[Bass] The attraction of the Mustang Bass

Hello. My name is Yoshitaka.
I recently purchased a Fender Mustang Bass from Sound House, so I would like to talk about the appeals of this short scale bass.

1. Fender Mustang Bass impressions

I first got a Mustang Bass about three years ago in the Fender Offset Series. It is similar to the current Player Series. However, I inadvertently broke it, and after that I used a Jazz Bass style 5-string bass in my band activities. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no prospects of resuming band activities, so I had more opportunities to collaborate on performance videos. I bought a Mustang Bass (American Performer this time) again as it is easy to handle.
Though I played it for the first time in a while, only one thing came to mind, "This is easy to play!" It is light and it’s easy to depress the strings. While looking at the score, quick passages and mutes are easy.
I like the Mustang American Performer because it has a passive sound and is easy to handle, even recording it to a computer with an audio interface through a mixer (soundcraft notepad) (just in case, keep in mind that the above is based on personal subjectivity).

■ FENDER / Mustang American performer

2. Playing the Offset and American Performer Series.

Since the difference in sound cannot be compared under the same conditions at present (I don't have the Offset on hand), I can't say much. Be sure to confirm ahead of time whether or not the strings are through-body or not. Made in Japan Hybrid and American Performer string-through-body allows for higher string tension.
This point may be important because the string tension of short scale basses tends to be low. Of course, for first-time users, I feel that lower tension makes it easier to hold down strings and you can practice without stress.
Also, with string-through-body, the length may not be enough depending on the manufacturer that sells short scale strings. I think that this can be checked to some extent in Sound House reviews, so I feel that it is necessary to check before purchasing.

3. Mustang style bass other than Fender

I was at a loss until as I searched for the one I wanted, and found the American Performer Mustang in the end. Another similar model is the Baby-Z Series from Atelier Z. This is an active bass, and you can choose the J type or the PJ type pickup style.
I was debating until the end because I felt that I would change my sound if I went with different material, such as ash for the J type and alder for PJ type. I haven't played these before, but for slapping, the Atelier Z may be better than Fender.
The simple reason I finally decided on Fender was because it was passive, and I appreciate the possibilities of the simple structure.

■ ATELIER Z / Baby-Z

I hope that this will help those who are considering the Mustang Bass

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