Fender Musicmaster and Mustang

[MoonBassAlpha]

I'm curious, why do Mustangs command higher prices? Apart from the pickup, is there much difference in construction?
They look similar, I've played Musicmasters, never a Mustang though.
Cheers
MBA

[ikay]

I've often wondered myself. Identical apart from bridge, pickup and pickguard as far as I can see. The Musicmaster 2-saddle bridge is a bit of an irritation but the strat type guitar pickup on mine sounded remarkably good!

Edited October 22, 2015 by ikay

[Chiliwailer]

As well as the pickup Musicmasters have a different bridge, slab bodies (no body contour), cheaper tuners, no metal control plate and no through body stringing.

But, I love the feel of early Musicmaster basses circa 1971, fantastic necks and ripe for the modding.

[Iheartreverb]

Part of it is down to perceived desireability. The musicmaster being an entry level or student model at the time gives people the impression they wouldn't want them now. Just like old fender bullet or lead models.
In terms of modern playability, the musicmasters are mega heavy, another reason why people wouldn't always want them.

I own a 70's musicmaster that I've had custom, creamery pickups made for but due to weight it is my back up/ stay at home bass and a reissue Mustang bass (with Seymour Duncan precision put in) which stays at our practice space.