The Fender Mustang Bass, with its distinctive slab body, might initially raise eyebrows for players accustomed to contoured designs. However, the compact nature of this instrument quickly dispels any concerns about comfort. Despite the lack of body contouring, its smaller size makes it surprisingly comfortable to handle, even for extended playing sessions. The “C” profile neck is notably thin, contributing to an overall comfortable playing experience that belies its seemingly basic construction. Balance is often a concern with short-scale basses, but the Mustang Bass performs admirably in this regard. Even with its shorter upper horn, it sits comfortably on a strap without neck dive, allowing for confident and unrestricted movement on stage or in the studio.
The controls and hardware components of the Fender Mustang Bass generally function as expected. The tuners and bridge operate smoothly and reliably, ensuring stable tuning and intonation. However, the pickup selector switch might present a minor drawback for some players. Inconsistent contact issues can occasionally occur, and a more versatile control layout could be desired. Many bassists might prefer dual volume controls or a blend/pan knob over the standard selector switch, offering finer control over pickup mixing. Furthermore, the presence of single-coil pickups introduces the typical single-coil hum in two out of the three pickup positions. While the neck pickup is hum-canceling, the bridge pickup relies on it for hum cancellation, similar to a traditional Jazz Bass configuration.
Sonically, the Fender Mustang Bass delivers a compelling single-coil tone, especially when played in environments with minimal noise interference. The bridge pickup, when soloed, can sound somewhat thin, but rolling back the tone control effectively thickens the sound, adding warmth and body. While blending in a touch of the neck pickup would further enhance tonal versatility, the selector switch limits this option. Conversely, the neck pickup truly shines, producing a robust and full tone reminiscent of a Precision Bass. It captures that classic P-bass character, delivering a woody and earthy sound that is both familiar and inspiring. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Mustang Bass is its surprising resonance and responsiveness across the entire neck. This “alive” feeling is unexpected in a short-scale instrument and adds to its overall enjoyable playing experience, making it a surprisingly dynamic and expressive bass guitar.
