Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

[Diminished Triad]

Anyone able to describe the real difference between the Fender Mustang Bass and the Pawn Shop model? The prices are about the same with the Pawn Shop Bass coming in at a slightly higher amount. The Mustang uses a 7.25 radius neck and traditional split single coil pickup. The Pawn Shop Mustang Bass has a 9.50 radius neck and Fender humbucking pickup. I have not seen the weight of either described/listed so not able to compare that area of comfort. Thanks so much for any info/recommendations/experience you might be able to share!

Fender Mustang Bass:
http://www.fender.com/series/classi...vintage-white-4-ply-tortoise-shell-pickguard/

Here's the Pawn Shop Mustang Bass:
http://www.fender.com/series/pawn-s...wood-fingerboard-candy-apple-red-with-stripe/

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

The traditional split coils pickup of the Mustang Bass is physically smaller than a Precision Bass pickup. The output is lower. Replacing the pickup is awkward because it is a non-standard size.

The humbucking pickup of the Pawn Shop model gives a big, ol' farty sound. If the humbucker has three- or four conductor + shield, some form of variable coil splitting would broaden its sound palette.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

Both are grossly overpriced reissues of what was a student model bass.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

Can the 7.25 neck handle bass strings okay or do they have to be raised substantially?
Sounds like humbucker is better option between the two?
Generally retails before any discounts at 25% off MSRP listed by Fender. Still expensive.
Thanks for info and any further clarification you can share!

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

Can the 7.25 neck handle bass strings okay or do they have to be raised substantially?
Sounds like humbucker is better option between the two?
Generally retails before any discounts at 25% off MSRP listed by Fender. Still expensive.
Thanks for info and any further clarification you can share!

I've tried the mustang reissue bass... it never felt "off". I hope I help you get your opinion together though my experience is limited.

I dig the pawn shop... it's unusual to see that fender tele bass pickup

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

Can the 7.25 neck handle bass strings okay?

I bloody well hope so. I have this radius on several of my instruments.

Sounds like humbucker is better option between the two?

Both pickup designs are hum-cancelling. Output conductor cabling permitting, the Pawnshop series humbucker ought to offer more sonic variation. Series wiring would do the Gibson EB style wooly fart. Parallel wiring should be far clearer. Coil split could turn out to be the most interesting of all.

I would be tempted to employ Spin-A-Split wiring of the Pawnshop humbucker.

Generally retails before any discounts at 25% off MSRP listed by Fender. Still expensive.

If you just want a Mustang Bass as a fun variation from the Precision, Jazz, Stingray, Warwick norm, take a look at the Squier Vintage Modified series.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

I have one of the Squire Bronco basses and they are very cheap. The only really impractical part that needs to be replaced is the 2 saddle bridge.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Mustang vs. Pawn Shop Mustang Bass?

I bloody well hope so. I have this radius on several of my instruments.
Very good to know! I am a big fan of the 7.25 vintage style fretboard radius although many seem to believe this requires additional height for strings. I still manage to keep low action, although have not tried a bass with this radius. Thanks again..... Will probably end up selecting the Pawn Shop model because of the humbucker.