Fender Mustang Club

[Mekana]

Well - I pretty much did my dual pickup Mustang bass.
Routed two slots for the extra pickups and wired it up with stacked knobs.
I just temporarily cobbled together a piece of aluminum plate to hold the lowest pickup.
I'm still trying to figure out the best method for mounting the lowest pickup.
Putting up a couple 'progress' pics. I still have to make a mount for the lowest pickup,
and I'm going to paint it next spring. That's a ways off, so here's how it is now:


Not sure it was worth the effort as far as sound goes. It doesn't really sound a whole lot different.
The biggest difference is in the highest pickup (towards the neck), and the lowest towards the bridge.
I have it wired for the top two pickups to sound together, and the bottom two pickups to sound together.
The timbre of the top (D&G) strings matches the lower strings (E&A) better this way,
no matter which pair of pickups is sounding, IMO.
Of course, the neck pickups are darker than the bridge.
No so much difference as having a P/J setup,
but the overall sound is different no matter which pickups are sounding.

I like it, but wouldn't do it again.
There's no going back now with that big route below the pick guard.
If I would have just done the top one, it could be covered up with a new pick guard.

Routing all the wires was a PITA too.
I had to cut some channels for them to run through.
When you take the pick guard off, there's just two small routs for the stock Mustang pickups, and the rest looks like a solid body.
There's also a small hidden channel that the wires run through to the control plate.
It looks a bit of a mess now with the pick guard off because I made four extra (visible) channels for wires.
I also had to extend a couple of the wires from the top and bottom pickups because they were too short to reach the controls.

This was just one of those crazy ideas that I've been thinking about for a long time, and I finally got around to trying it.
It's the first project I've tried like this, and I've gained a new found respect for the people who really do it up right.
Lots of mistakes and lessons learned, but I have a bass that I think is pretty unique now.

Forgot to add - the bass is a Squier Vintage Modified Mustang,
and the pickups are Duncan Designed Mustang pickups like what they come stock with.
The stacked knobs were from an early Squier Jaguar long scale that had a warped neck.

Very cool! I would love to hear how those 2 bottom pickups sound... are they significantly more focused than the top two darker sounding pickups? Congrats on your very unique Mustang!

 

[felis]

Very cool! I would love to hear how those 2 bottom pickups sound... are they significantly more focused than the top two darker sounding pickups? Congrats on your very unique Mustang!

Not as much difference as you might expect. The middle two sound just the same of course.
The only difference being that they're no longer paired, so they aren't heard together.

The lowest pickup sounds a touch brighter, but no where near as bright as a J pickup.
It does sound very bright if you play right over it though, but you can still tell that it's a Mustang pickup.

The top D/G pickup sounds much more balanced in timbre, but also darker,
when paired with the original placement of the E/A, than it did before.
Overall, it's mostly a novelty, and a beginning experiment in modding for me.

 

[lowplaces]

I love my TI Flats on my Mustang PJ, but I want Roto 77's on it. The winding length on the 77's is too long for the stock vintage style top-load bridge. Any recommendations for a through body Bridge ?

I can't decide which model to go with.

 

[felis]

If you can't find or decide on a bridge, you might want to try the strings anyways.
I've had long scale Rotosound flats on a Jaguar SS for about 4 years without problems.
There's some threads on how to prep them, but it basically comes down to measuring,
crimping with a pliers at the cutoff point, cutting, crimping again, bending to go into the tuner hole,
and stringing them up.
It's easier to do than it is to describe.

 

[lowplaces]

Won't work. I did install a set of them on my pj. Living hell trying to get it to intonate.

This is what I had to do....

Around the 3-week mark, all four strings were no longer intonated. Just flat-out did not have enough adjustment. And it wasn't just a bad string because all four of them gave me problems.

Seems European string makers consider 32 inch short scale.

I had to thread the E string through ball ends of another set and had to replace the saddle bolt spring will the spring off of a Stratocaster trem assembly.

 

[lowplaces]

Anyhow what little time I had them close to intonated they sounded great.

 

[BassJuju]

Won't work. I did install a set of them on my pj. Living hell trying to get it to intonate.

This is what I had to do....

View attachment 3247192

Around the 3-week mark, all four strings were no longer intonated. Just flat-out did not have enough adjustment. And it wasn't just a bad string because all four of them gave me problems.

Seems European string makers consider 32 inch short scale.

I had to thread the E string through ball ends of another set and had to replace the saddle bolt spring will the spring off of a Stratocaster trem assembly.

I know it isn’t roto’s, but I got a set of the La Bella’s made for mustangs. Something like 760Fl-MUS and the work great. I have rotos on a couple of basses too, so I understand. Maybe that doesn’t help, but I hope it does.

 

[jpmcbride]

Does anyone know if a pickguard from a standard Mustang will fit the JMJ Mustang? From pics this appears to be the case.

 

[Downsman]

I think I'm done tweaking my Mustang PJ. Just put an ivory pearl pickguard on which I feel gives it a bit of a vintage look. I got it second hand so previous owner already switched the pickups to Quarter Pounders. I never heard the original ones so don't know how big a change that is, but they balance well and sound good.

It came with a black Schaller bridge and tuners, with the original tuners missing, so I bought some Hipshot HB10s as a close match, and put the original bridge back on. Just didn't like the look of the black hardware. I put Chrome strings on as well.

Whoever was in charge of the frets had a bad day at the office, so I also took a foam sanding block and sanded the edge of the fretboard after seeing a Youtube video on how to do that. The fretboard edges are now really smooth, even, and lightly rolled, and after lightly sanding the back of the neck a bit I'm really happy with how it plays. Smooth and fast.

I now just have to convince myself to stop looking at Vintage Mustang basses, the new Performer, or the JMJ, as this does everything I want. Wish me luck with that.

 

[Harold Runyan]

Won't work. I did install a set of them on my pj. Living hell trying to get it to intonate.

This is what I had to do....

View attachment 3247192

Around the 3-week mark, all four strings were no longer intonated. Just flat-out did not have enough adjustment. And it wasn't just a bad string because all four of them gave me problems.

Seems European string makers consider 32 inch short scale.

I had to thread the E string through ball ends of another set and had to replace the saddle bolt spring will the spring off of a Stratocaster trem assembly.

Yeah, it's a problem anytime the binding rests on your saddles. This is my only complaint on the MIM Mustang I bought a couple of months ago. Very hard to find flats that do not have this issue! I researched the heck out of the purchase but never considered the flats on the Relic version of this bass from Fender would not work. The Relic uses a string thru bridge. I have another bridge coming but suspect it won't do either. I may have to get out the drill at some point, bite the bullet, and perform a string thru surgery! I'm not looking forward to that but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

 

[felis]

Amazon currently lists 121 sets of short scale strings: https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...targid=kwd-302878840535&ref=pd_sl_ue2taczeh_e

You can also sort by type, including flat wounds.
Sorry to hear you guys have had problems.
Like I said, I've had long scale flats on a short scale bass for four years without any problems.
I also have two standard bridge short scale basses with medium length flat wounds with no problems.

 

[MCF]

I think I'm done tweaking my Mustang PJ. Just put an ivory pearl pickguard on which I feel gives it a bit of a vintage look. I got it second hand so previous owner already switched the pickups to Quarter Pounders. I never heard the original ones so don't know how big a change that is, but they balance well and sound good.

It came with a black Schaller bridge and tuners, with the original tuners missing, so I bought some Hipshot HB10s as a close match, and put the original bridge back on. Just didn't like the look of the black hardware. I put Chrome strings on as well.

Whoever was in charge of the frets had a bad day at the office, so I also took a foam sanding block and sanded the edge of the fretboard after seeing a Youtube video on how to do that. The fretboard edges are now really smooth, even, and lightly rolled, and after lightly sanding the back of the neck a bit I'm really happy with how it plays. Smooth and fast.

I now just have to convince myself to stop looking at Vintage Mustang basses, the new Performer, or the JMJ, as this does everything I want. Wish me luck with that. View attachment 3248402 View attachment 3248403 View attachment 3248404 View attachment 3248405

Nice. I’m ready to pull the trigger on a set of tuners. Are the Hipshots a drop in replacement without having to to any drilling?

 

[Downsman]

Nice. I’m ready to pull the trigger on a set of tuners. Are the Hipshots a drop in replacement without having to to any drilling?

You don't need to drill new holes to attach it. The bushings were too small for the holes in the headstock, though, so I had to find a way to pack the hole out a bit (used glue and toothpicks to do that). I don't know if that's because the previous owner had drilled the holes wider to fit the Schallers, though, as I didn't have the original tuners to compare. Wouldn't surprise me if he had, as he definitely chipped the finish around the holes. I used some thin washers to cover those up which seemed to work okay.

 

[lowplaces]

Amazon currently lists 121 sets of short scale strings: https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...targid=kwd-302878840535&ref=pd_sl_ue2taczeh_e

You can also sort by type, including flat wounds.
Sorry to hear you guys have had problems.
Like I said, I've had long scale flats on a short scale bass for four years without any problems.
I also have two standard bridge short scale basses with medium length flat wounds with no problems.

Looking at the Saddle intonation bolts it looks like I may be able to just move the stock bridge further from the neck and still have enough adjustment. But I'm not sure if that will decrease the break angle at the Saddle. If it does it will add to the issue with this style of bridge as far as the saddles wanting to move around.

I'll go ahead and try that because any string through bridge I'll choose will cover the holes up anyway. And I can always shim the neck to increase the break angle at the saddles.

Plus it's not like I would be hurting the value of the bass.

 

[Bobhmcs]

You don't need to drill new holes to attach it. The bushings were too small for the holes in the headstock, though, so I had to find a way to pack the hole out a bit (used glue and toothpicks to do that). I don't know if that's because the previous owner had drilled the holes wider to fit the Schallers, though, as I didn't have the original tuners to compare. Wouldn't surprise me if he had, as he definitely chipped the finish around the holes. I used some thin washers to cover those up which seemed to work okay.

Hi all,

Just dropped in to say I have returned from our nation's capital! Everything went well and the charity is a go. That is all I will mention about that as this is not the place or time to discuss this issue. Trying to keep within the thread and forum guidelines. I will find where I can post all about it and notify everyone where it is if you are interested. To lowplaces I just installed a set of Roto 77’s flats short scale 40-90 from Pitbull Audio on my MIM PJ with a top loading Hipshot HiMass bridge and they fit like a dream. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with through the body stringing so I really can't address issues there. I did have a couple questions with the measuring and sizing with these strings and the dealer was extremely helpful. They would not end the conversation until the stringing was completed.

Having RA as severe as I do it is extremely more comfortable with the flatwounds. No more string ridge cuts on my finger tips. Yes the sound is deeper and the thump more pronounced than the nickel wounds I used before. Am sure that will be just getting used to. In addition I also installed a set of Labella Deep Talking 760 HB2 Beatle Bass Flats on my Hofner HCT 500/1 and gained the same positive results. The seller I purchased them from were just as co-operative, considerate, and kind as the first and restringing was made a pleasure. I have read in other threads who escape me right now that for through the body stringing, medium scale strings tend to work best as long scale can be to long sometimes and short scale can be to short. This is not the first time I have read fellis explaination on his use of long scale strings and he is the one with the hands on experience.

Finally I will end my hello to Downsman. Your Mustang she is mighty purdy! I especially like your pickguard (that is all that will be said). Nice job on the mods.

Hi to Gdog, soul reflection, dmt, mckenna, tony in the emerald isle! I missed you all.

I got to try a Performer Mustang PJ today and all I can say is I Like Mine.

Have a great night all! If I missed you in my hello I will get you next time! Hunh Florinda?


Bob

 

[G-Dog]

Hi all,

Just dropped in to say I have returned from our nation's capital! Everything went well and the charity is a go. That is all I will mention about that as this is not the place or time to discuss this issue. Trying to keep within the thread and forum guidelines. I will find where I can post all about it and notify everyone where it is if you are interested. To lowplaces I just installed a set of Roto 77’s flats short scale 40-90 from Pitbull Audio on my MIM PJ with a top loading Hipshot HiMass bridge and they fit like a dream. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with through the body stringing so I really can't address issues there. I did have a couple questions with the measuring and sizing with these strings and the dealer was extremely helpful. They would not end the conversation until the stringing was completed.

Having RA as severe as I do it is extremely more comfortable with the flatwounds. No more string ridge cuts on my finger tips. Yes the sound is deeper and the thump more pronounced than the nickel wounds I used before. Am sure that will be just getting used to. In addition I also installed a set of Labella Deep Talking 760 HB2 Beatle Bass Flats on my Hofner HCT 500/1 and gained the same positive results. The seller I purchased them from were just as co-operative, considerate, and kind as the first and restringing was made a pleasure. I have read in other threads who escape me right now that for through the body stringing, medium scale strings tend to work best as long scale can be to long sometimes and short scale can be to short. This is not the first time I have read fellis explaination on his use of long scale strings and he is the one with the hands on experience.

Finally I will end my hello to Downsman. Your Mustang she is mighty purdy! I especially like your pickguard (that is all that will be said). Nice job on the mods.

Hi to Gdog, soul reflection, dmt, mckenna, tony in the emerald isle! I missed you all.

I got to try a Performer Mustang PJ today and all I can say is I Like Mine.

Have a great night all! If I missed you in my hello I will get you next time! Hunh Florinda?


Bob

H, Bob! Congratulations! Welcome back.

 

[MCF]

You don't need to drill new holes to attach it. The bushings were too small for the holes in the headstock, though, so I had to find a way to pack the hole out a bit (used glue and toothpicks to do that). I don't know if that's because the previous owner had drilled the holes wider to fit the Schallers, though, as I didn't have the original tuners to compare. Wouldn't surprise me if he had, as he definitely chipped the finish around the holes. I used some thin washers to cover those up which seemed to work okay.

Thanks.

 

[OllyW]

Nice. I’m ready to pull the trigger on a set of tuners. Are the Hipshots a drop in replacement without having to to any drilling?

You don't need to drill new holes to attach it. The bushings were too small for the holes in the headstock, though, so I had to find a way to pack the hole out a bit (used glue and toothpicks to do that). I don't know if that's because the previous owner had drilled the holes wider to fit the Schallers, though, as I didn't have the original tuners to compare. Wouldn't surprise me if he had, as he definitely chipped the finish around the holes. I used some thin washers to cover those up which seemed to work okay.

The standard hole size should be ø.675"

https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/...ang Bass PJ 0144053XXX SM REV A 5-23-2016.pdf

 

[Downsman]

The standard hole size should be ø.675"

https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Original/10001/Fender Mustang Bass PJ 0144053XXX SM REV A 5-23-2016.pdf

Interesting, so the bushings for the Schallers that were on mine should have dropped straight in. The previous owner must have been pretty clumsy to cause so much damage. The HB10s are designed for a 15mm, or .591 headstock hole. Which added a bit of effort to get a snug fit.

 

[nonohmic]

Has anybody replaced the tuners on their CIJ reissue?