Mustangs? Which one is the best option?

[Tom0Blam0]

Hey all. I've been playing bass for about 15 years and I have never owned a short scale. I have always loved mustangs and I've decided to really start saving for one. The question is, which one should I get?

I particularly like the Fender Pawn Shop and the Squier Mikey Way mustang basses because of the pickups (and the competition stripe, let's be honest). There is a pretty substantial price difference, but what about the actual product? Would I be better off getting the mikey way squier and replacing the pup or just going for the Fender?

The other issue I have is I would really like a maple neck, but both the Pawn Shop and Mikey Way basses are rosewood (I have ALL rosewood necks and I'm looking for a change). What are the differences in sound between the two passes with the humbucker vs. the fender and squier mustangs with the traditional pup?

Are there other options I'm overlooking? Help me decide what bass I should get.

Also, once I get much better at modding, I plan on making a mustang bass version of this bad boy here:Invalid Link Removed
How cool would that be?

 

[badboyb]

I had the exact same thoughts as you when I was looking for a Mustang.

I really prefer maple necks, and the only one that has that is the Squier VM Mustang.
I ended up getting one of those.

I also wanted the competition stripes, so I just got some vinyl wrap and stuck it on....looks cool

 

[Tom0Blam0]

That looks awesome! How does the split coil sound?

 

[macmanlou]

That looks awesome! How does the split coil sound?

The Mustang split coil sounds a lot like a P-Bass. I've had both the Squier and MIJ Mustangs and they sound almost identical.

I like the feel of the 7 1/2" radius MIJ neck compared to the 10 1/2" Squier (and Pawn Shop), but many folks prefer the flatter fingerboard. You should try them both out if you get the chance.

 

[badboyb]

Yep, agree.

Similar tonally to a P-bass, but perhaps not as much definition.
It sounds very big and fat, especially on the lower notes.
I think it sounds deeper and more tubby than the P-bass.

I love it, and since I've gotten the Squier Mustang, I haven't used my MIA P-bass.
Not because the Mustang is better, but because I just love the small scale for smaller hands.
It feels so easy to play and the tone is big.

It is not as heavy and I find that I don't fatigue at all on the Mustang, even when we gig all night.

 

[Mudfuzz]

I've played MIJ mustangs that put a lot of MIA Js and Ps to shame.

 

[macmanlou]

I've played MIJ mustangs that put a lot of MIA Js and Ps to shame.

I bought a new one last year and am really pleased with its fit and finish. It's my favorite fretted bass.

Sweetwater has a nice looking one in stock.

Some of the older MIA Mustangs have maple fingerboards. Nice ones sell for high prices, though.

 

[Wallace320]

Have I been mistaken here?

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[Roland GR 88]

I have a MIJ and am really happy with it. Almost went with the VM as there was little to separate the two except for the hotter humbucker in it. I chose the MIJ for it's retro charm really and aside from having to change a pointy p/u adjustment screw head where my thumb sits - easy 20 cent fix - it's perfect.

 

[skidmarkbass]

I enjoyed playing the Pawn shop version in a shop, but the Squier VM Mustang sure seem nice for the money.

 

[macmanlou]

One could buy the Mikey Way and a Squier Mustang and swap necks. The rosewood fingerboard would look pretty good on the 3TS.

 

[Dark Horse]

You could also get a Bronco used for $70-$100 and use all that extra money to mod it however you want....

This poor soul is the Frankenbronco...... doesn't look like much, but sounds amazing !

 

[Dogghouse]

badboyb> That thang looks awesome!

 

[Tom0Blam0]

One could buy the Mikey Way and a Squier Mustang and swap necks. The rosewood fingerboard would look pretty good on the 3TS.

If I had the money, I would totally do that. But I'm unfortunately poor at the moment

 

[godofthunder59]

The MIJ ones are really nice.Gotta say I love the look of that black and maple Squire.

 

[Mustang Surly]

I have a MIJ Re-Issue and really like it. Flawless build quility. "P-like" tone, as stated above, but less pup output. Only thing I'd change would be to add belly and fore arm cuts to the body, but that would be in a perfect world. Not having them is no biggy.

FWIW, the Fender HSC for these is over-priced for what it is.

 

[neo 7]

I have a MIJ Re-Issue and really like it.

FWIW, the Fender HSC for these is over-priced for what it is.

I really like my CIJ Mustang too, and this case is decent quality, and fits it like a glove.

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[macmanlou]

FWIW, the Fender HSC for these is over-priced for what it is.

Every once in a while they come up on Amazon for $120. Otherwise, the usual price of about $150 is way too much for what you get.

 

[macmanlou]

I really like my CIJ Mustang too, and this case is decent quality, and fits it like a glove.

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Those Rondo cases are every bit as good as the Fender Mustang case - and about 1/3 the price!

 

[Mustang Surly]

I got a big discount on the Fender case but would never have bought it at full price.