Fender Mustang - which model?

boynamedsuse · #1 06-02-2011, 11:40 AM

To provide a quick background, I have been having problems with my fretting hand and have doctor’s appointments scheduled. In the meantime, and not knowing how long I am going to have issues, I am looking to get a good short scale—probably a Fender Mustang—to reduce the discomfort. I’ve read most or all of the Mustang threads and saw good comments regarding the current MIJ models, but what about the older CBS-era Fenders? Good or overrated? Thanks in advance.

Super D · #2 06-02-2011, 12:29 PM

Good question, kinda wondering the same thing. I prefer SS's myself. I have a 96 Mustang that I like, it has a good fit and feel.

BigOldHarry · #3 06-02-2011, 12:31 PM

Newer ones are nicer; Old ones are cheap and cheesy...

Jeff Scott · #4 06-02-2011, 05:39 PM

I've never played an vintage one, but the '95 Mustang Bass (CIJ) is as well made as any American Fender bass I have played, and that is quite a few going back to my first bass, a '67-'70 era Jazz Bass I got in '72. It feels great and it's sound is really nice with the stock pickup (I have been toying with the idea of putting a Rickenbacker HB-1 in it, though); I did put a Hipshot A Style bridge on it as I wanted to widen the string spacing a bit.

elgranluis · #5 06-02-2011, 11:10 PM

the older ones will run close to the newer ones pricewise, so its a matter of trying the, out. Mustangs always felt to me quite similar to the ebos, not really the scale, it's just the construction, they feel more like a chunk of wood than a bass lol.

depalm · #6 06-02-2011, 11:23 PM

I had a 70's mustang and a reissue.
Old ones has body contour new ones don't.
Bridge are different but the new ones are ok.
Pickups on new ones are weak, but there are some replacement like Nordstrand.

boynamedsuse · #7 06-03-2011, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Newer ones are nicer; Old ones are cheap and cheesy...

CBS-era instruments have that reputation, which is why I asked. Any specifics? In other words, what are the red flag items to look for?

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgranluis

the older ones will run close to the newer ones pricewise. . . .

That is why I am considering both. I am willing to spend a little extra money if it is worth it. The only problem is that it is looking like it isn't worth the premium.

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

I had a 70's mustang and a reissue.
Old ones has body contour new ones don't.
Bridge are different but the new ones are ok.
Pickups on new ones are weak, but there are some replacement like Nordstrand.

I didn't notice the lack of contour on the new one until you mentioned it. I prefer having a contour to having a dent in my arm after playing.

johnk_10 · #8 06-03-2011, 10:20 AM

i prefer the vintage ones (i've owned 5 of them in the past) over the new CIJ ones (only owned one).

BigOldHarry · #9 06-03-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boynamedsuse

Thanks for the replies everyone.

CBS-era instruments have that reputation, which is why I asked. Any specifics? In other words, what are the red flag items to look for?

This has less to do with "CBS Crapitude" than the simple fact that the Mustang was a "student" bass for kids, not a real bass for adults - and it was built as such.

It is one of those odd things that the newer ones are much nicer, in my opinion, than the originals. Better construction, materials. The p'ups in the originals were cheap and crappy - the "vintage cultists" will get all spooled up over that, but it's the simple truth. There really wasn't much to like about those old Fender student model (Musicmaster / Mustang) except they were short scale. And yes, several name musicians made use of them - But look at the name -folks who were doing the punkish thing, being defiant. That Tina Weymouth used a MusicMaster doesn't mean it was good bass - it meant that she chose it as a statement (Besides, the old Gibson EBs were crappy too!)

boynamedsuse · #10 06-03-2011, 10:44 AM

Thanks Harry. I appreciate the clarification. Let me add that you and elgranluis are really making me not want to get a short scale. Similar to an EB0?

depalm · #11 06-03-2011, 11:04 AM

Tuners on new ones are really crappy! It must be replaced as soon as you can.

johnk_10 · #12 06-03-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

This has less to do with "CBS Crapitude" than the simple fact that the Mustang was a "student" bass for kids, not a real bass for adults - and it was built as such.

It is one of those odd things that the newer ones are much nicer, in my opinion, than the originals. Better construction, materials. The p'ups in the originals were cheap and crappy - the "vintage cultists" will get all spooled up over that, but it's the simple truth. There really wasn't much to like about those old Fender student model (Musicmaster / Mustang) except they were short scale. And yes, several name musicians made use of them - But look at the name -folks who were doing the punkish thing, being defiant. That Tina Weymouth used a MusicMaster doesn't mean it was good bass - it meant that she chose it as a statement (Besides, the old Gibson EBs were crappy too!)

IMO, that's totally wrong. the original mustang bass wasn't 'built for kids' or students, it was built for guitarists that wanted to switch over to bass on occasion. it actually had as many or more high end features than a tele bass or a p bass with the chrome control plate, adjustable mutes for each string, contoured body and string thru bridge. the split pickup wasn't 'cheap' at all. it had staggered pole pieces and sounds great. that's like saying strats have cheap pickups too. just because the bass was a short scale, doesn't equate that to beginner or a student model.

and IMO, the vintage EB gibsons (from '59-'69) are great basses too.

Dark Horse · #13 06-03-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

IMO, that's totally wrong. the original mustang bass wasn't 'built for kids' or students, it was built for guitarists that wanted to switch over to bass on occasion.

Actually, you're BOTH right....Fender promoted it as a pro quality, but "student friendly" bass up until the time that they released the Musicmaster Bass, which became their "student model". The Mustang Bass definitely had pro features and sound quality though.

If you offered me a choice of whether I'd want to "play" a vintage Mustang Bass or a Reissue, I'd definitely agree with John and go "vintage". Just my preference.

Some old Fender catalog pages for your viewing pleasure....

=========================================

Quote:

"The mustang bass makes a moving sound. Its 30" string length and smaller body are great for the musician or student with a shorter reach..."

=============================================

===============================================

Musicmaster Bass -

Mekanamom · #14 06-03-2011, 11:33 AM

I've only ever played the CIJ RI... So can't compare to the older models. That said, I find the RI very comfortable to play.

The neck has to come off to adjust the truss rod, which is a pain. But after mine was set up about a year ago, it has stayed rock solid and I have not had to readjust it.

I did replace the stock pickup with the Nordstrand drop in replacement. IMO, that made a noticeable difference. Both live and in the studio. (Just recorded with it, and the engineer made the comment that it sounded like a P bass.).

In my case, the slab body is way more comfortable than a contoured one... In fact, I'm also playing the Mustang partly due to medical issues, but I think it's the non-contoured body that makes the difference for me at least as much as the scale length. Funny how these subtle differences can make such a big impact. Goes to show that what works for one person may not work so well for another.

boynamedsuse · #15 06-03-2011, 12:48 PM

Thanks again everyone--with a special thanks to Dark Horse for the catalog pages.

BTW, I am still open to more info. (of course).

Pilgrim · #16 06-03-2011, 01:28 PM

I don't have the Mustang - I have a Bronco with a TV Jones pickup, and that is one great-sounding, easy to play bass. If you like to fiddle with pickups, don't overlook that as a possibility.

Let me offer another option. Last weekend I bought a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar with the P/J pickups. Nice neck, nice balance, and you have versatility with the pickups. I'd recommend you try them - and they're under $200.

The Jags come in silver, red, sunburst and black, and they make long and short scale versions - make sure you know which you're getting. Here's a stock photo of mine....

boynamedsuse · #17 06-03-2011, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the recommendations Pilgrim. I am not the type to change pickups, but I have been following the SS Squier Jag threads. No one in town has them though (or any SS bass for that matter) so my plan is to determine which is "the best SS" (by TB consensus

) and pray that I get one of the good ones. I would rather pay more up front for a great player than to get something I will be selling in 4 months.

Din Of Win · #18 06-03-2011, 02:17 PM

Eh.... i'm a HUGE fan of shorties... i've played my fair share of Mustangs... i like other Fender short scales better.

If you want vintage and the same-ish mustang stlye split mini-P... look for an early 80's Fender Bullet Bass:

If you want the mustang look, before i chose a Mustang i'd first look for a used Squier Vista Series Musicmaster Bass:

And all else failed, look at a Squier Bronco... i did a pickup and pot swap and it's my main gig bass now. I also preffer the Bronco's maple neck to the Mustang's heavy rosewood one. Here's an artsyfartsy pic of mine before a gig the other week:

If you NEED a Mustang... totally go for the newer CiJ ones. For pure aesthetic value, i LOVE this green Comp'Stang:

boynamedsuse · #19 06-03-2011, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the insight Din. I don't need a Mustang, but I chose it because it usually comes out on top in the "what is the best shortscale" threads around here. (Not counting custom boutiques, of course.)

Mekanamom · #20 06-03-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boynamedsuse

Thanks for the insight Din. I don't need a Mustang, but I chose it because it usually comes out on top in the "what is the best shortscale" threads around here. (Not counting custom boutiques, of course.)

Ohhhh... yes, in that case, definitely see if there is a way you can try out a Bronco and the SS Jag too... I agree, the Bronco neck is really nice. And the pickup is an easy mod if you don't like the stock pup. The Bronco has a slab body like the Mustang.

The SS Jaguar has a contoured body.

I think the stock P pickup sounds just fine; not a fan of the J soloed, but I like it blended in with the P a little.

(I have no personal experience with the MusicMasters or Bullets only because I am diligently trying to forget they exist lest an attack of GAS comes upon me. I'm sure they are awesome too.)