Thanks, SOUL! I might try this one on my PJ and the one I noted above on my Squier (it's quite a bit cheaper)
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Fender Mustang Club
- Thread starter FlyingPigSound
- Start date
The PJ is the only Mustang bass that does NOT have holes drilled in the body for a string-through bridge setup.
The standard "paddle-style" Mustang bass bridge is only found on the original 1966-1981 USA models , 2002 CIJ Reissues, 2011 Squire Vintage Modified series, 2013 MIM Pawn Shop Special models, and the new 2019 American Performer series that features a modified version with square corners instead of rounded. I cannot find these bridges for sale anywhere, except on outdated web pages that list the part, but note that it is "no longer available". If you're lucky enough to find a used one, they are usually listed for somewhere in the neighborhood of $200.
Yep, that's the one I was referring to. Vintage string spacing and string-through design in a "hi-mass" format. Still, eager to try out the Kickass and Fender Hi-mass bridges on a couple of my other builds without the string-through holes.
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Some quick thoughts after my gig tonight... The gig was a corporate gig. Half jazz on upright, half dance stuff on the electric. Mostly R&B and some rock. I raced home with the Mustang when I got it and quickly installed a set of TI Jazz Flats, which were all I had in the string box today. Took it to the gig and did a quick setup/intonation. My first impressions were that it feels great. Really nice feeling neck. Nut was cut pretty well and the fret work is good. Tonally it took me a little to get used to where the low end sits. I had to cut bass and leave the mids set fairly flat to get it where I like it. The balance isn't perfect(its a little neck heavy), but I have one of the high mass Fender bridges on order, so that should correct it a bit. So far, my impressions are pretty positive!
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Need to make a correction on the production dates of the CIJ Mustang bass. I can't find any official information, but I'm seeing these Mustangs dated from as early as 1993 to as late as 2004.
I have been lurking on this thread for a couple of month and now I'm here to join the club. I have recently purchased two MIM stangs:
The red mustang has TI flats, and the seaform mustang has Fender of 5250 rounds. I usually put flats on everything but I am entertaining the idea of have at least one bass strung with rounds.
The Squire Jag SS is going to be fretless in the not to distant future.
The red mustang has TI flats, and the seaform mustang has Fender of 5250 rounds. I usually put flats on everything but I am entertaining the idea of have at least one bass strung with rounds.
The Squire Jag SS is going to be fretless in the not to distant future.
Must of picked up a bug on the Least Coast, ended up in the Hospital to clean up the old wind pipes and exterminate all the bugs. But I am well and back.
No hometown, Navy, or celebrity bass players in this post, I promise. All about bass.
First I have taken the dive and started one on one formal lessons to retrieve what I lost in the stroke 4 years ago especially in technique. The first section is losing the right thumb and going to alternating 1-2 finger plucking. (That's what he calls it). I call it "I have no idea what I am doing". Further info to follow.
Secondly No NBD. NAD! Had the opportunity to get my hands on a Hartke LH500 on sale. Now there is a change and a half. Tube preamp in combo with Class D amp. Weighs a ton. Came in 3 combined shipping boxes one inside another all inside the third. Not used to that weight.
My desire for the change had to do with sound and tone after being able to hook up to a Ampeg SVT stack and hear what I was missing. Not able to afford the SVT but after a lot of research and reviews I came to the decision that this was the best in my price range.
I was very disappointed with reviews and problem lists on the Ampeg PF500 as I love the ampeg sound but this Hartke is as close as I have found without being a Ampeg.
I have heard my 'Stang do things that I haven't herd (hahaha Flo) before. Thump. Not thud. Thump. Right in the middle of the gut, which IMHO is what bass playing is all about. I haven't had much more time to get further but that is to come.
Well that's enough for now. I think I will go and wake the kids next door from their naps. Makes their parents REAL amused when that happens (sarcastic grin).
Ride hard in the horde all.
Bob
No hometown, Navy, or celebrity bass players in this post, I promise. All about bass.
First I have taken the dive and started one on one formal lessons to retrieve what I lost in the stroke 4 years ago especially in technique. The first section is losing the right thumb and going to alternating 1-2 finger plucking. (That's what he calls it). I call it "I have no idea what I am doing". Further info to follow.
Secondly No NBD. NAD! Had the opportunity to get my hands on a Hartke LH500 on sale. Now there is a change and a half. Tube preamp in combo with Class D amp. Weighs a ton. Came in 3 combined shipping boxes one inside another all inside the third. Not used to that weight.
My desire for the change had to do with sound and tone after being able to hook up to a Ampeg SVT stack and hear what I was missing. Not able to afford the SVT but after a lot of research and reviews I came to the decision that this was the best in my price range.
I was very disappointed with reviews and problem lists on the Ampeg PF500 as I love the ampeg sound but this Hartke is as close as I have found without being a Ampeg.
I have heard my 'Stang do things that I haven't herd (hahaha Flo) before. Thump. Not thud. Thump. Right in the middle of the gut, which IMHO is what bass playing is all about. I haven't had much more time to get further but that is to come.
Well that's enough for now. I think I will go and wake the kids next door from their naps. Makes their parents REAL amused when that happens (sarcastic grin).
Ride hard in the horde all.
Bob
What he said. But I recommend that you do check out eBay. That is where I found mine and it was a twofer. One chrome one black. Silly old me won the auction with a $22 bid for two count 'em 2.
Bob
Im looking at getting a musicmaster bass.
I agree with Duder to a point. As Fender guitars are manufactured modularly dating a instrument by the headstock serial number is ify at best. Even Fender states that the year in the serial number should be taken plus or minus 4 years. Because the neck could have been made prior to the body and the electronics placed at the end of the assembly. Example: My MIM PJ has a s/n beginning with MX17------ giving it a 2017 model. BUT the butt of my neck has a 2016 pencil date AND my body has sticker with a 2015 date. (Making of the components began in 2015 but the Mustang PJ Bass was not released until 2016).
Unlike Gibsons which are made from a single piece of wood where the s/n is applied first and the Fender s/n is applied last.
So the Fender s/n date is more of a assembly date rather than a manufactured date.
What does this all mean. Absolutely nothing. For registration and advertising my 'Stang is a 2017. Even though purchased in Nov of 2016. The genius of Leo Fender was the modularity of the instrument to compete with Gibson. Break a Gibson neck or headstock you just flushed what you paid for that bass. Break your 'Stangs neck call Wormouth or Stratosphere and you could be playing in 2 days.
So all in all what I just posted is a little history and background on serial number dating on modern instruments. IMHO serial numbers become vital when collecting vintage instruments for authentication and proof of legitimacy. I have a lot more but for now that's enough. You probably fell asleep back at "I agree with Duder".
Bob
It's very playable, the neck is close to current Mustang neck. Pickups and tuners are not great, but I think it's worthwhile replacing them.
--Bryan
My first bass was a black Music Master I bought at a pawn shop for like $125 in 1988. I'm TOTALLY blown away by how popular they are now and how much $ they're going for. I sure wish I hadn't sold it!
Quick question please. Did you roll the fretboard and smooth the frets yourself or did you have it done. I have a specific reason for asking.
Thank you
Bob
Nice collection bcbckr! Love the double set of 'stangs! Welcome to our increasingly crowded paddock on TB.
I also have TI flats on mine, as well as on my 73 PBass. Those strings, unlike their player, just keep getting better and better.
I still run Rotosound 77s on my MM Sterling though. Its maple neck can handle their much higher tension. I doubt the Mustang could without adjusting its virgin truss rod, and I know my PBass (rosewood fretboard) can't. I've been playing the TIs on my Mustang for over a year now and the neck is still perfectly straight.
@bcbckr = #72
