Why is the Mustang bass considered "offset contour"?

[ilan]

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

[Dave W]

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

[Chris P.]

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.

[Chris P.]

Almost straight:



Offset:

[BTL]

Offset = Offset Waist

[Dave W]

Offset = Offset Waist

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

[ilan]

Thanks!

[Chris P.]

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.

[ilan]

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

[BTL]

I'd say that's a typo...it happens.

Contoured waist = belly cut

[ilan]

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.

[Pilgrim]

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

[BTL]

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.