The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: ilan on April 20, 2023, 02:36:47 AM

Title: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: ilan on April 20, 2023, 02:36:47 AM

Either the waist is symmetrical just like a Precision bass, or I've gone blind.

(https://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/graphics/fender70p24.jpg)

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Dave W on April 20, 2023, 05:49:34 AM

The inner curves between the bouts are offset from each other, that's why. But definitely not offset at the butt end.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Chris P. on April 20, 2023, 11:33:40 AM

The 'smallest'point at the left side (for the viewer) is at the height of the middle of the thumb rest and on the right side is between the pickups, so that's quite an offset.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Chris P. on April 20, 2023, 11:38:22 AM

Almost straight:

(https://thumbs-eu-west-1.myalbum.io/photo/360/43538ade-82be-4334-87be-10e6b4852140.jpg)

Offset:

(https://thumbs-eu-west-1.myalbum.io/photo/540/68c06c40-1dc9-4374-b511-a8d3b6bb9138.jpg)

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: BTL on April 20, 2023, 01:31:38 PM

Offset = Offset Waist

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Dave W on April 20, 2023, 08:56:03 PM

Quote from: BeeTL on April 20, 2023, 01:31:38 PM

Offset = Offset Waist

Waist -- that's the word I was looking for.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: ilan on April 20, 2023, 10:58:28 PM

Thanks!

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Chris P. on April 21, 2023, 12:56:14 AM

But it's a bit strange: the J is definately offset, but it's never shared among the offsets. It's always Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Mustang, ... It's more like: you have the Tele, Strat, P and J, and the offsets.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: ilan on April 21, 2023, 02:04:24 AM

Same 1970 catalog, the Strat and Precision also have the same description – BODY Exclusive Fender "off set" contoured waist body design

(https://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/graphics/fender70p5.jpg)(https://www.vintageguitarandbass.com/graphics/fender70p22.jpg)

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: BTL on April 21, 2023, 07:49:12 AM

I’d say that’s a typo…it happens.

Contoured waist = belly cut

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: ilan on April 21, 2023, 10:56:28 AM

Belly cut is the bevel in the back. Mustangs are considered offset and have no belly cut (or arm contour). Telecaster Deluxes have belly cuts and are never referred to as offsets.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: Pilgrim on April 21, 2023, 01:52:42 PM

Just for the record, my Bronco shares that offset with the Mustang...no surprise.

Title: Re: Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?
Post by: BTL on April 21, 2023, 02:36:07 PM

Quote from: ilan on April 21, 2023, 10:56:28 AM

Belly cut is the bevel in the back. Mustangs are considered offset and have no belly cut (or arm contour). Telecaster Deluxes have belly cuts and are never referred to as offsets.

I think we agree it's a typo, yes? At a minimum, the ad was early enough in the product's life cycle that these terms had not yet become canon.