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Fender Mustang Club

#764
Well I am getting out of the 34" products and going to the 30 - I just now bought this here on TB - so can I get in the club.

F53336FB-8AA5-45A3-B412-4DC47FE56905.jpeg.jpg
 
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#767
Well, I just finished the cosmetics on my Sonic Blue. I went with a aged pearl guard and ivory P/U covers, knobs and switch button. Strung it with Monel Flats. I kinda like this little guy and I'm a Jazz Bass player!! Just wish I could of found the right colored knobs, I even tried soaking them in brown stain and it didn't work.
 

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#768
mobass55 said:
Well, I just finished the cosmetics on my Sonic Blue. I went with a aged pearl guard and ivory P/U covers, knobs and switch button. Strung it with Monel Flats. I kinda like this little guy and I'm a Jazz Bass player!! Just wish I could of found the right colored knobs, I even tried soaking them in brown stain and it didn't work.
Click to expand...

If the knobs are an issue, how about chrome P Bass-style knobs? I had some on my white Mustang for about five minutes but couldn't get on with the look. You've gone for quite a sweet look, so the chrome of the knobs would match the bridge and the control plate, keeping it all tied together visually.
 
#774
I myself am looking for new pickguard as well. All that I seem to find are custom made, expensive, or have the theme of a 4 year old.
I am not having any playability issues with the stock guard nor is it damaged, it is strickly asthetics.
Personally I can't stand the color.
If anyone knows of a place where I can find one that is bone white with black piping and doesn't require a template or the guard itself and is reasonably priced it would be greatly appreciated. Or if you have any experience in re-coloring the stock guard I would be most grateful as well.
 
#775
Bobhmcs said:
Here are the results of the upgrades for my Mustang PJ and are BEYOND desire and expectations.

The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound pickup set (SPB-3/SJB-3) provided the sound and feel that I was looking for. The upgrade is not a replacement for my '72 Precision but it does come alot closer than any of the Stock PJ'S that I test drove. They have a punch and thump that can turn heads. Also I can turn my Marshall system down to appropriate levels (from 6 to 3) as to not over power the rest of the equipment in the group which was my biggest dilemma.
The Hipshot Highmass bridge provided suprising results. First, setting the intonation and action with brand new D'addario XL Nickel Round Wounds took all of 5 minutes. Plus a suprising result was that the new bridge relieved what little neck dive there was by having just that little extra weight to counteract the extra on the headstock. This was the first time I have performed standing. What a rush!
Finally the Switch. That replacement Switchcraft Short Frame removed all hiss crackling and snap that was there previously.

The bottom line to all of this work and outlay is that I now have a instrument with all of the playability, and functionality that I was looking for to relieve the physical limitations that the Severe RA and Parkinsons have inflicted, with the sound and feeling that I was used to.

As I told a friend recently, If I can get back a little of what I once had by installing $200 worth of upgrades instead of paying three grand for a custom made instrument it would be a win/win result.

Here are the looks after the upgrade and replacements.View attachment 3057487
Click to expand...

Im close in age - but the weight on my shoulders gets me. So I picked up a JMJ - it is posted on page 37 or 38 I think.

But my question - when you did your mods to your bass - did you change out the controls (sorry I did not see any info there). If it pans out I will next get a newer P/J Mustang and start to work.

Thanks for your info.
 
#776
Bobhmcs said:
I myself am looking for new pickguard as well. All that I seem to find are custom made, expensive, or have the theme of a 4 year old.
I am not having any playability issues with the stock guard nor is it damaged, it is strickly asthetics.
Personally I can't stand the color.
If anyone knows of a place where I can find one that is bone white with black piping and doesn't require a template or the guard itself and is reasonably priced it would be greatly appreciated. Or if you have any experience in re-coloring the stock guard I would be most grateful as well.
Click to expand...

You my want to contact these people:

Chandler Music <[email protected]>

They're in Chico, CA, cost $65.00 with a two week turnaround.
 
#777
LennyJ said:
Im close in age - but the weight on my shoulders gets me. So I picked up a JMJ - it is posted on page 37 or 38 I think.

But my question - when you did your mods to your bass - did you change out the controls (sorry I did not see any info there). If it pans out I will next get a newer P/J Mustang and start to work.

Thanks for your info.
Click to expand...

No I didn't change out any of the controls. The closest I came was to replace the 3 way switch with a Switchcraft short stem which solved the issues with the stock switch. I have seen some discussions on changing the volume and tone controls in other threads here on TB but I can't remember exactly which ones.
So what you saw in my description of the mods is pretty much everything that was done.
A side note is that the high mass bridge had a secondary benefit in that due to it's weight it aided in the balance of the bass itself and reduced the neck dive greatly. Not completely but it was surprising. I have not played or practiced standing in 6 years due to my RA and sat all the time. So I didn't really notice the dive much. I mention this because of what you said about your shoulder.
Now if I could just get rid of that gawdawful "mint" green pickguard I believe my mods will be complete.
I hope this helps. Fell free to contact me if you have any other questions.
Bob
 
#779
I finally got this strung up to my liking with Dunlop flats and played it for an entire band rehearsal. It sounded brilliant! I can't say enough about how it fit into the band mix; fat & pillowy with plenty of attack; but without getting in the way of the guitar or drums. I'm almost bummed that the strings are gonna break in and darken.

Flats played with a pick (most of the time) on a Mustang makes for such a classic rock n roll sound. It cuts through enough for punk, but has echoes of Tommy James, Phil Spector, whoever.

IMG_20180817_083011.jpg
 
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