I found the BEST Mustang Bass 🐎
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- Опубліковано 10 жов 2023
- Check Out the Mustang Basses in This Video (affiliate links)
JMJ: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
Vintera II '70s: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
Squier Classic Vibe '60s: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
Squier Sonic Bronco: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
American Performer: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
Fender Player PJ: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/4178498/9...
The Fender Mustang Bass is a great option for all bass players, but there are so many options. In this video, I help you find the best Mustang Bass for you. Thanks to Sweetwater for sponsoring this video!
Congratulations to the winner of the giveaway! The contest is over. The winner has been contacted and was announced on this livestream:
• My Weirdest Gig Story....
Mustang Shoot-Out Score Card (FREE DOWNLOAD)
philipconradmusic.teachable.c...
MY Bass Course
philipconradmusic.teachable.c...
Bass Survival Guide (For GUITAR PLAYERS Who Want to Lean Bass):
rhettshullguitarcourses.com/p...
Huge thanks to @designedbyshea for her design and creative input, and for making the sick Shoot-Out Card!
www.designedbyshea.com
Public Domain Cowboy Footage:
archive.org/details/AmericanCowb
I voted for 3. Amazing how great Squiers sound these days.
same
same
same
I love the sound of the P-Bass, but I reaaally liked the feel of the Mustang’s shorter scale length, as someone who primarily plays guitar. So the PJ Mustang got me really excited.
P bass pickups in a Mustang is for the exact reason you mentioned at the start of the video - you want the P bass sound, but injuries prevent you from playing a full scale bass.
UA-cam just recommended me this video, and I'm blown away by your production, man. Everything in this video is well crafted. I own a Mustang PJ (pre-Player Series, but it's basically the same thing) and as my only bass, I love how versatile it is. But now I'm thinking about that Squier, and the Vintera as well. I mean, I'm mostly a keys/guitar player, so I don't need a lot of basses, but maybe owning a "true" Mustang is not a bad idea at all! Great content. Subscribed!
Argument for the PJ: I am 5'5, can only comfortably play short/mid scale basses, and I want a Pbass sound without having to buy a bass thats too large for my frame. Identity crisis or not it's a solid solution until Fender US starts making short scale P's.
+ 1 on this
After playing a Gibson EB3 for a lot of years out of my Marshall stack, I retired for a number of years and sold all equipment I had after impairing the tendons in my hand and later losing the ball of my radial bone in my LH elbow. I tried playing off and on but was challenged. This was during my teen years. At the age of 68 and retired, I felt the need to get back into playing again and bought a Marcus Miller bass from Sweetwater. The long scale was quite uncomfortable playing and purchased a Mustang from Sweetwater along with a Bulgara amp in hopes of starting an old man band to play small clubs. I think out of the six choices mine was the Mustang PJ, also.
They do make short scale ps don’t they?
@OldDolio312 It depends on who you mean by "they" and what you mean by "short scale." Fender doesn't currently sell a true short scale P-bass. Squier by Fender offers a Mini-P Bass. However, the Mini has a much smaller body and a 28.5 inch scale rather than a 30 inch scale.
The Mini is much smaller than a standard P-Bass and it's also noticeably smaller than a Mustang. Therefore, it's technically not a short scale bass. It's a mini-bass and many people seem to love them.
Now, if you go outside of the Fender brand, you can find several high end and also some dirt cheap short scale P-bass style basses which are not mini size. They are true short scale P-basses, but they have nothing to do with the Fender brand.
@@skybluemarshall interesting, yeah I currently have the Ibanez GSRM20, after I realised the mistake I made buying a full scale (I’m like 5’3 with small hands), I love its 28” size but alas fender doesn’t make em in that size. Lookin to upgrade now and I’m not sure what to get, stuck between the American and PJ mustang, so if you have any suggestions, appreciate it
I have that exact Squier CV Mustang, same color and all. I bought it about last March and strung it with flats -- and that Mustang took me everywhere. I stumbled onto your video upon researching the Mustang, and your videos pushed me to get it. The comfort of that neck inspired me to keep playing bass, so damn good! I played my first gig with it at our school library, and stuck with it all the way to a huge local festival. One instrument can take you so far, and for me that instrument was my little Mustang. I just wanna say thank you Philip -- in a way, I wouldn't be in the same place musically if I hadn't stumbled into your content and bought that bass. Please keep making videos for us!
I got a Squier CV as my second Mustang, it's a great bass! I love the way it sits in the mix, and it has a P-like (almost) thump and twang.
Truly is a great bass. I keep the Mustang on flats and I now have a Fender Jazz Bass with rounds. This setup covers everything I'll ever need to keep! @@bobgreen623
the bronco as a DIY platform is amazing! i got one for 150 last black friday and did a full refinish on the body and neck, and routed a bridge pickup and it SLAPS! so many options and a great mod platform to really experiment with.
*Have you tried to put a Mustang control plate on it?*
I just picked up a used JMJ as my first bass, and it is really inspiring me. I'm a huge fan of six string Mustangs too, so I was really excited to find one locally.
Great video, I feel like the score card gave it a Wes Anderson vibe and the track was wonderful. Whole thing makes me want a shorty.
I picked up my Squier Bronco on a whim in store and was super impressed with the build quality (no crunchy knobs, no sharp fret ends, good feel), wound up buying it. I REALLY like it. I have plans to replace the pickup (probably a hot rail so I don't have to do any body routing or pickguard replacement) and I would absolutely LOVE a video (or two, or three...) by you on modifying the Bronco. Awesome bass for the money. Plus, it's pink! :)
Thank you for your work and passion. I can really feel it. I've seen this episode hundreds of times. And you convinced me to buy a Mustang. It's the Squier and I love it so much!
Thanks! This was great I own a P Bass, Left handed and I love it! Waited for 40 years to have it! With that being said, I enjoyed learning about these basses. The roking Rabbi.
Philip!! Loved this video! Your commentary and chill vibe is awesome
Love the bronco riding footage in the background. Excellent video!
I owned the Classic Vibe, and with your help, I replaced the pickups with Curtis Novak pickups and added Mustang Flats. I sanded the neck and felt like it made it closer (not exactly) to the JMJ. They are great basses!
Using flats changes the entire character of the sound. You can probably put flats on any of these basses and get the sound that it seems to me you prefer in this video.
For instance, I have a Mustang pj and put la bella flats on it, and it sounds stellar. I just switched it back to rounds for the first time in 3 years, and it's a completely different instrument with a completely different vibe.
I agree. Played round-wounds on 78 p-bass for a decade before switching to flat-wounds. Yes, they (round) are brighter & more clacky & more percussive, but the tone is what I'm after.
I own that Squier classic vibe, but in the same Capri orange colour with the red stripes as the Vintera II in your comparison. This was actually my first bass, coming from guitar. Great instrument. Put flats on it a few months ago and it sounds absolutely amazing.
so happy I have a first run JMJ!!! always a good time.
I chose #2 and #6. They both spoke to me. But in a month I would more than likely hear them differently. Zesty video and I really enjoyed it. Fun watching you battle your thoughts. Must be kind of overwhelming receiving so many basses at one and yet having to send them back. Thankee.
Very nice. Love the vibe of the JMJ and I’ve had my eye on one for a long time. I thought that classic vibe sounded great. I think those two would be my picks
American Performer Mustang is my main bass. Built great and has the best neck out of all my basses but I had to change the pickups due to the thinness you identified here. It’s got two Nordstrands in now and sounds fat
🚨 There is a scammer pretending to be me in the comments. Please report them. The winner will be contacted via email and announced on a livestream next week. I’m sorry for the confusion. 🚨
I’m just starting to learn bass and have a Squier Affinity P Bass. So far, I love it. Keep up the awesome content. They all sound great to my neophyte ear.
These come from the factory with different strings. The JMJ comes with flats. I put flats on my Performer, which came with rounds and the sound improvement was amazing.
Been playing bass for a decade now, have an aerodyne and Squire VI, but fell in love with the idea of owning the Vintera ii and got to try the American performer in guitar center and now I know I need a mustang!! Thanks for sharing this video Philip! Subscribed!
The jmj is a special instrument. Fender really nailed it with that one. I love the look of the vintnera II. But the attention to detail on the JMJ is top notch! Great video! Enjoyed it
Agreed!
one of the best comparison vids I've ever seen. A++. NOICE!
Awesome video! I own a Vintera mustang from the first series and it’s a great bass. Sounds very good, well built and really comfortable to play.
Thank you for such a good video. It helped me a lot to listen to all the mustang sounds in one clip with great sound quality. Is it possible for you to make another video that includes the sound of these mustang basses in a longer video (audio comparison only)? I was shocked by the Bronco, how cheap it is and how good it sounds. In contrast, during the blind test I chose the AM performer as having the softest and worst output of them all. I love the JMJ and am amazed at the smooth and warm sound of the Vintera ii. These would be my picks.
Great video. I think you nailed the whole comparison video format. By the way,… absolutely love the vintage rodeo footage!
i bought the bronco a while back with plans on eventually upgrading components but honestly i fell in love with it right out of the box. i've never owned a short scale bass before this but because i have small hands i feel like it was instantly easier than the p's and j's i've owned before. it's pretty great that these days one can spend a relatively small amount on a squier and have a super solid instrument :)
I respect how you approached this video. Very cool! And also, I agree about the JMJ because that’s my bass too!
Your videos are great man! Thank you!
Of course I liked the two basses with J bass pups installed. Great video and well thought out and put together.
I have the blue JMJ; as a guitar player with a home studio I wanted a short scale bass for recording purposes. I also have an American Special Jazz. The JMJ has become my “secret weapon.” Not only does it add a character & thump that is unique it’s so much fun to play. The flatwounds changed the game for me, I never would’ve considered them before the JMJ.
It’s a great bass! Glad to have you here. Thanks for watching!
I’ve owned a JMJ and I agree 100% I loved the flats also. The relicing was just the right amount 👍🏻
Love that Vintera II. Didn’t think i would but i just love that sound a ton
Hi Philip, great video! The way I interpret the Mustang with P bass pickups is similar to what happens with guitars. If you like the look and feel of a SG you can get it with humbuckers, one or two P90’s. Nonetheless, I also think the JMJ is the winner. Cheers.
I picked #6 . Cool and smooth low end. It was the only bass that wasn't "mid range" heavy.
I love my JMJ, it is my favorite bass now and I bought it used partly because your videos were so convincing...
Awesome!
I own a JMJ in blue myself. Apart from the unconvincing (and IMO unnecessary) body relic job, it really is great. I also played a Vintera II the other day and it was a great instrument. The fit and finish was spot on.
I agree with your assessment….I’d save and buy a JMJ if they came out without the Road wear
I have a 2008 MIJ Mustang, bought it new. I put in True Custom Shop vintage style pickups and strung up with Labella Deep Talkin flats, I absolutely love it. I prefer the vintage sound personally. Thanks Philip
Fantastic video! It gave me the information and confidence to finally get one. As the proud owner of the lovely Classic Vibe Mustang Bass, I can say it is everything I wanted!
Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy that bass for a long time ⚡️
I really liked 3 and 5. Been looking at a short scale so I'm super thrilled about 3. This really helped!
3 and 5 were my favorite sounding initially. Groovy playing.
Another great video Philip (as always). I love Mustang basses. I currently own a Squire 60s FSR Mustang bass in Competition capri orange and was toying with upgrading it to the new Fender 70s Mustang in Competition orange. Pls consider shooting a video outlining the differences between these two instruments. I would be very interested in knowing if the electronics (pickup and potentiometers) are better quality. The bridges look identical based on pics so I cannot tell if materials are better in the Fender. I know there is value for money in the Squire but I wanted to know if there is value in the Fender aside from the looks.
I got a Mustang FSR Player series in Sherwood green earlier this year for similar reasons to you Philip. I had an illness that affected my mobility and the Mustang is so much easier to navigate.
Really enjoyed this video. Entered in the contest as I’ve been wishing for a mustang for a while. You got a new subscriber!
So glad to have you here!!
Point of order so far at 8:20
The PJ has a place here for people that are recovering from a hand injury and can't play their full scale P-basses. It will give them back their distinct sound as opposed to a Mustang sound. I think it's similarity to an actual P-bass is it's strength, rather than a downside.
That’s a good point. What I’m realizing is I really wish Fender made a mini P bass.
I bought one while healing from a broken wrist for that very reason. It was perfect for that purpose and is a mean little bass in its own right. Now that I’m healed and back to my full size P, I find myself interested in the Vintera or JMJ both for the unique tone and the slightly wider neck (1.625 at the nut vs the 1.5 of the PJ).
Love the shirt! Athens, GA gang!
The Classic Vibe would be my pick. Love the look and sound, and that value
The sonic bronco is a fantastic mod platform...hipshot bridge and tuners, bone nut, lace sensor red with a good wiring harness in mine...now it rocks
There are very good pickups from Seymour Duncan
@@Arcade1959 No doubt, alot of pros swear by seymour duncan and for good reason
I bought one of those cheap rail hum buckers from Amazon and it sounds gnarly in an awesome way!
Thank you - this has been very helpful.
LOVE the Mustang bass! It's the only bass that has been on our recordings to date. Our first bassist had a 71 Mustang bass that ended up just being perfect for us, and when he left, the only thing we could get that nailed what his bass did was the JMJ, so that's our sound. I love it for the studio, since a lot of bassist already have something they like, so if we need something different, the JMJ is typically quite different from what most bassists are going to bring, and the short scale is great for all the non-bassists who need to get an idea down.
I recently picked up a VM Squire Mustang Bass, as a guitarist and a studio producer I absolutely love it - plays great, sounds fantastic and makes me want to keep playing and using it which is a win in my books.
I love the sound of the vintera so much. so clean, so tight. so much mojo
strictly sound, 6, then 3 to me
Nice vid, thanks. Interesting to see the choices now. I have a 73 Competition Red, it would be interesting to hear a comparison with vintage models. Also what half-round strings do you use? I've use D'Addario half-rounds now but apparently they are no longer making the medium scale version, which fit perfectly with string-thru-body bridges like mu Mustang.
I've been playing 30" scale basses for a few years and have been interested in getting a Mustang for a while, partly from watching your channel. I've played most of these at stores over the years, but stumbled upon a used JMJ for a great price a few weeks ago and couldn't put it down. Exactly what I was missing in my lineup and likely to be my new #1.
I have both JmJ and AP. The AP has “Greasebucket” tone circuit. It really isn’t active with volume turned up full. Back off volume and tone control is more active. Additionally, pickup height of front split pickup was too low on mine when I received it. After proper adjust must , tone was much fuller. With the combination of j pickup, tone is really nice and articulate.
Stainless steel strings and a good setup go a long way on these APs
I also had a gnarly hand injury and am buying my first mustang bass. This was just the absolute best video. Thank you for doing this!
Such high production quality 👍👍
I had the Player PJ and was heavily leaning towards trading it in for the JMJ as I absolutely loved the sound of it. This video finalized my decision. Now just patiently waiting for the JMJ to arrive 😍
Thanks, man. Really helpful video
Great video. Just bought a Bronco for my daughter's 15th birthday, as she has decided she wants to learn to play bass. I love to tinker, so looking forward to seeing what you can do with one of them.
#6 the Vintera was my favorite sound. Funny because that one has the best ergonomics for me when I tried it out at Sweetwater. I used to have a player pj but I sold it because I didn't play it much and the neck was a bit too thin for me. I enjoyed the slightly thicker neck on the Vintera
This is a great vid! Thanks.
Really interesting analysis done here Philip, thank you very much. I've really appreciated your approach of things.
Just thinking about the test you did on the musicmaster one year ago. The musicmaster seems to be quite similar to the bronco (single coil strat pick up, C shape neck, short scale..) would you say both basses are similar or what are main differences to you ? Also really interested in what mods you'll bring to the bronco in the coming days/weeks !!
Thank you for doing this. My stingray and gretch shorts let you switch between pickups to play with the tone. Didn't know a Stang did that. I don't have a p style bass and can't wait to see how you upgrade the bronco.
Amazing review !!!
I'm really excited to see what you do with the bronco!!
Me too! Stay tuned…
My top three sounds were actually 6,5, and 1. I like the PJ because it's three in one. I find that appealing.
But I love that you did this shoot out! Cheers
Thanks for watching!
As usual, you're one of the most honest, educated, competent and professional content creator.
Sound-wise I initially picked 3 as my favourite trying to figure out which bass might have a sound that would tick all the boxes; the slightly broader spectrum could be useful to cut through a mix you know...
Then I figured out the JMJ had flats, so I had to put that as number one.
Just for fun I tried to put my '78 beat up Musicmaster with a swapped out pickup into the mix and obviously (bias...) it came up top (I had to rely on your scores for the "feel" section obviously) but I feel like had that score card included a score for "reliability" or something like that the new well-made instruments would have everything to overcome a vintage instruments with some age to it.
Great comparison btw!
Thanks for the kind words! What pickup did you put in your musicmaster?
@@philipconradmusic an Aero type 1, it's a p51 pickup made to fit the narrower string spacing of the Musicmaster! Sounds great :D
Really like number three and number four but overall went with number six thought it sounded fantastic! How do you not love those stripes!
in the blind sound test I liked 3 & 6 very much... Really nice video. Thx
Fun shootout. Number 3 sounded best to me, but certainly not by a landslide! 1 and 6 came in close for me.
I love my classic vibe Mustang. I've got the CME exclusive Lake Placid Blue with the competition stripe, but it's essentially the same as the one you got. It's so nice. I put flats on mine, as all mustangs need. It's my favorite bass to just pick up and play. I think I might grab it right now
Awesome video at the right time as Ive been looking at adding a short scale to my collection and ultimately like the mustang over the others. This video comparing them all together really solidified my opinions even though they are completely subjective. I liked basses 3,5 and 6 the most. I have 2 Jazz and 2 Precision basses and ultimately consider myself a P guy. I am not interested in a PJ configuration so 5 is out and between 3 and 6. The Vintera II sounds and looks awesome but personally I dont feel its worth 3x the price of the Squier CV. For me the Squier is the best value. Thanks for the video!
Hey Phillip. Loved the sound of the Classic Vibe Squier.
Coincidently I went out last week to buy a Mustang and didn't go home with one having tried some Squeiers and a Vintera.
Not because they were bad, actually loved them both. But I bought the Squier Paranormal Rascal instead of the Mustangs in the shop. A very different animal, but fantastic. You should try one if you get the chance. The green finish on mine is just beautiful.
Question if you get a chance? What half rounds do you use, might try them on the rascal instead of the Labella Mustang Flats I'm considering getting for them.
Great comparison video (as always). Thanks again and keep these coming
I own both a Classic Vibe and a PJ... and those are the ones I liked the best in the blind test. I like how balanced and defined the Vintera sounded. I am thinking of adding a bronco to my stable.
for me it was a close call between 1 and 4.I might be biased because i play a musicmaster though. If i think of a mustang, i like a warm focused low end (if this makes sense) and not to much brightness and fret buzz. Hands down the best comparising video i have seen on these basses. like the DI box videos you did! keep on doing these kind of videos!
Bought the Bronco for my daughter for Christmas. Did a little work on it, frets, nut, awesome!
I just got my first short scale bass, a Gibson Les Paul Jr. Bass, and I’m absolutely loving it. Probably gonna start using short scales as my main basses from now on.
Ref.the switch on the PJ Mustang, a couple of small drops of a certain spray lubricant, (supplied in a yellow and blue can), can help the switch to fully throw its the contacts. Use with the supplied fine red tube attached, to enable one small drop in from each side of the switch “handle”. Other spray lubricans are available, but this one works for me. Used it about 3 times over the last couple of years to good effect.
I liked 1 and 3 the most, thx for the vid!
JMJ and I sold all my other basses. It may seem hardcore but day after day it became the one I was always using, the one that felt special, the one for me.
Mojo is definitely something you must think about when buying a bass. When I was searching for a P-Bass, I stumbled upon a 2012 American Standard in incredible condition for a fair price, but when I played it, I thought it was just fine. Nothing wrong with it, but it felt a lot less inspiring than a particular Mexican P-Bass I'd played before.
Ended up settling for a MIJ RI62 and I'm super glad I did. Sometimes, even though build quality is better, some particular basses just don't really match with you
Man, when I was a teen, I had a Squire Pbass, and I loved it, but had to sell it when I got divorced... since then I had a used Gary Willis Fretless (wasn't feeling it), Sold it, Got. Squire VI (too busy, too many strings, liked the "Spaghetti Western tone" though, I just couldn't get used to the feel of it, sold it) Got a very cheap used PJ Squire... pretty sure it's electronics were no good, resold. Got a 5 String MIM Jazz, really liked it at first, and liked the sound, but ultimately that 5th string just got in my way... so a month ago I saw a used 4 String 19v Active/Passive MIM PJ at my local shop, took it off the wall, played it, finally felt like right, felt like I was back in highschool again.
Traded that 5 string and bought that PJ, and I have been so happy with it. It's so weird how musical instruments are like people. Some of them just don't get along with you, and then sometimes you meet one and you feel like you've known them for years.
This is one of your best video´s. Great job. I would love to get my hands om a JMJ Mustang. My favorite too.
How are your health problems these days by the way? I am familiar with hand/arm problems for years, two days ago I had a carpal tunnel surgury. I hope it turns out well.
I’ve flats on my American Performer II and love it.
Always love your bass vids. Thanks for this, you got me thinking about selling my jazz bass to get a mustang.
JMJ or Vintera for me
I don’t think you’d regret it!
@@philipconradmusici guess you deleted the nonsense spam in the reply? « Lucky winner », it’s gone now.
Back on mustangs, I can’t afford a jmj or vintera, but thanks to you, I now know a squier is a good choice. I’m going to sell my mim jazz for one, and with the extra cash maybe upgrade it a little. New pickups like i saw in one of your other vids. Thanks
I like the brightness in 2 and 5.
I own a JMJ and I absolutely love it
great job and thanks so much for doing the vid very informative. ya i'm going with the JMJ i'll mention ya at sweetwater
🤘
Voted for 4. Great sounding bass!
Bronco is my favourite sound. Always wanted one!
I have a Vibe Tele and it seems like a great value. I am excited to see what you do with that Squire.
I got a steal on a squier classic vibe mustang bass with a hard case, flatwound strings, and a full setup for the price of a new one. Can’t wait to try it after this video
man i’m so excited for that bronco video, i saw one going for $100 recently and i’m kinda kicking myself for not jumping on it
i liked the sound of 3 4 and 6 but i couldn’t choose between those
I’m excited for this mod!
I was a P guy for years. I love my Precision bass. It always has a place. It's THAT sound, and it's unmistakable, versatile, and there.
However....
I always loved the look of mustangs, and I tried a couple, both guitars and basses, both Fender and Squier, but I never found one I loved. But the JMJ is it. It's the epitome of what I was hoping for out of the Mustang. The sound, the look, the feel--it's all there.
The sound holds up against something like the P. Fender nailed the neck...it's absurdly playable. Now that I've had something with a nitro finish, it might be difficult to go back.
What half round strings are you using with yours?
I own a JMJ myself and love it, but I haven't found the strings I like. Awesome review!
Just bought a used JMJ--My first "big-girl" bass. I flipping love the thing.