Squier Mini Precision bass mods Ep.2: Fender high mass bridge + Quarter Pound = Mini Nate Mendel?

Рет қаралды 2,046

Күн бұрын

In this unsponsored video, we will install a Fender branded high mass bridge (zinc saddles) onto this Squier Mini P short scale bass. Nate Mendel, the bass player of the Foo Fighters, is known to have a signature Precision bass that features this combination of a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-pickup with a high mass bridge (originally a Leo Quan Badass II, now a Fender branded high mass bridge). It has proven to be a winning combination and a popular signature model for Fender.
Can we capture the rock machine vibe of the Nate Mendel signature P Bass by combining a Quarter pound pickup with a high mass bridge in this Mini P? Will it sound better than the stock/original bridge?
The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings. No EQ or compression was added in post. No level matching.
Setup measurements were matched.
Stock nickel roundwound strings.
Headphones or quality speakers are recommended.
00:00 Intro
00:26 Nate Mendel
01:03 High mass bridge
01:56 Comparison setup
02:44 Track
04:04 Track w/o drums
05:18 Assessment
jonathanwong.bandcamp.com

Пікірлер: 41

@bobt5778 5 ай бұрын

The only things I care about on a bridge are: 1. The quality of the saddle set screws. I like them to operate smoothly snd I prefer a hex size a little larger than those found on so many budget basses. 2. Slots for those screws where they contact the bridge to keep them stable. Great video. Funny how a bass built from mostly the cheapest parts just comes together as a unit - though not always.

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I hear you about the hex size - my hipshot bridges (and this Fender) use the 0.05 imperial which doesn't always come in a multi-allen set. It's so tiny! Leo got a lot of things right!

@shahramyousefi5379 5 ай бұрын

I have a high-mass bridge on my American ultra-jazz bass and It kills the high and scoops the mids and I don't like it now your video proves that. Thank you for the video!

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Yes!! I personally prefer the vintage styled threaded saddles on a plain bent steel bridge. Ive put those on most of my fender style basses, long and short scale. I’ve never liked the sound MY fingers get from a heavy bridge. I grew up listening to Marcus and Geddy and their Badass bridges but it never worked for me in real life. The heavy bridges are incredibly well marketed, though. Thanks for watching!

@MrSparks54 5 ай бұрын

I noticed the same, a bit bigger low end and highs somewhat attenuated. Thanks Jonathan

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

I’m glad the differences are coming across KZfaq audio! Thanks for watching!

@choowie92 5 ай бұрын

I like the stock bridge better.

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

I do too! Thanks for watching and sharing!

@ErnieJ89 4 ай бұрын

Very interesting. My main P bass has this exact pickup and bridge combo and have thought about doing the same to my mini. The reason I havent done this yet is honestly because I havent had the need is that this bass sounds great out of the box!

@jonathanwong458music 4 ай бұрын

Right on! If you’re happy with it out of box, no need to fuss around with mods! It’s awesome when it’s great from the start! Thanks for watching!

@paulnatanghe 4 ай бұрын

Amazing!

@jonathanwong458music 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching!

@Robyjv8 2 ай бұрын

Did you happen to do a video of the actual bridge swap ? Is it basically a direct replacement with at least some of the holes lining up ? Awesome videos by the way ! Very helpful thanks so much !

@jonathanwong458music 2 ай бұрын

I did it with the bronco bass series. Both have a standard fender 5 screw pattern so this Fender high mass bridge was a drop in replacement! *not all Fender bridges are the same though, some of the American bridges that have a string-through option have a different screw pattern. Thanks for watching!

@stephenc9040 5 ай бұрын

Hi Jonathan, I don't hear a massive difference but to my ears the High-Mass sounds a touch deeper and slightly more defined. Looking forward to Episode 3!

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! It’s definitely not a night and day difference/improvement . I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the heavy bridge (for me).

@1966Graham 5 ай бұрын

Stock bridge is best

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

I agree! Stock bridge is functional and sounds just fine! Thanks for watching and commenting!

@markpickardlife 5 ай бұрын

First of all, I really liked that riff you played. I did prefer the tone of the stock bent-steel bridge for the highs. However, that high-mass bridge simply looks better or meatier (but maybe not on a mini P bass). Rock on! By the way, how's winter in Winnipeg this year? I hope it isn't too cold. Take care!

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and for your encouragement! The high mass bridge has very nice corners (no sharp edges) but it looks huge on the mini! Last week was cold here, but it’s much more mild this week. I don’t understand the weather. Certainly wreaks havoc with bringing instruments in and out of the house!

@trappenweisseguy27 Ай бұрын

We got almost no snow this past winter in southern Ontario. Lots of rain in its place. Only one cold snap lasting 12 days.

@klaymeister 5 ай бұрын

I name your demo track "funky wrench"

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Love it! Thanks for watching!

@OtakuNerd94 5 ай бұрын

Hi Jonathan! On my way to get this mini bass

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Good luck with the purchase! I hope you like it. Thanks for watching and sharing!

@jonmatthews4254 5 ай бұрын

😀

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@bert_buikema 5 ай бұрын

I like your experiments, but I think the difference is very subtle. To my ears the himass bridge did not change much sound wise. Theoretically the higher amount of inert material should deliver more sustain and clearer sound, but even the different break angles of the strings on the saddles could have a greater effect. Even taking off and putting back the strings could change the sound. And results may vary for each bass guitar. Many variables, little difference. Maybe 90% psychological?

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

It’s certainly not a night and day difference. Lots of little variables playing a role as you suggested. I don’t think it’s worth the $70 but tone is so subjective and personal! Thanks for watching!

@Kim-yl7yg 3 ай бұрын

Does everyone like this mini vs the mikro. Is the mini more to easily to find upgrade parts. Thanking you in advance , Kim

@jonathanwong458music 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, Kim! I think preferences are pretty split - can't say for sure what the proportions are, or which model has sold more units, but I think it does come down to personal preference! The mini and the mikro have different feeling necks and they seem to sit differently despite similar dimensions. Yes, the Squier mini uses standard Fender sized parts (except for the tuners), so bridge swaps and pickup swaps are easy if you wish to. Although, any standard PJ set would fit in the Mikro. The mikro bridge screw pattern is less common, but the tuners are more standard. If you haven't seen it, here is a link for a video I made on this exact question: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nc2Ydq-I0pbLnWw.html

@Kim-yl7yg 3 ай бұрын

@@jonathanwong458music I watched it twice and will do a third time. Thank you..

@jonathanwong458music 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! A few more episodes in the series to come!

@user-oj5wd3cz3n 5 ай бұрын

stock bridge tone better

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

I agree! Thanks for watching!

@camaraginikanwa5707 11 күн бұрын

It’s sounds the same to me

@jonathanwong458music 11 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting!

@StevenDoyleLuke 5 ай бұрын

For me, hi-mass with flats. . .my favorite = ETS

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

Tone is so personal! Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

@ezrayldz6558 5 ай бұрын

Can I play rock songs and go on stage with this song?

@jonathanwong458music 5 ай бұрын

I think it can! The most important things that will determine whether you can use it live is whether it is comfortable for you to play (shape, weight, balance etc) and whether it is reliable. I cannot answer the comfort part for you, but out of the box, the Mini is useable. Most would benefit from a good setup. The hardware has been reliable for me so far! Thanks for watching and asking!