I thoroughly enjoyed your tasteful playing and review of this bass. After watching Jack Bruce: The Cream of Cream DVD, I am inspired to learn bass, especially a short scale one. This is by far the best review I have seen on one. Many of the people demoing basses on RUclips play at too low a volume, and only do 0% and 100% tone. Thank you for showing those in between settings! I am amazed at how nice and round this bass sounds! And for very little money.
Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement!! I went through a big jack Bruce phase - many SG style basses were purchased in search of that tone (the pre- Warwick fretless era). Ultimately the tone is in the hands and I never did manage to fully mimic that tone. What a sound! Lots of short scales featured on my little channel. Hope you find one to your liking!
I bought one last year, delivered in January 2023. It was one of the pink ones that CME had on a special offering. Cheap enough to not feel guilty about modding. Everything stock is now gone except the neck and pink body. I installed a 60s Gibson mudbucker in neck, middle has a Fralin 53 P-bass and in the bridge is a Lollar T-bird. Badass bridge and backwards turning Wilkinson tuners make out the rest of the major hardware changes. It’s an awesome player, a near infinite amount of sounds and in pink it’s real looker. It’s now my first choice. I normally play it through my B-15 or my 62 Bandmaster in a 2-10 combo cabinet. I wish I could attach a photo to this comment.
That sounds like an awesome instrument!! I am just wrapping a series of videos about modding my bronco! It’s been a great modding platform! Did you need to enlarge the tuner holes for the new Wilkinson tuners? Thanks for watching!
@@Elwooddudes That's awesome, man! I'm a bit of an eternal tinkerer - all for marginal gains, but it's fun none the less. Check out my mod series on the bronco bass if you have time! Here's the playlist link: ruclips.net/p/PLm13V_vip6vlStq_GCBWLefFZkPe1vEHg
I'm a big Bronco fan, I own 4: Black, White, Purple, and Coral. . . Going to mod them all this Winter (turning the white one into a Piccolo) and ordered Pickups from Creamery in England) ! *Note: had to return two Purples to get a good neck pocket . . . third one was perfect
Hey man!! How do you think it's the sound with the Creamery Pickup?? I'm considering getting the bronco/musicmaster replacement. Some feedbaxk would be nice. Thanks!!!
Hi Jonathan, This is the go to channel for short scale basses! I have to say I really liked the sound of the Sonic Bronco but how did this compare with the Squier Mini P? All the best
Good question! They’re sort of different beasts as both the pickup and the scale length is different. I personally feel less cramped on the bronco’s 30” scale (a bit tight on the Mini’s 28.6”) but I think you can cover more sonic ground with the humbucking P. More variety. I have a thing for white basses….haha. Maple is a tad brighter. Similar pricing. I think it’ll come down to which neck scale feels better to your hand. Thanks for watching!
Single coil hum drives me nuts, as I like to record as cleanly and as flat as possible (typically!). Live, it's too much volume knob twiddling or dancing on the tuner pedal in between songs to keep things quiet. Having said that, it can sometimes be difficult to capture the openness from a true single coil with a humbucker. Maybe I'll try to demonstrate that in another future video. Is that something you think people would want to see/hear? Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Very interested, along with ways to reduce it, like shielding, noise pedals. On that Jackson I recently bought, the P pickup is great, but the hum from the J is loud. On my Gretsch Electromatic, a super hummer, a tech put shielding in, and now it's tolerable.
Sounds fine to me @ $209 - I love the single coils. Looks and sounds really good. Great value for the money. I have the Sterling Stingray SS-4 and ( although it's a great bass ) the Tuner's are Garbage.
Not sure if they changed the pickup compared to the previous generation, but this sonic bronco is quite a bit better than the previous gen. What’s wrong with the sterling tuners? Thanks for watching and commenting!
Squier's quality on even these lowest-end instruments has gotten really good. But I think that single-coil buzz would kill me. I've been thinking of buying one of these just to mess around with, but I'd probably want to swap in a different (noiseless) pickup. Good luck finding one that fits this! Oh well… for 200 bucks it's hard to argue.
Thanks for watching! Options for a pickup swap are out there. I keep hearing good things about creamery pickups, though I have not tried them myself. www.creamery-pickups.co.uk/creamery-replacement-musicmaster-bronco-bass-pickup.html
@@jonathanwong458musicI was surprised to find my bronco is actually slightly longer than my musicmaster and mustangs...sorry to hear about the neck pocket with yours, I'd return it for another if it's an option...as far as pickup noise, there are some good replacement options...lace sensors, rails, hot stacks...lace sensors are your best bet for retaining the character of a true single coil, but the others will make it sound bigger and beefier, and often have 4-conductor leads for series/parallel switching to make it more overall versatile
@@jasondorsey7110 thanks for watching! Funny you mention those pickups and wiring options….I am filming a series on modding this bronco in exactly this way! Check it out!!
Hi, excellent review, i noticed your bronco has no walnut stripe on the back of the neck, is that standard? because the sonic broncos i see have the stripe. Why is that?
Good eyes. I'm not sure, actually......but now that you've pointed that out, you're right! This bronco came straight to me, sealed from Thomann. It's a great feeling neck shape! Thanks for watching!
I do, actually! I prefer the neck shape and carve over the CV mustang, although the finish is on the economic side. It may depend on what you are planning on doing with it - it may be too noisy and sonically limiting for studio work, but I think it punches above its weight when you factor in the cost. It does make for a good modding platform, and I’ve filmed a whole series on that! But I recognize that modding is not for everyone. It’s a good starter or gateway into short scale basses! Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458musicthanks for the detailed reply! While i want to do mods, i am not sure I have the skills to do it. I think my kid and i will let it stay in stock as we go along learning the bass.
@@rmcf3972 Right on! Most important thing is to have fun making music! We often get far too involved tweaking gear (I am VERY guilty of being an eternal tinkerer!!). Music first. Gear to get there is secondary. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the review. I just bought one of these in black with the laurel fingerboard. What strings do you recommend for this model? I'm a guitar player and just wanted his to put some bass on my looper tracks. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! The stock strings weren’t bad. I’ve been a long time user of D’addario XL nickel roundwounds. Not a unique sounding string, but they’re reliable and easier to find short scale sets in stores. Are you looking for flatwounds? For the bronco’s 30” scale and top load bridge, optimal to get the ‘short scale’ length set of either string type.
Flats are a whole different tonal animal, similar to flats on electric guitar. Flats will give you a thumpier fundamental note, with (typically) a rounder, less zingy high end. The sustain is also typically shorter with flats. On bass, the most commonly associated flatwound sound would be James Jamerson and the iconic Motown sound. Flats will also have less fret and finger noise. Perceived sting tension can be higher with some brands, though. It’s a different feel and vibe so it will really depend on what sort of tone you’re after.
Welcome! Thanks for watching! A ‘jazz bass’ as made by fender is a model/style that has 2 single coil pickups spaced apart - one closer to the neck and the other closer to the bridge. This bronco is really modelled after the Musicmaster bass, which was Fender’s way of creating a budget student level bass from left over parts. So that’s why it has a mustang style body, with a lone guitar Stratocaster guitar pickup. It’s actually a really interesting story of how Leo Fender did not want to waste parts! Here’s the wiki story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Musicmaster_Bass
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for the detailed reply! I got the tahitian coral color for my kids. We are asking if this is able slap bass playing, since this is short scale?
Yes, you can slap a short scale bass, although it won’t sound as tight and zingy as a full scale bass. For the more mainstream slap tone, jazz basses, or basses with a bridge pickup is more desirable but it doesn’t mean you can’t slap a bronco bass! Here is a link where I do have an example of some slap style: Atelier Z short scale J-style bass (Ken Ken signature). Versatile bass! ruclips.net/video/q3VbxCHN97U/видео.html
In the mod series, yes I compared brass saddles with threaded saddles. In theory, the brass gives a slightly warmer sound, but more importantly is ‘supposed’ to give more sustain, more body and a more musical sound. Maybe it does something to the overtones? In practice, maybe it gives a little more beef/body but it is pretty subtle. I tend to prefer vintage styled threaded saddles as I find it does something pleasant to the high end. I put the fender vintage style bridges on a lot of my instruments but it may very much be subjective and/or psychological! Thanks for asking!
Interesting instrument. It is a plus they changed to 4 saddles for intonation. Shame design is different from original bridge. Understandable cost wise. I love these body shapes.
Thank you for your videos Jonathan. I am a guitarist looking to get into bass, what world be the your top recommendation for shortscale under 350 usd? Bronco vs squier p vs ibanez mikro vs gretsh G2220 vs other?
I’ve made videos on all of those models! Strictly from a ease of transition, scale length, the mini P squire and Ibanez Mikro’s 28.6” length is closest to guitar (Eg 25.5 for a strat). I find them a tad cramped as I’m very used to 30”. In terms of tone, the bronco may be the least versatile but they all sound decent for the price. If you are able to import in a Harley Benton mustang, those were surprisingly solid. Looks may depend on your gig. Our brains are pre wired to desire fender shapes….are you able to try some out at a local music store? (as the neck shapes are different between those models) To directly answer your question, can’t really go wrong with either a mini P or a Mikro. I’ve made a comparison video for those two! Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music How's the playability of the necks of this Sonic Bronco compared to Ibanez Mikro? And could I assume that this bass sounds more 'crunchy' and brighter than the Ibanez?
Perhaps a good layer of shielding paint might improve it, but a true (unopposed) single coil will always hum. Part of the charm, I guess. But yeah! A lot of bass for a little over $200. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music I'll agree with this. I bought a Squier 40th Anniversary Jazz Bass and put copper foil shielding inside the cavity. It's totally silent with both pickups on, but if you solo one, the ground hum is just as bad as ever, depending on the room you're in. (In my basement studio it's quiet but it's terrible in a rehearsal space with fluorescent lights.) I've got a set of DiMarzio noiseless pickups I'm about to swap in.
In general, for the price point, it’s pretty solid. The neck finish is on the thin and cheap side. The CV has a better finished neck but I don’t like the gloss. But some 1000 sand paper would dull it down and make it less sticky. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching and asking! I much prefer the 30” scale length. It just fits my hands better, so for that reason, I prefer the Bronco. I find the 28.6” scale of the Mikro (and the mini P) to be too cramped. Also easier to find strings for 30” scale.
I've had all sorts of strings and gauges on the Bronco used in this video series. I think gauges are down to personal preference. I had the Fender short scale 95-40 in the 'stunt double' episode as well as D'Addario short scale 100-45s roundwounds in another. I've also had flats on it. 105s will make it sound a bit bigger and louder, but you'll lose some ease of play. Really comes down to playing comfort and feel and what you like. What's more important is finding the correct 'string wound length'. You want the step taper to happen between the nut and the tuning peg. This keeps the thicker windings from needing to bend around the tuning post, which could result in a higher chance of string breakage. I have a video dedicated to this on my channel should you be interested! With the Bronco's 30" scale and it being top load, most 'short scale' lengths from most companies should fit. Try different gauges and find out what your preferences are. A common starting point (mostly because they're easier to find) are the D'Addario XL nickel rounds 100-45. The pink pack in 'short scale'. It's not a 'character-filled' string, but they are pretty versatile and are very reliable. I've never broken a D'Addario string. Can't say the same for other brands! Good luck!
Thanks for watching and for asking! I have an underlying autoimmune condition called dermatomyositis - it causes chronic inflammation in my muscles, skin and joints. As a result of this chronic inflammation and vasculitis, I have lots of painful sores and ischemic spots on my fingertips, which makes playing instruments very difficult and painful. The glove helps with pain control as it provides a bit of a cushion. Without it, I can't really play for very long. It's not a stylish solution, but it's working at the moment in allowing me to somewhat play my instruments again. Here's a link for more info: ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
I think so! I use mine as a backup bass. Might need a ‘better’ pickup depending on the genre/style or your playing style. But yeah, I could easily gig the bronco without issue. It’s been reliable and I’ve taken it apart several times for the modding series I filmed.
The CV mustang definitely looks great. See my dedicated review on that one too if you wish. The bronco’s stock pickup is grindier (but noisier). Post punk, either would work! Bronco is much cheaper and I think it’s a great modding platform! Good luck!
Are they still using a substandard guitar pickup ? This by far is the easiest and most impacting change they could make. I have 2 Musicmasters , 1 from 1978 and the other a Squire reissue from I believe the 90's. I changed out both pickups and replaced them with custom handwound Aero passive pickups, dropped in full size pots and caps......they are both my "go to" gigging basses.......sound like old school "P" basses.
This sonic edition p/u sounds better than the older bronco, which were very thin and relatively low output. These were better…. But the single coil noise!! It’s otherwise a pretty solid build for sub $300. Are your aeros single or humcancelling? Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music one of each actually. The first one I had done was single coil and was relatively quiet but I wanted a quieter version and then I ordered the second which is home canceling. They’re both excellent pick ups a bit pricey though.
Yes I am. I have an autoimmune skin, joint and muscle disease that has really affected my finger joints and finger tips. The glove keeps the pain from string contact better controlled. Thanks for watching! Musician's practice gloves - Does it change the TONE of your instrument? A comparison on bass ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
great review! I'm just wondering. I love an "old school" bass sound. I know there is a Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, which i love the tones of, but it has a high gloss neck, which is an absoliute dealbreaker for me. so i will not buy it. How would you say the "old schoolness" of the tones compare with this guitar vs the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass? Thank you!
Thanks for watching! Here’s a link for the CV 60s jazz bass video I made, should you be interested: Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass - Demonstration of sounds and review ruclips.net/video/FTE1lGRdjX8/видео.html ‘Old school’ sound can mean different things to different people - I tend to think of old school as having a slightly rounder initial attack of the note (less metallic bite and slower bloom of the note). It is also darker in the highs (warmer/less bright) and the sustain of the note is much shorter. So I hear Duck Dunn, jamerson, etc. Will the bronco get you there? Maybe, but not stock. The pickup is on the attacky and bright/grindy side and it comes with rounds. Could get much closer with flatwounds on it. Here’s a link: Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.11: Strings! Thomastik Flatwounds vs D'Addario Tapewounds ruclips.net/video/SXmrVDORT_Q/видео.html
Great review!
Thanks for watching!
I thoroughly enjoyed your tasteful playing and review of this bass. After watching Jack Bruce: The Cream of Cream DVD, I am inspired to learn bass, especially a short scale one. This is by far the best review I have seen on one. Many of the people demoing basses on RUclips play at too low a volume, and only do 0% and 100% tone. Thank you for showing those in between settings! I am amazed at how nice and round this bass sounds! And for very little money.
Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement!! I went through a big jack Bruce phase - many SG style basses were purchased in search of that tone (the pre- Warwick fretless era). Ultimately the tone is in the hands and I never did manage to fully mimic that tone. What a sound!
Lots of short scales featured on my little channel. Hope you find one to your liking!
I bought one last year, delivered in January 2023. It was one of the pink ones that CME had on a special offering. Cheap enough to not feel guilty about modding. Everything stock is now gone except the neck and pink body. I installed a 60s Gibson mudbucker in neck, middle has a Fralin 53 P-bass and in the bridge is a Lollar T-bird. Badass bridge and backwards turning Wilkinson tuners make out the rest of the major hardware changes. It’s an awesome player, a near infinite amount of sounds and in pink it’s real looker. It’s now my first choice. I normally play it through my B-15 or my 62 Bandmaster in a 2-10 combo cabinet. I wish I could attach a photo to this comment.
That sounds like an awesome instrument!! I am just wrapping a series of videos about modding my bronco! It’s been a great modding platform!
Did you need to enlarge the tuner holes for the new Wilkinson tuners?
Thanks for watching!
Sounds like a right beast man! I’m thinking of grabbing the coral colour version and doing some mods myself. Got a badass bridge on my PJ mustang 🤘🏻
@@Elwooddudes That's awesome, man! I'm a bit of an eternal tinkerer - all for marginal gains, but it's fun none the less. Check out my mod series on the bronco bass if you have time! Here's the playlist link:
ruclips.net/p/PLm13V_vip6vlStq_GCBWLefFZkPe1vEHg
Can you make a video of it? I’m interested in modding mine
Great review Jonathan! I own this bass and love it.
Thanks so much for the encouragement and for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music great stuff! My luthier buddy and I are constantly improving my Squier bass collection, 30”s and 34”s! Love them all…
Right on! I have a series on modding the bronco and another on modding the Squier mini P. Thanks for watching!
Gracias por tu vídeo.
Eres un músico muy didáctico y bastante sólido.
Destaco tu dedicación.
Saludos desde Chile
Gracias! Thank you for watching and for your kind words!
I'm a big Bronco fan, I own 4: Black, White, Purple, and Coral. . . Going to mod them all this Winter (turning the white one into a Piccolo) and ordered Pickups from Creamery in England) ! *Note: had to return two Purples to get a good neck pocket . . . third one was perfect
So I’m not the only one with neck pocket imperfections! Thanks, as always, for watching!
Is it the new ones, sonic bronco you got?
Do Pickups from Creamery pickups sound good ?
Does this give a good bass sound ?
Hey man!! How do you think it's the sound with the Creamery Pickup?? I'm considering getting the bronco/musicmaster replacement. Some feedbaxk would be nice. Thanks!!!
Some excellent tones.
Thanks for watching!
@jonathanwong458music my favourite channel for short scale basses.
Thanks so much!
Hi Jonathan, This is the go to channel for short scale basses! I have to say I really liked the sound of the Sonic Bronco but how did this compare with the Squier Mini P? All the best
Good question! They’re sort of different beasts as both the pickup and the scale length is different. I personally feel less cramped on the bronco’s 30” scale (a bit tight on the Mini’s 28.6”) but I think you can cover more sonic ground with the humbucking P. More variety. I have a thing for white basses….haha. Maple is a tad brighter. Similar pricing. I think it’ll come down to which neck scale feels better to your hand. Thanks for watching!
Playing primarily alone in a small room, single-coil hum tends to be a deal-breaker for me. P pickups make a big difference to me
Single coil hum drives me nuts, as I like to record as cleanly and as flat as possible (typically!). Live, it's too much volume knob twiddling or dancing on the tuner pedal in between songs to keep things quiet. Having said that, it can sometimes be difficult to capture the openness from a true single coil with a humbucker. Maybe I'll try to demonstrate that in another future video. Is that something you think people would want to see/hear?
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Very interested, along with ways to reduce it, like shielding, noise pedals. On that Jackson I recently bought, the P pickup is great, but the hum from the J is loud. On my Gretsch Electromatic, a super hummer, a tech put shielding in, and now it's tolerable.
That’s one of the reasons that I generally don’t like PJ setups! The unopposed single J is noisy. PJ with a humcancelled bridge J would be way better.
Sounds fine to me @ $209 - I love the single coils. Looks and sounds really good. Great value for the money. I have the Sterling Stingray SS-4 and ( although it's a great bass ) the Tuner's are Garbage.
Not sure if they changed the pickup compared to the previous generation, but this sonic bronco is quite a bit better than the previous gen.
What’s wrong with the sterling tuners?
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Squier's quality on even these lowest-end instruments has gotten really good. But I think that single-coil buzz would kill me. I've been thinking of buying one of these just to mess around with, but I'd probably want to swap in a different (noiseless) pickup. Good luck finding one that fits this! Oh well… for 200 bucks it's hard to argue.
Thanks for watching! Options for a pickup swap are out there. I keep hearing good things about creamery pickups, though I have not tried them myself.
www.creamery-pickups.co.uk/creamery-replacement-musicmaster-bronco-bass-pickup.html
@@jonathanwong458musicI was surprised to find my bronco is actually slightly longer than my musicmaster and mustangs...sorry to hear about the neck pocket with yours, I'd return it for another if it's an option...as far as pickup noise, there are some good replacement options...lace sensors, rails, hot stacks...lace sensors are your best bet for retaining the character of a true single coil, but the others will make it sound bigger and beefier, and often have 4-conductor leads for series/parallel switching to make it more overall versatile
@@jasondorsey7110 thanks for watching! Funny you mention those pickups and wiring options….I am filming a series on modding this bronco in exactly this way! Check it out!!
Hi, excellent review, i noticed your bronco has no walnut stripe on the back of the neck, is that standard? because the sonic broncos i see have the stripe. Why is that?
Good eyes. I'm not sure, actually......but now that you've pointed that out, you're right! This bronco came straight to me, sealed from Thomann. It's a great feeling neck shape! Thanks for watching!
Nice review. Do you still recommend this even if not modded?
I do, actually! I prefer the neck shape and carve over the CV mustang, although the finish is on the economic side. It may depend on what you are planning on doing with it - it may be too noisy and sonically limiting for studio work, but I think it punches above its weight when you factor in the cost.
It does make for a good modding platform, and I’ve filmed a whole series on that! But I recognize that modding is not for everyone.
It’s a good starter or gateway into short scale basses!
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458musicthanks for the detailed reply! While i want to do mods, i am not sure I have the skills to do it. I think my kid and i will let it stay in stock as we go along learning the bass.
@@rmcf3972 Right on! Most important thing is to have fun making music! We often get far too involved tweaking gear (I am VERY guilty of being an eternal tinkerer!!). Music first. Gear to get there is secondary. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the review. I just bought one of these in black with the laurel fingerboard. What strings do you recommend for this model? I'm a guitar player and just wanted his to put some bass on my looper tracks. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! The stock strings weren’t bad. I’ve been a long time user of D’addario XL nickel roundwounds. Not a unique sounding string, but they’re reliable and easier to find short scale sets in stores.
Are you looking for flatwounds?
For the bronco’s 30” scale and top load bridge, optimal to get the ‘short scale’ length set of either string type.
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks again Jonathan. Is their an advantage to using the flatwounds?
Flats are a whole different tonal animal, similar to flats on electric guitar. Flats will give you a thumpier fundamental note, with (typically) a rounder, less zingy high end. The sustain is also typically shorter with flats. On bass, the most commonly associated flatwound sound would be James Jamerson and the iconic Motown sound.
Flats will also have less fret and finger noise. Perceived sting tension can be higher with some brands, though.
It’s a different feel and vibe so it will really depend on what sort of tone you’re after.
This has a single coil pickups, is this considered a jazz bass? I am new to bass guitars. Trying to learn with my kids. Nice review. Subscribed.
Welcome! Thanks for watching!
A ‘jazz bass’ as made by fender is a model/style that has 2 single coil pickups spaced apart - one closer to the neck and the other closer to the bridge.
This bronco is really modelled after the Musicmaster bass, which was Fender’s way of creating a budget student level bass from left over parts. So that’s why it has a mustang style body, with a lone guitar Stratocaster guitar pickup. It’s actually a really interesting story of how Leo Fender did not want to waste parts!
Here’s the wiki story: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Musicmaster_Bass
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for the detailed reply! I got the tahitian coral color for my kids. We are asking if this is able slap bass playing, since this is short scale?
Yes, you can slap a short scale bass, although it won’t sound as tight and zingy as a full scale bass. For the more mainstream slap tone, jazz basses, or basses with a bridge pickup is more desirable but it doesn’t mean you can’t slap a bronco bass!
Here is a link where I do have an example of some slap style:
Atelier Z short scale J-style bass (Ken Ken signature). Versatile bass!
ruclips.net/video/q3VbxCHN97U/видео.html
Hello Jonathan
I saw in another video that you installed brass saddles on this bass. What is the influence for the sound ?
In the mod series, yes I compared brass saddles with threaded saddles. In theory, the brass gives a slightly warmer sound, but more importantly is ‘supposed’ to give more sustain, more body and a more musical sound. Maybe it does something to the overtones? In practice, maybe it gives a little more beef/body but it is pretty subtle. I tend to prefer vintage styled threaded saddles as I find it does something pleasant to the high end. I put the fender vintage style bridges on a lot of my instruments but it may very much be subjective and/or psychological!
Thanks for asking!
Interesting instrument. It is a plus they changed to 4 saddles for intonation. Shame design is different from original bridge. Understandable cost wise.
I love these body shapes.
It’s a good value at the asking price. Makes for an affordable modding platform. Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Am watching your mod videos as we speak and subscribed.
Thanks so much for your support!!
Thank you for your videos Jonathan. I am a guitarist looking to get into bass, what world be the your top recommendation for shortscale under 350 usd? Bronco vs squier p vs ibanez mikro vs gretsh G2220 vs other?
I’ve made videos on all of those models! Strictly from a ease of transition, scale length, the mini P squire and Ibanez Mikro’s 28.6” length is closest to guitar (Eg 25.5 for a strat). I find them a tad cramped as I’m very used to 30”. In terms of tone, the bronco may be the least versatile but they all sound decent for the price. If you are able to import in a Harley Benton mustang, those were surprisingly solid. Looks may depend on your gig. Our brains are pre wired to desire fender shapes….are you able to try some out at a local music store? (as the neck shapes are different between those models)
To directly answer your question, can’t really go wrong with either a mini P or a Mikro. I’ve made a comparison video for those two!
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you !
Good luck!
@@jonathanwong458music Its a great point, i have a better chance to sticking to it, with the smallest of the short scales. 28 inch
@@jonathanwong458music How's the playability of the necks of this Sonic Bronco compared to Ibanez Mikro? And could I assume that this bass sounds more 'crunchy' and brighter than the Ibanez?
It has a good tone for a cheaper instrument. Could the cavity be shielded? ❤
Perhaps a good layer of shielding paint might improve it, but a true (unopposed) single coil will always hum. Part of the charm, I guess.
But yeah! A lot of bass for a little over $200. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music I'll agree with this. I bought a Squier 40th Anniversary Jazz Bass and put copper foil shielding inside the cavity. It's totally silent with both pickups on, but if you solo one, the ground hum is just as bad as ever, depending on the room you're in. (In my basement studio it's quiet but it's terrible in a rehearsal space with fluorescent lights.) I've got a set of DiMarzio noiseless pickups I'm about to swap in.
Good luck with the dimarzios!
Another question
Is it well built?
As good as a CV Mustang Bass ?
In general, for the price point, it’s pretty solid. The neck finish is on the thin and cheap side. The CV has a better finished neck but I don’t like the gloss. But some 1000 sand paper would dull it down and make it less sticky.
Thanks for watching!
Which one do you prefer this sonic bronco bass or ibanez mikro? Because I wanted to buy some short scale as my second bass😅
Thanks for watching and asking! I much prefer the 30” scale length. It just fits my hands better, so for that reason, I prefer the Bronco. I find the 28.6” scale of the Mikro (and the mini P) to be too cramped. Also easier to find strings for 30” scale.
Hi Jonathan....for a Bronco which string gauge do you recommend? Thanks!!!🇨🇱👍
I've had all sorts of strings and gauges on the Bronco used in this video series. I think gauges are down to personal preference. I had the Fender short scale 95-40 in the 'stunt double' episode as well as D'Addario short scale 100-45s roundwounds in another. I've also had flats on it. 105s will make it sound a bit bigger and louder, but you'll lose some ease of play. Really comes down to playing comfort and feel and what you like.
What's more important is finding the correct 'string wound length'. You want the step taper to happen between the nut and the tuning peg. This keeps the thicker windings from needing to bend around the tuning post, which could result in a higher chance of string breakage. I have a video dedicated to this on my channel should you be interested!
With the Bronco's 30" scale and it being top load, most 'short scale' lengths from most companies should fit.
Try different gauges and find out what your preferences are. A common starting point (mostly because they're easier to find) are the D'Addario XL nickel rounds 100-45. The pink pack in 'short scale'. It's not a 'character-filled' string, but they are pretty versatile and are very reliable. I've never broken a D'Addario string. Can't say the same for other brands!
Good luck!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you!!!
hi what is the the glove for ? thanks
Thanks for watching and for asking! I have an underlying autoimmune condition called dermatomyositis - it causes chronic inflammation in my muscles, skin and joints. As a result of this chronic inflammation and vasculitis, I have lots of painful sores and ischemic spots on my fingertips, which makes playing instruments very difficult and painful. The glove helps with pain control as it provides a bit of a cushion. Without it, I can't really play for very long. It's not a stylish solution, but it's working at the moment in allowing me to somewhat play my instruments again.
Here's a link for more info:
ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
Squier bronco for live gig concert is it okay sounding ???
I think so! I use mine as a backup bass. Might need a ‘better’ pickup depending on the genre/style or your playing style. But yeah, I could easily gig the bronco without issue. It’s been reliable and I’ve taken it apart several times for the modding series I filmed.
@@jonathanwong458music thankyou Sir, I play post punk music, squier bronco and squier classic vibe 60s , Pliz tel me dis 2 Sound quality differences
The CV mustang definitely looks great. See my dedicated review on that one too if you wish. The bronco’s stock pickup is grindier (but noisier). Post punk, either would work! Bronco is much cheaper and I think it’s a great modding platform!
Good luck!
@@jonathanwong458music thanx for your valuable information sir... ill check CV review on ur video. Im from Imphal(india) my name is Bung...
Thanks for watching Bung!
Are they still using a substandard guitar pickup ? This by far is the easiest and most impacting change they could make. I have 2 Musicmasters , 1 from 1978 and the other a Squire reissue from I believe the 90's. I changed out both pickups and replaced them with custom handwound Aero passive pickups, dropped in full size pots and caps......they are both my "go to" gigging basses.......sound like old school "P" basses.
This sonic edition p/u sounds better than the older bronco, which were very thin and relatively low output. These were better…. But the single coil noise!! It’s otherwise a pretty solid build for sub $300.
Are your aeros single or humcancelling?
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music one of each actually. The first one I had done was single coil and was relatively quiet but I wanted a quieter version and then I ordered the second which is home canceling. They’re both excellent pick ups a bit pricey though.
Very cool. Get some tonal variety!
How much does it weigh?
This particular bass weighs 7.4 lbs. thanks for watching!
thank you for your answer!
@@jonathanwong458music
Are you wearing a glove?
Yes I am. I have an autoimmune skin, joint and muscle disease that has really affected my finger joints and finger tips. The glove keeps the pain from string contact better controlled. Thanks for watching!
Musician's practice gloves - Does it change the TONE of your instrument? A comparison on bass
ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
great review! I'm just wondering. I love an "old school" bass sound. I know there is a Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass, which i love the tones of, but it has a high gloss neck, which is an absoliute dealbreaker for me. so i will not buy it. How would you say the "old schoolness" of the tones compare with this guitar vs the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass? Thank you!
Thanks for watching! Here’s a link for the CV 60s jazz bass video I made, should you be interested:
Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass - Demonstration of sounds and review
ruclips.net/video/FTE1lGRdjX8/видео.html
‘Old school’ sound can mean different things to different people - I tend to think of old school as having a slightly rounder initial attack of the note (less metallic bite and slower bloom of the note). It is also darker in the highs (warmer/less bright) and the sustain of the note is much shorter. So I hear Duck Dunn, jamerson, etc.
Will the bronco get you there? Maybe, but not stock. The pickup is on the attacky and bright/grindy side and it comes with rounds. Could get much closer with flatwounds on it. Here’s a link:
Squier Bronco bass mods Ep.11: Strings! Thomastik Flatwounds vs D'Addario Tapewounds
ruclips.net/video/SXmrVDORT_Q/видео.html
@@jonathanwong458music thank you for that info!
My pleasure. Good luck!