Fender JMJ Mustang with P Bass Pickup?

[JBabineaux]

Looking for some advice on putting a p bass pickup into my Fender JMJ to replace the original. I know it will take a little routing in the body and a new pickguard, which I am comfortable with. However, I need advice on if the string spacing from a P bass to Mustang (I'm reading from 19mm to 17mm) may have an impact on things?

Is this really an issue?

 

[Sharko]

Looking for some advice on putting a p bass pickup into my Fender JMJ to replace the original. I know it will take a little routing in the body and a new pickguard, which I am comfortable with. However, I need advice on if the string spacing from a P bass to Mustang (I'm reading from 19mm to 17mm) may have an impact on things?

Is this really an issue?

What are you hoping to gain? This is like putting a Honda accord engine in your corvette.

 

[PNC7]

For what it's worth, I kind of did the opposite (replaced the P in my PJ Mustang with a Nordstrand NM4) and it works and sounds totally fine. Not sure if the JMJ pickups / covers are the same as the NM4s though.

 

[SpyderX]

Shouldn;t affect the sound. String spacing on the mustangs is narrower than a P, the strings should easily be within magnetic range of the polepieces

Post in thread 'JMJ Signature Road Worn Mustang!'

Sep 21, 2022

OK, I just measured the string spacing and pickup pole spacing on my 2017 Daphne JMJ mustang...

These measurements are for the E-A strings:

The spacing at the bridge saddles (center to center) is 17mm (0.67")

The spacing BETWEEN the strings (inner edge to inner edge) exactly over the pickup poles is 14mm (0.55")
The spacing of the strings center to center over the pickup poles is 16mm (0.63")

The EXACT spacing of the pickup poles from center to center is 19mm (0.75")
That doesn't match either of the "versions" shown above!

Notice that the pickup poles are actually more widely spaced...

• KenB

• 

What are you hoping to gain? This is like putting a Honda accord engine in your corvette.

And this. I get it,.. but Ive also heard worse ideas. Mustangs were meant to be hot rodded (IMO). I personally wouldn't do it to a JMJ. That's my vote for a reconsider.

 

[JBabineaux]

What are you hoping to gain? This is like putting a Honda accord engine in your corvette.

Man, I just love Hondas

 

[sonic boogaloo]

i'm not sure i would consider a mod for a JMJ...

 

[JBabineaux]

Shouldn;t affect the sound. String spacing on the mustangs is narrower than a P, the strings should easily be within magnetic range of the polepieces

Post in thread 'JMJ Signature Road Worn Mustang!'

Sep 21, 2022

OK, I just measured the string spacing and pickup pole spacing on my 2017 Daphne JMJ mustang...

These measurements are for the E-A strings:

The spacing at the bridge saddles (center to center) is 17mm (0.67")

The spacing BETWEEN the strings (inner edge to inner edge) exactly over the pickup poles is 14mm (0.55")
The spacing of the strings center to center over the pickup poles is 16mm (0.63")

The EXACT spacing of the pickup poles from center to center is 19mm (0.75")
That doesn't match either of the "versions" shown above!

Notice that the pickup poles are actually more widely spaced...

• KenB

• 

And this. I get it,.. but Ive also heard worse ideas. Mustangs were meant to be hot rodded (IMO). I personally wouldn't do it to a JMJ. That's my vote for a reconsider.

Thanks this is really helpful with the measurements!

 

[Ostie]

i'm not sure i would consider a mod for a JMJ...

Nope. Maybe a MIM or a Squier, but not a JMJ. Not me.

 

[burpgun]

Looking for some advice on putting a p bass pickup into my Fender JMJ to replace the original. I know it will take a little routing in the body and a new pickguard, which I am comfortable with. However, I need advice on if the string spacing from a P bass to Mustang (I'm reading from 19mm to 17mm) may have an impact on things?

Is this really an issue?

Wouldn't it just be better, maybe even cheaper, to pick up a Mustang PJ? Only difference would be the relic factor.

 

[Brandon Shea]

I'm pretty sure the pickup would work fine, but like others have mentioned, I'd be hesitant to mod the JMJ like that. I'm sure you can find a Player Mustang (or even a Sire U5) that already comes with a P Bass pickup if you want that specific tone.

 

[gln1955]

Have you plyed a Mustang with a P pickup? Is it really that much different?

 

[leonard]

Don't do that!

Nordstrand NM4 pickup has twin poles. It brings a little bit of P-bass vibe to a Mustang. A tiny bit less attack and more mids.

Other than that there's plenty of beautiful Mustangs out there that have a P-bass pickup from the factory.

 

[blastoff]

i have a vintage mustang that had been modified for a P pickup and i don't recommend it. the string spacing isnt the issue so much as the scale difference between the EA and the DG coils. On a full scale 34" precision bass, that inch or so of difference isn't quite as noticeable as its a smaller ratio of the overall scale length. but on a 30" that 1" difference is a significant enough ratio that EA sounds like a different instrument than DG. would the audience notice? of course not, but to me its noticeable enough that im really not into it. if anything a reverse P would be better, but i agree that you should try upgraded Mustang pickups first and preserve the unique magic that is a Fender Mustang.

 

[ghostdog93]

I'm going to agree with most everything already said here, and would just look for upscale Mustang pickups if you really feel the need.

My Squier VM Mustang is bone stock, right down to the "Duncan Designed" pickups. In 12 years I've never felt the need to upgrade them. Having played a number of the Fender Mustang PJs, I really don't think you would gain all that much with a P pickup anyway.

 

[ped]

I say go for it, but I have two modded 'stangs. As for pole pieces, it doesn't matter. One of mine has a thunderbird pickup and the other has DiMarzio js. The former is a blade type magnet and the latter has poles. The neck pickup poles don't align with the strings much but it makes zero difference.

 

[funkinbottom]

I say go for it,

Agree. Do it, make your bass how you want it.

 

[JimmyM]

i'm not sure i would consider a mod for a JMJ...

That's what I said once, only to find Justin loving and encouraging the idea of people modding them. Easy for him to say when he's JMJ . But that's his stance on it. Me, I would probably not do it. But if our OP does it, then I'm sure Justin would like to see a pic when it's finished.

 

[Luckydog]

I think the JMJ Duncan pups are very nice, I would leave them. Best mods for a JMJ (IMO), is by shielding and grounding, then replacing those fender flats with some stiff stainless rounds. Done.

 

[Lammchop93]

I say go for it, but I have two modded 'stangs. As for pole pieces, it doesn't matter. One of mine has a thunderbird pickup and the other has DiMarzio js. The former is a blade type magnet and the latter has poles. The neck pickup poles don't align with the strings much but it makes zero difference.

I'd love to see a picture of a mustang with a Thunderbird pickup!

 

[ped]

I'd love to see a picture of a mustang with a Thunderbird pickup!

Here you go!