Good String Set(s) for a '74 Fender Mustang Bass

[gilded]

Hey gang, a friend of mine picked up a '74 Mustang Bass and asked me if I knew what brand and length of string would be good for this type axe.

If you know, please shout out!

Thanks, gilded

 

[hieronymous]

I think that, like a Guild short-scale, it needs medium scale strings. This is due to the string-thru body design - there's a longer distance between the ball-end and the saddle. I had an MIJ reissue at one point, and I think I put LaBellas on made specifically for this kind of instrument - and I think these are the strings:

https://www.labella.com/products/760f-mus-stainless-steel-flat-wound-30-scale/

This was back when I was living in Japan (2002-6) - I came back to the US a couple of times and on one visit was in the Boston area and actually found a pack at Mr Music in Allston. Kind of regret selling that bass, but it's ok, I've got other shorties.

The good thing is, Mustangs are common now with the various Fender/Squier reissues, so online retailers seem to be keeping them in stock. Check Sweetwater, etc. There must be other options too - talkbass might a good place to hunt around for info, especially if your friends wants roundwounds.

 

[Guildedagain]

Very cool basses, light. I had Competition Stripe Blue one from the Sunday paper, quite a while back.

You never seen anybody put down the coffee and get in the car any faster. Got there, got it. Passed on the Fender Bass Stack, just the guitar thx ;]

I also remember buying the wrong strings for it, short scale, too short. Internet didn't exist yet...

 

[gilded]

OP here. Good information, thanks, I passed along the info to my friend with the Mustang Bass.

Thanks, gilded

 

[Minnesota Flats]

I think that, like a Guild short-scale, it needs medium scale strings. This is due to the string-thru body design - there's a longer distance between the ball-end and the saddle.

Correct (about the "string-through" design). I have D'Addario ECB81M (medium scale length) Chromes (flat-wound) on mine. Gauges are 45-65-80-100. I use the same strings on my Starfires.

 

[hieronymous]

Correct (about the "string-through" design). I have D'Addario ECB81M (medium scale length) Chromes (flat-wound) on mine. Gauges are 45-65-80-100. I use the same strings on my Starfires.

That's cool to confirm that medium scale strings work on both a Mustang and Guild short-scales with the harp bridge. LaBella has a disclaimer that their regular flatwound strings shouldn't be used with the thru-body design, hence the special "MUS" designation - gotta stand for Mustang, right? AFAIK, it's not an issue for other strings like Chromes, etc.

 

[Minnesota Flats]

Medium-scale Chromes will also work on the short-scale Reverend Dub King, as will short-scale strings. That bass features a bridge that can be strung either "top-loaded" or "string-through".