Fender Mustang Club

[LionOnBass]

Hi, I would like to buy a mustang bass and I have three options.

1. used MIJ Fender Mustang in white for 700 Euros (about 795 US dollar)
2. JMJ Mustang
3. American Performer Mustang

which option would you choose and why?

 

[Bassndrums73]

Ok guys I had more time to spend with this Performer Mustang tonight and it’s starting to come around little by little. After some adjustments I found what was causing the twang I didn’t like was mostly pickup height adjustments. I had to lower the J bridge pup a bit and raise the P pup on the E and A string side. The next thing was more neck relief. The next thing is the light gauge Fender strings that came on it and me didn’t get along. I put a .100 E string on which was the only heavier short scale I had in the house and that helped. So I ordered a set of Ernie Ball rounds in .045, .065, .085 and .105 and I think that will do it. Those are the gauges I’m used to. Color is Aubergine and enough talk. Here’s some pics for NBD! Can I join the club?

 

[BassJuju]

View attachment 3292742 View attachment 3292743 View attachment 3292744 View attachment 3292745 View attachment 3292747 View attachment 3292749 View attachment 3292750 Ok guys I had more time to spend with this Performer Mustang tonight and it’s starting to come around little by little. After some adjustments I found what was causing the twang I didn’t like was mostly pickup height adjustments. I had to lower the J bridge pup a bit and raise the P pup on the E and A string side. The next thing was more neck relief. The next thing is the light gauge Fender strings that came on it and me didn’t get along. I put a .100 E string on which was the only heavier short scale I had in the house and that helped. So I ordered a set of Ernie Ball rounds in .045, .065, .085 and .105 and I think that will do it. Those are the gauges I’m used to. Color is Aubergine and enough talk. Here’s some pics for NBD! Can I join the club?

That looks sweet... I’m seriously GASsing for one of those in that color.

 

[Bassndrums73]

I like the VVT knob setup.

 

[dmt]

Hi, I would like to buy a mustang bass and I have three options.

1. used MIJ Fender Mustang in white for 700 Euros (about 795 US dollar)
2. JMJ Mustang
3. American Performer Mustang

which option would you choose and why?

I’d choose the used MIJ Fender Mustang in white because that’s what I actually did choose, and I’m happy with my choice That said, back when I got it, there was no American Performer Mustang and the PJ wasn’t widely available yet.

The PJ could still intrigue me, especially in a Surf Green-type finish, perhaps.

My thoughts on each are:
MIJ - awesome little bass. Love the "slightly quirky classic" aspect, without the hassles of getting/keeping a true vintage instrument. Nice P-like tone, but a bit thinner/less-full sounding than a P. Sometimes I do wish it were fuller sounding, but once the group gets going it sounds absolutely fine (read: good). Love the one pickup aspect: Plug it in, tune up and start playing and it just sounds good. Love the narrow Jazz-style neck, but if there were one thing I could change about it, I’d get a modern 9.5" (or heck, 12") radius fretboard. I like the string-through-body bridge so that I can use regular scale length string sets. I find the thinner frets a nice vintage-style touch

MIM PJ - having a full-sized P pickup is intriguing. Personally, I’d rather there were no J pickup. The (famously scratchy) pickup selector switch on these could be good for quickly going from the neck to an alternate ‘both pickups’ sound, but my main use for the bridge pickup on my Jazz, for instance, is just to dial in a hair of bridge to my full on neck sound to add some clarity. I almost never use a "both pickups equal" sound, and never use the bridge soloed. I like the 9.5" radius on these. Top loader only bridge means string selection is more limited than with an MIJ. No more rosewood fingerboards. The price is nice on these...

MIA American Performer - I like the wood on the sunburst. With the MIJs and vintage Mustangs, the wood under the sunburst looks cheap/unattractive, imo, but the sunbursts on the American Performers are quite nice. A surf green could be sweet, too. I wish it just had the Mustang pickup though — I really have no need for the J, and in fact having it there just adds a distraction for me. Since the J is there, I’d probably like this VVT control setup better than the PJ’s selector switch, but as I’ve never had a bass with a selector switch before, i can’t say for sure. P-width neck wouldn’t be my first choice, but as my main bass is a P, it’s not exactly a dealbreaker for me. 9.5" radius is good. I think the bridge is top-loading only? Price is not cheap

JMJ - I like the traditional single pickup on these, and people say the JMJ’s pickup sounds quite good. The big flaw for me is the reliced finish. It’s not bad, but I’m not one for the pre-aged "roadworn" look. What finish there is is nitro though, so...I dunno. P-width neck, again not my first choice, but I’m fine with that. 9.5" radius.

None of them are quite my dream Mustang, so each involve some measure of compromise for me. However, the Mustang is a great platform in general. Basically, they all seem pretty cool to me, and I’d be happy with any one of them

 

[Axstar]

I would go for the MIJ bass. I don't like the relic finish on the JMJ, and I don't like the J pickup on the new American Performer.

Saying that, my old MIJ Mustang needed a lot of shielding work done, as it was noisy. I also epoxied button neodymium magnets to the back of the pickup poles to try and get some oomph out of it. It was still a bit gutless, thin and twangy sounding.

My inner Berserker would get the MIJ and route it for a P pickup, or look up the two or so decent aftermarket Mustang pickups that are available.

 

[LionOnBass]

Is the MIJ mustang thinner sounding?

 

[KenB]

The next thing is the light gauge Fender strings that came on it and me didn’t get along. I put a .100 E string on which was the only heavier short scale I had in the house and that helped. So I ordered a set of Ernie Ball rounds in .045, .065, .085 and .105 and I think that will do it.

Looking at your fourth photo (of the nut and headstock) it is obvious that the E string you have on now is too short for your scale. The portion of the windings sitting in the nut slot is the thinnest "step" of the layered windings. You need a longer string!

 

[audibutthole]

Created an account just to post this.

Recieved my American Performer Mustang in surf green yesterday, and I’m absolutely in love. I’ve been playing a MIM J bass and a Hofner ignition b bass forever. This changed my world. I’ve had bad tendinitis from poor from and this bass’s lightweight body and short scale saved my life.

 

[djett]

Thanks for your input and assistance. Based upon on the great dialogue in the post, I am pulling the trigger on my upgrades. Here is what I'm going with for step #1 (all prices per Amazon):
1) Hipshot KickAss High Mass bridge = $59 on Amazon
2) Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound PJ - $135 (Lindy Fralin #1 choice but a bit too much $ for me right now)
3) Switchcraft 3-way short toggle = $15
4) Labor including new set-up ~ $100
All in $310

Future consideration would be complete re-wiring with stacked knob and eliminating the switch, but I'm not up for the investment right now. I will see how neck dive is with the new bridge, but I am fine with the stock tuners for now. I found Josh at HipShot very helpful regarding both the bridge selection and information on replacement tuners. There have been previous posts about replacement tuners. I was potentially interested in replacements that were drop-in and wouldn't require any new holes. Below is the response I got from Josh.

"The correct tuning machines to replace the Mustang PJ tuners are the HB10. They will be a direct fit.
We also offer a BT10 Xtender that is a direct fit.
Regards,

Josh Borisoff ([email protected])
I would highly recommend Josh, if you have questions regarding the HipShot line of products.

I will provide an update posts once all mods are completed.
Cheers,

I just finished my upgrade project listed above and here are my key learnings that I thought I would share:
1) Although the holes on the Hipshot KickAss High Mass bridge lined up perfectly with the existing holes, I needed to move the bridge down a bit in order to get it to intonate (approximately 3/8ths inch). Be careful not to move it down too far and expose the grounding wire.
2) Somehow in the process my tape-wound G string got caught on something and came unraveled. I am attributing it to the brass v-shaped guides on the bridge. As a result, I ordered I new set of strings - D'Addario Chromes (ECB81S).
3) I tackled my first soldering project and all went well in installing the new Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders and Switchcraft 3-way switch. Besides saving on the labor costs, I didn't have to leave my bass at the shop for a two week turnaround.

With the 4 mods (bridge, pickups, 3-way switch and strings) I am blown away by the improved sound and playability of my PJ Mustang

 

[Florinda4]

... Color is Aubergine and enough talk. Here’s some pics for NBD! Can I join the club?

Heck yeah, welcome to the rodeo! Nice pair o' ponies!

EDIT: Ok - one pony. Scrolling through your pics somehow TB just continued on to the next poster's pics. Hmm... maybe it's supposed to do that, though I only opened yours. Whatever.

Flo
@Bassndrums73 = #61

 

[Bassndrums73]

Looking at your fourth photo (of the nut and headstock) it is obvious that the E string you have on now is too short for your scale. The portion of the windings sitting in the nut slot is the thinnest "step" of the layered windings. You need a longer string!

Good eye there. I knew that when I put it on but that set of D’Addario strings is the only larger diameter short scale string I had in the house. I ordered a set of Ernie Ball strings and thay are supposed to get here Friday and hope they aren’t the same way. What I found out when I changed the string is the Mustang American Performer bridge is STRING THROUGH BODY ONLY! It has no holes in the bridge to top load the strings. That threw me a curve ball. Wasn’t expecting the string winding to not be long enough to reach the slot in the nut. So it was a temporary thing to try a heavier string but I definitely have to find strings for this bass that fit it correctly. Hope the EB strings are ok because they are the exact gauges I want.

 

[daveobieone]

Ok...Please don't beat me up too bad. My son (on drums) and I got together, and recorded this last Saturday. Of course, I brought my Mustang P/J. This was the 3rd take. I'm not putting myself up with the most excellent Tiran Porter here, who laid-down the fantastic original bass line...just trying to keep up with him. This is from a multi-track mix minus drums and bass.

I was playing the Mustang P/J into a Keeley Bassist limiter, just barely touching the limiting on peaks.
Also in line was an Ampeg SCR-DI. Just a touch of Scrambler (9:00 on both), bass flat, mids at 2:00 and treble at 10:00
The controls on the Mustang were: P at 100%, J at 50%, both tones at about 50%.
We went for a more "70's sound" here. Not a ton of deep bass.


A splendid time was had by all!

 

[Slammin Scotty]

NBD Like many on this forum I typically play long scale basses but the Adorama Surf Green MIM PJ at $399 was too good to pass up so I bought myself a Christmas present. It will be so much lighter to carry through the city I rationalized. This bass was so much fun to play I new it would be a keeper and I decided to personalize it. I changed out the strings to Labella flats and did a set it up. I was happy with the Pup balance and the switch works just fine but I had to "fix" the reverse volume wiring so the tone did not affect the volume. While I was in there might as well shield the cavities. Now onto the cosmetics, I was not a fan of the mint green pickguard so after a few youtube videos it was off to ebay to order up some 4ply stock. I have plenty of wordworking experience but I was still surprised when my first pick guard came out perfect. Top it off with a competition stripe and a groovy strap and we are ready to gig. This was my first upgrade project and I'm pleased as punch. There may be some more wiring mods in the future but I need to get some stage time with it first. May I have a number please?

 

[SoulReflection]

NBD Like many on this forum I typically play long scale basses but the Adorama Surf Green MIM PJ at $399 was too good to pass up so I bought myself a Christmas present. It will be so much lighter to carry through the city I rationalized. This bass was so much fun to play I new it would be a keeper and I decided to personalize it. I changed out the strings to Labella flats and did a set it up. I was happy with the Pup balance and the switch works just fine but I had to "fix" the reverse volume wiring so the tone did not affect the volume. While I was in there might as well shield the cavities. Now onto the cosmetics, I was not a fan of the mint green pickguard so after a few youtube videos it was off to ebay to order up some 4ply stock. I have plenty of wordworking experience but I was still surprised when my first pick guard came out perfect. Top it off with a competition stripe and a groovy strap and we are ready to gig. This was my first upgrade project and I'm pleased as punch. There may be some more wiring mods in the future but I need to get some stage time with it first. May I have a number please?View attachment 3296758

Nice work! I did the same with my Adorama special, except for the stripe and a total refinish. How did you fix the reverse volume wiring?

 

[BassJuju]

NBD Like many on this forum I typically play long scale basses but the Adorama Surf Green MIM PJ at $399 was too good to pass up so I bought myself a Christmas present. It will be so much lighter to carry through the city I rationalized. This bass was so much fun to play I new it would be a keeper and I decided to personalize it. I changed out the strings to Labella flats and did a set it up. I was happy with the Pup balance and the switch works just fine but I had to "fix" the reverse volume wiring so the tone did not affect the volume. While I was in there might as well shield the cavities. Now onto the cosmetics, I was not a fan of the mint green pickguard so after a few youtube videos it was off to ebay to order up some 4ply stock. I have plenty of wordworking experience but I was still surprised when my first pick guard came out perfect. Top it off with a competition stripe and a groovy strap and we are ready to gig. This was my first upgrade project and I'm pleased as punch. There may be some more wiring mods in the future but I need to get some stage time with it first. May I have a number please?View attachment 3296758

Look sweet... I am digging the PG and color combo. Grats!!

 

[felis]

.... I was happy with the Pup balance and the switch works just fine but I had to "fix" the reverse volume wiring so the tone did not affect the volume.....

.... How did you fix the reverse volume wiring?....

I would also like to know what you did to the wiring.

 

[Slammin Scotty]

The wiring on the Mustang PJ is for a reverse Volume knob. The white pickup wire from the switch was attached to the sweeper and tip was connected in parallel to the tone knob. I changed the wiring to a conventional Volume by swapping the positions of the pick-up and tip wires. ie I moved the tip to the sweeper and the pickup wire to the non-grounded terminal of the volume knob.

I did't realize the issue until the second day I had the guitar because everything works fine with the volume on full. As soon as I started using the volume knob the problem became apparent. I searched the threads and found the problem documented here 2016 Mustang PJ Vol/Tone Problem
and the fix here: Tone pot causes volume drop on Mustang PJ - need help please

 

[Slammin Scotty]

Nice work! I did the same with my Adorama special, except for the stripe and a total refinish. How did you fix the reverse volume wiring?

View attachment 3296776

Your bass looks phenomenal. I bet that refinish cost a pretty penny. This maybe the least expensive bass guitar I own and part of this build is to try and to keep it that way. Fortunately I dig the color as it is unlike anything else in my collection. I started playing in the early 70's and this bass is a time machine. Aside from the strings my total investment to date is $54 for the strap, stripe and PG material and a lifetime supply of copper shielding tape. The only thing I still need is a short scale gig bag. The justification of this purchase was portability and it is no fun carrying a hard case on the train and through Manhattan. I want a lightweight that I can wear on my back but I can't see spending big bucks on a Gator or Mono bag for a budget bass. I have a Fender bag that my daughters Gretsch Electromatic Junior Jet fits in with an inch to spare but the Mustang is an inch too long. I guess I'll be taking the Mustang down to GC and see what fits.

 

[felis]

The wiring on the Mustang PJ is for a reverse Volume knob. The white pickup wire from the switch was attached to the sweeper and tip was connected in parallel to the tone knob. I changed the wiring to a conventional Volume by swapping the positions of the pick-up and tip wires. ie I moved the tip to the sweeper and the pickup wire to the non-grounded terminal of the volume knob.

I did't realize the issue until the second day I had the guitar because everything works fine with the volume on full. As soon as I started using the volume knob the problem became apparent. I searched the threads and found the problem documented here 2016 Mustang PJ Vol/Tone Problem
and the fix here: Tone pot causes volume drop on Mustang PJ - need help please

Thanks. I guess I missed those threads. They come and go so quick around here.
I'm going to give it a try and see if I notice a change.