Justin Meldal-Johnsen has played bass for Beck and Nine Inch Nails and produced records for Paramore and M83, and his main bass on stage and in the studio is a 1966 Mustang Bass. This signature model is based on it.
The 30" scale is the point of a Mustang Bass. The short neck is easy on the hand, and the lower tension gives a tight, focused note. A custom Seymour Duncan split single-coil runs through one volume and one tone, the strings go through the body, and Hipshot tuners with lollipop keys replace the vintage originals. The "C" maple neck has a 9.5" radius rosewood board with rolled edges and 19 medium jumbo frets.
Body and neck are Road Worn nitro, with nicks and play wear built in. It comes in Black or Faded Daphne Blue, with a pearloid pickguard, and comes strung with flatwounds. For a new-condition Mustang Bass built in the USA, look at the American Professional Classic Mustang Bass.
SPECIFICATIONS
BODY
Country of Origin: Mexico
Body Material: Alder
Body Finish: Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Shape: Mustang Bass
Pickguard: 4-Ply White Pearloid or 4-Ply Aged White Pearloid (by finish)
NECK
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Road Worn Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Shape: "C" Shape
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5" (241 mm)
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Position Inlays: Aged Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets: 19
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Truss Rod: Vintage-Style
Nut Material: Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 1.625" (41.3 mm)
Scale Length: 30" (762 mm)
ELECTRONICS
Middle Pickup: Custom Seymour Duncan Split Single-Coil Mustang Bass
Pickup Configuration: S
Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching: None
HARDWARE
Bridge: 4-Saddle Mustang Bass Strings-Through-Body
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Tuning Machines: Hipshot HB7 with “Lollipop” Keys
Control Knobs: Black Plastic
Strap Buttons: Vintage-Style
Strings: Fender USA 9050L Stainless Steel Flatwound (.045-.100 Gauges), PN 0739050403
CASE
Case: Deluxe Gig Bag