radansey

Those string-trees look the mutts, unfortunately I didn't know of their existence when I added the round trees a few years ago Yes, that is an XLR on the front. This is for a future DI-output mod, mind you there's not much room left to add the circuit-board - I'll have to be careful with the router to avoid turning it into a semi-acoustic EMG Selects are good, giving a nice tonal range. The B-string output is OK, but the G-string is a tad weak. The Selects use blade pole-pieces of 2 7/8" and 3" for the neck and bridge pickups respectively - the overhang of pole-pieces is only slightly wider than the G-string to B-string dimension. Hence, whilst the other strings each sit over a pole-piece area of 1/2", the G and B's only 'see' 1/4" The trick I found that works is to crank-up the treble-side a tad to compensate - this means obviously that the B sits lower, but due to the mass of the string it seems to work (if this makes sense!) The Squier P5 is a very good bass for the money, I feel that the mod's that I have made over the years have added to the quality of the tone and feel. The wide string spacing which makes the transition from 4 to 5 strings much easier since the fingerboard is not too cramped. The only other mod that I may make would be to add a black scratchplate - comments?? Thanks for the comments. Ross

Well, I took me bass and went and auditioned it this morning. A good range of tones/EQ available - good scope for lots of knob-twiddling (oo-err missus). All OK apart from a dirty pot, a few scuffs here and there - a brand new one would probably collect a few scuffs in a very short time anyway!! Asked the 'cash' price, £110, but knocked them down to £100 (woo-hoo) then tried to lug it back to the car which was parked up a hill (nowhere else to park unfortunately). Will deffo need to fit casters and side-handles - else there will be serious back and 'nad trouble. I am hopefully going to use it tomorrow morning (I play in a church music group) then take it to work Monday and give the pots and switches a squirt of Servisol and a general tidy-up. Many thanks for those who gave their advice. Ross

Have just seen a S/H one for sale in a local shop (old trim so probably mid 90's vintage) for £120 (I maybe would make them an offer for around a ton cash). Any experiences of them (apart from the fact that it's BLOODY heavy!!). I intend to go and try it out wiv me bass at the w/e - or will it be a wasted journey?? Visually looks OK (a few scuffs here and there) and has all the features that I desire but I don't want my heart to rule my head. Any comments, good, bad or indifferent would be most gratefully received. TIA, Ross

I changed the JB-type PU's on my Squier 5-string with EMG Select PU's (passive), rewired the electronics to give master volume/blend/tone. I have recently replaced the passive pot/cap arrangement with an Artec EXP tonal expander from www.axesrus.co.uk - they sell several different items so it is best to have a look on the website and associated specs before purchasing. The tonal range is much improved, and also with a higher-gain output (the original sound was very muddy in comparison). This IMHO is a very good, inexpensive upgrade (the EXP is £17.00 inc postage). Although to fit necessitated routing some clearance in the control cavity and routing for a PP3. Ross

See attached some pics of my baby (DoB 2001, Purple metallic, Maple neck, Rosewood board, Agathis body) [attachment=3726:DSC_2596.JPG] I have replaced the crappy bar-type string retainer with two Fender types, looks much better IMHO [attachment=3727:DSC_2592.JPG] Original PU's replaced with EMG Selects. Electronics rewired from original Vol/Vol/Tone to Vol/Blend/Active Tone (Artec EXP module) the latter requiring a little routing of the control cavity so the assembly would fit (as well as routing for the rear-mounted PP3 compartment - see final pic). [attachment=3728:DSC_2598.JPG] Has seen some action (no pun intended) with through paint wear in the usual places and a major chip on the upper rear bout/arm chamfer (don't ask!!). [attachment=3729:DSC_2599.JPG] I have also taken the step of fitting Schaller Straploks - the bass is very heavy (11 pounds) so having it fall to the floor would have major repercussions. Very impressed with the EXP module (£17.00 from www.axesrus.co.uk) since it gives me a range of tones from dub bass (neck PU) to the Jaco growl (bridge PU) as well as several tones in-between. I would be interested in any comments or questions. Ross