Your focus on several short bass, and your honest and unassumed style are making your channel one of my favourites. I'm researching a short-scale bass for myself, I like the Mustang aesthetics but cannot afford/not willing to spend a 1000+ Fender, since my first instrument are the keys and the Bass would be more for recording, composing and so on. My short list so far contains this Squire, the Harley Benton gotoh, and the Ibanez Talman short scale.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! If you like the mustang look but don’t want to spend a lot of money, check out the new series I’m doing on modding the Squier sonic bronco. By itself, it’s a solid $279 CDN bass. Drop a different quiet pickup in there and I think it can be a very useable instrument! A bronco + a pickup is still less expensive than the Squier CV mustang.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks, I'm really considering doing it, probably with a Nordstrand Mustang split coil plus a custom pickguard and control plate to accommodate it.
The nordstrand is a great choice! Be aware that the reissue mustang pickups (such as the ones in the Japanese models) are slightly different sized compared to the vintage ones. Good luck!
With the string through body set up , you need to get Medium scale strings, as the binding on the head stock end of short scale strings , cover the first fret when you put them on ..
Absolutely! Silk or a step taper over the fingerboard is a no-no. For those viewers interested, I have a dedicated video on finding strings for short scale basses. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonathan, I was one of the subscribers who requested a review on the bass. Really appreciate your time and effort. I'm just a hobbyist and bought the CV a few months ago. I was interested to hear the opinions of someone with a Mustang collection! Mine weighs in at a touch over 7lbs. I actually like the gloss neck but that's down to preference. I set the tone at around 30% as that's what sounds good to my ear! I've wanted a Mustang for a long time and the Squier fitted the bill. My only minor issue with the aesthetics of the bass is the size of the headstock as I think it looks a little out of proportion but I suppose that's sticking with tradition and me being subjective! Anyway, another highly informative video! Thanks again
@@jonathanwong458music Hi Jo! Can you do a comparasion video for Squier CV Mustang Bass vs Fender Japan Mustang Bass please? I'm in a market for Mustang Bass and could't find any comparasion video about these two. Thanks for the help, Jo!
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, I no longer have the Squier CV mustang from this video. Most of the demo basses are either rentals, borrowed or get sold off to fund the next video. However, from a value proposition, the CV mustang is under $600 most of the time, while the prices of CIJ mustangs have gone through the roof (most are north of $1500). The pickup in the CIJ is a Seymour Duncan Design and I'll say it's a small step up (not a big one however) from the Squier P/U. If you don't mind the name on the headstock, I think the most bang for the buck is to get a Squier CV mustang and put a different mustang p/u in it (eg Nordstrand). That'll make for a killer bass!
I just listened to your video on the Sonic Bronco and frankly I prefer it to Mustang Bass. The Bronco has a special personality and even better with a Seymour Duncan as a pickup. It's my opinion
I just picked one of these up, Lake Placid Blue with a racing stripe. Although it is a Squier, I have the skunk strip on the back of the neck. It is still the high gloss neck, but that's easily fixed. You can take a green 3M pad to the back lightly and take the gloss off without taking off the finish, or spray a few coats of Finger Ease on it. I will do the latter. I I have a Curtis Novak pickup for it, just need to get it in. While I'm there going to upgrade the pots. Think I will be pleased with it.
Thank you, Jonathan! You answered many of the questions I had, mainly that in comparison to the Player PJ Mustang, the Classic Vibe won't add much to my arsenal. Now I wonder about the Fender Vintera version. For twice the price, it should be better than the CV, but by how much, and will it do it that much better than the Player PJ? I'm mainly concerned about tone, and the CV doesn't make the cut.
Yeah, if you have a player PJ, I’d personally pass on the CV. But I’m shooting that exact bass vs bass video soon. Stay tuned! As I understand it, the Vintera has more period correct specs, namely, 1.625” nut width and an alder body. Still missing a rosewood board though….so on paper, it’s a different animal and feels quite different. Played briefly in the store, not convinced it sounds 2x ‘better’. Thx for watching!!
@jonathanwong458music Thanks, but for me, I don't care much about historical accuracy in these guitars. It's a valid talking point for a TH-cam vid, though. I'm all about the tone and, in this case, whether it's worth owning both instruments for different tone. Even the appearance is secondary (and don't get me started on relic-ing). I'm looking forward to your comparison vid
@@MrDanalaimoIf you already have a mustang pj, there's a wide variety of aftermarket pickups available to make it sound practically however you want, not so much with a conventional mustang
Hi ive been eyeing this bass for a while now i still have a cheap second hand first jazzbass i like using but ive been eyeing this model for that short scale(i have small hands) and because of that growly really nice bottom end p bass soundish. would you say its worth to get this?
Thanks for watching! Squier have really come a long way in the past 10 years in terms of being truly giggable basses and guitars. This CV mustang is pretty well built. The glossy neck is not really my thing, but 1000 grit sandpaper will easily dull it out to a smooth satin. The main weakness is in the pickup. But you really only notice if you A-B it with something else - it can be on the narrower/thinner side. And it's a bit noisy. Preamp EQ can easily fix that. But, a better pickup could make this a great giggable bass! But I could gig with this bass stock and the audience would likely not know or hear the difference! And it looks great! Good luck with the hunt!
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for the reply im definetly going for this guitar then i do own a bass driver with abit of eq plus some overdrive so it doesnt matter that much!
Need a help guys. Do you think it's better to get this Squier Classic Vibe 60's with upgrade (change pickups for a Seymour Duncan, Nordstrand or Novak's) or spend a little bit of more money and get a Fender Road Worn JMJ?
If you want my take …. The JMJ overall is better built BUT, the neck is much more vintage spec compared to the classic vibe Squier. It is wider at the nut and thicker in profile. In contrast, the CV has a relatively skinnier neck, not at all vintage spec. If possible, I’d try both before deciding but realize that’s often hard to do these days. The JMJ is quite a bit more money than the CV. I do think it sounds better, though. I am planning on filming a mustang pickup series soon. Coming months I hope. Thanks for watching!
Buzz everywhere, noise, i would never ever buy squier again, i know i am over reacting but 1y ago i bought it and was the worst purchase I've ever did.
Oh man! I’m sorry you had a bad experience. Quality control can be unpredictable. The squiers that have come through here have been pretty good, for the price. Sorry you had a bad experience. I’d be pretty ticked too. Thanks for watching.
I'm getting this one, and will be getting it semi-modified with La Bella Mustang Flatwound strings and Gotoh Vintage string tuners. For the money, it will do me. Later on down the track, a Fender JMJ Mustang Bass, might be nice. I have also just bought a Gretsch G2220 Short-scale Bass, which I will be leaving Roundwound strings on. Thanks for the video. 👍❤️🎸🎶
The squier CV mustang with flats and the gretsch with rounds is a great pairing and will get you through tons of gigs/material! I think the CV will sound better with flats on it. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Which model Gotoh are you going to fit? I’ve looked but can’t see any that have base plates small enough to fit and the right sized ferrules for the 18mm post holes on the Squier. Also can’t find any that are lighter than the existing tuners. (83.5grams each)
If you haven't tried the new sonic bronco yet, it might be worthwhile for you as a fan of shortscales. It has a standard 4 saddle bridge now and gotoh-style mini tuners. I picked up the ltd. ed. in ultraviolet and it's pretty sweet...the pickup is noisy but I anticipated having to replace it anyway
Yes! On the potential video shoot list! I’ve tried one in a store and agree, the stock pickup is on the weak and noisy side. Ultra violet is a rad finish! Thx for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music I actually kinda like the tone of the stock pickup, has a sorta sweetness...maybe because it is low output?...but it would be too unbearably noisy in any serious context
I haven't specifically tried it on this particular Squier but, in general, drop D tuning on a short scale is definitely possible! If you play a lot in drop D, I would consider getting a slightly heavier E string if you can. I've made a few videos on Drop D and down tuning on short scale basses. I'll leave some links below. Thanks for watching! Drop D: th-cam.com/video/HmQm09lXtqA/w-d-xo.html Down tuning: th-cam.com/video/ZqAvH_6SBEI/w-d-xo.html
I think it’s all in the pickup. In comparison to the white MIJ and my new to me Schecter (which both have Seymour Duncan Designs), the Squier is much more anemic and has noticeably less low mid grunt.
Yes! Pretty reasonably priced too! I'm sure for more $$, Carey would custom wind a set to meet your specific tonal goals too! For viewers looking to mod a mustang bass with new pickups, the MIJ and some of the newer Mustangs have different sized pickup shells compared to the vintage models, so be sure to measure first before you 'buy it now'!
I have one of these and replaced the pickup with a Nordstrand NM4. Slotted straight in using the existing covers. Sounds super full now. Highly recommend doing this.
Your focus on several short bass, and your honest and unassumed style are making your channel one of my favourites. I'm researching a short-scale bass for myself, I like the Mustang aesthetics but cannot afford/not willing to spend a 1000+ Fender, since my first instrument are the keys and the Bass would be more for recording, composing and so on. My short list so far contains this Squire, the Harley Benton gotoh, and the Ibanez Talman short scale.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! If you like the mustang look but don’t want to spend a lot of money, check out the new series I’m doing on modding the Squier sonic bronco. By itself, it’s a solid $279 CDN bass. Drop a different quiet pickup in there and I think it can be a very useable instrument! A bronco + a pickup is still less expensive than the Squier CV mustang.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks, I'm really considering doing it, probably with a Nordstrand Mustang split coil plus a custom pickguard and control plate to accommodate it.
The nordstrand is a great choice! Be aware that the reissue mustang pickups (such as the ones in the Japanese models) are slightly different sized compared to the vintage ones. Good luck!
One of the most informative reviews for any bass that I’ve seen. Thank you!
You’re so kind! Thanks for watching!
With the string through body set up , you need to get Medium scale strings, as the binding on the head stock end of short scale strings , cover the first fret when you put them on ..
Absolutely! Silk or a step taper over the fingerboard is a no-no. For those viewers interested, I have a dedicated video on finding strings for short scale basses.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Jonathan, I was one of the subscribers who requested a review on the bass. Really appreciate your time and effort. I'm just a hobbyist and bought the CV a few months ago. I was interested to hear the opinions of someone with a Mustang collection! Mine weighs in at a touch over 7lbs. I actually like the gloss neck but that's down to preference. I set the tone at around 30% as that's what sounds good to my ear! I've wanted a Mustang for a long time and the Squier fitted the bill. My only minor issue with the aesthetics of the bass is the size of the headstock as I think it looks a little out of proportion but I suppose that's sticking with tradition and me being subjective! Anyway, another highly informative video! Thanks again
I’m glad you suggested this bass! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music Hi Jo! Can you do a comparasion video for Squier CV Mustang Bass vs Fender Japan Mustang Bass please? I'm in a market for Mustang Bass and could't find any comparasion video about these two. Thanks for the help, Jo!
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, I no longer have the Squier CV mustang from this video. Most of the demo basses are either rentals, borrowed or get sold off to fund the next video.
However, from a value proposition, the CV mustang is under $600 most of the time, while the prices of CIJ mustangs have gone through the roof (most are north of $1500). The pickup in the CIJ is a Seymour Duncan Design and I'll say it's a small step up (not a big one however) from the Squier P/U. If you don't mind the name on the headstock, I think the most bang for the buck is to get a Squier CV mustang and put a different mustang p/u in it (eg Nordstrand). That'll make for a killer bass!
I put copper shielding under the entire pick guard, inside the cavities, and the control plate is grounded to the copper and now it’s near dead silent
That’s great to know! Thanks for the tip and for watching!
Thanks brotha for this video.
Thank you so much for watching!
Excelent demonstration!
Thank you so much for watching!
I just listened to your video on the Sonic Bronco and frankly I prefer it to Mustang Bass. The Bronco has a special personality and even better with a Seymour Duncan as a pickup. It's my opinion
Yeah man! Right on. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
I just picked one of these up, Lake Placid Blue with a racing stripe. Although it is a Squier, I have the skunk strip on the back of the neck. It is still the high gloss neck, but that's easily fixed. You can take a green 3M pad to the back lightly and take the gloss off without taking off the finish, or spray a few coats of Finger Ease on it. I will do the latter. I I have a Curtis Novak pickup for it, just need to get it in. While I'm there going to upgrade the pots. Think I will be pleased with it.
Sounds like you are going to have an awesome instrument! Thanks for watching! I too, prefer matte, non-gloss necks.
Thank you, Jonathan! You answered many of the questions I had, mainly that in comparison to the Player PJ Mustang, the Classic Vibe won't add much to my arsenal. Now I wonder about the Fender Vintera version. For twice the price, it should be better than the CV, but by how much, and will it do it that much better than the Player PJ? I'm mainly concerned about tone, and the CV doesn't make the cut.
Yeah, if you have a player PJ, I’d personally pass on the CV. But I’m shooting that exact bass vs bass video soon. Stay tuned!
As I understand it, the Vintera has more period correct specs, namely, 1.625” nut width and an alder body. Still missing a rosewood board though….so on paper, it’s a different animal and feels quite different. Played briefly in the store, not convinced it sounds 2x ‘better’.
Thx for watching!!
@jonathanwong458music Thanks, but for me, I don't care much about historical accuracy in these guitars. It's a valid talking point for a TH-cam vid, though. I'm all about the tone and, in this case, whether it's worth owning both instruments for different tone. Even the appearance is secondary (and don't get me started on relic-ing). I'm looking forward to your comparison vid
Right on. Stay tuned!
@@MrDanalaimoIf you already have a mustang pj, there's a wide variety of aftermarket pickups available to make it sound practically however you want, not so much with a conventional mustang
@@jasondorsey7110 Recommendations?
As always a good video !
Thanks so much for watching!
I find that the Sonic Bronco Bass (with the original pickups) sounds better
It’s a different sound. The bronco is grindier, a little more going in the upper mids. Thanks for watching!
Hi ive been eyeing this bass for a while now i still have a cheap second hand first jazzbass i like using but ive been eyeing this model for that short scale(i have small hands) and because of that growly really nice bottom end p bass soundish. would you say its worth to get this?
Thanks for watching! Squier have really come a long way in the past 10 years in terms of being truly giggable basses and guitars. This CV mustang is pretty well built. The glossy neck is not really my thing, but 1000 grit sandpaper will easily dull it out to a smooth satin. The main weakness is in the pickup. But you really only notice if you A-B it with something else - it can be on the narrower/thinner side. And it's a bit noisy. Preamp EQ can easily fix that. But, a better pickup could make this a great giggable bass! But I could gig with this bass stock and the audience would likely not know or hear the difference!
And it looks great! Good luck with the hunt!
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for the reply im definetly going for this guitar then i do own a bass driver with abit of eq plus some overdrive so it doesnt matter that much!
@@doftos I hope it works for you and helps you achieve your desired tone!
Need a help guys. Do you think it's better to get this Squier Classic Vibe 60's with upgrade (change pickups for a Seymour Duncan, Nordstrand or Novak's) or spend a little bit of more money and get a Fender Road Worn JMJ?
If you want my take …. The JMJ overall is better built BUT, the neck is much more vintage spec compared to the classic vibe Squier. It is wider at the nut and thicker in profile. In contrast, the CV has a relatively skinnier neck, not at all vintage spec. If possible, I’d try both before deciding but realize that’s often hard to do these days.
The JMJ is quite a bit more money than the CV. I do think it sounds better, though.
I am planning on filming a mustang pickup series soon. Coming months I hope.
Thanks for watching!
Amazing, looking forward to this Mustang pickups video! I will try to play both basses to decide. Thank so much, great videos!
Thanks for watching and for the encouragement!
Buzz everywhere, noise, i would never ever buy squier again, i know i am over reacting but 1y ago i bought it and was the worst purchase I've ever did.
Oh man! I’m sorry you had a bad experience. Quality control can be unpredictable. The squiers that have come through here have been pretty good, for the price. Sorry you had a bad experience. I’d be pretty ticked too. Thanks for watching.
Everything you complained about is fixable, it’s called a set up .
I'm getting this one, and will be getting it semi-modified with La Bella Mustang Flatwound strings and Gotoh Vintage string tuners.
For the money, it will do me.
Later on down the track, a Fender JMJ Mustang Bass, might be nice.
I have also just bought a Gretsch G2220 Short-scale Bass, which I will be leaving Roundwound strings on.
Thanks for the video. 👍❤️🎸🎶
The squier CV mustang with flats and the gretsch with rounds is a great pairing and will get you through tons of gigs/material! I think the CV will sound better with flats on it. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Which model Gotoh are you going to fit? I’ve looked but can’t see any that have base plates small enough to fit and the right sized ferrules for the 18mm post holes on the Squier. Also can’t find any that are lighter than the existing tuners. (83.5grams each)
If you haven't tried the new sonic bronco yet, it might be worthwhile for you as a fan of shortscales. It has a standard 4 saddle bridge now and gotoh-style mini tuners. I picked up the ltd. ed. in ultraviolet and it's pretty sweet...the pickup is noisy but I anticipated having to replace it anyway
Yes! On the potential video shoot list! I’ve tried one in a store and agree, the stock pickup is on the weak and noisy side. Ultra violet is a rad finish! Thx for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music I actually kinda like the tone of the stock pickup, has a sorta sweetness...maybe because it is low output?...but it would be too unbearably noisy in any serious context
Thanks for sharing. If I can get my hands on one, I’ll try to shoot a video. Might be cool to put some tapewounds on it.
I like the sound very much, there's a certain separation between the notes which I prefer to the warmer and less distinct sounding JMJ.
Cool! Thanks for watching! There’s quite the price difference between this squire and the JMJ. Glad you liked it!
I had to buy the JMJ before I realised... 😂
Are you going to put rounds on your JMJ to brighten it up?
I traded the JMJ for a used Musicman Stingray :) - I also have an old 71 Musicmaster too, which sonically isn't too far away from the CV Mustang.
Cool! Broad range of sounds there!
Hello!Can I play it in drop D tuning?
I haven't specifically tried it on this particular Squier but, in general, drop D tuning on a short scale is definitely possible! If you play a lot in drop D, I would consider getting a slightly heavier E string if you can. I've made a few videos on Drop D and down tuning on short scale basses. I'll leave some links below. Thanks for watching!
Drop D: th-cam.com/video/HmQm09lXtqA/w-d-xo.html
Down tuning: th-cam.com/video/ZqAvH_6SBEI/w-d-xo.html
Thank you very much for your kind answer. Thank you from Japan. I'm looking forward to the future.
Thanks for watching!
Just a bit thin sounding for me . . . .
I think it’s all in the pickup. In comparison to the white MIJ and my new to me Schecter (which both have Seymour Duncan Designs), the Squier is much more anemic and has noticeably less low mid grunt.
@@jonathanwong458music Nordstrand makes a Mustang Pickups
Yes! Pretty reasonably priced too! I'm sure for more $$, Carey would custom wind a set to meet your specific tonal goals too!
For viewers looking to mod a mustang bass with new pickups, the MIJ and some of the newer Mustangs have different sized pickup shells compared to the vintage models, so be sure to measure first before you 'buy it now'!
I have one of these and replaced the pickup with a Nordstrand NM4. Slotted straight in using the existing covers. Sounds super full now. Highly recommend doing this.
@@marcusparnell2403 that’s awesome! Yet to try those pickups.