@@georgebowling842 whats your opinion now after you played more time on it? Im thinking between this and Jackson JS2. Im beginner level, playing in my room along GUitar Pro, rock/nu metal songs that I like. Nohting fancy.
@@p1roncho Played it for about 3 months with just a string change to half rounds and it was great 👍. I've heavily modded it now new everything including wiring and pots. It's fantastic for the money. My main bass is a Fender Precision with flats but still love the Sonic now with rounds it roars 🙂
Hi Keith, i just received this exact same model and it came set up almost perfectly, anyway i was trying to check the tross rod and i find it very difficult to insert the allen key, it seems to be too deep down the hole, do you have the same issue? Any light or input on the matter i will be grateful. Thank you!
Didn't have any specific issues with mine. I do have issues with some of my guitars though - seems the nut may be a little off center to the hole so it's a little harder to find it. If you bought it at a local shop, you could take it in and have them check it out to make sure everything is good. Could also try some other Allen wrenches - they make long ones - to see if the one that came with it may be a bit off. Best of luck!
I was in Sam Ash, saw a two-tone burst sitting on a stand and started playing it. EVERYTHING about it was excellent - string height, neck feel, frets didn’t cut me, sounded like a decent P bass so I grabbed it for $219! Very happy with my purchase!
I was practicing on mine again last night. There was a little breaking in period where I needed some slight neck adjustments - it's SOOO dry here - but it seems to have settled in very nicely now. Killer bargain bass!
Believe it or not, I haven't done any upgrades to this one yet. Been using it at band practice and it sounds great. Of course, I can't leave it alone forever LOL. I have an EMG passive P-Bass pickup (PHZ) that I'll put into it eventually; and I'll probably change the pickguard. It's a good bass for experimenting with - long-term, might upgrade the tuners and bridge? Really impressed with how well it has worked right from the factory though!
Yeah - the import stuff just seems really good these days. As I usually say, if you can get into a music store to try one out, that's the best way to go. Have fun!
I know I probably grade Squier on a bit of a curve, but price does matter! I’ve been seeing consistently lately that Squier QC is better than Fender. Yeah, some of the parts are cheaper, but the construction is excellent, and same as you noted, they arrive with a good setup! I’ve bought both American- and Mexican-made Fenders this year and I returned or sold both of them because they had issues I just couldn’t get around. I’ve also purchased a pair of Squier 40th Anniversary basses and they’re both excellent. (I just had to swap out the pickguards because I’m not into the gold anodized look.)
The weight reduction from the cheaper woods squier uses is actually pretty nice, I had a mexican fender p bass and sold it because it was unacceptably heavy, though in fairness it was an early 50s reissue with a slab body
It’s made in Indonesia, my guitar is a prs kor tech from the Indonesian factory and it is fantastic, looks and sounds great. The sound and quality of the American made one are maybe slightly better, but not 1000 to 3000 dollars better lol. Getting mine tomorrow, can’t wait
Just ordered the 2 tone burst from Fender with a 10% off code and got it for $209 including tax. Never liked P basses due to the neck, my hands are on smaller size, but hearing that these necks are on the smaller size I decided to make this a mod platform. After looking to change bridge, tuners and the pups. I’m still looking at $197 in upgrades. For $410 I got a bass with a Kluson high mass bridge, Gotoh tuners and a Fender Pure Vintage ‘63. This bass is gonna my Motown bass
Sweet! These are such good models for upgrading and personalizing. Yeah, I also prefer the J bass neck - I can make due with either, but given a choice, I'll take the Jazz :) 👍
Leave it as is, love the single white pick-guard - it pops nicely with the blue, just my 2 cents! ! ! First time visiting, great production vales, excellent audio - I give you a 8+,
Definitely. I've been using at band practice recently - and I haven't even started modifying it yet :) I have a Jazz bass I usually play for live performances, but I'd have no problem at all taking this one along as a gig backup!
Squier has them listed in the specs for the bass as "Nickel Plated Steel (.045-.105 Gauges)". For my basses, I generally use Ken Smith Rock Master Mediums or D'Addario EXL165s, both in the same .045-.105 gauges. www.stringsandbeyond.com/kensmromabag.html www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-basses/precision-bass/squier-sonic-precision-bass/0373902503.html
I already own a P bass clone qith a 1.5"nut width. It's been upgraded with an EMG Geezer Buttler PUP, a;d I'm definitely in love with it. I seriously consider buying one of these Sonic P bass and have it upgraded the same way, i order to install flat wound strings on it. That would be 182.00 + 91.00 (EMG JZR Pup & electronic) + 58.00 (Thomastic flatwound strings) = 331.00 Euros, i.e.approx. 360.00 $, wkich remains quite decent.
The Sonic measures right at 1-1/2" while my Jazz Bass (from Japan) measures 1-7/8" and my old MiM P Bass is 1-3/4". So there is a measurable difference, although I don't notice it visually. Unfortunately Fender doesn't list body measurements on their website - I imagine there might be some variation in production that might make exact measurements invalid?
The real power is all in the fingers and electronics. Yes certain wood and ply’s will make the tone slightly better to a person who has an ear for the instrument, I don’t think that tone is good enough to pay 1000 dollars more though. lol
I guess variety is good, right? It's totally subjective anyway. My first guitar had a three-ply pickguard - must have been permanently etched into my brain lol. 🤘
If I recall, I put a ruler on it and it is definitely a little thinner than my MiM P-bass. Didn't actually check the width or height though. Interesting...
I have a 69 Fender Precision w/Jazz Neck, Ocean Turquoise, block inlay on rosewood neck/bought at the music store I worked for in 1969. 2024 and Fender Custom Shop says "Sorry we won't touch it because you don't have a receipt"; although I do have owners manual with name of "E Paxton", only Custom Shop in Colorado is HB Woodsong, Boulder. I thought Fender had control of their channel. I believe HC Woodsong is telling Fender that no receipt, no work. You Better Think Twice/POCO
I'm a real l Squier fan boy and Luthier but... The Sonic that have come my way, three so far, look OK, but unfortunately the Harley Benton basic P bass is a better bass all round, in all respects at half the price. The Sonic has some very poor quality hardware and wood selection appears very patchy. Wish it wasn't so😎
Haven't had a chance to pick up any Harley Bentons yet - I've heard good things about them though. My Squier experience has been about 90% good. That's probably a reflection of their quality control... about 90% good LOL.
The music at the beginning and end of the video was made with the instrument that was reviewed. I have mentioned in previous videos that the sound you hear from me playing will not sound like what you get out of your personal setup. So instead of wasting time playing I talk about the attributes of the instrument. Thanks for watching! 👍
Received mine yesterday in sunburst it played great out of the box. Fantastic quality for the money I love it.
How's the weight and balance?
@@bobt5778 light (added a a Fender high mass bridge) no noticeable neck dive. Incredible value 👍
@@georgebowling842 whats your opinion now after you played more time on it? Im thinking between this and Jackson JS2. Im beginner level, playing in my room along GUitar Pro, rock/nu metal songs that I like. Nohting fancy.
@@p1roncho Played it for about 3 months with just a string change to half rounds and it was great 👍. I've heavily modded it now new everything including wiring and pots. It's fantastic for the money. My main bass is a Fender Precision with flats but still love the Sonic now with rounds it roars 🙂
Just bought one straight from the Fender website, thank you for this very fair review!
THE NECK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
Dracula knows this too.
Hi Keith, i just received this exact same model and it came set up almost perfectly, anyway i was trying to check the tross rod and i find it very difficult to insert the allen key, it seems to be too deep down the hole, do you have the same issue? Any light or input on the matter i will be grateful. Thank you!
Didn't have any specific issues with mine. I do have issues with some of my guitars though - seems the nut may be a little off center to the hole so it's a little harder to find it. If you bought it at a local shop, you could take it in and have them check it out to make sure everything is good. Could also try some other Allen wrenches - they make long ones - to see if the one that came with it may be a bit off. Best of luck!
@@keithavarney170 Thank you very much sir 🙏🏻
I was in Sam Ash, saw a two-tone burst sitting on a stand and started playing it. EVERYTHING about it was excellent - string height, neck feel, frets didn’t cut me, sounded like a decent P bass so I grabbed it for $219! Very happy with my purchase!
I was practicing on mine again last night. There was a little breaking in period where I needed some slight neck adjustments - it's SOOO dry here - but it seems to have settled in very nicely now. Killer bargain bass!
I have a '95 MIM P-Bass and having owned several US made P-Basses, the MIM is my favorite! I'll have to check out the Sonic!
The Sonic compares well to my '94 MiM P-Bass. Had to make a few neck adjustments as it gets used to the dry climate here, but nothing crazy.
Just bought this beauty myself, which upgrades do you recommend?
Believe it or not, I haven't done any upgrades to this one yet. Been using it at band practice and it sounds great. Of course, I can't leave it alone forever LOL. I have an EMG passive P-Bass pickup (PHZ) that I'll put into it eventually; and I'll probably change the pickguard. It's a good bass for experimenting with - long-term, might upgrade the tuners and bridge? Really impressed with how well it has worked right from the factory though!
Thanks! I'm a beginner and am trying to find the best value precision bass for under $250. This seems solid.
Yeah - the import stuff just seems really good these days. As I usually say, if you can get into a music store to try one out, that's the best way to go. Have fun!
I know I probably grade Squier on a bit of a curve, but price does matter! I’ve been seeing consistently lately that Squier QC is better than Fender. Yeah, some of the parts are cheaper, but the construction is excellent, and same as you noted, they arrive with a good setup! I’ve bought both American- and Mexican-made Fenders this year and I returned or sold both of them because they had issues I just couldn’t get around. I’ve also purchased a pair of Squier 40th Anniversary basses and they’re both excellent. (I just had to swap out the pickguards because I’m not into the gold anodized look.)
The weight reduction from the cheaper woods squier uses is actually pretty nice, I had a mexican fender p bass and sold it because it was unacceptably heavy, though in fairness it was an early 50s reissue with a slab body
It’s made in Indonesia, my guitar is a prs kor tech from the Indonesian factory and it is fantastic, looks and sounds great. The sound and quality of the American made one are maybe slightly better, but not 1000 to 3000 dollars better lol. Getting mine tomorrow, can’t wait
Nice video and nice bass advice! 👍🏼
cool review, I like your shirt as well. MAKE IT QUICK!
Just ordered the 2 tone burst from Fender with a 10% off code and got it for $209 including tax.
Never liked P basses due to the neck, my hands are on smaller size, but hearing that these necks are on the smaller size I decided to make this a mod platform.
After looking to change bridge, tuners and the pups. I’m still looking at $197 in upgrades. For $410 I got a bass with a Kluson high mass bridge, Gotoh tuners and a Fender Pure Vintage ‘63.
This bass is gonna my Motown bass
Sweet! These are such good models for upgrading and personalizing. Yeah, I also prefer the J bass neck - I can make due with either, but given a choice, I'll take the Jazz :) 👍
Leave it as is, love the single white pick-guard - it pops nicely with the blue, just my 2 cents! ! ! First time visiting, great production vales, excellent audio - I give you a 8+,
A precision bass with a jazz bass neck cool color cheap price I'm sold.
I've been using it at band practice lately. Certainly does the job!
Keep on Rockin' !!!!!!
Would this be a decent backup bass?
Definitely. I've been using at band practice recently - and I haven't even started modifying it yet :) I have a Jazz bass I usually play for live performances, but I'd have no problem at all taking this one along as a gig backup!
@@keithavarney170 ok good might buy one
can someone tell me which strings are used originally on this bass?
Squier has them listed in the specs for the bass as "Nickel Plated Steel (.045-.105 Gauges)". For my basses, I generally use Ken Smith Rock Master Mediums or D'Addario EXL165s, both in the same .045-.105 gauges.
www.stringsandbeyond.com/kensmromabag.html
www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-basses/precision-bass/squier-sonic-precision-bass/0373902503.html
@@keithavarney170 big thanks to you Keith!😎👍
I already own a P bass clone qith a 1.5"nut width. It's been upgraded with an EMG Geezer Buttler PUP, a;d I'm definitely in love with it. I seriously consider buying one of these Sonic P bass and have it upgraded the same way, i order to install flat wound strings on it. That would be 182.00 + 91.00 (EMG JZR Pup & electronic) + 58.00 (Thomastic flatwound strings) = 331.00 Euros, i.e.approx. 360.00 $, wkich remains quite decent.
are the squire bass bodies same thickness as mim an American
The Sonic measures right at 1-1/2" while my Jazz Bass (from Japan) measures 1-7/8" and my old MiM P Bass is 1-3/4". So there is a measurable difference, although I don't notice it visually. Unfortunately Fender doesn't list body measurements on their website - I imagine there might be some variation in production that might make exact measurements invalid?
Personally I prefer the uniform looks of a single-ply white or black pickguard over the three-ply layers of different colors.
Yeah, it's totally personal taste. Probably goes back to the first guitar I ever saw LOL.
My fender american traditional strat is also poplar. Never had a problem with it.
The real power is all in the fingers and electronics. Yes certain wood and ply’s will make the tone slightly better to a person who has an ear for the instrument, I don’t think that tone is good enough to pay 1000 dollars more though. lol
My theory is they aren't trying to save money with single ply, but more so not giving you something that looks exactly like a Fender.. idk
I guess variety is good, right? It's totally subjective anyway. My first guitar had a three-ply pickguard - must have been permanently etched into my brain lol. 🤘
I have a Squier Classic Vibe 70s P Bass Walnut Color and it plays Fine
Squier Super Sonic P-Bass looks Awesome 👌 👏 👍
💯💯💯💯💯💯❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Maybe it's just me but the instrument looks just a hair smaller than most Precision Basses. I'm probably wrong.
If I recall, I put a ruler on it and it is definitely a little thinner than my MiM P-bass. Didn't actually check the width or height though. Interesting...
I’m want to get one of these and put a set of Steve Harris pickups in it for $90. Use it for home recording.
I have been so tempted to upgrade the pickup in this thing, just haven't done it yet. I bet that Steve Harris pickup ROCKS!
I have a 69 Fender Precision w/Jazz Neck, Ocean Turquoise, block inlay on rosewood neck/bought at the music store I worked for in 1969. 2024 and Fender Custom Shop says "Sorry we won't touch it because you don't have a receipt"; although I do have owners manual with name of "E Paxton", only Custom Shop in Colorado is HB Woodsong, Boulder. I thought Fender had control of their channel. I believe HC Woodsong is telling Fender that no receipt, no work. You Better Think Twice/POCO
I'm thinking about buying one of those to learn on.
It's a great starter bass. Just used mine at band practice last night!
You might want to address you lighting.
Lol - yeah, definitely not a pro at this. On the flip side, the less you see of me, the better?
I'm a real l Squier fan boy and Luthier but...
The Sonic that have come my way, three so far, look OK, but unfortunately the Harley Benton basic P bass is a better bass all round, in all respects at half the price.
The Sonic has some very poor quality hardware and wood selection appears very patchy.
Wish it wasn't so😎
Haven't had a chance to pick up any Harley Bentons yet - I've heard good things about them though. My Squier experience has been about 90% good. That's probably a reflection of their quality control... about 90% good LOL.
13 minutes review, lot of talking, but not one tone played, which would have been the most interesting thing to hear, what it sounds like. Too bad...
The music at the beginning and end of the video was made with the instrument that was reviewed. I have mentioned in previous videos that the sound you hear from me playing will not sound like what you get out of your personal setup. So instead of wasting time playing I talk about the attributes of the instrument. Thanks for watching! 👍