I found the BEST Mustang Bass 🐎

Check Out the Mustang Basses in This Video (affiliate links)
JMJ: sweetwater.sjv...
Vintera II '70s: sweetwater.sjv...
Squier Classic Vibe '60s: sweetwater.sjv...
Squier Sonic Bronco: sweetwater.sjv...
American Performer: sweetwater.sjv...
Fender Player PJ: sweetwater.sjv...
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)
philipconradmu...
MY Bass Course
philipconradmu...
Bass Survival Guide (For GUITAR PLAYERS Who Want to Lean Bass):
rhettshullguit...
Huge thanks to ‪@designedbyshea‬ for her design and creative input, and for making the sick Shoot-Out Card!
www.designedby...
Public Domain Cowboy Footage:
archive.org/de...

[@tofulee5706]

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.

[@dominicbarbucci9349]

You are making a lot of common sense. Scale is the difference. I have small fingers and therefore play a short scale bass. A Fender Mustang American Performer. I play through an Ampeg Amplifier . I believe the Amplifier you play through definitely makes a difference. Ampeg has been around for over 75 years . A lot of professionals play through an Ampeg specifically made for the bass.

[@lowenderjones]

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.

[@yanrad]

+ 1 on this

[@clarencegilbert9548]

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.

[@OldDolio312]

They do make short scale ps don’t they?

[@skybluemarshall]

​@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.

[@OldDolio312]

@@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

[@notzri82]

I voted for 3. Amazing how great Squiers sound these days.

[@pooparcel]

same

[@juanjan__]

same

[@SilentAttackTV]

same

[@greyklopstock7155]

Agreed. My favorite was three and my second favorite was six. To me, I felt like 6 sounded how 3 would sound after you put whatever high pass and low pass filters you'd add in the mix stage and threw a bit of compression on. Personally, 3 had a little more presence in terms of high end that I liked and 6 was a mellowed out version of it. And as someone who grew up hearing "measures twice, cut once," I tend to prefer having the extra high end presence. Cause you can always roll off the highs as needed, but it's a lot harder to add that air in when it's not already there

[@Gj8355r]

Agreed! 👍🏾

[@LarsNorlander]

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.

[@krispykrunkdonut]

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.

[@VVineTU]

*Have you tried to put a Mustang control plate on it?*

[@JoseFrancisco-wy4nm]

Where can we see that bass?

[@scribemike]

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! :)

[@bbqjack8885]

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.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

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.

[@PiotrHryncyszyn]

I'd say that majority of the sound is either amp/cab combination or in case of Di signals, it's mostly strings and pickups. Similar pickups in all of these, as mustang pickups as derivative of P bass anyways, results in very similar sounds. That's why my approach is to get something well made and comfortable to play. One can always swap electronics and strings to get the desired sound. A well made Squier will outclass a poorly made American bass always.

[@ducksarelucky]

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!

[@bobgreen623]

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.

[@ducksarelucky]

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

[@patchadams06]

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.

[@jonsorrentino4794]

I’m a MASSIVE Mustang fan, and having owned and/or played all off Fender’s Mustang offerings, and (IMO) believe it or not the best Mustang currently on the market isn’t a Fender. The day I got my Nash MB-63, I knew I’d found my primary/forever bass. I owned and rode a Suzuki 450cc motorcycle for 10 years. I loved that bike, and I often couldn’t afford to make repairs on a my car back then, so i had to ride that bike to work even through November. Living in the Northeast, it was rough! When I finally got a job that allowed me to upgrade, I got a reliable car and used Harley. Playing that Nash for the first time was just like my first ride on the Harley. I could feel the quality, the builds were solid.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insight. I love my Nash J. Thanks for sharing!

[@oasisforthesoul8002]

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.

[@DaveDamnit]

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.

[@philipconradmusic]

That’s a good point. What I’m realizing is I really wish Fender made a mini P bass.

[@davefreeburg7346]

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).

[@greyklopstock7155]

​@@philipconradmusicfender actually did briefly make one in the early 2000s! It's called the p bass junior! You can see Joe Dart play one in the "My First Car" video from vulfpeck. They only had one knob, and they're really hard to find, but they're out there. As someone with chronic tendonitis in both hands (wrist and thumb in fretting hand, wrist in my right) since high school that used to exclusively play a Japanese 51 p bass reissue with flats, I was on the hunt for a short scale p bass after selling some pedals a while ago. I stumbled upon a Sandberg Lionel short scale. Made in Germany, came with flats from the previous owner, and it blew me away so much I had to have it. I had been a little shocked when I first played it at how despite my youth it had really been quite a few years since I'd last been able to play bass for over half an hour straight without pain or discomfort. I highly suggest checking one of those out if you get the chance. I had no idea how much pain I could have avoided if I had bitten the short scale bullet earlier, cause it is still pretty liberating to feel like I can have my confidence back on my best instrument

[@TheArmedHermit]

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.

[@philipconradmusic]

It’s a great bass! Glad to have you here. Thanks for watching!

[@TheCrazyman113LP]

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.

[@NICKC-YT]

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!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy that bass for a long time ⚡️

[@Brandon-pi5fe]

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

[@ledruid]

KZbin 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!

[@davidmhuey]

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!

[@dane9929]

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.

[@jasondorsey7110]

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

[@Arcade1959]

There are very good pickups from Seymour Duncan

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@Arcade1959 No doubt, alot of pros swear by seymour duncan and for good reason

[@prospectnyc]

I bought one of those cheap rail hum buckers from Amazon and it sounds gnarly in an awesome way!

[@basicstickfigure1087]

I picked #6 . Cool and smooth low end. It was the only bass that wasn't "mid range" heavy.

[@meiXmusicpro]

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!

[@Wombatmetal]

This video just popped up in my feed today and I can so relate to it. I had a wrist injury about two years ago and the strain playing long scale was too much, so I changed to short scale and fell in love with the mustang. I just did a scorecard for my basses and the highest score was the Bronco. First thing I did with my Bronco was to do fretwork, I rolled the edges of the frets and levelled them. Then I sanded the back of the neck, which took the finish off so I applied oil. And replaced the pickup with a Fralin 51 split P. It sounds so warm and mellow. If you put a little work into a Bronco you get a lot out of it. Next is my Squier CV 60s with Curtis Novak Mustang pickup with a Tonerider tone pot, it sounds so good. Next is my Fender Pawn Shop mustang, which I found used with a mustang pickup, but I restored the wide range humbucker that was stock using a Novak, it is so punchy. Last is my Fender Player PJ. This is the best feeling mustang I own, the neck is just sublime. But I think it's just this particular bass, but the mojo of the PJ isn't quite there for me. If I play something rock, I will use the Pawn Shop. Motown or blues I would choose the Bronco.

[@1701frequencies]

I “blind” voted for 3, 5 and 6. I picked up an American Performer Mustang B-stock for about $1k 18 months ago as my first bass coming from guitar after learning about Mustangs from Phil’s channel. At that time I could not find a Mustang locally and just went for it. I like blending the Performer’s pickups, the satin finish neck and have enjoyed my short time with it. I don’t like relic models so that ruled out the JMJ for me. Really enjoying Phil’s content, insights and the community he is building here. Well done!

[@jamesbird2231]

Thanks!

[@Richard_Gee]

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.

[@DV8shredder]

Stainless steel strings and a good setup go a long way on these APs

[@lastreagandemocrat]

Love the bronco riding footage in the background. Excellent video!

[@alexgeddes6245]

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

[@philipconradmusic]

Agreed!

[@jeffburnham4582]

I respect how you approached this video. Very cool! And also, I agree about the JMJ because that’s my bass too!

[@garesRI]

So appreciative of your analytics on Mustang basses. In fact, I’m waiting for a shipment of JMJs to arrive at my retailer in about 2 weeks to pull the trigger on a blue one. What test result I found remarkable was how the most expensive bass was not even a competitor to the JMJ and Vintera. Thank you for being a source of reliable information for the bass community.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@mvcleod]

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 😍

[@MrSparks54]

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

[@portineoo]

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

[@ajplays-gamesandmusic4568]

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.

[@shugemery]

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.

[@philipconradmusic]

🚨 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. 🚨

[@ibalrog]

I felt like 2 was clearest, 6 was muddiest, 1 3 4 and 5 were about the same but with increasing output levels and decreasing clarity. Visually, all I want is a black/white/rosewood Mustang without a jacked up finish. The JMJ is so close, yet so far.

[@MATRYOSKA6]

I bought my first bass a couple of years ago and it was a Fender Jazz Squire. It has never let me down. The quality of the instrument feels like that of a much more expensive bass. Tone is great, style is great and I would highly recommend a squire to anyone who desires a fairly priced bass of good quality and style.

[@lucdevries9058]

Fun shootout. Number 3 sounded best to me, but certainly not by a landslide! 1 and 6 came in close for me.

[@SalP91]

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.

[@cdwizzerd]

i just scored a 30" Jag bass from a pawn shop. the neck is so lovely. i gotta play short scale for maximum reach cos my fretting hand only has 3 working fingers

[@jonathanbarb5516]

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

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@ShinyShinyBlack]

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.

[@tamednoise3647]

I bought the PJ here in Nashville a few years ago, and I’ve used it in the studio, and live situations. One of my favorite things about it is thanks to certain laws of physics, as a short scale bass, it doesn’t have the dead notes that exist on the g string, as are inherent on my long scale vintage basses.

[@danegaffney]

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!

[@BigRobbie_G]

I own the JMJ, and didn’t care for the factory flats fender shipped it with, so I changed them out to La Bella Mustang flats which made a major difference. I’ve played those flats for about 6 months and was ready for a change. I just restrung it with DR Sunbeams, and WOW, just WOW! You gotta give these a try! I’ve fallen in love with this bass all over again! It’s never sounded so good, and the strings feel great!

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Those are what I use on my 78 p-bass (ash/maple neck w/rosewood fretboard). Love the deep, rich, mellow tone. Like buttah.

[@Groove3333]

I just picked up a Vintera II last week, restrung it with some Chromes and I'm in love.

[@T-Hawkeyes]

so happy I have a first run JMJ!!! always a good time.

[@negativeland5207]

The JMJ is probably the best short scale I've tried out, been GASing for one for a good while now. The bronco is underrated as hell too for the price. Would love to see a similar rundown for Precision and Jazz basses!

[@philipconradmusic]

Maybe I should do a P bass shootout…

[@negativeland5207]

👀@@philipconradmusic

[@twerpeater]

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.

[@mtdawgy]

I agree with your assessment….I’d save and buy a JMJ if they came out without the Road wear

[@Troumbadour]

One of the basses I have is a mid-2010’s Mexican Mustang PJ that the previous owner did custom relic work to, and in that same spirit I eventually decided to have it converted to fretless with flats on it. I really like how it turned out and how unique it is in my collection now, and since I have small hands, the short scale length makes it much easier than it otherwise would be to play in tune without frets. I do wish it had actual Mustang style pickups instead of the PJ configuration, but it’s still a ton of fun to play. Much love for mustangs, always punk as hell.

[@alexanderthomas2970]

Love that Vintera II. Didn’t think i would but i just love that sound a ton

[@danielgraham4282]

I own the JMJ and a Player PJ, and could pick them both out in the blind test, my favourite sounding blind was the Vintera. The PJ bass sounds great, using just the P pickup. I use it quite a lot. The Jazz pickup in it is next to useless, weak, uneven, quiet, it really brings nothing’s to the party. I like the p pickup though, it sounds like a decent P bass, which is why I use it, I get your argument about get a P bass (I have 2) but when I’m playing live, I don’t like to junp between short scale and regular 34 inch scale, so the Mustang that makes P sounds is great when I want that sound live and I am swapping from the JMJ. I really want to buy a Vintera now though

[@marcusparnell2403]

What a great video! Love all your content Philip, but this one is an absolute beauty for us Mustang lovers! Here’s my two cents…(hope it helps anyone that reads this get to where they need to quicker than it took me!) I’ve had the Squier Classic Vibe for around 3-4 years now. When I bought it it was £350 (If I’d had the extra money I’d have bought the JMJ but I didn’t at the time so decided to upgrade the Squier over many birthdays, figuring that I’d probably end up spending the same as if I’d bought the JMJ but that it would be more affordable for me to do it that way) So, to cut a long story short, this is what I did. Firstly, I changed the strings to Labella Mustang Flats which as many of you will know, have a lovely thumpy old school vibe. I replaced the pickup with a Nordstrand Vintage NM4 - this slots straight in using the existing Squier pickup covers. This cost me £100 and really beefed up the tone of the bass. I shielded the cavities with copper tape and replaced the pick guard with a lovely white perloid one. This cost around £50 I replaced the pots with CTS and added an orange drop .47 cap. This cost me around £25 I sanded the neck with wire wool to remove the stickiness of the gloss finish. This worked really well and it’s now a lovely smooth, playable neck which retains the vintage look. I replaced the tuners with Hipshot Licensed Ultralites. This cost £100 but was worth it for the tuning stability and also went a long way to reducing the neck dive on this bass, which was a bit annoying. These were all great, and I would argue, necessary mods (for me at any rate) to get the bass playing, sounding and feeling as I wanted it. However, I could never get an evenness of volume and thickness of tone over the 4 strings until I changed the strings once more… I read a review of the Medium scale Chromes (ECB81M) on Thomann which described my problem perfectly. It was as if the tone control had zero effect on the sound of the bass, despite the high quality pots & cap replacement I’d made. They said they’d tried these Medium scale Chromes and were so impressed by the evenness of tone across all strings and their new found use for the tone knob that actually now had a dramatic effect on the tone of the bass. I can confirm that I am now 100% happy with how the bass sounds. It’s now my go-to instrument and I absolutely love everything about it. I spent about £675 in total on this project but that’s still cheaper than the new price of a JMJ and I now have the bass exactly as I want it.

[@philipconradmusic]

Sounds like you made some great decisions! I bet it’s a great bass. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@LunatiqueRob]

I had a Fender Player PJ Mustang several years ago but sold it and always regretted it because I loved how punchy it sounded--it's unlike any other bass I have played or owned. Last year I decided to get another Mustang and went through three different ones, including more expensive ones. But none of them had the same punch, so I got another Player PJ Mustang that was almost exactly like the one I sold except the finish is slightly different (Mystic Seafoam vs Surf Pearl). When I listened to the examples in the video, I immediately picked out the PJ because that is the tone I love.

[@Baci302]

Very cool and fun video. I’m picking up my NEW Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ 3-color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard today!!!!

[@kevinjerome4925]

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.

[@FrankLafone]

I'd probably buy the CV, but I really, really loved pretty much everything about the Vintera. So I'd play the CV and secretly lust after the Vintera. 'Cause racing stripes add roughly 4.28% more tone. :)

[@VIDS2013]

Plus, they make the bass way faster in a drag race!

[@bobhecker1132]

Bought the Bronco for my daughter for Christmas. Did a little work on it, frets, nut, awesome!

[@jhendricks02]

i bought a bronco over the summer just to have something different than my P-Bass. what a great mod platform! throw a cool low output strat pickup in it, sand the neck down, and put some good strings on it. it’s a super cool bass, and to be able to have it modded and everything for about $300 it’s a great deal.

[@jamesbird2231]

I've been learning and struggling on a full scale do to a very arthrtic left shoulder. Bought a short scale Mitchell from a pawn shop just to try out the feel. I love the size and weight and thanks to your video I'm ready to get a CV from Sweeter. I want to get linked to your affiliate so you can get your commission. Your videos are excellent, keep them coming.

[@nautje]

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.

[@loekiedepo]

My JMJ is almost closer to a precision bass than a "regular" Mustang and I love it. Wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Thick, thumpy sound that can growl if you want it too.

[@russellburnham298]

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.

[@paolomoretti9291]

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.

[@jerryjb]

#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

[@sergiogo._]

Dude, I love my JMJ so much. It was expensive for a MIM bass, but it was every penny worth.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

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 :)

[@onlineapprentice8599]

Of course I liked the two basses with J bass pups installed. Great video and well thought out and put together.

[@carloleonellouberti5786]

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!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for the kind words! What pickup did you put in your musicmaster?

[@carloleonellouberti5786]

@@philipconradmusic an Aero type 1, it's a p51 pickup made to fit the narrower string spacing of the Musicmaster! Sounds great :D

[@Sidewinder_55]

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

[@camerakungfu]

And every one of them will feel and sound better with a set of LaBella Deep Talkin' strings.

[@Jkr66]

I've have a 1968 Fender Mustang Bass I bought for $125 in 1982. Found it at a pawn shop here in Detroit. It's got all the original parts on it, Candy Apple Red with 2 white stripes. I vote for the Vintera 2 Bass. It looks like and reminds me of MY 1968 Candy Apple Red Mustang Bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@Jkr66]

@@philipconradmusic your welcome. I also have a 1972 Tele Bass. They reissued the original P Bass shape as the Telecaster Bass from 70-73 I think. I got that for $200 in 1989 from a friend of mine. I was in a Ska band in the late 80's early 90's. We went coast to coast. I hope I filled out that Bass raffle form correctly. THANKZ ! 🤙🏾

[@adamgorka368]

I love the sound of the vintera so much. so clean, so tight. so much mojo strictly sound, 6, then 3 to me

[@tplank216]

I modded a bronco with hipshot bridge and lollipop tuners and a novak musicmaster pickup, cts pots and a .45 nos orange drop. Refinished the body with milk paint and hempseed oil, and Refinished the neck with vintage tinted tru oil. Custom cut musicmaster pickguard in vintage red tortoise. Labella DTFS. This thing drips mojo now

[@philipconradmusic]

Sick! How do you like your pickup?

[@tplank216]

@philipconradmusic It's like a really well-balanced 51 p bass pickup. It works well for a short scale, really good low end weight but punchy with great definition and clarity. Curtis is a wizard ✨️

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks!

[@tplank216]

@philipconradmusic no problem man, happy hot rodding 🤙

[@enparticular]

great video! two thoughts: 1) i used to own the Mustang PJ and yeah, it's kind of a hybrid Precision/Mustang thing, but it's so usable and so comfortable to use. about 20% of the bands you see on KEXP have one of these, they are cheap, and sound great, and are easy and cheap to upgrade with some high quality PJ pickups. yeah, they don't sound exactly like a mustang but they get the job done if you want a good short-scale bass to play gigs. 2) honestly, i'm a bit terrified that the JMJ used to cost about 1.000 bucks 3 years ago. that's a huge price increase.

[@warren5757]

Got a Squier Bronco just to give short scale a try, don’t understand the short scale hate. I play full scale plenty but a short scale is awesome for practicing and learning new material. Tempted to get a better one now

[@LucaLindemann]

The only thing I can really see all across the web is that Squier models are literally kickin' asses to a lot of more expensive basses out there. The reason is the raising quality of the instruments at an affordable price. I agree the player PJ is nonsense. Great video!!👍🏼

[@BigHairyGuitars]

one of the best comparison vids I've ever seen. A++. NOICE!

[@callumfurneaux]

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.

[@bmxdarko]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I have spoken.

[@michael.wiegand]

Paused the video where you said. 3, by a landslide. 2 and 5 were the only no-gos for me. 1, 4, and 6 would probably shine in different musical contexts, but 3 had the best combination of low-end punch and mid-range articulation, to my ears.

[@michael.wiegand]

The JMJ had a throaty mid-range that I didn’t prefer solo’d, but cuts nicely in the mix. The Vintera had the opposite problem for me. Lots of great low-end roundness solo’d, but got lost in the mix a little.

[@eddiecharles4020]

My vote on the 6 presented was #3. My own personal Mustang bass is a Crafted In Japan with flat wound strings. I considered changing pick ups but you know the Originals sound great IMO. Flatwounds were the only addition I made to this bass. The original owner used strings too long for a 30" scale length. I found out the hard way that "short scale" strings don't work on a string thru body Mustang! Medium Scale flat wounds work well. One of the makers used to make a set for Mustang Basses but I think once they came out with the top loaded Mustangs it got too confusing? Top loaded or string thru body....it makes a difference in string length! Great video Phillip. As usual!

[@eddiecharles4020]

@ClickOnProfile732 Did I win something?

[@guilviking7641]

Well I paid the same price as the squier 60s for the PJ before all the inflation/crap that happened. I also have an eastwood classic 4 and a fender rascal that I love so much. Good video sir.

[@thinkythinkypanic882]

would be awesome to hear this comparison with all flatwounds

[@DavyoInVegas]

I love that the Vintera has the contoured back, I’ve never understood why the Mustangs in general all have a flat back, the flat back is not comfortable. Great video, I’m a pro player and use mostly the Sterling Stingray short scale bass’s these days, all set-up as BEAD with stainless steel bright round wounds.

[@pascalgrenier4171]

I bought a Squier CV and upgraded it with the pickup, pickguard, pots, control plate and knobs from a JMJ. It quickly became my go-to!

[@philipconradmusic]

Sounds like a perfect combo!

[@jerrysoetewey7002]

Squier Mustang Bass with a set of La Bella flats... Superb.... Best bass I ever owned. Love the JMJ a lot...but about 3 to 4 times as expensive as the Squier... In a band setting, it's hardly noticeable. The Squier's higher output pu kind of growls when played on a tube amp with a 15" cab... Next I hope to grab a Squier Bronco as these are such great value for the money....

[@davidandresbass]

I tried the American Performer and the JMJ over an amp in a band setting and must say that my preference there is the opposite: The harshness you describe sounded great there and gave the bass more transparency in the mix. Having the option to going somewhere completely different soundwise with the additional J-Pickup is also nice.

[@flyoverbassin8959]

I interpret the PJ mustang as a PJ for guitar players. It has a neck for those who don't practice bass player techniques to handle the longer fret spacings, it fits in a smaller case, and it has two pickups with a switch and one volume knob like a Telecaster or Stratocaster.

[@Yyyyyyy44]

The best sounding bass I have is my Supro I with flat wounds. Super easy to play, and beautiful. I had a II and III but they are more than I need. I have the Vintera but it's my 4th or 5th favorite of what I own. It's my favorite on this list.

[@BigBlooFrostie]

I really liked 3 and 5. Been looking at a short scale so I'm super thrilled about 3. This really helped!

[@notlaw1976]

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.

[@spookysocks5914]

3 and 5 were my favorite sounding initially. Groovy playing.

[@PeteLamont]

Before the reveal, 1, followed closely by 4, though not listening with headphones. I have an incredible CV Squier Mustang that I picked up a number of years ago, the neck is just incredible. I put $400 of upgrades into the $200 bass, and every time I compare it against one of the US models, I like mine more. If you like the feel, you can always change the electronics. I have Labellas on it currently, but have had half rounds on it in the past. I have played a couple JMJ's and completely loved them.

[@Palindromeater]

One detail you didn’t get into is body style. I didn’t realize I would not like the slab body until I got a JMJ. I actually returned it on that detail alone. Even with a short scale bass, I have a strong comfort preference for the later body contour. That’s how I ended up with my ‘70s Mustang. Luckily I got it before the price of ‘70s Mustangs went nuts! So for me, I’d proabaly have chosen the Vintera. It would be fun to compare it with ‘70s vintage!

[@philipconradmusic]

That’s a good point Will! Vintera was the most comfortable body shape by far. Thanks for watching man!

[@EricSauerets]

After the first play through, I like 3 and 5 the best.

[@ericdfrisch]

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.

[@rickc2102]

That's cool, #3 is a squier and it grabbed my ear. Still begs for a preamp, prolly.

[@BooneHood]

Love the shirt! Athens, GA gang!

[@4STRINGMOFO1967]

Shoulder surgery caught up with me. Long and standard scale basses didn't cut it anymore. I got the pj specifically for those tones. Just added Seymour quarter pounders and badass 2 bridge. The improvement in sustain alone was worth the money.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for watching