The Squier Mini Precision Bass Club

[Bass-jay]

I hopefully going to fit D'Addario short scale Chromes if I can get them in 40/95 I don’t like the heavy gauge I find it a lot harder to play maybe once I can play a bit better my hands will strengthen up n gauge won’t be a issue but atm any over the 40/95 is a no no I’ve never used flats So was thinking it may be worth a try

 

[jazz3625tonic]

Here's a couple of pictures of my Mini P with a set of new GHS Short Scale Balanced Nickels. I would rather not have the speaking part of the string on the tuning post but being this is an issue with the Mini P I'm willing to live with it. As you can see there is only about a half wrap on the post and it plays without issue.... none. Tuning and intonation is spot on. Now mind you, I don't think it will work as good with the original tuners as the posts are not as large circumference wise.... as some of you know I changed out the tuners on my bass which I showed in an earlier post in this thread. These GHS Balanced Nickels sound wonderful on this little bass... I'm done looking for strings, for this bass anyway.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, if you do go this route please remember, measure and "crimp" the string before cutting! Peace.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

Dunno, man. I understand the issues you folks are pointing out, and I sympathise.

I went into this knowing I was going to have to replace the tuners, change the strings, and do a fret job. I was expecting about the same level of craftsmanship I found on my Gear4music shorty P.

None of this was the case, except for the strings. After tightening everything, I find the tuners more than adequate. The frets are fine. The craftsmanship (other than loose screws) is better than expected.

I love my Mini. It's super fun to play, responsive, looks like P, and sounds like a P. It's great bang for your buck, IMO. I'm sorry you guys are having issues.

 

[jazz3625tonic]

Dunno, man. I understand the issues you folks are pointing out, and I sympathise.

I went into this knowing I was going to have to replace the tuners, change the strings, and do a fret job. I was expecting about the same level of craftsmanship I found on my Gear4music shorty P.

None of this was the case, except for the strings. After tightening everything, I find the tuners more than adequate. The frets are fine. The craftsmanship (other than loose screws) is better than expected.

I love my Mini. It's super fun to play, responsive, looks like P, and sounds like a P. It's great bang for your buck, IMO. I'm sorry you guys are having issues.

I have zero issues with mine well.

 

[JGrooveguy]

Loosen it up enough to get the ball end out of the ferrule, to see if it had gotten it twisted when you installed it. Then tune it up and set witness points at the bridge saddle and nut.

If that doesn't help, then you probably have a bad string (though I've never had a bad Chrome string, YMMV).

Sounds like it could be a "twisted" string. This happens sometimes if you loop the string manually over the post before tightening. Try loosening the string and popping the coiled end off the top of the post. If it jumps around when you pull it off, it was twisted. Pop it back on and retune.

Tried this and string came off dead straight/no twist as I took it off. I actually tried "pre-twisting" it before reinstall (twisting in the direction that would open up the wind), and actually sounds a bit better. Might just be placebo, who knows.

 

[defdog99]

Someone should startup a tapered super duper short bass string company.

 

[ClusterFlux]

Dunno, man. I understand the issues you folks are pointing out, and I sympathise.

I went into this knowing I was going to have to replace the tuners, change the strings, and do a fret job. I was expecting about the same level of craftsmanship I found on my Gear4music shorty P.

None of this was the case, except for the strings....

I concur, but I am not surprised when people have issues. With an instrument in this price range, I'd assume quality control will be inconsistent. That's the main reason I ordered from Sweetwater, as they apparently give it a once-over and tighten stuff up.

Plus, as so many people have noted, as long as the "bones" are good, the price is low enough that I can afford a few upgrades.

By the way, does wrapping a small part of the fat part of the string on the post have any impact on the tone? Or is it just an aesthetic issue?

 

[Volker Kirstein]

... By the way, does wrapping a small part of the fat part of the string on the post have any impact on the tone? Or is it just an aesthetic issue?

Some flats have issues with the windings breaking, but most strings don't care.

For me, it's strictly an aesthetics thing. I get the willies if the E string follows a pronounced curve between nut and tuner post. It must be a straight line!

Splayed strings, except for symmetrical 2x2 like EB, harsh my buzz, as well. Which is why I'll never own a pointy hockey stick bass.

 

[pcake]

I hopefully going to fit D'Addario short scale Chromes if I can get them in 40/95 I don’t like the heavy gauge I find it a lot harder to play maybe once I can play a bit better my hands will strengthen up n gauge won’t be a issue but atm any over the 40/95 is a no no I’ve never used flats So was thinking it may be worth a try

after playing for 20 years, my fingers and hands never did get stronger, and at that point, i started developing arthritis and tendonitis, a good reason to keep using extra light strings. but i'm very much the outlier here - anyone else i've ever talked to does get stronger. i used to play in 3 bands with 6 rehearsals per week, go to jam sessions, play at home, and 45s were still difficult. and my action was sooo low... i bet that you'll build hand strength.

btw, is your action set low enough? how's your neck relief?

flats are stiffer than rounds, so you'll probably find them more challenging, but it never hurts to try. i like chromes the best of the flats i've tried, but my joints and palms ache after playing them for 15 or 20 minutes. that could be the arthritis talking, though.

I concur, but I am not surprised when people have issues. With an instrument in this price range, I'd assume quality control will be inconsistent. That's the main reason I ordered from Sweetwater, as they apparently give it a once-over and tighten stuff up.

Plus, as so many people have noted, as long as the "bones" are good, the price is low enough that I can afford a few upgrades.

By the way, does wrapping a small part of the fat part of the string on the post have any impact on the tone? Or is it just an aesthetic issue?

i've received stuff from sweetwater that was signed off as inspected but obviously wasn't. still, if there's an issue, they're great with returns and exchanges.

wrapping the fat part of the string can lead to it breaking.

 

[jazz3625tonic]

I concur, but I am not surprised when people have issues. With an instrument in this price range, I'd assume quality control will be inconsistent. That's the main reason I ordered from Sweetwater, as they apparently give it a once-over and tighten stuff up.

Plus, as so many people have noted, as long as the "bones" are good, the price is low enough that I can afford a few upgrades.

By the way, does wrapping a small part of the fat part of the string on the post have any impact on the tone? Or is it just an aesthetic issue?

Have a look. I do not have a pronounced curve of any kind on my E string.... and "zero" issues of any kind with tuning or intonation. And the volume and tone across the strings is very balanced indeed. My bass sounds full, huge and all the notes along the E string sing as well as any of the other strings.

 

[TK4261]

Have a look. I do not have a pronounced curve of any kind on my E string.... and "zero" issues of any kind with tuning or intonation. And the volume and tone across the strings is very balanced indeed. My bass sounds full, huge and all the notes along the E string sing as well as any of the other strings.
View attachment 3980084

Looks good to me plus your posts are bigger now which helps with not breaking strings. What tuning keys did you put on it?

 

[jazz3625tonic]

Looks good to me plus your posts are bigger now which helps with not breaking strings. What tuning keys did you put on it?

I originally installed a set of the Gotoh GB350 Res-o-lite's that I already had on hand and they were a direct drop in fit, but I really missed the cloverleaf style tuners so I ended up selling the Gotoh's locally and turned around and put that money as well as little bit more out of pocket for a set of Hipshot Mini-Clover (3/8") ultralites. Again, they were a direct drop in replacement. Overkill? Yep, but I really like the way they look and perform. I am really digging this bass. Plays, feels and sounds fantastic and at 6.2 lbs my shoulder is very happy.

 

[SBassman]

I want to offer up a little unsolicited Public Service Announcement on my view of bass string gauges:

If you have been playing for a long time, you know what you like.
But if you haven't been playing for a long time, I'd suggest - don't assume that it is Harder to play thicker gauges.

Some believe, and I am among this some , that thicker gauges are actually Easier to play.
For my hands, the Hardest strings to play are - guitar strings, after not having played in a long time.
If I pick up a guitar after not playing for a long time, I don't have calluses, and the strings literally cut my fingers.
Very painful.
If I pick up a bass with thick strings after not playing for a long time, it's as if I never stopped playing.
Yeah, they are thick, but if the bass has a decent setup, that can actually be Easier on the fingers.

Your mileage may vary.

We will now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[Bass-jay]

after playing for 20 years, my fingers and hands never did get stronger, and at that point, i started developing arthritis and tendonitis, a good reason to keep using extra light strings. but i'm very much the outlier here - anyone else i've ever talked to does get stronger. i used to play in 3 bands with 6 rehearsals per week, go to jam sessions, play at home, and 45s were still difficult. and my action was sooo low... i bet that you'll build hand strength.

btw, is your action set low enough? how's your neck relief?

flats are stiffer than rounds, so you'll probably find them more challenging, but it never hurts to try. i like chromes the best of the flats i've tried, but my joints and palms ache after playing them for 15 or 20 minutes. that could be the arthritis talking, though.



i've received stuff from sweetwater that was signed off as inspected but obviously wasn't. still, if there's an issue, they're great with returns and exchanges.

wrapping the fat part of the string can lead to it breaking.

Hi pcake. Thanks for heads up on flats are stiffer. I’ll give them a mis then n just stick with rounds That could have been a waste of money there would have been 2 lots strings in the bin my hands n fingers don’t have it in um for any more pressure. I’m a wimp lol

 

[Bass-jay]

Hi pcake. Thanks for heads up on flats are stiffer. I’ll give them a mis then n just stick with rounds That could have been a waste of money there would have been 2 lots strings in the bin my hands n fingers don’t have it in um for any more pressure. I’m a wimp lol

Forgot to say I have my string hight at about 2.5mm at 12th fret. Should I lower it more

 

[TK4261]

I originally installed a set of the Gotoh GB350 Res-o-lite's that I already had on hand and they were a direct drop in fit, but I really missed the cloverleaf style tuners so I ended up selling the Gotoh's locally and turned around and put that money as well as little bit more out of pocket for a set of Hipshot Mini-Clover (3/8") ultralites. Again, they were a direct drop in replacement. Overkill? Yep, but I really like the way they look and perform. I am really digging this bass. Plays, feels and sounds fantastic and at 6.2 lbs my shoulder is very happy.


View attachment 3980160 View attachment 3980158

Very cool! I don't think it is overkill at all ..I basically purchased my mini as a project bass. As long as the Body and neck is in good shape when I get it I think its a hell of a deal for $179 to get a good short scale body/neck to do what you like with it and make it your own I like the Hipshot Ultralite Lolipop tuners and its great to know that they are a direct fit...Thank you for that

 

[pcake]

Forgot to say I have my string hight at about 2.5mm at 12th fret. Should I lower it more

measured the action on my green mikro (also 28.6"). at the 12th, the E string is currently set at 1.98 mm and my G string is at 1.57. whether that would suit you, i don't know, but it's nice for me. btw, the strings are fender extra light short scale nickel rounds.

my action is set a little differently on all my basses to suit my taste as basses and strings are a little different rather than setting the action to a number.

 

[Bass-jay]

my green mikro's action at the 12th: the E string is currently set at 1.98 mm and my G string is at 1.57. whether that would suit you, i don't know, but it's nice for me. btw, the strings are fender extra light short scale nickel rounds.

Cheers matey I’ll drop string hight down a bit thanks for advice I’ll let you know how I get on

 

[jazz3625tonic]

Very cool! I don't think it is overkill at all ..I basically purchased my mini as a project bass. As long as the Body and neck is in good shape when I get it I think its a hell of a deal for $179 to get a good short scale body/neck to do what you like with it and make it your own I like the Hipshot Ultralite Lolipop tuners and its great to know that they are a direct fit...Thank you for that

Just to reiterate, the the tuner holes on the Mini P are 14mm.

 

[Frank Vozak]

The bespoke length tapewound strings I ordered from Pyramid in Germany have just arrived - now time to drink my tea.

View attachment 3979551

how do you like the tapewounds. I had tape wounds on my EB-O which I loved These string look interesting