NBD - Squier Graffiti Yellow Sonic P-bass

[Bar Band Bassman]

Got this from FMIC today. $199 on the Fender website. They plug it as slightly thinner and lighter than a typical P. Thinner - a little - 1 5/8" vs 1 11/16" on my Vintera. Lighter? 8.3 lbs vs 8.77 for my Vintera, but my Vintera has chrome bridge and pickup ashtray covers. Fit and finish is pretty nice. A bigger neck pocket gap than some, but I've seen (and owned) ones that were far worse. And on this one the neck will not budge side-to-side, so a big plus. Pickup pole piece alignment is so-so, but again, I've had worse. The pickup is pretty hot and I won't know how well it plays with others until a gig this weekend. I've read some stuff about pickup placement being different than usual but this one is located in the same spot relative to the last fret as my Vintera. Maybe it's a pickguard rather than pickup issue. Not sure. There were a few cosmetic scuffs that cleaned up easily, nothing serious. The relief and action needed adjustment, again, no problem. I'd do that anyway. Nice action. Came with D'Addario strings. Nut slots are even cut pretty well. Oh, yeah, BTW, it's YELLOW! This one's a keeper, folks! So pleased to see quality affordable instruments coming into the marketplace. Very happy with this one! Oh, did I mention it's YELLOW! - BBBView attachment 6994655

Uh, oh! Just plugged it in to set the intonation. Distorted, low volume! Need to do some T/S. Grrrr. - BBB

A bad solder joint on the ground lead at the bobbin on the D/G half of the pickup. Fixed. But I will be contacting Fender for a replacement pickup. Other than that a lot of bang for the buck, IMO. But perhaps some careful consideration, esp. if mods, tinkering, soldering, and such is not your bailiwick. - BBB

 

[funkinbottom]

Congrats. TBH, I didn't think I would like the graffiti yellow, but looks really good with the maple board. Nice score at a good price.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Congrats. TBH, I didn't think I would like the graffiti yellow, but looks really good with the maple board. Nice score at a good price.

Yeah. Have a look at my addendum. Still, I'm pretty pleased. Already contacted FMIC, though. - BBB

 

[joeLowB]

Nice! Enjoy it!

My understanding is the Sonic P bases have the pup placed exactly as all other Fender/Squier Ps. However, their new Debut series P, only available on Amazon, has the pup about 0.17" closer to the neck than standard. I got the Debut and others here on TB who have both made that observation.

Will be keen to hear how it sits in your band's mix!

.

 

[cnltb]

Got this from FMIC today. $199 on the Fender website. They plug it as slightly thinner and lighter than a typical P. Thinner - a little - 1 5/8" vs 1 11/16" on my Vintera. Lighter? 8.3 lbs vs 8.77 for my Vintera, but my Vintera has chrome bridge and pickup ashtray covers. Fit and finish is pretty nice. A bigger neck pocket gap than some, but I've seen (and owned) ones that were far worse. And on this one the neck will not budge side-to-side, so a big plus. Pickup pole piece alignment is so-so, but again, I've had worse. The pickup is pretty hot and I won't know how well it plays with others until a gig this weekend. I've read some stuff about pickup placement being different than usual but this one is located in the same spot relative to the last fret as my Vintera. Maybe it's a pickguard rather than pickup issue. Not sure. There were a few cosmetic scuffs that cleaned up easily, nothing serious. The relief and action needed adjustment, again, no problem. I'd do that anyway. Nice action. Came with D'Addario strings. Nut slots are even cut pretty well. Oh, yeah, BTW, it's YELLOW! This one's a keeper, folks! So pleased to see quality affordable instruments coming into the marketplace. Very happy with this one! Oh, did I mention it's YELLOW! - BBBView attachment 6994655

Uh, oh! Just plugged it in to set the intonation. Distorted, low volume! Need to do some T/S. Grrrr. - BBB

A bad solder joint on the ground lead at the bobbin on the D/G half of the pickup. Fixed. But I will be contacting Fender for a replacement pickup. Other than that a lot of bang for the buck, IMO. But perhaps some careful consideration, esp. if mods, tinkering, soldering, and such is not your bailiwick. - BBB

That looks FUN!!

 

[WI Short Scaler]

Yes, you mentioned it's yellow. And it's awesome! I'm all for eye catching colors. And a great price too.

Rock it proudly!

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Update: FMIC doesn't repair these, they just exchange them. Not surprising, given the price. They have no "spare" pickup to send me. My repair seems solid and I'm confident in my soldering ability so I'll just keep it, although they told me I could still return or exchange it. Kudos to them for that. The rest of the bass is so remarkably good that I'd be wary of thinking a replacement would measure up. Will gig it this weekend (with a backup in tow, S.O.P. for me anyway) and report back.

BBB