Fender Mustang Comparison

[greghagger]

Short-scale basses are becoming very popular lately, and there are many reasons why, not least because they are so much lighter than full-scale basses.

 

Personally I'd never really considered short-scale basses before I had to play one when covering for another bassist on a gig. This particular short-scale bass was a Fender Mustang, and I've got to say that I was pretty impressed! The Mustang was instantly easy to play, and through a decent amp, it sounded much fatter than I imaged it would. So, of course I've gone out a brought one!

 

In my latest YouTube video, you can check out what I think of my new Mustang bass, and hear how it stacks up against a full-scale P-Bass. 

 

This is a useful video if you’re considering buying a short-scale bass, and you want to hear how a Mustang bass sounds. 

 

Enjoy!

 

 

[ezbass]

2 hours ago, greghagger said:

not least because they are so much lighter than full-scale basses.

My JMJ is actually heavier than all my longer scale basses. However, they are particularly light, 3 of them being chambered. But the Mustang is still a tad heavier than my Squier P bass. With all that said, the perceived weight of the Mustang feels less, due to the balance.

[greghagger]

50 minutes ago, ezbass said:

My JMJ is actually heavier than all my longer scale basses. However, they are particularly light, 3 of them being chambered. But the Mustang is still a tad heavier than my Squier P bass. With all that said, the perceived weight of the Mustang feels less, due to the balance.

Interesting. The Squier P-Basses must be light. My Mustang is considerably lighter than any other 4-strings that I’ve picked up before. But I know they are making basses a lot lighter nowadays. 

[Owno]

1 hour ago, ezbass said:

My JMJ is actually heavier than all my longer scale basses. However, they are particularly light, 3 of them being chambered. But the Mustang is still a tad heavier than my Squier P bass. With all that said, the perceived weight of the Mustang feels less, due to the balance.

 
The JMJ I had some couple of years ago was also on the heavier side and considerably heavier than my p-bass. My current Mustang, made in 78’ with a beautiful single piece ash body and chunky neck, weighs 4,4kg despite having contours. Shortscales - and perhaps Mustangs in particular - does not necessarily have to be lighter than 34” basses. ☺️

 

I can highly recommend trying a 70’s Mustang in alder. They weigh around 3 to 3,5kg and the pickups are second to none if you’re looking for a p-bass vibe.

Edited 16 hours ago by Owno

[Lozz196]

My heaviest Mustang (a JMJ) is 3.8kg, lightest (a CIJ) is 3.5kg.
 

But as @ezbass said the balance is better, probably due to the weight distribution so I just find short scale basses better on the back/shoulder over long rehearsals. 

 

I liked your video @greghagger, showed that sound wise not that much difference to a Precision (so not that much difference to a Jazz neck pick up either). 

[Owno]

1 hour ago, Lozz196 said:

 

But as @ezbass said the balance is better, probably due to the weight distribution so I just find short scale basses better on the back/shoulder over long rehearsals. 

I agree! 

 

Great comparison @greghagger!