40th Anniversary Precision £259 at Thomann!

[sPiKi]

Thanks ezbass. Can you remember what type of Hipshots they were and if they were a simple replacement.

 

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, sPiKi said:

Thanks ezbass. Can you remember what type of Hipshots they were and if they were a simple replacement.

 

USA, 1/2" Ultralights IIRC. Needed to pack the ferrules with tape a bit, but not masses.

[Stub Mandrel]

2 hours ago, sPiKi said:

Has anyone done any upgrades to their 40th anniversary vintage P?

 

I really like this bass - the looks, the weight, the neck, the fun in playing it generally, but I have two issues.

 

First of all, while the tone is good the pickups lack a bit of oomph. Having watched lots of comparison videos of P pickups, I was thinking of replacing them with SD quarter pounders but do I need a new wiring harness? The pots it came with are OK but there's not much range on the volume or tone. The knobs are also a bit scratchy. I believe I would have to widen the holes in the scratchplate if I replaced those as I think Squier pots are slightly thinner than standard size.

 

Secondly, the tuners are really stiff and don't turn smoothly. I like the Gotoh GB 640s or FB30 lollipop tuners, but I haven't a clue if they would be an easy replacement and will fit, with the possibility of just drilling a couple of new holes.

 

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

They very much have a vintage p sound., quarter pounders will be much more in your face.

[sPiKi]

40 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

 

They very much have a vintage p sound., quarter pounders will be much more in your face.

Might be a good fit for me in a classic rock covers band I've joined.

[hooky_lowdown]

16 minutes ago, sPiKi said:

Might be a good fit for me in a classic rock covers band I've joined.

Just turn it up to 11.

[sPiKi]

The other pickup I have in my basket is a Fender Pure Vintage 63. Sounds good too.

[Stub Mandrel]

2 hours ago, sPiKi said:

The other pickup I have in my basket is a Fender Pure Vintage 63. Sounds good too.

 

The Squier Anniversary PUPs and the Pure Vintage '60  and '63 PUPs all sound very similar; they have alnico pole pieces and winding specs. The Squier ones are not USA made and don't have p[aper bobbins and cloth covered wire but the bits that make the sound are very close.

[sPiKi]

Just now, Stub Mandrel said:

 

The Squier Anniversary PUPs and the Pure Vintage '60  and '63 PUPs all sound very similar; they have alnico pole pieces and winding specs. The Squier ones are not USA made and don't have p[aper bobbins and cloth covered wire but the bits that make the sound are very close.

 

Thanks Stub. I'll have to consider my research...you may have saved me a few quid! 

[Stub Mandrel]

Pure vintage '60 12.4k

Pure Vintage '63 12k

Custom Shop '62 10.5k

Squier 40th Anniv. 10.8k

 

They are all AlNiCo 5

So, oh dear, on basic specs the Squier should sound more like the Custom Shop - less punch but more 'detail'.

 

The Seymour Duncan are 14k with AlNiCo V (5), which is why they sound even more powerful but darker.

 

Edited September 2, 2024 by Stub Mandrel

[sPiKi]

Thank you, that's v helpful.

[Jasper]

I have updated my 40th precision with a EMG Geezer pickup. Nice improvement in sound and potmeters are included 🙂

Edited September 3, 2024 by Jasper

[ezbass]

3 minutes ago, Jasper said:

I have updated my 40th precision with a EMG Geezer pickup. Nice improvement in sound and potmeters are included 🙂

That complete wiring upgrade is not to be overlooked.

[miles'tone]

15 hours ago, sPiKi said:

The other pickup I have in my basket is a Fender Pure Vintage 63. Sounds good too.

Tonerider "The Duke" pickups are the same specs for a hundred quid less.

Just a thought 

[sPiKi]

Thanks for the heads up, miles'tone. Hadn't heard of Toneriders before. It's back to the drawing board!