Which Mustang Bass in 2025?

[T McClure]

The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on a JMJ is the potential neck dive. I mainly play a 32", so I think a 30" Mustang would be a great addition for me. However, I can't find any to play in person here (north Texas/dfw), so I'd have to order online. Anyone have any insight into the balance of the JMJ irl?

I keep a 3" leather strap on mine. There's a bit of neck dive if I take my arms away entirely, but I don't feel it at all when playing.

When I was searching for something else a few weeks ago, I thought I saw one at Murphy's Music in Irving, but it looks like they sold it. It's a shame because they are very rarely in a shop for long.

 

[Brandon Shea]

The neck dive on the JMJ and all other Mustangs I've tried - the only one I haven't tried yet is the Vintera - was a major issue for me.

That said, I've been playing a headless bass exclusively since July, so maybe the neck dive isn't as bad if you're used to regular 34" scale Fenders. But it definitely was a turn off for me.

I tested the JMJ at the shop today. Neck felt great, easily equal to my American Performer. They're very similar. It did seem to dive more than I expected, but once I started playing it wasn't especially noticeable. I still think it'd be fine with most straps.

I didn't care for the strings, and it immediately reminded me of why I ditched the Fender flats I tried a few years ago. That's really personal preference though; plenty of people love those strings. Other thing I wasn't a fan of was the thumb rest… it seemed a lot more awkward than I thought it would. I'd probably just remove it if I bought one.

 

[Slim Pickens]

Have a Vintera ll and Player PJ. Both desperately needed a setup before turning into amazing basses. Great sound flats or rounds. J pickup is a little weak on the Player but I rarely use it. Vintera ll neck makes you work a little bit harder but sounds more like a Mustang where the Player leans toward a Precision sound (which is awesome) and is super easy to play. The Squiers I've played have been amazing and definitely had the Mustang sound. That short Jag PJ they had a few years back was the deal of the century $200! They all need a good setup

 

[lastminute]

Have a Vintera ll and Player PJ. Both desperately needed a setup before turning into amazing basses. Great sound flats or rounds. J pickup is a little weak on the Player but I rarely use it. Vintera ll neck makes you work a little bit harder but sounds more like a Mustang where the Player leans toward a Precision sound (which is awesome) and is super easy to play. The Squiers I've played have been amazing and definitely had the Mustang sound. That short Jag PJ they had a few years back was the deal of the century $200! They all need a good setup

What strings do you currently have on the Ventura two?

 

[Slim Pickens]

Chromes medium scale flats