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Short scale GAS, would like some ideas!
- Thread starter Inconnu
- Start date
Only catch is that the Affinity series has a bad rap, so the headstock snobs will shun you. The Mini P, however, is a fine, responsive beast indeed that's very fun to play. At least, mine is.
Hank, I would love to hear your impressions of how the SBMM Stingray and Mustang PJ compare as far as tone, playability, weight, and anything else that you find distinctive. I live in L.A. but might have to buy online depending on what stores have in stock and whether they'll let me in to play them. Thanks!
They're quite similar in a lot of ways, to be honest. The necks feel very alike - satin, barely-there finish on both, which is my preference. Standard modern Fender-feel to them, they feel like they're C shape, 9.5" radius. Fretwork is good on both, not sharp or protruding. Both 1.5" Jazz width, the Mustang is thinner front-to-back but not by much - you wouldn't confuse the Stingray with a vintage P-style baseball bat, put it that way. I bought both sight unseen, and I'm very happy with the feel of each neck.
As far as bodies go, the 'Ray has a belly contour and arm cut - the Mustang is a slab. I much prefer the contours, but I'm getting used to the feel of the Mustang body very quickly. I think the smaller body size makes it more comfortable than say a slab P. Both are finished well, no paint flaws, marks or dings. I've only got a cheap luggage scale, which puts both between 8 & 8.5lbs. I'd guess there isn't much more than 1 or 2lb between them.
Pickups are good on both. The Stingray has neodymium magnets, which do seem to help give it the oomph it needs as a passive version. The Mustang P pup is just as loud, havent played it with the band yet, but at home it sounds just like a P. The Jazz pickup sounds a bit weak, but nice. It already feels quite raised, so might just need balancing with the P. I'd use it with both pups on, but if I was solo-ing the bridge, may want to replace the J sooner rather than later. I have played the Ray with the band, and it sounded great - cut through well and kept that signature tone even without a preamp.
The electronics, I prefer on the Ray. The volume boost and the series/parallel/singlecoil switching are both very useful inclusions that make enough of a difference to be utilised. The volume and tone pots sound good, too. The Mustang's switch feels cheap, and a lot of owners report needing to swap them - the tone knob cuts a lot of volume when rolled off, too. I'll probably swap pots & switch down the road.
Hardware, also, goes to the Ray. I prefer the bridge, it feels like it's good quality. The Mustang has the standard BBOT which is fine, does the job. The tuners are the weakest part of both basses - I'll definitely swap both for Hipshots if I find myself gigging them regularly in the years to come. The Ray has good tuners, and the Mustang adequate - I just prefer Hipshot, the stock feel a bit loose.
Strings are no big deal because they'll get changed, but the Stingray wins here too - they're good. The Fender seems to have long scale strings cut down, the taper doesn't begin until they're already wrapped around the peg. I've bought strings for the Fender already, the Ray's I'm happy with for now.
The PJ doesn't come with any case; the Stingray did, but it's a full size bag, not short scale. Also a lot of people say they didn't get a bag, I think they were thrown into some of the first run, but certainly aren't meant to be included. It's a pleasant surprise if you get one, basically.
On paper, the Stingray is a better instrument, writing this out - but there isn't that much in it. The Mustang is just as fun to play, I'm getting it in for a pro setup soon (the Ray was setup by the shop I believe), and I feel like they'll be very even in playability then. The Ray just has the edge in hardware & electronics; but I would prefer the PJ as a modding platform, if that's what you're into.
Hope this helped a bit! Sorry if it got ramble-y, just trying to answer all questions I'd be asking. It boils down to me, really, do you want the Precision tone or the Stingray tone? They're both fine, mid-priced basses. Also, just a disclaimer- had the Ray a couple of months and have gotten to know it well, but only had the Fender since Thursday, so they're really first impressions.
Thank you so much for all that fantastic info! I have an EBMM guitar and the quality is top level. I love playing it partly because it feels so nice. And from what you wrote, I would buy the Stingray. It sounds like it hits all the right notes for me, especially at this price level. Except for one thing: my current bass is an SR1300 and for my next bass I think I want the P bass tone. I had played a bunch of 34” Fenders at the store before I bought my Ibanez and none of them spoke to me. But I didn’t try the Mustang. That could be it. It’s great you get to enjoy them both!
They are cute... like the Jackson Minion are, in another style. But how does the even shorter scale feels like compared to a 30 inch? I wonder if it feels legit or just more like a kids instrument.
