Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass (5 string), Part I I - maxproud review

[burningkarma]

Basses and Comic Book Posters....Are we distant relatives? haha

[maxproud]

@burningkarma Maybe. BTW, I dug your  "66 BEECHWOOD" video!

[burningkarma]

@maxproud Thanks man. Been a long time since I've made a short film! Have since been sucked in to the world of Bass!

[BagoMaestro]

I'm have a burning desperate question..........can you modify my bass like this as well?

[maxproud]

@BagoMaestro Me personally? No, I'm not inclined that way. I know a luthier who works on my basses. I there a person who does this work in your area?

[BagoMaestro]

@maxproud No Not that I know of......If I ship my bass to you and transfer the money.......can u send it to luthier and back to me?

[maxproud]

@BagoMaestro I'm flattered you asking. But no, I can't take the responsibility of handling that. Sorry!

[Nullll1111]

Hi, Max. I have another question for you. Did you notice any 'choking' notes on this bass? I mean, I have this bass and f# on e-string is less rich (in the sence of tone) than f# on b-string? It has less sustain too (f and g are ok, I guess). What's the problem? What do you think? Thanks.

[ellegleno]

looks like a pretty crackin bass, been lookin into a nice 5 string that isnt a metal bass, great video

[bestinmyclass]

Had 2 questions. first one is does the action come high when you first buy it?

and 2nd is that i heard that it gets out of tune easily, wanted to know if that was true

[maxproud]

@bestinmyclass The "Action" on the bass are sometimes are effected by a poor setup. Or weather conditions.

[chitownflava1]

Hello Max i appreciate and enjoy your bass videos... i recently bought this bass as a economical back up to my fender american deluxe5 and i also have a G&L .. and ive owned several fender MIM still got a 4.. but i must state that even though this bass is a good buy.. for the price and in this range... there is a big noticable difference in tone and playability (even with a preamp) to me i believe its the soft maple.. but there is a thinner tone and sound.. good bass to have as backup at best!!

[maxproud]

@chitownflava1 Cool. Nothing beats a "real" FENDER! I could imagine the difference. With me it's not as noticeable, I guess.

[thewrestlebox]

Hey man, nice review. im kinda torn between two basses. Either this vintage modified squier '77 or another jazz from vintage modified range. It has a sunburst finish and is around £50's or so cheaper. Happen to know anything about it? there's hardly anything on youtube about, all the vintage modified vids are regarding the '77. Cheers

[maxproud]

Did you mean? Vintage Modified Jazz Bass (Sunburst)? The only difference only between the others is some necks are rosewwod, others are maple,

[thewrestlebox]

@maxproud oh ok cheers, the only reason i was confused was because on the fender site, they are 2 different basses, rather than just having different colours. and they make a point of saying this is a 70's bass unlike the sunburst one. thanks though :)

[maxproud]

@thewrestlebox No problem.

[Mowac]

Best Fender bass out there for the money. I own one and re-modified mine to look like a real '70's Fender jazz. It has an Audere preamp, Rockfield Jazz pickups (prototypes I think), aftermarket high-mass Fender bridge replacement. I have a few vids with it here. Great tone from your 5-string. Best Regards.

[maxproud]

@Mowac I checked it out on your channel. You really "Pimped" that bass!! Great!

[CSthelevite]

Hey max. Where did you get the 4 hole/knob control plate from. I need two of those in black preferably

[maxproud]

@CSthelevite The plate on the bass is the original one. I had a preamp installed in this SQUIER. The repairman relocated the 1/4 inch jack to the bottom end of the bass. He enlarged the 4th 'plate' hole. And then put the 4th pan pot of the preamp where the 'jack' once was. You should be able to find a 'plate' at your a major store like GUITAR CENTER. But that's a 50/50 chance. You'll probably do better with a 'site' like "Bass Parts Resource," online.

[mward69]

My theory on "heavy" is this...the heavier they are, the better the tone and sustain. :)

[maxproud]

@mward69 Really, never looked at it that way!

[mward69]

@maxproud Think of it like this...you hit a small bell..it goes "ding" Now, you hit a large bell it goes "dong" has more tone and thickness to it...right?

[maxproud]

@mward69 You 'gotta point, friend.

[mward69]

Thank you for your review!! Been bouncing around the idea of getting this bass. I have owned the $1500 basses {Fender} I also had a Marcus Miller sig. Honestly, this bass is basically the same. Like you...trick it out a bit and you can have the SAME quality bass as the $1500 one.... Great job and thanks

[maxproud]

@mward69 It's certainly a bass you can build on. That $1500.00 FENDER was probably better quality wood. But, yes! Why pay that much when you can "Pimp" this bass the way you want!

[maxproud]

Their the factory tuners except for the "B" string key. The bass arrived with that tuner key-head broken off. I started to send the bass back. But I remembered I had an extra SQUIER brand tuner.  It was taken from unused bass neck. It fit and worked perfectly.

[agroben]

Have you replaced the stock tuners? If so what did you put it and were they a direct replacement?

[byjuu246]

I have one and it sounds amazing. Even though after a day later there appeared a crack in the back of the neck, the bass sounds and plays so good, I'm scared to get a replacement because I might loose the sound feel that I have now.

[maxproud]

@byjuu246 Nice.

[Nullll1111]

What about b-string? Is it clear, not sloppy?

[maxproud]

@Nullll1111 It's not bad at all, I think. One of the better "B" sounders.

[Nullll1111]

@maxproud Thanks a lot! Is it (I mean, b-string) better-worse than on Squire Deluxe Jazz Bass Active V? What do you think?

[maxproud]

@Nullll1111 'Bout the same. Neck spacing is wider, but that really doesn't effect the "B" too much!

[Nullll1111]

@maxproud Thank you so much!

[maxproud]

@Nullll1111 You're welcome.

[springboard1924]

Earl that bass sounds amazing. Question what type of pre amp (make & model) did you put in your Squier vintage modified bass. Also what type and brand of strings do you use? Thanks for a great post doc!

[maxproud]

@springboard1924 Thanks alot for watching! Actually, I borrowed the preamp so to speak. I had bought a used IBANEZ GSR200 bass out of a pawn shop. I put it's preamp into the SQUIER bass.

I usually use ROTOSOUND Swing Bass strings.

[KungFuChess]

how did u fit in the preamp, did u drill a new hole?

[maxproud]

@KungFuChess None of that. A luthier at a store near me installed the preamp.

[BagoMaestro]

Sell a caribbean young fella this bass nah! call a price and u can get it by tomorrow morning

[CSthelevite]

Ok great stuff max I appreciate that's, also about the control plate. If I purchased on with a 4 knob configuration instead of the stock 3 knob. Would it fit right on that same way. Looking at putting a Bart pre in mine

[maxproud]

@CSthelevite The 4 connection holes would more likely be fine. The metal piece itself would be the concern.

[CSthelevite]

Hey max I see you went to a 4 knob control plate and I want to do the same, did you simply purchase one and replace the original 3 knobber? Also how did you move the Jack to the bottom of the bass, was a drill job???

[maxproud]

@CSthelevite My luthier did that. This guy who works on my stuff usually does this.  Sacrificing the the front

1/4- inch jack. And putting a new "football" jack on the side. I wish I was electronically and woodworking skilled! Nope. I pay the experts to do it. 'Get it done right the first time!

[bordinco90]

I think for your next vid you need to do a vid of your entire bass collection. Just to continue the other bass collection vids.

[maxproud]

@bordinco90 Possible. Thanks for the idea.

[jazzrockbassfreak]

This thing is awesome man! I play in a jazz band and it gives you everything you want. Nice punchy lows and a clear treble( nice for Slap-stuff)

[maxproud]

@jazzrockbassfreak Glad to hear that! This may turn out to be the most popular SQUIER brand bass!!

[bordinco90]

Is this good enough to play a gig with? Also, how is the action? Is it high or just right?

[maxproud]

@bordinco90 Of course it's good enough! The action usually is right of the shelf or out of the box.

[bordinco90]

Is this good enough to play a gig with?

[bass1kitten]

What kind of preamp did you go with because it sounded much beefier! I love it man!

[maxproud]

@bass1kitten Actually, a had a couple of IBANEZ GSR200 basses in my arsenal. I sacrificed one of them, used it's preamp. And put it in the 5string SQUIER. All you'll need is a nice preamp. Those very excellent Duncan-Designed pickups will bring out that sound you want. They're great!

[bordinco90]

What is your top 5 basses?

[maxproud]

@bordinco90

1. Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass (5string), added preamp.

2. Ibanez GSR 205 (5string).

3. Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Special, added BASSLINES pickups by Seymour Duncan.

4. OLP MM bass (5string), added preamp.

5 SX bass (P-Bass styled) w/ improved hardware.

[demidevil666]

I played the 4 string version or this today. The neck is awesome! I played a 1400 € Dingwall in comparison and surprisingly this thing sounded better to my ears. And I played through a Mark Bass amp, so I got a very accurate monitoring of the sound. Soundwise, a 600 € Yamaha Instrument suited me best, but it was extremely heavy, so I defenitely won't be buying that one.

The Squier really sounds and plays great for the price. I hope my store will get the 5 string soon.

peace.

[maxproud]

@demidevil666 Sounds great! This seems to fit your needs. I hope it will fit "all" your needs. Quality doesn't have to be expensive. Hit me back when you get the 5string! I'd like to hear what you think.

[6y298]

First, THANKS for the vids Max, appreciated. One thing though - between parts 1 and 2 a total of what 10seconds of actual playing so we can hear the thing?? Plus you never even touch the B. What's wrong with this picture? :)

[maxproud]

@6y298 I, indeed, have been accused of not playing enough when demonstrating these instruments. It's not a purposeful thing I do. I guess I get a little more into the detailed facts of the bass I'm reviewing one. 'That said. I will make an effort to play the instrument more. This definitely will give you a better sound DEMO on these basses. Thanks for watching!

[6y298]

@maxproud No problem sir, we DO appreciate the details no question, all great informative intel. Look forward to it, I have the 4 and am interested in the 5. Hope they do other colors though..

[maxproud]

@6y298 Agreed! I would love to see FENDER make a 5string out of the SQUIER Vintage Modified '77.

[TheJpike]

@maxproud thanx man and great videos by the way

[maxproud]

@TheJpike You're welcome. Thanks for the compliment, and thanks for watching!

[TheJpike]

@maxproud would you prefer the vintage 70"s jazz bass or the deluxe active jazz bass for a metal player??

[maxproud]

@TheJpike I would think the '70's would be the ticket. You could no doubt get a deeper tone with the Vintage "70's bass.

[Robbied3000]

Hey Earl, I was just wondering if you can give me your opinion on these two basses listed below thanks in advance.

#1-Squier Jazz Bass Deluxe V

#2-Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V

I need an in-expensive but good sounding 5 string alternative, I liked the Jazz deluxe V...then I heard you play the vintage modified V and now I ain't sure...

[1plgear]

some people just talk too much... more playing please

[agroben]

What kind of pre-amps do you usually put in your Jazz basses? 4 and 5

[maxproud]

@agroben Mostly ones I got out of "used" Yamaha GSR200 basses.

[agroben]

@maxproud If I don't have access to a GSR preamp, what do you recommend for the four string version of the bass in this video?

[maxproud]

@agroben Aguilar OBP-2 is anice one.

[jspain61]

@agroben got one for sale on ebay now, I have modified it already they are good bases. The are quality built to!

[zonabass]

That really sounds great. Solid player bass.

[maxproud]

@zonabass Thanks.  And thanks for your input!

[Zzrock4]

I am planning on doing similar upgrades to a bass of mine and i was wondering, how do you install the side jack?

[maxproud]

@Zzrock4 My basses are worked on by a 'luthier' near my home. He put the side jack on.

[Zzrock4]

@maxproud Is it basicall just a hole drilled into the side that is connected to the control route?

[maxproud]

@Zzrock4 Sure, basically. I'm just not electrically inclined, so you should talk to a professional. Or to someone who knows about it. Sorry.

[felporocker]

I am planning to buy this bass because recently i started being interested in 5 strings. I played funk mostly the chili peppers and i like slaping, so i have some doubts.

Is this bass good for funk rock? (without the preamp)

Is there as much space between the strings than the four string version?

[maxproud]

@felporocker The spacing isn't too close to the 4string bass. Not many 5stringers are spaced like the 4string. A few of the high-end, handmade models I've seen with that spacing that spacing.

I think the SQUIER VM J-Bass 5 is good for funk-rock. There are several folks on YOUTUBE that would agree. Search YOUTUBE and you'll see this 4string version alot playing all kinds of music. Very versitile!

[felporocker]

@maxproud I' ve been slapping for 2 months, i consider myself good though. Is the spacing confortalbe fo slapping considering i 've been playing for 2 months?

[maxproud]

@felporocker You mean on this SQUIER bass 5? The spacing is wide but not as wide like the 4string basses. You'd have to be the judge on how you'd be comfortable with the spacing. Personal touch is always better.

[felporocker]

@maxproud Yes, I ment the squier. Thank you, you've been helpful

[maxproud]

@felporocker I hoped I helped, you're welcome.

[MsRabbit07]

How much did the pre amp cost

[maxproud]

@MsRabbit07 Well, the preamp came from a used IBANEZ GSR200 bass. They're called the "PHAT-II" active bass boost.  I've used these preamps before. I usually find a GSR on sale some where. I've got them used as much as $150.00. And as little as $75.00. So it varies. A brand new GSR200 bass runs in between $199.95 and $249.95.

[1204mkp]

I have the 4 string version and absolutely love it. I put in a Seymour Duncan pre and a Badass Bridge. Paid $249.00 for the bass, plus cost of preamplifier and installation all for under $450. Have high-end bass sound for the fraction of the price. Picking up the 5 string soon. Check me out at mikepbass247 taking 4 string for test drive. Not doing much in the video because I hardly ever play 4 string, just checking out the sound.

[alboblin]

Nice video Max. I grabbed one these as I needed a bass in the studio @ home for a project and was blown away by. It was pretty much setup perfect out the box. I put on a set of Marcus Miller Fatbeams on it and tuned it down a whole step. Lots of sound variation, thick & fat or bitey & funky. Money well spent.

[maxproud]

@alboblin Glad for you , man! It's a solid and economical bass. Play it in "Good Health."

[BENCHPRESSMAN]

Where did you buy it.I can only find them on ebay

[intehbut]

would you recommend this over the ibanez gsr 205?

[11coopbass]

Yes n dee tee! Working on a keyboard line as I am typing this now. It shall be up in a little bit. (Dr. Maxproud).

Yes sir,

Thanks

Coop'

Bass "4" Life

[11coopbass]

just walked in the door with it. You are so right. LOVE IT! Yes I sure do. You are the man, my brother! Thank you, Sir! smiles

[maxproud]

@11coopbass Alright, Coop! Hope you enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying it! 'Looking forward to a video on it, right?

[gabrieljames21]

lol how many basses to you accually have?? im guessing like 15! :)

[maxproud]

@gabrieljames21 About 22 basses.

[Zackr27]

@maxproud I have one.... but hey, its the modified '77 4 string from Squier!

[maxproud]

@Zackr27 I got that one too. 'Gotta video on it. I put a preamp in the bass also.

[Zackr27]

@maxproud Im a newbie with all this, I've only been playing bass a year. I think it sounds just fine without a preamp.... and I don't have the money to put one in there. I am, however, going to completely change the way my bass looks. Maybe I'll make a video of it...

[maxproud]

@Zackr27 Cool!

[gabrieljames21]

@maxproud geeeezz! do you play them all?

[maxproud]

@gabrieljames21 I collect! I play them all.

[JohnnPurchasee]

I can't tell how it feels to play, but i can sure say its a beauty! Great review!

[maxproud]

@JohnnPurchasee Thanks for watching. And my I say, you have an awesome video editing style on your channel!!

[11coopbass]

Yo, yo Dr. Maxproud! Man,....the tone coming off that bass now is a killer. Come on now, what type of preamp you put in that baby? Wow! I'm impressed. The tone of that bass would give us an Atomic Wedgie. (LOL!). Thanks man for the shout out. We are trying to help those young and mature musicians out there. Thank you, Sir!

Coop'

Bass "4" Life

[maxproud]

@11coopbass "Automatic Wedgie?" Wow, Coop! The preamp I had put in was one out of an IBANEZ GSR200.

Caught one used and on sale, cheap. You still plan on getting this baby?! I don't think you'll be disappointed!