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Mustang PJ flat recommendations?

Antisyzygy

Antisyzygy

Dec 8, 2014
3,149
3,133
Washington
#1
I've been putting flats on everything lately since they last so much longer and you can get some nice brighter sounding sets these days. Cobalt flats are perfect for me in cases where I'd normally use rounds, for example.

I am asking for recommendations for a set for this bass :

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It has the L-shaped bent bridge, so not string through. So I am worried a set of flats for a shortscale might have the wraps come over the saddles on this bridge design.

I'd like a good middle ground set for this Pj. Not just straight thump. Maybe orchestral style?

Would pyramids work given the different bridge? I've heard they're for the further away tailpiece design like in a Hofner Violin bass.

Thank you!
 
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#7
iiipopes said:
La Bella makes a specific Mustang bass set that not only has great tone and feel, but is designed for the string-through bridge and the string break over the saddles: Link:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
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The bridge I have is a top-load. It's the new Mustang PJ from Fender.

I am worried the string wraps at the bridge ball end would be too long for this bent L shaped bridge.
 
#9
mbell75 said:
Just get the Chromes. They fit and they are awesome. The Mustang has a pretty boomy pickup, especially on the E string. I wouldn't want Labellas on there unless you are playing dub. Far too boomy with LaBellas.
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Yeah my Mustang PJ does have a boomy neck pickup. I have the new Fender Mustang PJ though so Im not sure we're talking about the same exact bass.

They fit on the bent L-shaped style bridge? This mustang I have isn't a string-through.

If so I'm sold.
 
#12
iiipopes said:
La Bella makes a specific Mustang bass set that not only has great tone and feel, but is designed for the string-through bridge and the string break over the saddles: Link:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I did not care for how La Bella's Mustang flats sounded on my trad MIJ Mustang. How they'd sound on the new PJ Mustang I don't know, but they all they provided me was that sort of papery, non-authoritative vintage thump. A lot of people like that but I prefer a string with more punch.

I still have the stock rounds on my Mustang PJ. If EB made a short scale set of their cobalt flats that's what I'd string it with.
 
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#16
Marial said:
I still have the stock rounds on my Mustang PJ. If EB made a short scale set of their cobalt flats that's what I'd string it with.
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Ditto. Those strings are my favorite on most basses.

I have a 50s Precision Lacquer coming here soon I will put some orchestral flats on (like a TI Jazz set) but other than that I am not looking for straight thump. I'd like to use the tone knob for the warmth.
 
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#17
mbell75 said:
The non string thru body is actually easier to fit. I have the new PJ Mustang as well. If for some odd reason the short scale chromes don't fit, get the medium.
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I see what you mean now. So the string-through Stang requires a medium set, which means likely the short scale set will work with this bent bridge design.

I'm sold. Hopefully they have a lowish tension set. The last set of chromes I used was too tight but it may have been a heavier gauge, I don't recall. Also this is a shorty so perhaps the lower tension already will help, those last chromes I used were on a long-scale.

Much appreciated!

If anyone else has other ideas though please let me know. It's appreciated.
 
#19
I picked up the new Mustang P/J at a shop yesterday - didn't have time to plug in and test it, but felt really quite nice--I liked the neck a lot, the build looked really good. Seems like great bang-for-buck. Do these sound (with the neck pickup solo'd) pretty much like a Mustang of yore? The pickups are clearly different(at least appearance-wise). I'd be looking for that classic 'stang w/ thunky flats and a pick kinda vibe...
 
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#20
Antisyzygy said:
I see what you mean now. So the string-through Stang requires a medium set, which means likely the short scale set will work with this bent bridge design.

I'm sold. Hopefully they have a lowish tension set. The last set of chromes I used was too tight but it may have been a heavier gauge, I don't recall. Also this is a shorty so perhaps the lower tension already will help, those last chromes I used were on a long-scale.

Much appreciated!

If anyone else has other ideas though please let me know. It's appreciated.
Click to expand...

Yeah, your Mustang with the simple Fender bridge will be the same length as a SS Jaguar. Short scale strings will be perfect.

After much trial and error, I have GHS Brite Flats on my Mustang. It's a MIJ reissue, so of course different pups than you have.
 

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