Fender Mustang Club

[Real Soon]

Hey y'all, is this a thing with shortscales? Maybe it's still the honeymoon phase, but... I can't find a dead spot on the neck, in the usual spot or anywhere else. It rings fat & full everywhere.

I'm getting used to the tone changing a bit more at far ends of the neck, but that's a useful characteristic to exploit, but if I'm also truly free of dead spots, this thing is about to earn itself a place in my studio recording sessions.

Along those lines, I just recently scored a Barber Linen EQ, and it makes this puppy sound like it's got sub bass depth. So good

 

[PotsdamBass8]

Hey y'all, is this a thing with shortscales? Maybe it's still the honeymoon phase, but... I can't find a dead spot on the neck, in the usual spot or anywhere else. It rings fat & full everywhere.

I'm getting used to the tone changing a bit more at far ends of the neck, but that's a useful characteristic to exploit, but if I'm also truly free of dead spots, this thing is about to earn itself a place in my studio recording sessions.

Along those lines, I just recently scored a Barber Linen EQ, and it makes this puppy sound like it's got sub bass depth. So good

Yeah, I noticed this on my PJ as well. Every note rings well.


I’ve been practicing outside with a new cover band (70s and 80s) and I’m really loving this bass it’s so comfortable, and I’m just finding great tones that works with everything. I can’t imagine going to a long scale again, which is making me really think about getting rid of my 5 string. I’d love to get a SS 5 string, but a JMJ sounds tempting too. But do I need either? ....nope!

 

[Real Soon]

Yeah, I noticed this on my PJ as well. Every note rings well.


I’ve been practicing outside with a new cover band (70s and 80s) and I’m really loving this bass it’s so comfortable, and I’m just finding great tones that works with everything. I can’t imagine going to a long scale again, which is making me really think about getting rid of my 5 string. I’d love to get a SS 5 string, but a JMJ sounds tempting too. But do I need either? ....nope!

Funny you mention the 70s, as I'm looking at getting my mod on and have my eye on the EMG Geezer Butler pickup set (reportedly, noiseless J pickup along with the beefy signature P one).

I'm already coming to appreciate the versatility of the stock controls, but wonder how hard it'd be to take the Vol/Vol/Tone pot set that comes with the EMGs and convert it to Blend/Vol/Tone. Or maybe just drop in a V/V/T/T harness and find something fun to do with the switch.

None of this modification is necessary, either heh...though getting no J pup noise is a mighty nice prospect.

 

[PotsdamBass8]

Funny you mention the 70s, as I'm looking at getting my mod on and have my eye on the EMG Geezer Butler pickup set (reportedly, noiseless J pickup along with the beefy signature P one).

I'm already coming to appreciate the versatility of the stock controls, but wonder how hard it'd be to take the Vol/Vol/Tone pot set that comes with the EMGs and convert it to Blend/Vol/Tone. Or maybe just drop in a V/V/T/T harness and find something fun to do with the switch.

None of this modification is necessary, either heh...though getting no J pup noise is a mighty nice prospect.

I thought I saw someone say that you can just ask EMG for an extender to be able to wire one of the pots where the switch is. I know EMG sent me a wire for free when I needed one. It’s worth a shot.

Lately I’ve been really enjoying the blend slightly toward the P pickup but almost in the middle. That’s a setting you can’t get with the switch.

 

[Real Soon]

I thought I saw someone say that you can just ask EMG for an extender to be able to wire one of the pots where the switch is. I know EMG sent me a wire for free when I needed one. It’s worth a shot.

Lately I’ve been really enjoying the blend slightly toward the P pickup but almost in the middle. That’s a setting you can’t get with the switch.

I got inspired to start scrolling back, and found someone with a similar setup... and I decided that keeping the amount of effort low for now will suit me. I just emailed EMG, and if they can help me get Vol/Vol on the plate and Tone over on the lower bout, that'll suit me just fine for the time being. Those subtle mix blends are something I'd really love. Preciate the pointer!

 

[Real Soon]

Counters the (slight) neck dive the bass had with the lollipops. The Gotohs are less than half the weight of the lollipops (38g vs. 78g).

edit: Also, thanks!

Those the HB10-L tuners?

.... still got 'em by any chance?

 

[bmusic]

I’ve been practicing outside with a new cover band (70s and 80s) and I’m really loving this bass it’s so comfortable, and I’m just finding great tones that works with everything. I can’t imagine going to a long scale again, which is making me really think about getting rid of my 5 string. I’d love to get a SS 5 string, but a JMJ sounds tempting too. But do I need either? ....nope!

I got into the Mustang when I got a 70s tribute band going a couple years ago. I saw one being played in the “Stuck in the Middle with You” video and once I got an identical MIJ reissue in my hands, it was my go-to.

This is my new old baby—actually picked this up around the time the band dissolved (alas), but only just got around to replacing the warpy old black pickguard. So this is her today, on what I guess you could call

NBD 1976 Mustang Mocha...

PS As long as I was replacing the pg, I also ordered a black one so I could return her to factory spec (and kept the original, so I can possibly return her to factory original).

 

[TraktorBass]

Those the HB10-L tuners?

.... still got 'em by any chance?

If the original tuners on a 2019 Vintera Mustang are HB10-Ls, then yes.

Still have them, but I’m not exactly in your neighbourhood..

 

[TraktorBass]

I got into the Mustang when I got a 70s tribute band going a couple years ago. I saw one being played in the “Stuck in the Middle with You” video and once I got an identical MIJ reissue in my hands, it was my go-to.

This is my new old baby—actually picked this up around the time the band dissolved (alas), but only just got around to replacing the warpy old black pickguard. So this is her today, on what I guess you could call

NBD 1976 Mustang Mocha...

View attachment 3876828 View attachment 3876829

PS As long as I was replacing the pg, I also ordered a black one so I could return her to factory spec (and kept the original, so I can possibly return her to factory original).

That is one beautiful finish, love it.

 

[by_gaslight]

Would love to know how you get on with this.

I'm number #99. I actually sold my JMJ and I have a PJ Mustang now. I know people usually go the other way around, I don't know what to tell you just something about the PJ appeals to me.

I'd love to get a set of GZR butlers but I quite like having a selector switch I'm not that bothered about blending.

Do you think you can just use one of the volume pots you get with the GZR set as master volume, one master tone and the EMG 3 way switch and keep things similar to the stock electronics layout. Or is there something I'm missing that means that wouldn't work?

I got inspired to start scrolling back, and found someone with a similar setup... and I decided that keeping the amount of effort low for now will suit me. I just emailed EMG, and if they can help me get Vol/Vol on the plate and Tone over on the lower bout, that'll suit me just fine for the time being. Those subtle mix blends are something I'd really love. Preciate the pointer!

 

[PotsdamBass8]

Would love to know how you get on with this.

I'm number #99. I actually sold my JMJ and I have a PJ Mustang now. I know people usually go the other way around, I don't know what to tell you just something about the PJ appeals to me.

I'd love to get a set of GZR butlers but I quite like having a selector switch I'm not that bothered about blending.

Do you think you can just use one of the volume pots you get with the GZR set as master volume, one master tone and the EMG 3 way switch and keep things similar to the stock electronics layout. Or is there something I'm missing that means that wouldn't work?

You don’t have to use any of the supplied pots if you don’t want, or any combination of the supplied stuff and the existing. You just remove the clips on the ends of the quick connect wires and solder them. So if you want to just put the pickups in, just solder them up to the switch like you would any other pickups.

 

[Real Soon]

Do you think you can just use one of the volume pots you get with the GZR set as master volume, one master tone and the EMG 3 way switch and keep things similar to the stock electronics layout. Or is there something I'm missing that means that wouldn't work?

Absolutely! My plan a little further down the road is to use the stock harness as a template and rewire the two main knobs back to Vol & Tone, and remote switch/knob as a blend. Either a separate set of wires I solder in or cannibalizing the EMG clips. Doing that with a 3-way switch, you'd just have a bit of soldering to do and it'd be good to go.

You don’t have to use any of the supplied pots if you don’t want, or any combination of the supplied stuff and the existing. You just remove the clips on the ends of the quick connect wires and solder them. So if you want to just put the pickups in, just solder them up to the switch like you would any other pickups.

Reminds me, I need to get a soldering iron that puts out more heat than my current little craft electronics one. It's annoyingly lukewarm heh

 

[Bobhmcs]

Absolutely! My plan a little further down the road is to use the stock harness as a template and rewire the two main knobs back to Vol & Tone, and remote switch/knob as a blend. Either a separate set of wires I solder in or cannibalizing the EMG clips. Doing that with a 3-way switch, you'd just have a bit of soldering to do and it'd be good to go.



Reminds me, I need to get a soldering iron that puts out more heat than my current little craft electronics one. It's annoyingly lukewarm heh

You might try a Sealody SSA51 soldering station. I use that model and when it gives the temp that IS what the iron is at. Quite reasonable on various sites.
;[)
Bob

 

[Bobhmcs]

Hi all thought I would drop in and see what is happening in the old stable hutch. Life has not let up on me much but I hang in there. I have had 3 Mustang's ready to be shipped my way and all fell through due to this social isolation issue. I have a plan for a Mustang PJ and GAS for a Performer. But as it turns out they will have to be put on hold for a short period. My grandson has just returned from Oakland Children's Hospital after having a hole patched between the top chambers of his heart. He is fine and when I hear him mad or fussing it is music to my ears. This is very common in premature children and he was 3 months premature. So funding went a different direction. But I am back on track and hopefully will have a NBD shortly.
That's enough rambling from my end. I am following this thread so keep up the good modding and upgrading.
Be well and be safe.
Talk at you all soon.
;[)
Bob

 

[Real Soon]

You might try a Sealody SSA51 soldering station. I use that model and when it gives the temp that IS what the iron is at. Quite reasonable on various sites.
;[)
Bob

Those look like the real deal and at a realistic price! The one I have right now is a wire plugged into a wall and connected to a handheld device that heats up slowly and insufficiently, and I don't trust it to do much these days. I think I'll try me a SSA51

 

[Real Soon]

Hipshot Kickass bridge got in today, and it confirmed my suspicion: the factory got overzealous with ensuring good action down the road by positioning the neck so far "back" that I have to almost top the bridge out. Also, I'm gonna need to either file screws down or ask Hipshot if they have any shorter ones... but just barely, I got the new bridge installed and properly intonated, and action at least ballpark.

I think I'm going to reverse-shim the neck, though, via a Stewmac .25º blank. Guess that means this bass's neck is slated to be good for the next 60 years or so, eh? Good problem to have!

The Kickass is really awesome though, and I swear I can hear the strings resonating with fewer overtones / a bit more warmth with the brass inserts.

So, I know I'm in here posting details like an excited kid, and I'm most assuredly an excited 38-yr-old kid with this thing. haha

 

[dmt]

Hipshot Kickass bridge got in today, and it confirmed my suspicion: the factory got overzealous with ensuring good action down the road by positioning the neck so far "back" that I have to almost top the bridge out. Also, I'm gonna need to either file screws down or ask Hipshot if they have any shorter ones... but just barely, I got the new bridge installed and properly intonated, and action at least ballpark.

I think I'm going to reverse-shim the neck, though, via a Stewmac .25º blank. Guess that means this bass's neck is slated to be good for the next 60 years or so, eh? Good problem to have!

The Kickass is really awesome though, and I swear I can hear the strings resonating with fewer overtones / a bit more warmth with the brass inserts.

So, I know I'm in here posting details like an excited kid, and I'm most assuredly an excited 38-yr-old kid with this thing. haha

My Hipshot SuperTone just barely intonated, too (either the D or the G string, I forget which and the bass isn’t with me) was at the absolute rearmost limit of its travel when it intonated - but intonated it did! Everything’s perfect, so I’m happy. I’ve heard of other people having to get new, shorter screws from Hipshot though - they really oughtta include such in the package then. But anyway, like you, I’m satisfied as the saddles on my Hipshot were able to get to where I needed them to, and I love the bridge’s overall adjustability.

Congrats on getting yours on there and dialed in

 

[dmt]

I got into the Mustang when I got a 70s tribute band going a couple years ago. I saw one being played in the “Stuck in the Middle with You” video and once I got an identical MIJ reissue in my hands, it was my go-to.

This is my new old baby—actually picked this up around the time the band dissolved (alas), but only just got around to replacing the warpy old black pickguard. So this is her today, on what I guess you could call

NBD 1976 Mustang Mocha...

View attachment 3876828 View attachment 3876829

PS As long as I was replacing the pg, I also ordered a black one so I could return her to factory spec (and kept the original, so I can possibly return her to factory original).

Looks great!

 

[Shorty3]

Anybody knows if a Mustang PJ neck would fit into a Mustang Vintera body? I already have a Mustang PJ and am considering a Vintera but no shops have them so I should buy online. I would like to swap necks because I like the original Mustang body and pickup looks but I do not want to have to remove the neck each time I have to adjust the truss rod, so a Vintera body with a PJ neck would be ideal.
I know there is the Squier Mustang but I want it to be Fender and also with maple fretboard (my Mustang PJ has a maple fretboard).

 

[Real Soon]

Anybody knows if a Mustang PJ neck would fit into a Mustang Vintera body? I already have a Mustang PJ and am considering a Vintera but no shops have them so I should buy online. I would like to swap necks because I like the original Mustang body and pickup looks but I do not want to have to remove the neck each time I have to adjust the truss rod, so a Vintera body with a PJ neck would be ideal.
I know there is the Squier Mustang but I want it to be Fender and also with maple fretboard (my Mustang PJ has a maple fretboard).

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but they should all be a direct fit. This is in the same way that a Jazz bass neck will fit into a Precision bass's neck pocket, and those two have at least as much a difference in nut width and fretboard radius, on average, across the various models.

And I agree, the maple fretboard is just classy.