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Does anyone play Mustangs?

#2
I'm not much taller than you and I play full scale basses for the most part. I'd say try one and see firsthand, or even compare the two side by side. Regardless of what anone tells you on here, it is up to you to decide whether its the right bass for you.
 
#4
I've got 2...I've actually tried playing them side by side my Jaguar with the S1 - the mustang couldn't hack it in comparison, I'm guessing it would be fine if you were using the bog-standard j pickup in the other bass...

I wouldn't call it a step down from anything, it sounds quite unlike both the jazz and precision...and from personal experience with the jaguar bass, its like comparing it to a MM stingray... - they were made for smaller people, thats it
 
#6
SirGrotius said:
I did a search earlier for Mustangs, and almost nothing came up.

Does anyone play these bad boys?

Is a Fender Mustang considered a step down from an American Standard Jazz? And if so, how?

I was wondering being 5'6" would it make more sense to use a Mustang than my Jazz.
Click to expand...


I just bought an SX Gypsy Rose, P/J pickups, 32" scale. It's disassembled now, I'm stripping the pink paint off. The shorter scale felt great, but not 'guitarish' like a 30" scale feels to me.

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#11
I have several short scale basses, including a '78 mustang.
Short scales have a little less focused sound, due to lower string tension but nothing you can't live with. The mustang is a good sounding bass with a Precision caracter.
Obviously short scales are comfortables to play. I also love my Danelectro longhorn reissue: lightweight, comfortable and killer sounding....oh, and it's cheap.
 
#13
I had a mutang bass once. I woulnt say it was a step down, just a bit different. The pups were the same as the b34 and b30 basses (think slab body p bass, early eighties with tele headstock). It has more bottom end for sure, but they are a dream to play. Lightweight, very comfortable. Think of it as a bit smaller p bass. If you go vintage, the build quality is exactly the same as the "higher end" stuff. They were, after all, made with the exact same wood, by the exact same people in the same factory.


Plus, with a nice amp or eq you can make any bass sound just like you want.

highly recommend the mustang.
 
#16
SirGrotius said:
I did a search earlier for Mustangs, and almost nothing came up.

Does anyone play these bad boys?

Is a Fender Mustang considered a step down from an American Standard Jazz? And if so, how?

I was wondering being 5'6" would it make more sense to use a Mustang than my Jazz.
Click to expand...

I'm 5'9", and I play a medium scale and full scale basses. I use to play short scales, but I found I just liked the longer scale better. Its more a matter of personal preference, and height really has very little to do with it, in my personal opinion. I had a Squier Bronco, but I couldn't stand how claustrophobic it felt so I ended up piccolo-bassing in and then destroying it before selling it for 50 buxxx.


That being said, I actually really love playing the Mustang Basses. They're just really fun basses to play. They sound good, and the poly-gloss finish on the necks is to die for.
 
#18
Wow, excellent feedback! This might be perfect for me. I'm a "decent" bassist, who plays an American Jazz and while I enjoy the speed, it's not 100% comfortable for me and I've been gasing for the low-end from a P-bass. Lower string tension sounds great to me. Ha.

Trying some out today, hopefully.

Quick question -- I'm a little confused, how many different "Mustangs" are there now? Is there a Standard and a Vintage series? Are they all made in Japan? I have this bias against MIJ basses as being heavier than the MIA, but perhaps that's just my sample of like 3. ;)
 
#19
Only MIJ Mustangs available new today, it's "classic series" Invalid Link Removed

Only two colours, fiesta red and vintage white, but i think there are other colours for the Japanese market. You'll have to import them.
I have a vintage white 2008 Mustang, a great bass and I hardly use my longscale anymore.
 
#20
FYI: Fender Short Scale Family

> Fender Mustang - 1968 to 1981; MIA; 30" scale; split coil pup (but diff than P pup); string through; replaced by Fender Bullet Deluxe.

> Fender Mustang Competion Finish - 1969; red/white stripes; Lake Placid Blue w/ lighter blue stripes.

> Fender Mustang Reissue - 2002 to present; MIJ.

> Fender Musicmaster - mid 60s to 1981; 30" scale; MIA; single coil pup (from a Strat);

> Squier Musicmaster Reissue - 1997 only; MIJ.

> Fender Bullet Bass Deluxe - 1982 to 1983; MIA; Mustang pup; 34" & 30" scales; Telecaster headstock; replaced by Squier Bullet.

> Squier Bullet - 1984 to 2001; ; MIJ; 30" scale only (?); replaced by Squier Bronco.

> Fender P Bass Jr. - 2004 only; MIM; P pup; string through; 28.59" scale.

> Squier Bronco - 1999 to present; MII; 30" scale.


If money is an issue (new Mustangs go for about $550 @ GC), try a Squire Bronco ($150 new)- I love mine.

BTW, Racing stripe Mustangs are selling on eBay for a least $800; Bullets are going for over $600 (both Fender and Squier).
 

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