA P5's. I got both of those used here in the classifieds. First one was a beautiful Olympic White but it didn't last long as it weighed 10 lbs and for me the tone was too dark. Next was a light 8.8 lb Black and Maple. I kept it for a while but just couldn't fall in love with the tone. It didn't have the depth I was looking for (which was probably just my technique as the TB'r that bought it from me made it sound great?) When I played it, it sounded kind of hollow despite my great efforts to get it set up correctly.

Both USA basses however did have awesome fit and finish and were easy to set up and played incredible.

So being on a constant lookout for the next one to try, I spotted a used Squier P5 at a Guitar Center near me and went to check it out yesterday. It ended up following me home

After a couple hours of cleaning and a FULL set up with Dunlop Super Bright Nickels (yes it was in great condition but it was pretty nasty as far as cleanliness!) here are my initial thoughts:

It is a crazy light weight which is a HUGE plus. Overall fit and finish is pretty good but it doesn't take a set up as well as it's USA counterparts. It won't take quite as low an action as I would like for it to and has a high fret which rattles pretty bad when playing the 14th fret on the B string. (Fortunately I don't ever see a need to play that high on the B string though )

To get the action nice and tight, it will take a complete fret level I think. Now the good news. Other than the action being just a touch higher it plays excellent, the neck feels great, it balances perfectly and the TONE IS TO DIE FOR..... just perfectly what I was looking for in a P5 sound wise Oh and did I mention how little it cost! Amazing what you get for so little money

Only problem is I can't decide whether to spend money on a fret level or continue my search for another Fender or Squier with the tone that this one has????

At any rate, I'm having trouble putting this one down right now because I dig the way it sounds!

And of course, I know the rules: No Pics No Bass

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Okay, so I have been following this thread for some time and have finally dipped my toes into the Squier VM P5 pool.

I've been trying to settle on a P5 for about 8 or 9 months. I've gone through 2 Fender USA P5's. I got both of those used here in the classifieds. First one was a beautiful Olympic White but it didn't last long as it weighed 10 lbs and for me the tone was too dark. Next was a light 8.8 lb Black and Maple. I kept it for a while but just couldn't fall in love with the tone. It didn't have the depth I was looking for (which was probably just my technique as the TB'r that bought it from me made it sound great?) When I played it, it sounded kind of hollow despite my great efforts to get it set up correctly.

Both USA basses however did have awesome fit and finish and were easy to set up and played incredible.

So being on a constant lookout for the next one to try, I spotted a used Squier P5 at a Guitar Center near me and went to check it out yesterday. It ended up following me home

After a couple hours of cleaning and a FULL set up with Dunlop Super Bright Nickels (yes it was in great condition but it was pretty nasty as far as cleanliness!) here are my initial thoughts:

It is a crazy light weight which is a HUGE plus. Overall fit and finish is pretty good but it doesn't take a set up as well as it's USA counterparts. It won't take quite as low an action as I would like for it to and has a high fret which rattles pretty bad when playing the 14th fret on the B string. (Fortunately I don't ever see a need to play that high on the B string though )

To get the action nice and tight, it will take a complete fret level I think. Now the good news. Other than the action being just a touch higher it plays excellent, the neck feels great, it balances perfectly and the TONE IS TO DIE FOR..... just perfectly what I was looking for in a P5 sound wise Oh and did I mention how little it cost! Amazing what you get for so little money

Only problem is I can't decide whether to spend money on a fret level or continue my search for another Fender or Squier with the tone that this one has????

At any rate, I'm having trouble putting this one down right now because I dig the way it sounds!

And of course, I know the rules: No Pics No Bass



View attachment 1025232 View attachment 1025233 View attachment 1025235

If the fret leveling is under $200, just do it, and keep your bass. VM P5s have been consistent, but don't take a chance on losing a bass with which you have made a connection. When you keep buying, there is always a risk of selling what should be a keeper, just to make room or keep your wife happy.

 

[jmbjandfam]

If the fret leveling is under $200, just do it, and keep your bass. VM P5s have been consistent, but don't take a chance on loosing bass with which you have made a connection. When you keep buying, there is always a risk of selling what should be a keeper, just to make room or keep your wife happy.

Yeah I hear what you're saying but logically it would hurt my feelings to pay more for a used bass plus a fret level than what I could buy a new one for if that makes sense?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Yeah I hear what you're saying but logically it would hurt my feelings to pay more for a used bass plus a fret level than what I could buy a new one for if that makes sense?

Yes, I feel you, but a good bass is worth some TLC.

 

[kkaarrll]

learn how to fret level yourself?

 

[jmbjandfam]

learn how to fret level yourself?

Definitely considering this as i enjoy working on them and do everything else in my own set ups....

 

[Dr. Cheese]

learn how to fret level yourself?

Do you know some good tutorials?

 

[IotaNet]

Yes, I feel you, but a good bass is worth some TLC.

I second the good Doctor's comments. You have obviously bonded with this instrument. Go ahead and do what it takes to make it perfect for you instead of starting over. As you can see from this thread, these basses are worth the effort.

BTW -- yours looks exactly like mine. I think that burst/tort/maple combo is killer.

 

[Thumper]

IMHO, great tone on a P is hard to find, I would keep it. A good sounding P is common, great on the other hand......

 

[jmbjandfam]

I second the good Doctor's comments. You have obviously bonded with this instrument. Go ahead and do what it takes to make it perfect for you instead of starting over. As you can see from this thread, these basses are worth the effort.

BTW -- yours looks exactly like mine. I think that burst/tort/maple combo is killer.

THANKS! I think you guys might be right. I'm going to investigate some fret work.

IMHO, great tone on a P is hard to find, I would keep it. A good sounding P is common, great on the other hand......

After another hour of so playing just now with a huge smile on my face, I'm inclined to do just that and keep it. It just feels and sounds right

 

[steve_rolfeca]

If the fret leveling is under $200, just do it, and keep your bass. VM P5s have been consistent, but don't take a chance on loosing bass with which you have made a connection. When you keep buying, there is always a risk of selling what should be a keeper...

This.

Jmbjandfam already had two more expensive Am Std's that he didn't bond with. If he finally found something that he really likes, why throw it away over a minor touch-up?

How many times have you seen people on TB talking about "the one that got away", after trading or selling a favourite instrument because they thought they needed as different colour or some other feature?

Besides, step #1 with any good tech, is to take it in for an inspection.

I've lost track of the number of times that people have come in thinking they need to spend mega bucks on a re-fret or a new neck, only to be sent home with $50 worth of minor setup work. Half the time, their "major fret problem" turns out to be 10 minutes work with a fret file, a 1/4 turn on the truss rod, and/or some other minor adjustment.

 

[jmbjandfam]

This.

Jmbjandfam already had two more expensive Am Std's that he didn't bond with. If he finally found something that he really likes, why throw it away over a minor touch-up?

How many times have you seen people on TB talking about "the one that got away", after trading or selling a favourite instrument because they thought they needed as different colour or some other feature?

Besides, step #1 with any good tech, is to take it in for an inspection.

I've lost track of the number of times that people have come in thinking they need to spend mega bucks on a re-fret or a new neck, only to be sent home with $50 worth of minor setup work. Half the time, their "major fret problem" turns out to be 10 minutes work with a fret file, a 1/4 turn on the truss rod, and/or some other minor adjustment.

I'm with you guys... I'm fairly experienced with set up work and have tweaked the truss on this one as well as everything else that is adjustable.... It's going to need a little fret work but I'm currently doing research and believe I can handle what it needs with the purchase of a couple of tools.... Besides when I'm finished with it, it will not only be better than it already is but it will also be a little part of me...

And on top of that I'll get to answer all the questions like " Where's your Fender?" and "Why are you playing a Squier, why in the world aren't you playing your USA basses?" ....... at least until they hear it..... or maybe not (eyes vs ears)

 

[TomB]

I'm with you guys... I'm fairly experienced with set up work and have tweaked the truss on this one as well as everything else that is adjustable.... It's going to need a little fret work but I'm currently doing research and believe I can handle what it needs with the purchase of a couple of tools.... Besides when I'm finished with it, it will not only be better than it already is but it will also be a little part of me...

And on top of that I'll get to answer all the questions like " Where's your Fender?" and "Why are you playing a Squier, why in the world aren't you playing your USA basses?" ....... at least until they hear it..... or maybe not (eyes vs ears)

IME 90% of the "eyes only" folks only look as far as the headstock shape. I haven't gotten a negative reaction yet.

 

[petrus61]

Put it through its paces tonight at rehearsal. I can't get over the fret work on this beast...definitely wasn't "made on a Friday". No nasty dead spots, balanced and very articulate. I had it pumping though my GK700RBII with 410 RBH cabs, a Keeley Bassist and VTBass and dare I say, it cut through a bit better than my AmStd 4 banger P, at least with the strings it currently sports. I tried the taper B .128 Deep Talkin Quarter rounds at home and my setup and ears didn't seem to like them so I opted for 45-130 Daddario XL nickel and I think those will stay. I might try Sunbeams on it at some point. All in all, very happy and is about the best example that I've come across of what Squier is capable of, and I've owned a few. Even my tone whore PRS slinging guitarist commented positively on the sound quality and construction.

 

[liveburning274]

@steve_rolfeca Did you ever get those balanced Chromes in? I was curious on your thoughts.