Mustang Style Bass

Bassatronic

Bassatronic

Aug 2, 2023
40
18
811
Australia
#1
Hi,
After building my first P Bass last year, I am thinking about trying a short scale Mustang build.

I've been hunting around for a Mustang Bass plans, why are the so hard to find?

I'm in Australia and postage can really bump up (almost triple) the price of paper plans from some countries.

I saw on a forum that the bass is very similar to the Mustang guitar? So I wondering if anyone has made Bass plans from the Guitar Plans?
 
#4
I just built this one. I can share my CAD files if they would be of use to you.

Dimensions are based on the JMJ signature Mustang.

PXL_20240211_203921346.MP.jpg
 
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#5
I dig that very much - I'd love to check out your CAD files if you don't mind sharing. Did you make the neck as well?

I'm starting to get into winding my own pickups and was thinking that something like a mustang would be a good test rig for playing live. Plan is to mount pickups to the pickguard and be able to swap them out a little easier and still hide whatever mess of a route I end up with.

Either that or coming up with a pickguard that doesn't look awful on the Warmoth Z bass.
 
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#7
tidbits said:
I dig that very much - I'd love to check out your CAD files if you don't mind sharing. Did you make the neck as well?

I'm starting to get into winding my own pickups and was thinking that something like a mustang would be a good test rig for playing live. Plan is to mount pickups to the pickguard and be able to swap them out a little easier and still hide whatever mess of a route I end up with.

Either that or coming up with a pickguard that doesn't look awful on the Warmoth Z bass.
Click to expand...

I made the neck too. I'll share more pictures and my CAD files once I'm back at my computer.

Bassatronic said:
Hi Eric, wow that looks really nice. I'll PM you re. files.

Can you tell me much about the hardware you're using?
Click to expand...

This is my second Mustang build. I used all Schaller hardware the first time. Very nice, but very expensive.

Tried going cheaper this time. Used Gotoh GB10 tuning machines and their GB203 bridge which both worked great for a third of the price. Pickup is a Nordstrand NM4.
 
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#8
Oh yeah, I was looking at the Nordstands!!!
I think the Gotoh hardware is fine. I'm not sure if there is a tonal difference with the bridges. But the seem pretty solid.
I do like the look of the original Mustang bridges. Ive notice some old ones have a mute system. I'm not sure how that functions.
 

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#10
I can offer some insight on the Potvin templates. First off, I have used Potvin templates twice, once for an explorer and once for a mustang bass, and they are excellent quality. Great communication from the company as well, thumbs up all the way.

Their mustang bass template as ordered has a heel that ends in a full size bass measurement, like a a P or J. The original mustang guitar sized neck profile needs to be specified if you want to go fully original. I keep the bass I built at my middle school where small hands love the short scale.
IMG_9128.jpeg
 
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#14
The bass is my second build and is essentially a repeat of my first one with fewer mistakes. ;)

Using white ash for the body, which is very heavy so I chambered it and made a bookmatched top.
PXL_20231028_185107211.MP.jpg

Here's the body in progress. I made my templates with 1/4" alignment pins so the various templates line up perfectly.
PXL_20231109_003633741.jpg

Starting on the neck. I used an old bike tube instead of cauls and clamps. I preferred this approach and will be using it going forward.
PXL_20240107_182738596.jpg

First crack at the neck carve. I later refined it quite a bit.
PXL_20240113_165926601.jpg

Mock-up to see how things are fitting together. Control plate is CNC cut stainless steel that is later polished.
PXL_20240113_220647156.jpg

Provided a contoured heel, which I find helps with comfort playing up high.
PXL_20240211_205154444.jpg
Chrome tuning keys were originally out of stock so I got black ones so I could keep working on the build. Left them on in the end because I ended up liking the black tuning keys and chrome on the body.
PXL_20240211_205215287.MP.jpg
I plan on getting a branding iron, but my partner's Cricut is a great way to try out a few things before I commit to one design. Used the "EA" from my actual signature and used a cursive font for the rest of my name.
PXL_20240303_184422223.jpg

The Gotoh bridge is surprisingly great considering the price, but saddle grub screws were far too long so I set up the bass and trimmed the screws to length.
PXL_20240303_183540211.MP.jpg
PXL_20240303_205807438.MP.jpg
 
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#17
Hey Eric,
I couldn't open that files for some reason. ???

That's OK. I might just use that fender manual with the outline and cut a template.

I found these dimensions online, but not sure how accurate they are:

Overall length (including strap button): 42.5” (108cm)
Body length: 19” (48.25cm)
Body width: 12” (30.5cm)
Headstock at widest point ( at E string, including tuner): 5.75” (14.6cm)
Headstock at narrowest (at G string, including tuner): 4.25” (10.8cm)
Link:
Mustang Bass dimensions (for gig bags)
:)
 
#18
Bassatronic said:
Hey Eric,
I couldn't open that files for some reason. ???

That's OK. I might just use that fender manual with the outline and cut a template.

I found these dimensions online, but not sure how accurate they are:

Overall length (including strap button): 42.5” (108cm)
Body length: 19” (48.25cm)
Body width: 12” (30.5cm)
Headstock at widest point ( at E string, including tuner): 5.75” (14.6cm)
Headstock at narrowest (at G string, including tuner): 4.25” (10.8cm)
Link:
Mustang Bass dimensions (for gig bags)
:)
Click to expand...
The file is in AutoCAD format. I can save individual pieces in PDF if that would be easier for you.
The body dimensions you list sounds correct, but I think the headstock dimensions include the tuning machines.
 
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