The Squier Sonic Mustang has been making waves in the budget guitar market, and for good reason. Let’s cut to the chase: this guitar is surprisingly good for the price. This in-depth and unbiased review of the Squier Sonic Mustang will give you all the details you need, supported by video demos for a complete picture. Like all our reviews at guitarplayers.net, this Mustang Guitar was purchased independently to ensure complete objectivity.
The Sonic series represents Squier’s latest entry-level lineup, effectively succeeding the Bullet series. Squier has introduced exciting new colors in this series, including the eye-catching Torino Red finish on this Mustang guitar.
Why Trust Our Mustang Guitar Review?
Hi, I’m Karol, and guitar is my passion. I’ve been playing for over 20 years, always learning and improving. I’m not a professional musician these days, but I bring a player’s perspective to these reviews, not a snob’s. My aim is simple: to help you make informed decisions about guitars.
Why should you trust this Squier Sonic Mustang review specifically? Because I’m not here to push a sale. guitarplayers.net is built on unbiased reviews. We only earn a commission if you choose to use our affiliate links after reading our reviews. This independence is crucial to providing honest opinions. Remember, these are my personal views based on my experience with this Mustang guitar.
Squier Sonic Mustang: Quick Verdict
8.6 out of 10
$199.99
Squier Sonic Mustang in Torino Red
Weight: 6.8 lbs
Made in: Indonesia
| Feature | Score |
|---|---|
| Looks | 9 out of 10 |
| Setup (Out of Box) | 7.5 out of 10 |
| Feel | 8 out of 10 |
| Sound | 8.5 out of 10 |
| Price | 9.9 out of 10 |
Pros
- Impressive sound for the price
- Authentic vintage Mustang design cues
- Attractive Torino Red finish
- Fun and inspiring to play
Cons
- Budget-grade tuners
- Squier quality control can be inconsistent (though this unit was good)
- Lacks the belly contour of the Bullet Mustang
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Squier Sonic Mustang Video Review
Prefer video? Watch our comprehensive 15-minute video review on the guitarplayers.net YouTube channel. It covers all the key aspects, including an extensive sound demonstration. The demo features the Mustang guitar in a mix with drums, as well as isolated clean and distorted tones showcasing its pickup versatility.
Want to see the unboxing and initial impressions of this Mustang guitar? Check out the video for even more detail.
The Allure of the Mustang Guitar
The Fender Mustang holds a special place in guitar history. Originally conceived as a student model, its shorter scale length made it appealing to younger players and those with smaller hands. Critically, it was designed to be more affordable than Fender’s flagship models.
However, the Mustang guitar transcended its student origins, particularly with the rise of grunge music. Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth famously embraced the Mustang, catapulting it from pawn shop find to sought-after instrument. Squier’s Sonic Mustang now makes this iconic design accessible to everyone at a budget-friendly price.
The Sonic Mustang pays closer homage to vintage Fender Mustangs than the previous Squier Bullet Mustangs. It features a vintage-correct 9.5″ fretboard radius (compared to the Bullet’s flatter 12″) and the classic Mustang single-coil pickup covers, capturing the authentic vibe of the original Mustang guitar.
This Mustang guitar retails for $199.99, and while it’s already a steal at that price, keep an eye out for sales, as it’s often discounted by 10%. This review unit was purchased at full price:
Sweetwater Receipt for Squier Sonic Mustang
Sonic Mustang Specifications:
- 24″ Short Scale Length: Comfortable and easy to play, especially for smaller hands.
- Squier Ceramic Single-Coil Pickups: Deliver classic Mustang guitar tones.
- 6-Saddle Hardtail Bridge: Enhances tuning stability and sustain.
- Poplar Body: Lightweight and resonant.
- Maple Neck with Skunk Stripe: Provides stability and classic feel.
- 22 Narrow Tall Frets: Facilitate comfortable bending and vibrato.
- 9.5″ Fretboard Radius: Vintage-style playing feel.
- Synthetic Bone Nut: Durable and contributes to sustain.
- Single Volume and Tone Controls: Simple and effective tone shaping.
- 3-Way Pickup Switch: Offers versatile tonal options.
Squier Sonic Mustang Body and Bridge
First Impressions and Setup of the Mustang Guitar
Buying a Squier guitar online can sometimes be a gamble due to Squier’s quality control reputation. Fret sprout and sharp frets are common issues, even on guitars at higher price points. This is something to be aware of when purchasing any guitar online, not just this Mustang guitar.
Fortunately, this Sonic Mustang arrived in good condition, free of major issues. There was no fret sprout or sharp frets, and the action (string height) was decent right out of the box, although a bit high for my preference, as seen in the initial impressions video. While there were a few slightly high frets, they didn’t cause any fret buzz, so a full fret level wasn’t necessary. After a basic setup, this Mustang guitar played and sounded fantastic!
Learning to perform basic guitar setups is invaluable for any guitar player. Adjusting action, intonation, and other simple tweaks allows you to personalize your instrument and optimize its playability. Guitars are not overly complex, and with a few essential tools, you can address most common issues yourself. It’s a rewarding skill that enhances your connection with your Mustang guitar or any other guitar you own.
This Mustang guitar includes the necessary Allen wrenches for truss rod and string height adjustments, which is a welcome bonus.
Squier Sonic Mustang Headstock Back
Minor Drawbacks of the Sonic Mustang
There’s not much to criticize on this Mustang guitar, especially considering its price point. It successfully delivers a vintage Fender Mustang experience on a budget.
Some players might miss the belly carve found on the Bullet Mustang. The flatter 12″ fretboard radius of the Bullet series is also preferred by some, while the Sonic Mustang opts for a more vintage-correct 9.5″ radius. These are largely matters of personal preference.
A common complaint with guitars in this price range, including this Mustang guitar, is the quality of the tuners. The tuners are functional but not exceptional, and tuning stability may not be as rock-solid as on guitars with higher-quality tuners. However, this is a minor issue and not a deal-breaker for a guitar in this price bracket.
The High Points: Why We Recommend This Mustang Guitar
There’s a lot to love about this affordable $200 Mustang guitar!
- Excellent Playability: The neck profile and short scale make it comfortable and easy to play for a wide range of players.
- Great Sound: The ceramic single-coil pickups deliver surprisingly good tones, capturing the essence of the classic Mustang guitar sound.
- Attractive Aesthetics: The Torino Red finish and classic Mustang design make it a visually appealing instrument.
- Unbeatable Value: For the price, this Mustang guitar offers exceptional performance and features.
Squier Sonic Mustang Full Body Front
Ultimately, a guitar’s playability and sound are paramount, and the Sonic Mustang excels in both areas, especially for a budget instrument. A guitar that’s fun to play is a guitar you’ll pick up and play often, and the Sonic Mustang definitely falls into that category. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
However, the Sonic Mustang’s appeal extends beyond beginners. Experienced players seeking a shorter scale guitar, a mod platform, or simply a fun and inspiring instrument will also find value in this Mustang guitar. The Torino Red finish is a standout, and the Sonic series offers a range of other attractive colors across its models.
Sonic Mustang Setup Details
The setup on this Mustang guitar was relatively straightforward. While I initially anticipated needing to address the slightly high frets with a fret level, it turned out to be unnecessary. Once the action was adjusted to my preferred height, and the guitar was tuned and intonated, there was no fret buzz.
Here’s a summary of the setup steps:
- Frets polished with 9 grits of micromesh: Smoothes out frets for enhanced playability.
- New strings installed: Essential for any setup.
- Action set to approximately 1.75mm: My preferred string height for comfortable playing.
- Intonation adjusted: Ensures accurate tuning across the fretboard.
While these steps might seem extensive if you’re new to guitar, they are routine for setup and not required to enjoy the Mustang guitar right out of the box. Learning basic setup skills is recommended as you progress as a player.
Sonic Mustang Sound Quality
As mentioned earlier, the pickups in this Mustang guitar are a highlight. For a budget guitar, they are remarkably good, possibly the best single-coil pickups I’ve encountered in this price range. Be sure to check out the video review for a comprehensive sound demonstration to hear the Mustang guitar in action.
Potential Mustang Guitar Upgrades
While the Sonic Mustang is excellent as is, some players may consider upgrades. Although I appreciate the stock pickups, for recording or live performance, I might consider swapping the bridge pickup for one with slightly more clarity. However, this isn’t a necessity for enjoying the guitar.
Upgrading the tuners to locking tuners is another worthwhile consideration. Locking tuners simplify string changes and improve tuning stability.
Finally, a GraphTech nut could be a potential upgrade, especially if a direct drop-in replacement is available. However, this would be a more subtle improvement.
It’s important to emphasize that upgrades are not essential to enjoy the Sonic Mustang. It’s a great guitar in its stock form, and I’m personally very happy with it as is.
Squier Sonic Mustang Image Gallery
Squier Sonic Mustang Back View
Squier Sonic Mustang Neck View
Squier Sonic Mustang Headstock Front View
Squier Sonic Mustang Body Full ViewSquier Sonic Mustang Headstock BackSquier Sonic Mustang Body and Bridge
Squier Sonic Mustang Pickups Closeup
Squier Sonic Mustang Side Profile
Squier Sonic Mustang Headstock Detail
Squier Sonic Mustang Neck Closeup
Squier Sonic Mustang Body Angled ViewSquier Sonic Mustang Full Body Front
Squier Sonic Mustang Bridge Side View
Final Verdict on the Sonic Mustang Guitar
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly guitar with a distinctive vibe, the Sonic Mustang is an excellent choice. It’s equally well-suited for beginners and experienced players looking for a modifiable platform or a unique addition to their collection.
Overall: 8.6 / 10. If a Mustang guitar is what you’re after, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the Squier Sonic Mustang.
Do you own a Squier Sonic Mustang? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
