Fender Mustang Club

[Cran]

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I do not have the links for the other threads handy ATM, but yes, the conclusion recently reached by several of us was that [unlike most of the Mustangs which only have the small split pickup] the American Performer Mustang has the two halves of the small split pickup externally wired IN PHASE with each other and with the bridge pickup [no voodoo, really], AND, like most other small pickup Mustangs, the magnets are pointing in the same direction in both halves, and the coils of both halves are wound also in the same direction.

So in essence, electrically speaking, the American Performer Mustang bass has a single coil neck pickup like a standard passive wired Jazz bass, but constructed in two pieces to maintain the look, which ironically yields a cheap performance from Fender's most expensive currently produced Mustang bass.

As a consequence, same as with a standard passive wired Jazz, an American Performer Mustang also can suffer from hum when each pickup is soloed, and can cancel the hum if both pickups are set to a similar volume.

One noteworthy exception to things apparently are the small split pickup Mustangs which were made in Japan, which have a small split pickup wired like a typical Precision bass, where the winding direction of one half is reversed, and the magnet pole direction of one half is also reversed, thus cancelling hum while keeping the signal of all strings in phase with one another, and as a result having no issues if a non-split bridge pickup gets added, externally wired in correct phase with the split pickup, same as on a typical PJ bass.

If you managed to snag a small split pickup from a Japanese Mustang, your experiment might be successful, but bear in mind that your current Jazz type bridge pickup could still have hum, just like on most PJ basses.

Someone might have posted, but I forget without searching, what internal pickup construction is in play with any Squier Mustang CV or VM basses which only have a small split Mustang style pickup.

I hope that the above partial summary helps.
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Oh my god, I've been looking for a message from the universe like this!
I've always thought that the neck pickup on my American Performer wasn't up to snuff, output-wise or sound-wise, and was really worried that it had grounding issues with the (seemingly) split coil pickup humming. That's super annoying to learn, now the hypothetical pickup upgrade I've been considering has turned into a very real thing I should probably do. Thanks for the info!

 

[DavesnothereCA]

Oh my god, I've been looking for a message from the universe like this!
I've always thought that the neck pickup on my American Performer wasn't up to snuff, output-wise or sound-wise, and was really worried that it had grounding issues with the (seemingly) split coil pickup humming. That's super annoying to learn, now the hypothetical pickup upgrade I've been considering has turned into a very real thing I should probably do. Thanks for the info!

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Yer welcome !

Bear in mind though that the small split pickup of your Am Perf Mustang is likely the same pickup as in plenty of other Mustang models, except that unlike those others, it is externally wired to be in phase with itself, so that it can also be in phase with the added Jazz pickup next to the bridge.

That said, if you still wish to find other Mustang-sized split pickups which will fit instead, some of the pickup companies do make such a beast.

Like the various Mustang models to which I have been referring during my last few posts, those aftermarket pickups have also been fairly recently discussed either in this thread and/or a couple of others, sometime during this August thru to now.

I'll try to remember to look at my bookmarks, to see whether I have any of the posts/threads saved, and post links if I do.
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[Cran]

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Yer welcome !

Bear in mind though that the small split pickup of your Am Perf Mustang is likely the same pickup as in plenty of other Mustang models, except that unlike those others, it is externally wired to be in phase with itself, so that it can also be in phase with the added Jazz pickup next to the bridge.

That said, if you still wish to find other Mustang-sized split pickups which will fit instead, some of the pickup companies do make such a beast.

Like the various Mustang models to which I have been referring during my last few posts, those aftermarket pickups have also been fairly recently discussed either in this thread and/or a couple of others, sometime during this August thru to now.

I'll try to remember to look at my bookmarks, to see whether I have any of the posts/threads saved, and post links if I do.
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I'll definitely keep that in mind. I was already considering going to a separate pickup company (Nordstrand was who I was thinking of, I really like their stuff) and getting a nice set for it. I was thinking about putting the 51 Split J in the bridge and their NM4 in the neck, so that it sounds a bit less like a baby J bass and more like its own thing. The focus is definitely the Mustang pickup however; I want it to be hotter, have more... mojo, if you will. The pickup that is currently in my bass is not the pickup that makes me think "wow, *that's* why Mustangs are popular!"
You know?

 

[Greywoulf]

Here's my customized American Performer Mustang. I bought it back in the spring, and just finished customizing it. The customizations include a walnut nitro finish, a Spitfire pickguard (Vintage Burgundy/Bright Red mix), Hipshot lollipop tuners, a bone nut, and mother of pearl dots. (It was originally sunburst poly with a white pearloid guard.)

I actually was able to remove the stock white plastic dots and insert the mother of pearl dots myself. It's a bit nerve-wracking, but not as difficult as you might imagine. The dots don't really show up in these low-light indoor photos, but they look good in person.
View attachment 4406955View attachment 4406956 View attachment 4406958 View attachment 4406959 View attachment 4406960 View attachment 4406961

Tres cool IMO! -Looks like those pups are spitting fire!!

 

[shoulderpet]

I have a question for those that have a PJ Mustang that have swapped out the pickguard, the pickup selector switch seems very firmly attached to the pickguard, how do you remove it from the pickguard? thanks

 

[CPB2019]

I have a question for those that have a PJ Mustang that have swapped out the pickguard, the pickup selector switch seems very firmly attached to the pickguard, how do you remove it from the pickguard? thanks

I’ve never done it on a PJ Mustang, but I’ve always used a small set of channellock pliers with some tape on the jaws (to minimize marring) to remove the ring nut. There’s a special tool to tighten and remove ring nuts, but I don’t have one.

Edit: just realize that you may not know what the ring nut is. It is on the outside of the pickguard and is threaded on to the barrel of the selector switch. On one guitar I have it is actually looks like a traditional nut and is easier to remove with a socket set. On my others it is knurled like this:

 

[Oatis]

Does anyone know of a music store with a new maple neck Mustang PJ ? Chicago Music Exchange has some pink Mustang PJ 's but I wanted a cream/blonde version. Or blue (any shade).I think they are up to $750 now. The Sire U5 seems to be $600 now (was$500) I might go for a mint U5.

 

[shoulderpet]

I’ve never done it on a PJ Mustang, but I’ve always used a small set of channellock pliers with some tape on the jaws (to minimize marring) to remove the ring nut. There’s a special tool to tighten and remove ring nuts, but I don’t have one.

Edit: just realize that you may not know what the ring nut is. It is on the outside of the pickguard and is threaded on to the barrel of the selector switch. On one guitar I have it is actually looks like a traditional nut and is easier to remove with a socket set. On my others it is knurled like this:

View attachment 4455663

Thanks,Yeah the ring on the top of the pickguard turns and twists off but there seems to be something else that is keeping the switch in place

 

[CPB2019]

Thanks,Yeah the ring on the top of the pickguard turns and twists off but there seems to be something else that is keeping the switch in place

Huh - maybe the tolerance is tighter than normal. I’d try to twist the pickguard off the the top of the switch similar to the nut. The only other thing I can think of is some of the adhesive from the shielding is keeping it in place. I’ve changed pickguard, switches and pickups plenty of times and I can’t think of anything else, particularly on fenders.

 

[Iommian]

Hey everyone! Thought I'd add to the Mustang Club with my modded JMJ.

I also had a question that my searches have come up empty handed - Does anyone know specific dimensions of the JMJ neck pocket? I'm looking to inquire about a custom neck for my Mustang and I don't have any precise measuring tools at hand.

For modding reference, there is a Curtis Novak BS-DS in the neck (with coil tap) and a Serek B90 in the bridge. The control switch plate is on/off for each pickup and the third toggles the coil tap. And for silliness the original knobs were replaced with old DOD 250 knobs because I liked the look of them.

 

[Robot.G]

Hey everyone! Thought I'd add to the Mustang Club with my modded JMJ.

I also had a question that my searches have come up empty handed - Does anyone know specific dimensions of the JMJ neck pocket? I'm looking to inquire about a custom neck for my Mustang and I don't have any precise measuring tools at hand.

View attachment 4458249

For modding reference, there is a Curtis Novak BS-DS in the neck (with coil tap) and a Serek B90 in the bridge. The control switch plate is on/off for each pickup and the third toggles the coil tap. And for silliness the original knobs were replaced with old DOD 250 knobs because I liked the look of them.

Looks sweet! How are you liking the mods?

 

[Iommian]

Looks sweet! How are you liking the mods?

I like them a lot. While I did really like the stock pickups, it just wasn't the sound I wanted. I love the Mustang shape and the ergonomics of the body for my personal playing style but I wanted a set up pickups that were a little more versatile, especially with the wide variety of effects I use.

Both of them feel and play differently soloed, which I like. The B90 has a really smooth and and defined top end (to my ears) and plays really well with filter effects, which I use a lot. The BS-DS has a very robust and wide sounding low end and can cop a great old-school/Motown vibe with the tone control dialed in and plays nicely with octave pedals. Still though nothing against the original pickups as they are great, still have them stored away somewhere

 

[Cran]

Hey everyone! Thought I'd add to the Mustang Club with my modded JMJ.

I also had a question that my searches have come up empty handed - Does anyone know specific dimensions of the JMJ neck pocket? I'm looking to inquire about a custom neck for my Mustang and I don't have any precise measuring tools at hand.

View attachment 4458249

For modding reference, there is a Curtis Novak BS-DS in the neck (with coil tap) and a Serek B90 in the bridge. The control switch plate is on/off for each pickup and the third toggles the coil tap. And for silliness the original knobs were replaced with old DOD 250 knobs because I liked the look of them.

This is beautiful! I love the colour combination. Quite similar to one of the original ideas I had for a mustang project before I got my hands on my American performer, too. Love seeing these modded beasts!

 

[Lowendchamp]

I was wondering why I was favoring my AP Mustang lately since it does have some hum but being a more Jazz bass type guy it makes sense about the wiring. Thanks guys good info!

 

[shoulderpet]

Huh - maybe the tolerance is tighter than normal. I’d try to twist the pickguard off the the top of the switch similar to the nut. The only other thing I can think of is some of the adhesive from the shielding is keeping it in place. I’ve changed pickguard, switches and pickups plenty of times and I can’t think of anything else, particularly on fenders.

Thanks, managed to get the pickguard off, was just a very tight fitting pickguard around the switch area

Now, what colour to go with the pickguard? My Mustang is a weird shade of Sonic blue, its more like white with a mint green hue to it, would be so much easier to choose if it was a plain white

I am trying to decide between the below colours, mint green pearl, blue pearl, purple pearl and gold pearl, I know mint green would definitely work but its also not the most exciting choice

The below is probably the closest colour wise I have seen online to my Mustang but mine is a little more green than the one in the pic and the tinge is on mine is slightly more subtle

 

[CPB2019]

Thanks, managed to get the pickguard off, was just a very tight fitting pickguard around the switch area

Now, what colour to go with the pickguard? My Mustang is a weird shade of Sonic blue, its more like white with a mint green hue to it, would be so much easier to choose if it was a plain white

I am trying to decide between the below colours, mint green pearl, blue pearl, purple pearl and gold pearl, I know mint green would definitely work but its also not the most exciting choice

View attachment 4459778

The below is probably the closest colour wise I have seen online to my Mustang but mine is a little more green than the one in the pic and the tinge is on mine is slightly more subtle
View attachment 4459799

I’d got for contrast, either darker color or different color. And maybe matte?

 

[CPB2019]

Thanks, managed to get the pickguard off, was just a very tight fitting pickguard around the switch area

Now, what colour to go with the pickguard? My Mustang is a weird shade of Sonic blue, its more like white with a mint green hue to it, would be so much easier to choose if it was a plain white

I am trying to decide between the below colours, mint green pearl, blue pearl, purple pearl and gold pearl, I know mint green would definitely work but its also not the most exciting choice

View attachment 4459778

The below is probably the closest colour wise I have seen online to my Mustang but mine is a little more green than the one in the pic and the tinge is on mine is slightly more subtle
View attachment 4459799

Oh, and some sites have lots of options, although you may need to trace your pickguard. That’s what I did for this one.

 

[Tex Bass]

Thanks, managed to get the pickguard off, was just a very tight fitting pickguard around the switch area

Now, what colour to go with the pickguard? My Mustang is a weird shade of Sonic blue, its more like white with a mint green hue to it, would be so much easier to choose if it was a plain white

I am trying to decide between the below colours, mint green pearl, blue pearl, purple pearl and gold pearl, I know mint green would definitely work but its also not the most exciting choice

View attachment 4459778

The below is probably the closest colour wise I have seen online to my Mustang but mine is a little more green than the one in the pic and the tinge is on mine is slightly more subtle
View attachment 4459799

Black is best! (But I may be a little biased)

 

[SoulReflection]

Black is best! (But I may be a little biased)

View attachment 4459884

Black is a lot better than white (light) but, various versions of tort are good as well...

 

[DavesnothereCA]

Oh, and some sites have lots of options, although you may need to trace your pickguard. That’s what I did for this one.

View attachment 4459839

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I like that - prob'ly one of a kind, too.

And then there's the custom coloured cab !
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