Fender Mustang Club

[David Lee]

I guess the real issue I have with the Vintera attempt at a vintage re-issue is that it should have included a 70's version since they were produced for ten years, as opposed to only four years for the sixties models. I also believe the 70's Mustangs are more of a professional instrument than the 60's student series. The 70's version would have the contoured body, witch hat volume/tone knobs, wider selection of color choices - that must include natural ash and three-color sunburst, maple/rosewood fingerboard options, smaller nut width/neck contour, thumb rest on the bass side of the pickguard and Hipshot HB-10 cloverleaf tuners. Maybe they'll offer all that in the next release of the Mustang and call it the Pantera, or Vint-O-Rama, or simply Classic series.

After that 2020 release Fender can discontinue the Mustang entirely and we can all choose from what models will be available up to that point and mod the heck out of them, to our heart's content.

I will give the Vintera brownie points for re-introducing the original bridge with the string-through design but strongly feel that a modern Mustang must have full-size, overwound P-bass pickups for maximum output. We may have to wait for a Custom Shop series for that feature. That could be well worth the wait since a CS Mustang might also include a flame maple cap on the body, active electronics, and block inlays in the fretboard. I'm drooling in advance.

 

[mongo2]

I guess the real issue I have with the Vintera attempt at a vintage re-issue is that it should have included a 70's version since they were produced for ten years, as opposed to only four years for the sixties models. I also believe the 70's Mustangs are more of a professional instrument than the 60's student series. The 70's version would have the contoured body, witch hat volume/tone knobs, wider selection of color choices - that must include natural ash and three-color sunburst, maple/rosewood fingerboard options, smaller nut width/neck contour, thumb rest on the bass side of the pickguard and Hipshot HB-10 cloverleaf tuners. Maybe they'll offer all that in the next release of the Mustang and call it the Pantera, or Vint-O-Rama, or simply Classic series.

I've always found the '70s Mustang/Muisicmasters I've tried to be very heavy which is why I never bought one.

After that 2020 release Fender can discontinue the Mustang entirely and we can all choose from what models will be available up to that point and mod the heck out of them, to our heart's content.

I will give the Vintera brownie points for re-introducing the original bridge with the string-through design but strongly feel that a modern Mustang must have full-size, overwound P-bass pickups for maximum output. We may have to wait for a Custom Shop series for that feature. That could be well worth the wait since a CS Mustang might also include a flame maple cap on the body, active electronics, and block inlays in the fretboard. I'm drooling in advance.

I thought of replacing the pickups in my Mustang PJ with a more powerful ones but I like the tone of the OEM P pickup (I'm not a fan of bridge pickups so I never use them). I figured I could turn up my amp a bit if I need more volume.

 

[Rafar]

New to TB, long time player. This is my 1971 Lake Placid Blue, (with competition stripe.) Had since '72, has "Lifetime Status" in my stable. Any time I need a reminder of what a joy playing is, I pick it up for a few minutes and the emders reignite. Can I get a club #?

 

[sleddogn]

wow, thats one of the most beautiful ones i've seen, if it had matching headstock, i'd probably be on the floor right now, lol very nice and having since 72 is just even better

 

[mbell75]

I guess the real issue I have with the Vintera attempt at a vintage re-issue is that it should have included a 70's version since they were produced for ten years, as opposed to only four years for the sixties models. I also believe the 70's Mustangs are more of a professional instrument than the 60's student series. The 70's version would have the contoured body, witch hat volume/tone knobs, wider selection of color choices - that must include natural ash and three-color sunburst, maple/rosewood fingerboard options, smaller nut width/neck contour, thumb rest on the bass side of the pickguard and Hipshot HB-10 cloverleaf tuners. Maybe they'll offer all that in the next release of the Mustang and call it the Pantera, or Vint-O-Rama, or simply Classic series.

After that 2020 release Fender can discontinue the Mustang entirely and we can all choose from what models will be available up to that point and mod the heck out of them, to our heart's content.

I will give the Vintera brownie points for re-introducing the original bridge with the string-through design but strongly feel that a modern Mustang must have full-size, overwound P-bass pickups for maximum output. We may have to wait for a Custom Shop series for that feature. That could be well worth the wait since a CS Mustang might also include a flame maple cap on the body, active electronics, and block inlays in the fretboard. I'm drooling in advance.

I can agree with that. Would be awesome to see a 70s era Mustang with the contours and racing stripes! Maybe they are planning that for Fender US or better yet, maybe that will be the next Squier CV. Now that the Jaguar has been discontinued, Squier only has the Bronco for short scale models. A CV 70s Mustang priced around $299 would be killer. Speaking of which, anyone know of any Squier VM Mustangs for sale anywhere? They are very hard to find.

 

[Florinda4]

New to TB, long time player. This is my 1971 Lake Placid Blue, (with competition stripe.) Had since '72, has "Lifetime Status" in my stable. Any time I need a reminder of what a joy playing is, I pick it up for a few minutes and the emders reignite. Can I get a club #?
View attachment 3461846

Fine looking 'stang! Welcome to the club!

@Rafar = #73

 

[Rafar]

Fine looking 'stang! Welcome to the club!

@Rafar = #73

Thank You!

 

[sleddogn]

Have a CIJ mustang, routed for fender wide range bass humbucker today, had a gold pickguard made, just waiting for pickup mounting screws to arrive, and have to solder it up. My CIJ pawn shop version, lol

 

[David Lee]

I've always found the '70s Mustang/Muisicmasters I've tried to be very heavy which is why I never bought one.



I thought of replacing the pickups in my Mustang PJ with a more powerful ones but I like the tone of the OEM P pickup (I'm not a fan of bridge pickups so I never use them). I figured I could turn up my amp a bit if I need more volume.

I can't imagine why the 70's Stangs/MM's would be any heavier than the other series of the Fender Mustang and Musicmaster basses. As far as I know they've all used the same body woods - alder, ash (about the same weight) or poplar (definitely lighter). Depends on which one you played. The Squire VM Mustang basses might be a little lighter because I think they were using basswood. Musicmasters even used Mustang bodies for a time, so the only difference there would be the pickup and control cavity routing. Either way, it beats the heck out of lugging a full-scale bass around stage all night. Having said that - isn't increased mass supposed to equal more/better "tone"? Not talking even about sustain. Let's not go there!

I would think that any other pickup would sound better than the factory originals. More tone color, more even pole reception, more windings, more power, etcetera. Turning up your amp will improve the sound quality somewhat but it's not the same as using more powerful pickups to drive the amp. That's what the pro's do and it's one reason they make and sell artist series pickups. It's about the improving the quality of your own sound and finding what works best for you.

 

[mongo2]

I can't imagine why the 70's Stangs/MM's would be any heavier than the other series of the Fender Mustang and Musicmaster basses. As far as I know they've all used the same body woods - alder, ash (about the same weight) or poplar (definitely lighter). Depends on which one you played. The Squire VM Mustang basses might be a little lighter because I think they were using basswood. Musicmasters even used Mustang bodies for a time, so the only difference there would be the pickup and control cavity routing. Either way, it beats the heck out of lugging a full-scale bass around stage all night.

Doesn't change the fact that I found every Mustang/MM bass I tried from that era to be very heavy. I found that to be true of many '70s Fenders, especially the ash bodied versions. It put me off them.

 

[mongo2]

View attachment 3462981 View attachment 3462983 View attachment 3462984 View attachment 3462985 Have a CIJ mustang, routed for fender wide range bass humbucker today, had a gold pickguard made, just waiting for pickup mounting screws to arrive, and have to solder it up. My CIJ pawn shop version, lol

Excellent choice in guard and knobs.

 

[dmt]

View attachment 3462981 View attachment 3462983 View attachment 3462984 View attachment 3462985 Have a CIJ mustang, routed for fender wide range bass humbucker today, had a gold pickguard made, just waiting for pickup mounting screws to arrive, and have to solder it up. My CIJ pawn shop version, lol

That’s exactly what the "Pawnshop" model was trying to recreate — someone hacking up their own bass in an experiment, then later selling it at a pawnshop either because they were dissatisfied or needed the money, etc. and then you come along and find some unique home-modified instrument. Or perhaps just some obscure out-of-production import similar to, but different than, the mainstream model it was largely copying. And now there’s this cool offbeat instrument that you have that nobody else has; your own little prize you came across in some pawnshop somewhere. A pawnshop prize.

Yours is the real deal

Looking forward to your report on the results!

 

[cattrax]

I just bought a brand new JMJ Mustang Bass and all four of the tuners do not turn smoothly. They have a jerking feeling to them as they turn, as if something is binding. There was a little "dust" in the nut slots, so I brushed that out but it didn't make a difference. Has anyone had the same problem? Any advice? They are the Hipshot lollipop tuners. TIA!

 

[David Lee]

I just bought a brand new JMJ Mustang Bass and all four of the tuners do not turn smoothly. They have a jerking feeling to them as they turn, as if something is binding. There was a little "dust" in the nut slots, so I brushed that out but it didn't make a difference. Has anyone had the same problem? Any advice? They are the Hipshot lollipop tuners. TIA!

 

[cattrax]

Thanks for the video @David Lee, very good to know. I'm frustrated though, because these are brand new tuners (although reliced) and I'm not sure that I should have to do that on a $1000 brand new bass.

 

[David Lee]

Thanks for the video @David Lee, very good to know. I'm frustrated though, because these are brand new tuners (although reliced) and I'm not sure that I should have to do that on a $1000 brand new bass.

I have a couple brand new JMJ necks, with the same tuners, that are waiting for future builds and the tuners work fine. I do have a 70's Mustang where one of the original Fender factory tuners catches and skips when you turn it. I can see that the worm gear is not threaded clear to the end as the others are. I can easily fix that myself by removing the tuner and filing out the last little section of thread. You might just have a set of defective tuners. Did you buy the JMJ from a reputable store/seller? If so, they should be able to get Hipshot to send a replacement set, or you could ask for a partial refund. If not, then Uncle Don's remedy should do the trick. Seems relatively easy to do and should really be a part of regular instrument maintenance.

 

[cattrax]

I have a couple brand new JMJ necks, with the same tuners, that are waiting for future builds and the tuners work fine. I do have a 70's Mustang where one of the original Fender factory tuners catches and skips when you turn it. I can see that the worm gear is not threaded clear to the end as the others are. I can easily fix that myself by removing the tuner and filing out the last little section of thread. You might just have a set of defective tuners. Did you buy the JMJ from a reputable store/seller? If so, they should be able to get Hipshot to send a replacement set, or you could ask for a partial refund. If not, then Uncle Don's remedy should do the trick. Seems relatively easy to do and should really be a part of regular instrument maintenance.

Thank you for all your help. I was looking at the worm gears but I think they look fine, although I'm no expert! I bought it online from Sweetwater and just talked with my sales rep who transferred me to one of the guitar techs. The tech said they shouldn't bind like that and they are shipping a new JMJ bass to me. He said he would check the tuners on the replacement bass before shipping. Here's hoping!

 

[David Lee]

Gears look okay to me from what I can see in the pics. Could be they just need a little lube under the main gear and at the shaft ends of the worm gear where they go through the main body. Anyway, glad you got a good response from Sweetwater. I've had very good results working with them. Hope the replacement JMJ will be free of issues and a joy to play.

 

[cattrax]

Gears look okay to me from what I can see in the pics. Could be they just need a little lube under the main gear and at the shaft ends of the worm gear where they go through the main body. Anyway, glad you got a good response from Sweetwater. I've had very good results working with them. Hope the replacement JMJ will be free of issues and a joy to play.

I have always had good experiences with Sweetwater. Thank your for your posts regarding this issue, I have learned a lot from them!

 

[David Lee]

I can agree with that. Would be awesome to see a 70s era Mustang with the contours and racing stripes! Maybe they are planning that for Fender US or better yet, maybe that will be the next Squier CV. Now that the Jaguar has been discontinued, Squier only has the Bronco for short scale models. A CV 70s Mustang priced around $299 would be killer. Speaking of which, anyone know of any Squier VM Mustangs for sale anywhere? They are very hard to find.

What's CV stand for - Custom Vintera? Squier also made a Musicmaster Vista series bass in the late 90's with matching body/headstock colors. I see those and the Squire VM Mustang basses on Reverb and eBay once in awhile. They're not terribly hard to find and not terribly expensive either. Also, if you do a Search All of Craigslist you might find what you're looking for. In that scenario it's just a matter of convincing the seller that you're not a scammer and that you're willing to pay for shipping out of state. I found two of my 70's Mustangs that way at VERY reasonable prices and both have the full maple necks!