ShortScale.org

Hi guys! This is my first post, I think
I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what guitar to get as a backup, my main guitar is now a refinished '73 vintage Fender Mustang, I have some issues with it but I absolutely love the weight and body shape, and I really enjoy playing it, but sometimes I feel like the sound is a little thin and weak, and using the trem is out of the question if I want to keep the guitar in tune. anyways, I want to get a backup guitar for gigging, and at first my plan was to get my hands on a japanese fender mustang, but considering the issues I'm having with my main axe, I'm thinking maybe getting a japanese jaguar would be a more convenient move, but I don't know if I should stick with the mustang and maybe just try solving the issues, maybe block the trem and try some hotter single coils...

If it's just a backup, why not get a used Squier and use the extra coin to get the Fender set-up properly?

Doog wrote:If it's just a backup, why not get a used Squier and use the extra coin to get the Fender set-up properly?

That could be a fairly reasonable option! But I'm afraid the question would be the same: jaguar or mustang?

I don't think another Mustang or a Jaguar is the correct option. Can you learn to set up the Mustang first? The trem should be usable. If the pickups sound terrible, why persevere with it?

Buy a Classic Vibe Strat.

Buy a used CV strat or a tele. Or a hardtail Bullet Mustang, they are lightweight

Jaguars can have their own setup issues, personally I find Mustangs much easier to set up so a Jag wouldn’t be my first choice here. I’d have to say, unless there’s a strong reason for sticking with the 24� scale, Paul’s suggestion of a CV Strat is spot on.

Yeah, Jaguars are way more fussy as guitars, although the Squiers are generally in better shape than the MIJ/CIJs of old us old codgers used to buy.

Welcome man,

As others have said, it'd probably be a good idea to get a guitar that's a little different, and a bit cheaper. A god s/h Squier CV strat or tele will give you a new and interesting instrument, and leave you plenty to get your mustang set up nice.

The only caveat is if you are specifically after a guitar that allows you to do that gliding whammy sound, in which case you would be looking at a Jag of Jazzmaster. Bothof which you could get a nice Squier CV version of, and still spend money on having them both set up.

Classic player Jag. The TOM bridge makes it way more reliable and the jag trem is still the best Fender offers, in my opinion.

My custom has the same bridge/trem configuration and I can play a show of two or three 45 minute to one hour sets using the trem a lot and not need to tune it except to get rid of occasional minor drifting during the breaks (tuner needle still shows green with the tiniest bit of red up or down). I have a light touch but I’d still say that’s quite reliable

Buy an ESP Ltd JH-600

A 50 string bass

Okay, thanks

What about this?

George wrote:Classic player Jag. The TOM bridge makes it way more reliable and the jag trem is still the best Fender offers, in my opinion.

My custom has the same bridge/trem configuration and I can play a show of two or three 45 minute to one hour sets using the trem a lot and not need to tune it except to get rid of occasional minor drifting during the breaks (tuner needle still shows green with the tiniest bit of red up or down). I have a light touch but I’d still say that’s quite reliable

if you're dropping cash this is a good guitar. I love mine, though I've swapped out the TOM for a regular fender jag bridge.

WELCOME!


before we think about modding the 73' can we get a photo of it ?

i have some ideas

Actually, if you like the Mustang except for the trem and the sound, it might be worth thinking about a bullet mustang. No trem, and humbucker pickups.