Mustang vs. Serek Midwestern

[Morningside]

A few years ago, I winnowed my bass collection down to three Mustangs (a vintage '76, an American Performer, and a Mexican PJ). I haven't really been tempted by any other bass since then ... except the short-scale Serek models, which look amazing. I'm particularly interested in the Midwestern or the Midwestern 2 in 30.5" scale.

Is there anyone who owns or has played a Midwestern or another short-scale Serek and can compare it to a Mustang? I'm particularly interested in build quality and playability, since the tone of the Serek will obviously depend in part on the pickup selection and configuration.

I would imagine Sereks compare favorably with Mustangs, since Serek is a well-regarded boutique company, but they're also—understandably—several times more expensive than a mass-produced Fender. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has owned or played both before I decide to take the plunge on a custom order.

Thanks!

 

[direwolf333]

I've found my Serek MW with a single Novak Bisonic is really astonishing. Preferable to my JMJ or American performer Mustangs in a band setting. It really sits in the mix no matter what gear your playing through. The electronics are a cut above the JMJ alpha pots and Amer perf. grease bucket. You can get loud without overdriving the amp. Additionally your friends who only play music recorded before 1990 will do a back flip.

 

[MingusBass]

I’ve never owned a Mustang/JMJ because I’ve always felt like tone and feel were just OK to me, but I also feel like for years I was biased against short-scale basses.

Funny enough, my purchase of a medium scale(32”) Serek Midwestern 2 was my gateway to short scale basses. I liked the medium scale Serek bass so much it made me wonder if I would dig a shorty of the same quality. So that lead to the purchase of The Grand from Serek. Boom, I was hooked, not just on Serek basses but on the admiration of short scale basses.

I currently own a Midwestern, a Midwestern 2 5 string, and The Grand that are all short scale.

The build, sound quality and playability are as considerably different as the price gap.

I highly suggest picking one up.

Every once in a while one will pop up used.

 

[Steve Park]

Had a Mustang AP and have a Serek MW2 B90.

If I hadn't ever played the Midwestern 2, I would have been perfectly happy with the Mustang, which is a great bass. But...I love playing the MW2.
The Serek isn't flashy or complicated, but it sounds and feels great. The build quality is better, as you would expect for the price.