Bullet Mustang with basswood body

[Vijaya807]

Was thinking of adding a JM trem to a bullet mustang for a fun inexpensive project. I see some listings that say they have a poplar body and some say basswood. I know it’s not a big deal but I’m part of the crew that tends to like basswood. Is there any way way to identify years or whatever that used basswood vs poplar?

I know basswood is soft and might not hold a JM trem super well but this is just for fun so thought I’d try. Also realize the body may not be thick enough and risk having a hole/backplate. Thx!

[threewordname]

The Thurston Moore Jazzmasters have basswood bodies and seem to be able to hold a JM trem.

As long as you don't get one of the basswood boards that is the density of styrofoam you should be fine. If you're worried about screws pulling out you can drip some super glue into the holes as a wood hardener

[s_mcsleazy]

the body isn't thick enough. i had the same idea years ago and it just wasn't worth it. ended up getting a mustang body with jm route made and used the bullet mustang neck.

[Vijaya807]

Nice your probably right on the thickness. I just built a Jazzmaster and a Jazzblaster so was looking to go cheap on this for a start and just have an open back but might not be worth it. Wish there were more top mount mustang bodies I could modify for this. Seems like the bullet or like vintage duo sonic II but I don’t want to ruin a vintage one of course and also pricey so not worth it. Will likely have to have one made at some point. Thx.

[LVC]

...and it has a basswood body!

I don't know where you are located...
EU?
US?

[Steadyriot.]

Nice your probably right on the thickness. I just built a Jazzmaster and a Jazzblaster so was looking to go cheap on this for a start and just have an open back but might not be worth it. Wish there were more top mount mustang bodies I could modify for this. Seems like the bullet or like vintage duo sonic II but I don’t want to ruin a vintage one of course and also pricey so not worth it. Will likely have to have one made at some point. Thx.

Stratosphere has the MIM hardtail Mustang bodies all the time.

[Vijaya807]

I think the hardtail mustangs are all string through that I’ve seen except the bullet. I ended up going a different route and just custom routed a blank mustang body. Pretty psyched. Thanks for the thoughts. I actually also grabbed a photogenic (similar to turser) mustang body online but it’s gonna need a custom pickguard it appears.

[Gordon]

the body isn't thick enough. i had the same idea years ago and it just wasn't worth it. ended up getting a mustang body with jm route made and used the bullet mustang neck.

https://i.imgur.com/qZJmA51.jpg

Love the Ace/NASA sticker.