[quote name='SJA' post='105680' date='Dec 18 2007, 12:32 AM']thanks for the info,
it sounds like standard width J pickups just don't have the coverage for a wide-spaced 5.
I'm thinking whether a squier 5 could be routed for soapbars, or wider J 5 string pickups.
Squier did do a previous P5 that had soapbars and 5-inline mini machineheads (IIRC the Protone Precision 5), but I think it had narrower spacing.[/quote]
I think the problem IS the wide-spacing of the P5. Whilst the Select (and others) PU's are marketed as suitable for 5-stringers, this refers to the 'normal' narrower string-spacing. So it's a personal decision - narrow-spacing/good overall tone or wide-spacing/not so good on G and B strings. Personally, I prefer wide-spacing, and in any case if there are major 'issues' with the G-string (oo-err missus) then its just a matter of playing some notes on the D instead - a bit simplistic I know.
If it's any consolation, as an aside, I played the P5 through my recently acquired S/H Peavey TNT 115S at rehearsal on Sunday - the combination is the dogs-wotsits.
Ross