Finding the Right Shortscale

[jc808]

Hi. New guy. Looking for a little info in the shortscale realm.

Ideally I'd like something with a tremolo. So a Mustang. But I read a loooong write-up on OSG on what it takes to actually get the bridge/trem set up properly, and frankly it was a little off-putting.

So I started looking at alternatives. Snagged a 70s Musicmaster for a good price. The neck is AMAZING. Kind of chunky, vintage radius, narrow nut...It feels awesome in hand. But those vintage frets are WORK. Makes it a lot less fun to play. Not sure I'm going to keep it.

Before the lockdown, I had a chance to play the MIM Duo Sonic at GC. It felt good as well, but I didn't get the chance to plug it in, so I'm not sure how the pickups will sound. . Feel like they're kind of overpriced? And maybe a little meh?

I don't want to make this a super long post. Main thing for me is necks. If I could find something with a neck like my MM (just slightly larger frets), I could make everything else work.

I've got my eye on some other shortscales (Squier, MIJ, etc) but I wanted to get some info here on maybe something I haven't considered. Thanks!

[gusman2x]

100% refret your MM.

And welcome.

[jc808]

100% refret your MM.

And welcome.

Thanks. And wow, that is NOT one of the replies I would have expected.

Obviously, that's not going to happen during this current situation. But also, I'm concerned at the price? My impression was that a good re-fret will run $300-400.

You sound pretty affirmative...Tell me more lol.

[Doog]

Hi. New guy. Looking for a little info in the shortscale realm.

Ideally I'd like something with a tremolo. So a Mustang. But I read a loooong write-up on OSG on what it takes to actually get the bridge/trem set up properly, and frankly it was a little off-putting.

Hey Mr New Guy, welcome.

Honestly, I can only use my own limited experience of my Squier VM Mustang, but it really wasn't a big deal if you're 'setup savvy'. If you're prepared to have the trem action kinda stiff, you can adjust the tailpiece and springs so that it has a 'zero point', which hugely improves the tuning.

If you've got a decent bridge on there, have your nut cut properly and stretch your strings in, it works just fine; nothing ever works perfectly out of the box, but the adjustments to make are all pretty simple. Happy to offer any more help/advice.

NB: I found the stock VM neck too clubby, replaced with a MIJ Jaguar neck, much sleeker. Based on your description of your preferred neck type, you might enjoy it.
NB2: I remember using the Mustang tremolo on my Jag-Stang back in the day (before I knew anything) and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

[gusman2x]

100% refret your MM.

And welcome.

Thanks. And wow, that is NOT one of the replies I would have expected.

Obviously, that's not going to happen during this current situation. But also, I'm concerned at the price? My impression was that a good re-fret will run $300-400.

You sound pretty affirmative...Tell me more lol.

I needed to have my fav guitar referetted (Jem), and I was terrified. Got it back, and it was 200% better than it ever was. I think I prob paid around £200 so prob about right with the $300 estimate. I sold a Squier JV strat a few years ago because I couldn't hack the vintage frets on a maple board (fine on a rosewood for me), but I wish I'd just had it referetted. It was a great guitar otherwise.

If you like/love everything else about it, then it's a no brainer. Especially as you love the neck shape.

[jc808]

Hi. New guy. Looking for a little info in the shortscale realm.

Ideally I'd like something with a tremolo. So a Mustang. But I read a loooong write-up on OSG on what it takes to actually get the bridge/trem set up properly, and frankly it was a little off-putting.

Hey Mr New Guy, welcome.

Honestly, I can only use my own limited experience of my Squier VM Mustang, but it really wasn't a big deal if you're 'setup savvy'. If you're prepared to have the trem action kinda stiff, you can adjust the tailpiece and springs so that it has a 'zero point', which hugely improves the tuning.

If you've got a decent bridge on there, have your nut cut properly and stretch your strings in, it works just fine; nothing ever works perfectly out of the box, but the adjustments to make are all pretty simple. Happy to offer any more help/advice.

NB: I found the stock VM neck too clubby, replaced with a MIJ Jaguar neck, much sleeker. Based on your description of your preferred neck type, you might enjoy it.
NB2: I remember using the Mustang tremolo on my Jag-Stang back in the day (before I knew anything) and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

Thank you!

Would you say the Vintage Modified Mustang neck chunkier than the Classic Vibe that’s currently out? If so, maybe I need to hunt down one of those!

[Doog]

I've not actually tried one of the CVs, but there's apparently a difference in radius between the two, and the fret size:

http://www.squier-talk.com/threads/squi ... ed.156531/

[robroe]

Fender Super sonic

24" neck, (not vintage frets), strat reverb handle

Best part...NO TONE KNOB!!! 2 vols


Squier will be coming out with new paint schemes in a couple months if you arent into scumbag sparkle

[BearBoy]

I've not actually tried one of the CVs, but there's apparently a difference in radius between the two, and the fret size:

http://www.squier-talk.com/threads/squi ... ed.156531/

I think they're both 9.5" radius necks but the VMs had height adjustable bridge saddles whilst the CVs have a fixed radius bridge.

[Fakir Mustache]

I've not actually tried one of the CVs, but there's apparently a difference in radius between the two, and the fret size:

http://www.squier-talk.com/threads/squi ... ed.156531/

Everywhere else it says they have the same radius.

I can't feel radius differences, so I wouldn't say, but I have them both and the VM clearly has a much thicker neck, and maybe bigger frets.

[robroe]

WANT TO TOUCH THA HINEY

[robroe]

It also comes stock with an awesome wiggy switch!

[youtube][/youtube]

[BearBoy]

That looks ace Rob.

re the Mustangs, specs (from Andertons):

Vintage Modified

Neck Shape: "C" Shape
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays: Parchment Dot
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" (24.1 cm)
Fretboard: Laurel*
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Gloss Polyurethane, Vintage Tint
Nut Width: 1.650� (42 mm)
Scale Length: 24" (61 cm)
Headstock: Vintage tint

Classic Vibe

Neck: Maple, “C� Shape
Neck Finish: Vintage Tint Gloss
Fingerboard: Indian Laurel, 9.5� (241 mm)
Frets: 22, Narrow-Tall
Position Inlays: Pearloid Dot
Nut (Material/Width): Bone, 1.650� (42 mm)
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
Scale Length: 24� (610 mm)

*I think the first lot of VMs had rosewood boards, I know my VI does.

[jc808]

WANT TO TOUCH THA HINEY

Oooh. That is pretty hot. Not sure I'm a HH lover, but if it's a short scale I think I could get into it.

[jc808]

It also comes stock with an awesome wiggy switch!

Never seen someone use a toggle like a scratch DJ crabbing. Fuckin rad

[robroe]

Teh Morelloz will show you how to do it but it will cost you $100. ....cuz thats punk rock....i guessss

[youtube][/youtube]

[Doog]

Morello doesn't do crabbing though, crabbing is more fancy:

[youtube][/youtube]

That fucking red sparkle Supersonic though, DAMN

[paul_]

*I think the first lot of VMs had rosewood boards, I know my VI does.

Yep, Squier switched to the laurel boards for the 2019 model year or something I believe, with the earliest laurel-boarded listings showing up in Summer 2018. Squier still had rosewood after import Fenders phased in Pau Ferro on certain models because it was more of a tricky situation resupplying the Squier factories; South American substitute woods made more sense for the Mexico and US factories than it did for the Asian ones.

[henkstroem]

All MM`s enjoy thick strings, not just the 22 1/2"s. Also the radius is not an issue in most cases, the scale fixes all. To bend like Buddy Guy with twelves on is a fine feeling.

And +1 on the refret tip, its no biggie if that is what you need and you find a proper luthier to do it. Those necks really are something.

If you end up going the Mustang route, fine. Just research how the bridge is adjusted. It works but you got to let it. Anything more complicated than a Mustang often ends up in endless wandering in a forest of too much versatility and cravings of mindless tweaking. A Musicmaster just needs playing.

H

-ha, re-read your post and now I feel that I nagged about bridge adjusting, sorry-

[jc808]

All MM`s enjoy thick strings, not just the 22 1/2"s. Also the radius is not an issue in most cases, the scale fixes all. To bend like Buddy Guy with twelves on is a fine feeling.

And +1 on the refret tip, its no biggie if that is what you need and you find a proper luthier to do it. Those necks really are something.

If you end up going the Mustang route, fine. Just research how the bridge is adjusted. It works but you got to let it. Anything more complicated than a Mustang often ends up in endless wandering in a forest of too much versatility and cravings of mindless tweaking. A Musicmaster just needs playing.

H

-ha, re-read your post and now I feel that I nagged about bridge adjusting, sorry-

It really is a fabulous neck. That’s 2 votes for refretting...definitely giving me something to think about.

I have it strung with .010s. Tried 11s, but with these tiny frets, I wasn’t having fun.

No sweat on the Mustang info. I should know what I’m getting into if I go that way lol