A part of Fender’s attain into the newbie market through the ’60s guitar increase, the Mustang guitar and bass have been smaller and less complicated than Dad’s electrical. They have been additionally cheaper and extra enjoyable, particularly in a cool customized coloration (higher but, with racing stripes!). In its newest homage to the Golden Period, Fender simply launched a Mustang Bass as a part of its American Professional Traditional line.

The Mustang’s id is rooted in ergonomics, and the American Professional Traditional doesn’t stray. Its weight (eight kilos), 12″ physique, and shallow cutaways are prime components in its ease of play. The maple neck is extra Precision than Jazz in dimension – 1.625″ extensive on the nut with Fender’s Trendy C form – however its 30″ scale makes it a distinct animal for notice roving, an expertise made particularly nice due to a satin urethane end that’s certainly silky easy. The neck joins the physique on the 14th fret.

The Mustang’s alder physique is obtainable in gloss urethane Sunburst, Pale Fiesta Purple, and Pale Sherwood Inexperienced and the neck has a refined tint to enrich. All are properly executed. The nickel-chrome ClassicGear tuners resemble classic Schallers and work properly. The maple fretboard (an choice solely with Pale Fiesta Purple, the others get rosewood) has a 9.5″ radius.

Plugged right into a 200-watt Class D amp and a pair of×10 cab, the Mustang was a pleasing shock. Historically, some gamers have shied away from short-scale basses as a result of they lacked low-end readability/punch. With only a Quantity and Tone knob, the marginally overwound Alnico-magnet Shoreline pickup (which boasts vintage-style bobbins and cloth-covered wire) introduced a heat high-output sound. Fender’s Greasebucket Tone Circuit, which rolls off high-end response whereas leaving lows unchanged, provides loads of usable excessive snap as soon as the knob is moved past midway.

Fender can also be doing American Traditional Precision and Jazz basses itemizing on the similar worth. None are provided left-handed.

In the event you’d like to affix the likes of Invoice Wyman, Tina Weymouth, Trevor Bolder, Alan Lancaster, and Denny Laine within the Mustang dabbler’s membership, that is price a attempt. –Ward Meeker

This text initially appeared in VG’s December 2025 situation. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.