Fender Player Mustang bass vs. Squier Classic Vibe 60s Mustang bass: Comparison of sounds
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- In this unsponsored video, we will put head to head, a Fender Player series PJ Mustang short scale bass and a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Mustang bass. The woods used are different and the pickups are different. Will this influence the sound? Let's find out!
Both basses were brand new with stock roundwound strings. Only the neck pickups were used to keep it fair. They were recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with the identical settings. Level-matched, but no EQ or compression was added in post.
00:00 Intro
00:22 Spec differences
01:16 Comparison setup
02:14 Track
04:24 Assessment
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Our host is really precise , great.
Thanks for watching!!
Hot damn, this is EXACTLY the video I was looking for.
Hope it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
You're right. I have a Squier Mustang bass and I am planning to get a Fender PJ Mustang bass guitar. Thank you for making the comparison.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
I have both of these basses, in the same colours too! I'm a recent convert to short scale basses after playing long scale for over 50 years, and the difference is emphatic for me, having smaller hands and some arthritis setting in.
They are both strung with Fender flats - I tried LaBella's on one but they are just a little too dark, I get more of that familiar Fender twang and thump with the Fender strings, plus they are quite a bit cheaper.
As for the sound, I love both of them when I'm comparing the CV pickup on the Squier with the P pickup on the Player. I think I'd say the Fender has a slightly more 'refined' sound, but both have very usable tones, and the levels are fairly similar. Obviously, you've got the added versatility of the J pickup on the Fender, which does make it sound more punchy when used in conjunction with the P pickup, although on its own it's a little thin and quiet, even though I adjusted the pickup nearer to the strings.
What I'd really like to see (maybe this is a mod for the future) is separate volume controls for each pickup on the Fender, similar to my Jazz bass, then I think the J pickup would be more useful as you could use that one with a little of the P pickup for more body. At the moment, all you can do is one or the other or both.
Both basses have very usable tones, backing the volume and tone off a little will give you even more good sounds. The only problem I have found, which may be a wiring error of some kind is that if you turn down the volume on the PJ, with any pickup combination (P, J, P&J) the tone control acts almost like a volume control, so when you back it off you lose top end as you'd expect but the level also drops off quite drastically. This doesn't happen if you have the volume wide open.
Finally, the feel; they both feel great and are very playable, and seem to be well put together. I'd say the Squier weighs slightly less than the Fender, but they both feel quite light after playing long scale Fenders for years. Some people have complained about neck dive on Mustangs - I can't say it's an issue fir me. OK, there may be a very small amount of neck dive, but nothing that can't be overcome by using a decent strap, and I have the bass at a height where my right forearm is anchoring it, so it doesn't move.
Would I recommend these? Yes, I certainly would, especially as a used PJ can be bought for only a little more than the Squier. I paid 399 for a new Squier and only 450 for the Fender.
Thanks so much for such a detailed comment! Having a stacked dual volume pot to get independent volume control on the PJ would be a welcome mod - you wouldn't need a new plate that way. You would need a new stacked knob set. The thin sounding bridge J is likely a product of the scale length. There's just not enough string orbit and vibration back there on a short scale. I've tried putting in overwound Js in the bridge position and it's not that different, unfortunately. It might make a difference if the pickup position were to be closer to the neck/further away from the bridge, but then the esthetics and appearance might start to look foreign and strange.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I was really hoping that I wouldn't hear the difference so easily, since I'm looking to buy a short scale bass for home studio use and I don't have a huge budget. Unfortunately, I noticed exactly the same things that you did, and would not be able to live with the inferior sound of the Squire, so it looks like my purchase will be delayed for a while until I can save up a bit more cash. Thanks, though, for at least enabling me to scratch one more bass off of my list of possibilities. I appreciate your videos - they're very informative, well-done, and right to the point.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback and for watching! Much appreciated!
I'm getting the Squier CV Mustang, and will be getting it partially modified with La Bella Flatwound strings and Gotoh Vintage string tuners.
That'll be a great combo! Thanks for watching!! Good luck!
Hi Jonathan, Really enjoyed your comparison. I definitely think the Player sounds clearer to my ears. However, I like the slightly nasal sound you get from the CV. I toyed with buying the Player but at a price of around £620 I couldn't justify that for my usage and went with the CV. I'd be interested to see a Bass v Bass featuring the 60s CV and the Fender Vintera. All the best
Thanks for watching! Yes, the player is more open sounding!
Re the vintera. Of the couple that I have tried, none of them sonically captured my attention for the price, unfortunately. Maybe it’s the pickup, but the examples I’ve tried didn’t sound very big. I think the JMJ would be a better instrument (for me).
Completely agree with you. I’m a real beginner and tried the CV as an upgrade to my Mikro bc it was way more budget
friendly. I didn’t like the way it sounded. The nasally stringy sound was obvious to my beginner ears. I had to return it. I personally prefer the sound of the mikro to the CV. Thanks for the video I feel better about returning.
Thanks for watching! I wasn’t taken with the pickup in the CV mustang. I prefer P style pickups in general. The Mikro sounds good out of the box.
I've owned both of these basses in the past - the Squier only briefly, for complicated reasons, but I _did_ really like it; the Player for a couple of years, but ultimately I sold it because of some annoying QC issues… typical of MIM Fender. I only listened to this video through my (above average, but still) laptop speakers, so I didn't get the full frequency range, but my gut reaction was that the Squier had more of a "vintage" sound. The Fender sounded good and obviously has a lot more versatility, but it just kind of sounded like "a bass," whereas the Squier had a bit more of a distinctive '60s personality. I think for me if I were choosing between these, it would come down to whether or not it was going to be my only bass. If it was, I'd want the Fender for the dual pickups and more general-purpose sound. But if I were adding it to a collection, I'd probably want both the vintage sound and vintage _style_ of the Squier. (And, of course, it's cheaper!)
Great observations! I think the more 'vintage' flavour is from the smaller sonic footprint and more narrow freq range. It's like the old Musicmasters. They all sounded more narrow but that's part of the charm. Both valid sounds and really depends which way one's ear gravitates towards.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm waiting on a CV Squier with Sweetwater and think with flatwounds it will give me the nice punchy vintage tone I'm looking for.
This was a good comparison video -- thanks for making it and posting it. I heard it the opposite of how you (Jonathan) did. I heard the Squier as a fuller, stronger, sound. I thought the Player was thin and trebly (nasal) by comparison. It just goes to show you, this isn't a science. The beauty (of the sound) is in the ear of the beholder. I'd take the Squier any day over the Player. Nonetheless, a very useful video. Thanks again.
Yes, so true. We all hear things differently - both in terms of taste as well as how our timpanic membranes react to frequencies. I know my ears are lop-sided from years of having wedge monitors on my left side more than my right! Also amazing how your fingers will make an instrument sound different to how my fingers would make it react. So you’re absolutely right. Hard to put real science behind it. Really just what inspires you to play!
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music How did you feel about these Mustangs, in terms of their physical balance? Was there much neck dive (the headstock falling towards the floor)? The headstock appears to be almost bigger than the body (on all Mustangs). I'm wondering how they felt in terms of balance, and forgive me if you covered this and I've forgotten.
@@johnstephen7610 Thanks for asking! What I've found is that there is some weight variability within the models, so what I am about to say cannot necessarily be generalized. Of the basses specific to the videos, the Squier CV mustang had more neck dive compared to that of the Fender player. May be due to the Player being an alder body vs the CV being nyatoh. The neck was also a smidge rounder/more of a D. The Player neck dove a bit but was manageable and I've been used to it as I gigged and recorded a 1st gen Mustang PJ for a while before branching out to other short scales. I almost exclusively play sitting down these days so it's been less of an issue for me. In general though, both of these are way more comfy than my full scale P on a strap from a neck dive perspective. Much more ergonomic in terms of left arm reach/stretch at the "money" frets!
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks Jonathan, great info. I appreciate the prompt response!
@@johnstephen7610 my pleasure. hope it's useful and thanks for watching and supporting my little channel!
I would agree with you, I hoped that the difference would not be as noticeable but it's significant. I'm looking for a do it all short scale so I think the fender will be a better option, even if it's at twice the price.
If it’s going to be your main short axe, I’d go with the player PJ!
Thanks for watching!
It's a PJ that delivers on the P and the J
I'm not a big Fan of Indian Laurel or Pau Ferro. Fender is reissuing the 70's Mustang Bass with Competition Stripe (gotta go fast), 7.25" Radius and Rosewood Fingerboard. I can't wait to try it. Thank you for the video Jonathan.
For me, rosewood all the way!! Thanks for watching!
Great video.
Could you comment on the string spacing between the 2 models?
The CV Mustang seemed quite narrow at the bridge.
Thanks for the Mustang videos. 🙏
Good eyes! The more vintage-inspired string-through Mustang bridges (as on the Squire CV) has a string spacing of ~17mm. Whereas the PJ, with the top-load bridge measures closer to 19mm (standard Fender).
I'm in the market for one of these short scale basses. Although there is quite a big price difference I'm drawn to the Fender mainly because it has a greater range of sounds, although the basic Squier sound is fine too. Price being quite a big factor I think I'd probably be looking at a used Fender vs new Squier.
Thanks for watching! Yes, the PJ has the potential for a greater variety of sounds. I have a 1st gen PJ and love it. In practice, I only ever use the P pickup. The PJ also has far more options for pickup and bridge upgrades should that interest you. The Squier CV, less so. I found the CV pickup to be the limiting factor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a perfectly useable instrument! And it looks great! A used PJ might be the happy middle ground. Good luck in the hunt!
First, I note the channel name change, or did I miss it when you did it earlier? Big thanks for this one as I now know I definitely don't need the CV version in addition to my Player. Remaining question: is the Vintera version worth it? Thank you again, Jonathan
Still my name! But I added my ‘label’ name ‘458 music’ a while ago to better distinguish myself from all the other Jonathan Wongs. More searchable, I hope….
Just played a vintera earlier today. It was underwhelming. Almost like a less expensive JMJ without the relic’ing and different colour options. Only it was not a JMJ (which are pretty great).
If I wanted more 60s period stylings, I’d get the JMJ. Given what I already own, I don’t need either!
Thanks for watching!
Mustangs !!! ❤❤
Yeah man! Thanks for watching!
Hey Jonathon, thanks for your great videos. Do you have an opinion on using ‘short scale’ strings on a short scale? I’ve heard that this replicates the string tension more closely to a normal scale bass, rather than having having more string ‘travel’ on short scales with standard length strings. Love my Fender Mustang PJ, just curious as to string length. Thanks.
String tension is a bit of a debated topic! For a given pitch or note, the actual scale length of the instrument and the string gauge affect the actual tension. Now 'perceived' string tension is a whole other thing....endless debate there!
My observation: As I have experimented extensively with strings before finally landing on Thomastik flats, the 'long scale' vs 'short scale' perceived tensions were the same for me (as nut to saddle length was constant). What wasn't for TIs, however, is that in their short scale set, the low E was a 106 whereas on the long it was a 100. And I preferred the 100, so I use the long scales. Probably not company suggested usage!
What one needs to be aware of is how the strings wind over the tuning peg. Some long scale strings simply are too thick or not flexible enough to go around and you risk breakage. The short scale sets were engineered to either have silk ends or thinner/tapered gauge wire sections to allow for better wrapping around the peg. I think that's the real reason behind different scale set strings. Oddly, it's not what I actually use or do!
Did that sort of answer your question? Thanks for watching!
Thanks Jonathon, makes sense! Appreciate your detailed reply 😊
Happy to offer an opinion! Thanks for commenting!
Your assessment makes sense.bSquier gives you a lot of Fender style, but only some of its sound and feel, which makes sense since Squier is supposed to get you into the "Fender family" with the hope you'll move up the $$ ladder.
The different pickup design here yields a different tone. But yes! Squier has come leaps and bounds in the past 10 years. They’re giggable instruments with the right setup! I carry a Squier as a backup but could easily use it as a primary. Aside from bass/guitar players in the audience, nobody else cares, provided the playing and notes are good!
I am a newcomer to your channel and I really like your content.
Are you limiting yourself to 30 inch scale only ?
I mean, would you consider a 32 inch scale bass ?
Did you try the Squier Jaguar Bass H ?
Thanks for joining me on this adventure! I initially got into short scale basses for medical reasons - autoimmune joint and muscle disease made playing 34" too difficult from a reach point of view. But then I discovered that the G string sounded rounder and the overall tone was closer to what I heard in my head, not to mention 30"s are so much easier to play.
I'm definitely not limiting myself to short scales - I have some 34" P basses on order to shoot for the channel (backordered, ARG!). I've tried the full scale Jag but not the 32" yet. Maybe one will come my way soon!
Thanks for tuning in!!
Jonathan, I feel you! I've always played long scale basses but having developed various niggling medical problems I think a short scale is the way to go. I tried one the other day (an Epiphone) as a comparison to a long scale, and the difference is quite something. I've always loved the basic Fender sound and feel so one of these Mustangs will be my next bass.
I actually preferred the CV!
Both are good choices! Thanks for watching!
The Squier sounds more vintage and what's more, it's beautiful
It is a good looking instrument! Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonathan, you mention the PJ being almost twice as expensive as the Squier, which is close to the price difference where I live. Would you say it's worth it?
Thanks for watching!! At time of filming, the Squier is $589 and the Player is around $1100 CDN. My opinion, the Player PJ has a nicer neck, better fretwork and I think it's a little more sonically versatile than the Squier. That being said, I don't think it's 2x the instrument. I think if you were predominantly playing live, both are going to serve you just fine, and provided you like how the Squier feels, you'll save some $ if you're willing to compromise a bit. In the recording environment I think the Player is better because you can always make a bigger/wider tone smaller, but if the sonic content is not there, you can't make a small instrument sound bigger.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks for the reply! I'd mainly use it to record, so sounds like I'm going for the PJ. Gonna try a few of them out locally.
Good luck!!
Hi Jonathan.........That Classic Vibe is it worth buying.........Thanks.
Thanks for watching! The instrument itself is pretty solid for the asking price. The glossy neck is not really my thing, but that can easily be remedied with 1000 grit sandpaper to dull it down to a smooth satin. The electronics are the weak point.
Here's a link to my dedicated review of the Squier CV mustang in case you haven't already seen it: th-cam.com/video/jhHLJypb4v8/w-d-xo.html
I think the more important question to ask is whether or not it will inspire you to pick it up, to practice and to desire to play it. I love mustang-styled basses and I own several! The short horns are not for everyone, though.
PJ all the way!
Right on! Thanks for watching and commenting!
The mustang pj is THE ultimate shortscale mod platform, I have 3 of them all with different pickups, love 'em
@@jasondorsey7110 yeah man! I love my 1st gen PJ!
@@jonathanwong458music Those are the ones with the real rosewood board? All mine have maple boards, the pau ferro fender uses looks like crap
@@jasondorsey7110that’s right! I bought it shortly after release. Rosewood board. I put a red tort shell pickguard on and a vintage style threaded saddle bridge. TI flats. I’ve made several vids (and albums!) with it. There’s something special about this particular bass. No other PJ feels and sounds like this one!
tmb30 or this bass? help me to make a choice XD
If price was not a limiting factor, I would take the Fender player mustang. I've enjoyed my first gen offset PJ mustang and it's been a loyal instrumental and has found its way onto numerous recordings and albums. Engineers have liked my red mustang! Stock p/u too! I found the Talman body to be big and awkward but I'm little in build. But the player is quite a bit more $ than the rest.
Thanks for watching and asking!
@@jonathanwong458music thank you for the reply! I chose tmb30 after all between jackson minion SS and ibanez gsrm20. fender is in an another budget category yes :)
@@fedortikhonov8199 Hope you enjoy the instrument! May it bring you good tunes!