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Fender Mustang Club

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It’s been a while since Fender made a US Mustang bass but the new American Performer model is on the way.

Fender Launches New American Performer Series Models!
 
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It’s been a while since Fender made a US Mustang bass but the new American Performer model is on the way.

Fender Launches New American Performer Series Models!

I think I really like it.
I've toyed with the idea of building one like that, with Mustang and Jazz pickups - an M/J Mustang instead of a P/J.
I'm wondering if that's a string thru bridge, and I'm not too keen on the sharper upper edges of the bridge.
I like the standard rounded off edges. Other than that, it's just a matter of the price.
 
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The white Mustang PJ looks god awful with the stock pickguard, but simply adding a white pearloid one transforms the entire instrument!

The other day I added a White PJ to my Mustang/Bronco/Mustonco stable. I initially thought I'd rather have a tortoise guard but over the last couple of days the mint guard has grown on me so I decided to keep it for a while. Instead I decided to get some white pickup covers but it will take a while for them to be delivered.

In the meantime I did a couple of small mods by replacing the OEM knobs with witch hats and, since I found the switch to be a bit intrusive, I replaced the switch knob with a cream colored one I shortened up about 3/16" to sit lower on the switch lever and installed a nut behind the pickguard to lower the switch deeper into the body. Now the switch is much less intrusive. I'll most likely be installing Gotoh GB350 tuners sometime in the future.

Edit: I almost forgot, I also installed an additional strap button and longer neck screw at the upper left neck plate hole to improve balance on the strap.
 
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I like the J on my P/J Mustang.
Nice and bright and snarly.
I might replace the P, but I'll leave the J alone.

I also like the regular Mustang pickup better than the Precision pickup in the P/J.
Different strokes, and all that.

OK, but could you explain? If you like the Mustang pickup better than the Precision, could you say why? If its a matter of the music or sound you prefer, could you elaborate? I believe a few of us here would appreciate your input.
 
Meh. The PJ with the pickup selector is where its at. I REALLY like having a pickup selector. I never do anything on my other basses besides full on 1 pickup or both on full anyway.

not a big fan of the way this looks with the little mustang pickups and then the j pickup. looks odd. I wish they'd just go back to making pure mustangs. They nailed this concept with the PJ, why change?

Also agree that the jagged edges on that bridge look bad. What was wrong with the rounded edges?
 
OK, but could you explain? If you like the Mustang pickup better than the Precision, could you say why? If its a matter of the music or sound you prefer, could you elaborate? I believe a few of us here would appreciate your input.

It's a little hard to put into words, but here goes - this refers to a MIJ re-issue with the mustang pickup, and the P pickup on the P/J Mustang.

The MIJ sounds to me a bit thumpier, with a more restricted range of frequencies, and not as 'hi-fi' sounding as the P on the P/J.
This is just from me listening quite closely to them for a while. Same amp, same strings, same settings, except for the volume.
I have to nudge the volume up just a tinch on the MIJ to equal the output of the P/J.

I'm sure the average listener wouldn't hear any difference at all.
And I think even most bass players would probably say the difference is not enough to sway their choice either way.
So, it's definitely a case of YMMV.
 
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Meh. The PJ with the pickup selector is where its at. I REALLY like having a pickup selector. I never do anything on my other basses besides full on 1 pickup or both on full anyway.

not a big fan of the way this looks with the little mustang pickups and then the j pickup. looks odd. I wish they'd just go back to making pure mustangs. They nailed this concept with the PJ, why change?

Also agree that the jagged edges on that bridge look bad. What was wrong with the rounded edges?

I agree about the look of the pickups. It does look odd.
The big J pickup makes the Mustang pickup look even dinkier than it is.
But I'm thinking the sound might be enough to let you forget about the looks,
and you might even grow to like it after a while.

I would like to see them make just a good old fashioned Mustang again.
I guess there's the JMJ Mustang, but I don't like to buy my basses already beat up.

I've had trouble with my 3 way switch cutting in and out. I haven't replaced it yet, just adjusted it.
Each time I think I've got it licked, it starts cutting out again after a while.
I know several people here have replaced the switches. Some with enclosed switches.
But if I stick any money into fixing it, I think I'd rather go with stacked knobs.
 
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Sorry for the late response. Here is the link to where I got the pickguard. It fits well, all the screw holes lined up. I had to loosen the screws on the control plate just a bit and it popped right in.
Tortoise Pickguard for Fender Mustang Bass PJ - High quality replacement! | eBay

Ooh, thank you! Just got my OW Mustang PJ on Friday, and so far I actually really like the stock white/mint green look. I might keep it as is for a while, and maybe change the pg when it's time to replace the selector switch.
I'll post a photo and join the club formally asap!
 
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It's a little hard to put into words, but here goes - this refers to a MIJ re-issue with the mustang pickup, and the P pickup on the P/J Mustang.

The MIJ sounds to me a bit thumpier, with a more restricted range of frequencies, and not as 'hi-fi' sounding as the P on the P/J.
This is just from me listening quite closely to them for a while. Same amp, same strings, same settings, except for the volume.
I have to nudge the volume up just a tinch on the MIJ to equal the output of the P/J.

I'm sure the average listener wouldn't hear any difference at all.
And I think even most bass players would probably say the difference is not enough to sway their choice either way.
So, it's definitely a case of YMMV.

I'd agree with this; I don't have the PJ but I do have a P with Geezer EMGs, and the Mustang is def thumpier. Maybe even more of a one-trick-pony than the P, but that trick sounds so so sweet.
 

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