Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHB

Like many people at the moment I'm using this period to skill up and work on some stuff I haven't had time for - in practice that means recording some bass and also, being primarily a guitarist, learning how to play more than just root notes.

I was attracted by the simplicity of this instrument, being passive with just one pick up, and have been impressed by the tones coming out of it. Playable straight out of the box, although the action might be a little high for a complete beginner, the build quality is good, it has great playability and is very responsive.

The only con I can find with it is that it is pretty heavy so I'm not sure I would want to do a long gig with it. Other than that I am completely happy with a great bass which I consider a bargain for price.

Thomann also helped out with some issues with the local postal service too, so all in all getting this instrument has a been great experience.

I own a few USA Fender basses but I always wanted a '51 P bass: a telecaster bass. In an effort to come close and at the same time kill some covid lockdown time I built a Harley Benton P bass and shaped the headstock in tele style. Very nice bass but basically a std P bass and not a tele. Since I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money on a Fender re-issue I decided to go for the Squier CV50. I had good experience with a CV 60's strat so......
And I'm not disappointed, what a lovely bass this is!
It has been very well built and looks very nice. The Thomann pictures do not show the full beauty of this white blonde finish.
The neck is smooth and plays light. Certainly after new flats and a good setup (was necessary). The sound here at home is good but it will take a few weeks before I use it in a band rehearsal.
Meanwhile I have mounted the pickup cover which enhances the vintage look.
If covid allows I will certainly gig with it.

Meanwhile I have taken the bass to rehearsals and I'm still very happy with my Squier 51 P-bass. It stays well in tune just like my other basses. The sound is different from my Am Pro, maybe a bit thinner but then the amp in the rehearsal studio is certainly not the best. I usually don't even bother to tweak it.
At home on my LMIII with VanderKley 12" it sounds fantastic!
This Squier bass is my "go to" practice bass! I love the neck.

I decided to replace the original pickup with a Seymour Duncan SCPB-1 and an Allparts wiring kit.
In order to install the new pots the holes in the controlplate had to be reamed but that was quite easy. Feeding the pickup wires through te body to the control cavity proofed to be sort of a problem. Underneath the pickguard there is no routed cavity like the Fenders have. They just drilled a hole from the pickup cavity and a second one from the control cavity. Both under different angles. The wires got lost in the small "overdrill" from each side.
I had to take a piece of basstring and bend one end to fumble it through the holes and use it as a tension spring. Wonder how they do that in production.
So, if you consider upgrading the pup be aware of this!

With the SCPB-1 on board the sound has improved. It's thicker and richer. It is as if I hear more frequencies. With tone rolled off it gives a nice old school bass sound.
Band mates were enthusiastic.