I got the starcaster for Christmas, so I bought this to match and replace my other 5 string. Great demo. $419 on Sam ash, I also used a coupon so $390.
@@sonojon0 should be here in 2 days. I have a squire precision standard 5 string from 2001/2 that I never had set up but just been using. I’m having set up so I was looking up 5 strings. And I just got the starcaster gunmetal also cheap asf from Sam ash. Sam ash must be clearing out. Thanks again for your replies.
Thanks for this extensive review!!! I’ve always wondered what pickups I should upgrade my contemporary jazz bass with (same exact bass as this one) and I think I know in what direction to head now… (Nordstrand for sure!!!) Thanks again bud!!!
Just understand that the Nordstrand Big Single pickups make this a VERY different bass from what it would be if you bought it stock off the shelf. That may be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for
I have a 4 band pre (bass, treble, sweepable mods) active/passive .from a Keisel jazz bass. Couple that with some Nordy DC 10 hum can soap bars and this could sound really nice! 😊
Pity, for me, you don't tell the weight and the price and availability in the uk. Nice sounds, got me interested in it.. As a beginner is this a good intro having 5 strings? Looks great.. Quite some buzzing going on did you think? Thank you for the inspiration
Yeah this was early in my bass reviews where I forgot to include the weight. I do remember the weight at 9lbs 7oz before I sold it. Buzzing was due to the setup of the instrument, I like a low action where I’m not pressing down too hard on the strings and I wouldn’t recommend this 5 string bass to a beginner. I’d go with Sire for a beginner friendly 5 string bass.
The neck and fretboard felt awesome! No complaints on that department. Tuning keys were a pain though! Honestly the weakest out of the neck but the quality overall felt great in my hands
What are you doing in the way of tone here? Sounds great, I have one of these with the stock pre amp and pups and I can’t get it to sound like a jazz bass and it even seems like it feels weak, I’m using the tone hammer profile on my helix and I have to really drive the amp
Mainly bettering the tone of the pickups that I’ve heard originally before the upgrade. You definitely get more clarity and punch compared from stock. I honestly didn’t mind the preamp however, the curiosity in me wanted to try a different preamp but I think the pickup was just fine.
And without having to do mods to make it a passive/active switch. I’ve thought about it on this bass but given the retail price plus adding more to an instrument kinda defeats the purpose of “budget” or having to spend upwards to what you’d spend on a Fender Player series bass. Thanks for watching!
Cool video, and very thorough. Squiers really impress me for their quality and price point. I own a few, but not this model. Thanks for the review. *Not trying to be a dick, but if i could kindly give just one bit of constructive criticism... the B string was out of tune. Sounded like a half step sharp through the whole video. Keep up the great reviews 👍
@@MrMultimikey25 oh. I’m not too sure since I didn’t do the wiring myself. I would look into some videos or find a local tech to help you with the wiring.
Yeah their stock preamps aren't that pleasant sounding in this lineup. A preamp upgrade would be greatly beneficial if you can find a used Squier Contemporary. I would not advise buying these brand new!
I watched few videos of that bass and I must to say, it is so underrated axe. Sounds great, after upgrading even better
Nice demo! Also, you've got a heck of a record collection, that's wild!
Thanks! I’ve been collecting for over 10 years now and still growing 🎶
I got the starcaster for Christmas, so I bought this to match and replace my other 5 string. Great demo. $419 on Sam ash, I also used a coupon so $390.
Nice! Congrats on your new purchase!
@@sonojon0 should be here in 2 days. I have a squire precision standard 5 string from 2001/2 that I never had set up but just been using. I’m having set up so I was looking up 5 strings. And I just got the starcaster gunmetal also cheap asf from Sam ash. Sam ash must be clearing out.
Thanks again for your replies.
you were right it changed my sound completely definitely worth keeping in my arsenal.
Nice! Glad to hear it turned out well for you
Thanks for this extensive review!!! I’ve always wondered what pickups I should upgrade my contemporary jazz bass with (same exact bass as this one) and I think I know in what direction to head now… (Nordstrand for sure!!!)
Thanks again bud!!!
Glad you found this video in time for your Squier Contemporary Jazz Bass. Can’t go wrong with Nordstrand. Thanks for stopping by!!! 🤙🏾
Does bartolini mk1 fit on it ?
@@gpasc yes they will fit
@Fred Gonzales the pickups are fine, the preamp is shit
@@josefdepovic8495 Thanks again dude!!!
Really like the versatility of this bass. Might just buy one
They’re definitely worth looking into. The roasted maple neck alone is a really nice feature!
Just understand that the Nordstrand Big Single pickups make this a VERY different bass from what it would be if you bought it stock off the shelf. That may be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for
@@kingdeedee A completely different tonal monster for sure David! 👑
Since the pickups were upgraded, wouldn't you think that the wirings of the pots might have been changed also?
I have a 4 band pre (bass, treble, sweepable mods) active/passive .from a Keisel jazz bass. Couple that with some Nordy DC 10 hum can soap bars and this could sound really nice! 😊
Sounds like an awesome pairing! Would love to revisit this bass soon with an upgraded preamp. They really do sound good!
I have the sweet water version with nordstrand fat stack 5 in it
Oh cool I heard the Fat stacks are really beefy sounding
Link for pick ups? I want to upgrade the ones that come with it
nordstrandaudio.com/collections/5-string-soapbar-bass-pickups/products/big-single-5
Pity, for me, you don't tell the weight and the price and availability in the uk. Nice sounds, got me interested in it.. As a beginner is this a good intro having 5 strings? Looks great.. Quite some buzzing going on did you think? Thank you for the inspiration
Yeah this was early in my bass reviews where I forgot to include the weight. I do remember the weight at 9lbs 7oz before I sold it. Buzzing was due to the setup of the instrument, I like a low action where I’m not pressing down too hard on the strings and I wouldn’t recommend this 5 string bass to a beginner. I’d go with Sire for a beginner friendly 5 string bass.
@@sonojon0Which Sire five string jazz bass would you recommend for a beginner.
How is the neck/fretboard and general construction quality?
The neck and fretboard felt awesome! No complaints on that department. Tuning keys were a pain though! Honestly the weakest out of the neck but the quality overall felt great in my hands
What are you doing in the way of tone here? Sounds great, I have one of these with the stock pre amp and pups and I can’t get it to sound like a jazz bass and it even seems like it feels weak, I’m using the tone hammer profile on my helix and I have to really drive the amp
Mainly bettering the tone of the pickups that I’ve heard originally before the upgrade. You definitely get more clarity and punch compared from stock. I honestly didn’t mind the preamp however, the curiosity in me wanted to try a different preamp but I think the pickup was just fine.
Hello! No preamp onbord? Thanks.
No just the one that came stock on this bass
This is incredible. Inspires me to do the same.
You should! It’s definitely worth it in the end 🎉
You still have this bass? Can you measure string spacing at the bridge? Mine is on the way
@@klaymeister I don’t anymore but when I had it, the spacing is 19mm
Found a good sale on the big rigs on reverb. I am cautious about buying them before the bass gets in
@@klaymeister I'd get those pickups if they're on sale. Even if it gets to you before the bass. At least you have them, ready to go👍
I'm just disappointed that there isn't a passive/ active switch with this bass considering there are others at this price point that do
And without having to do mods to make it a passive/active switch. I’ve thought about it on this bass but given the retail price plus adding more to an instrument kinda defeats the purpose of “budget” or having to spend upwards to what you’d spend on a Fender Player series bass. Thanks for watching!
Cort makes several no mods needed similar price probably others that's just the first I could think of you're welcome have a good one
Curious are we hearing you picking from the camera and the pick ups?
You’re hearing the pickups from a Scarlett Focusrite interface DI
@@sonojon0 thanks for your replies.
What's going on with the hum?
@@fidellhenderson8087 They’re single coil pickups
Hello
Where did you buy the bass?
I bought this used at Guitar Center
Cool video, and very thorough. Squiers really impress me for their quality and price point. I own a few, but not this model. Thanks for the review.
*Not trying to be a dick, but if i could kindly give just one bit of constructive criticism... the B string was out of tune. Sounded like a half step sharp through the whole video.
Keep up the great reviews 👍
what all needs to be connected?
Not sure what you mean by that
I mean electronically
@@MrMultimikey25 oh. I’m not too sure since I didn’t do the wiring myself. I would look into some videos or find a local tech to help you with the wiring.
do u still have this bass now? if so can u do a video of the electonics or angle it to see the electonics demo?
@@MrMultimikey25 I don’t have this bass anymore
Amazing instrument indeed... and what a gorgeous finish! Thank you for sharing 😍
Anytime. Thank you for stopping by and checking this awesome bass out! 🤙🏾
that's not what the tone control does on mine....weird
It will work without a battery i have one
noisy treble boost, gorgeous bass but heard about this problem before!
Yeah their stock preamps aren't that pleasant sounding in this lineup. A preamp upgrade would be greatly beneficial if you can find a used Squier Contemporary. I would not advise buying these brand new!
Big Singles are really powerful passive. Try wiring them direct to jack. VVT passive setup might be worth trying.
@@somebrains5431 if I still had this bass I would’ve loved to have the ability to go active/passive
Pos the pre went out 2 days after having it. Sounds great but isn’t reliable at all. Sent it back I have the player pluss v otw
Yeah those Contemporary jazzes are a hit or miss. Glad you’re getting the player plus! I’d go that route myself if I was in your situation