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I'd like a 24" scale guitar (I've actually got a 1976 Bronco but it is beat to hell) and I am contemplating a Warmoth build of either a Mustang or Jaguar. Which would you choose and why? Which one has the better Trem design? I'm thinking ordinary strat or tele pickups will fit the Mustang. Don't think so with the Jag. Tell me if I am wrong.

I notice Fralin has a set of Mustang Pups he sells. I am guessing those are the ones to get unless Lollar or Don Mare make them.

http://www.fralinpickups.com/mustangs.asp

Personally I'd pick a Jaguar, but that's just because I prefer the style/sound of it over the Mustang.

If you're going for a Warmoth build, can't they route the body to make any pup you want fit?

Can't help you too much as I've only built a Mustang from mostly vintage parts and never played a Jaguar. Jag sure looks like a better instrument, though. I'm sure with good enough components either would be good. I've never been 100% happy with the Mustang tremelo & bridge, I've actually replaced my bridge and might do so again. The tremelo stays, as it's good enough. The Jaguar trem looks odd to me, but I haven't played so can't really judge.

i've never played a mustang, but the jag trem i superior to both the strat trem and the bigsby in my opinion, the sweep range? is great, and the trem arm is long enough for you to play shoegaze if you want to. When i saw MBV belinda had a mustang with a jag trem!

eti wrote:Can't help you too much as I've only built a Mustang from mostly vintage parts and never played a Jaguar. Jag sure looks like a better instrument, though. I'm sure with good enough components either would be good. I've never been 100% happy with the Mustang tremelo & bridge, I've actually replaced my bridge and might do so again. The tremelo stays, as it's good enough. The Jaguar trem looks odd to me, but I haven't played so can't really judge.

I know that you can put a Mastery bridge on a Mustang. I am betting that is an improvement.

http://www.masterybridge.com/home.html

dragline wrote:Personally I'd pick a Jaguar, but that's just because I prefer the style/sound of it over the Mustang.

I feel the exact same way but in reverse. And I own a Jaguar... Also, I think the Mustang works with a wider range of colours and stuff... Aesthetically, the Jaguar only appeals to me in sunburst, red, black and white. Stangs, Duos and Musicmasters can be any colour they want, including bare wood and they still look fantastic!

I'm wondering how people think the body size affects your choice?

I have a Fender Bronco and it has a small body and 24" scale and I tend to like it.

A friend of mine had a '62 Jag years ago and I remember really liking that, too.

Do you think either of these are neck heavy? I want to get a Warmoth Fatback neck for it which is 1" thick.

Neither my Jaguar nor my Musicmaster feels neck heavy to me, if that helps at all. At least, not compared to some LPs and SGs I've played.
I don't think that balance should be an issue, as long as the scale is the same and you've correctly aligned your strap buttons.

elbandito wrote:

dragline wrote:Personally I'd pick a Jaguar, but that's just because I prefer the style/sound of it over the Mustang.

I feel the exact same way but in reverse. And I own a Jaguar... Also, I think the Mustang works with a wider range of colours and stuff... Aesthetically, the Jaguar only appeals to me in sunburst, red, black and white. Stangs, Duos and Musicmasters can be any colour they want, including bare wood and they still look fantastic!

I know what you mean about Jags only really working in certain colours. I have a Jazzmaster in sonic blue or something like that, which I really can't stand. I only really like JM/Jags in black or white with the tortoise shell pickguard. But alas, I was too eager that day...