Mexican Rascal

[Droombolus]

I am also pretty happy with the stock strings.

Rounds of the lightest gauge, I wonder  ?

I usually toss the stock strings because I want to know which kind of  f*&^() strings I'm playing. Materials, brand and gauge make a lot of diffrence to my ears and stock strings that sound great will leave you frustrated when have to be replaced.

I'm beginning to feel a GAS build up for the Rascal. Though I normally detest blue bass guitars I think the coloring of the Rascal looks quite appetising and I'm preparing for the worst ........ 

[Pilgrim]

I agree, nice to see something that's not a P or J.  I think the Rascal is kind of a DanoStrat.

[hieronymous]

I wonder if the stock strings are just the stock Fender long scales? I've been using them on my AlFeMbic and like them, thinking I might switch to something a bit lower tension though. On the Rascal with the Guild bridge I would be willing to be that long scale would work...

[Dave W]

They're Fender 5250XL. 040-095, nickel plated steel.

Fender strings have been made by D'addario for about 3 years now. I don't know if these are the same as D'addario EXL220S or if Fender's specs are different.

[ilan]

They're Fender 5250XL. 040-095, nickel plated steel.

Great sounding strings, and my favorite roundwounds for Fenders. I love them especially after they have mellowed down a little.

[drbassman]

I don't find the stock strings excessively high tension.  I am a TI guy but have been finding higher tension strings comfortable lately.  Not sure why, but I might be getting more flexible in my old age!   

[Dave W]

Just about any 40-95 set on a short scale is going to be low tension.

[drbassman]

Just about any 40-95 set on a short scale is going to be low tension.

Good point.  Although the TI rounds are pretty floppy!

[Droombolus]

On the Rascal with the Guild bridge I would be willing to be that long scale would work...

I've got Fender Long-Scale Stainless ( .105/.45 ) & Nickel Plated ( .105/.050 ) resp. on my 2 Starfires and they work for me .........

[Dave W]

I've got Fender Long-Scale Stainless ( .105/.45 ) & Nickel Plated ( .105/.050 ) resp. on my 2 Starfires and they work for me .........

I haven't removed any of the strings yet, but it appears to be about 32.25 inches from the tailpiece anchor point to the nut. Using long scale strings with the inline headstock would mean some of the wound portion of the string would wrap around the E post and possibly the A. That's a situation I try to avoid. Works for some people, I know, but it also can cause the outer windings to separate from the core. Been there, done that.

[amptech]

The fender rascal have now even arrived to the hidden regions of Norway, spotted one yesterday!

[drbassman]

Still enjoying this bass!  Will see action at our next gig for sure.  As before, I'm liking the stock strings.

[drbassman]

Here she is in action at practice.  This bass sounds great with my Mesa rig.  I even use the 5-way switch to vary the tone.  It's a lot of fun to have this amount of variety at my fingertips.  I have to say that it, and my Thunderjet, will be regular gigging basses.  I really feel that the Rascal ranks right up there with my USA J bass.  It even exceeds it in tonal variety, playability with the 30 inch scale and overall comfort because of its size.  It's no lightweight, however.  The body size and weight are substantial and feel good when wearing it.  Again, this bass is not a toy.  The SD pups are top notch and the bass puts out a really nice robust low end that closely matches a 34" scale bass.  Build quality is pretty equal IMHO.

If I had to limit myself to only one Fender bass, this would be it.  Plain and simple.  Again, being a short scale fan means I'm a bit biased!  However, I speak from experience.  I've owned everything from 51 RIs, to a 70's Telecaster, a 68 Telecaster, a P bass and numerous J basses.  So, I've sampled a fair number of solid body Fenders in my lifetime.  This and my USA J bass are super instruments.  I like playing the Rascal most!

[drbassman]

Some afterthoughts:  I think it needs a thumb rest.  I do miss a place to rest my thumb.  Gonna look into that.

[Pilgrim]

OK, Bill.  Here comes the BIG question:

Rascal vs. ThunderJet: how do they stack up?  (Patently unfair question posed onna counta I can!)