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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,330
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fender American Performer Mustang Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Fender American Performer Mustang Bass is a short-scale bass guitar that delivers a truly exceptional tone. This American-made instrument is born and bred in Fender's Corona, California facility, ensuring the highest quality construction and sound.
The bass showcases new enhancements and a special split-coil pickup, replicated from the original '70s drawings, making it even more inspiring to play. The Yosemite split-coil Mustang Bass middle pickup and a growling Yosemite single-coil Jazz Bass bridge pickup are designed for rich, expressive tones. Flat-staggered pole pieces increase output and a shellac coating allows the coils to breathe while controlling feedback, producing dynamic sounds ideal for any musical situation.
The Modern C-shaped neck sports a 9.5"-radius fingerboard that's comfortable for almost any playing style, along with 19 medium-jumbo frets for effortless and accurate bending. The American Performer Mustang Bass also features Fender's innovative Greasebucket tone circuit, which rolls off highs without adding bass or affecting your volume, allowing you to shape your sound to your liking.
Key Features:
- Made in the USA at Fender's Corona, California facility
- Short-scale bass guitar for a unique, punchy tone
- Special split-coil pickup, replicated from original '70s drawings
- Yosemite split-coil Mustang Bass middle pickup and single-coil Jazz Bass bridge pickup
- Flat-staggered pole pieces and shellac coating for dynamic, controlled sound
- Modern C-shaped neck with 9.5"-radius fingerboard
- 19 medium-jumbo frets for effortless playability
- Greasebucket tone circuit that lets you shape your highs without adding bass or affecting volume.
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Mustang |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Modern C |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 19, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 30" |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Nut Material | Synthetic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | 4-saddle American Performer Mustang Bridge |
| Tuners | Fender F Light-weight Vintage-paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts |
| Middle Pickup | Yosemite Mustang Split-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Yosemite Jazz Single-coil |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone, Greasebucket tone circuit |
| Strings | Fender USA 5250XL Short Scale, .040-.095 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass?
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The Fender American Performer Mustang Bass features a Modern C neck profile, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.
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How does the short scale length of the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass affect playability?
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With a 30" scale length, the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass provides a more compact and comfortable playing experience, especially beneficial for players with smaller hands or those seeking a punchy, warm tone.
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What kind of pickups does the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass use?
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This bass is equipped with a Yosemite Mustang Split-coil middle pickup and a Yosemite Jazz Single-coil bridge pickup, delivering a versatile range of tones suitable for genres like rock, pop, and jazz.
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Is the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short scale length, which makes it easier to play, and its versatile tone options, which allow new players to explore different sounds.
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Does the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass include a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.
Videos
Tyler Spicer
Fender USA Performer Mustang Bass | Tone Demo
Fender USA Performer Mustang Bass | Tone Demo
Tyler Spicer
TONE CHECK: Fender American Performer Mustang Bass Demo NO TALKING
Cream City Music
Fender American Performer Mustang Bass | Elderly Instruments
Elderly Instruments
Fender American Performer Mustang Bass Demo - All Playing, No Talking
Musician's Friend
Fender American Performer Mustang Bass in Three Colour Sunburst - Review & Demonstration @fender
Darren Lock Music
Fender American Performer Mustang short scale bass test drive
expiredtree
Fender American Performer Mustang Bass Guitar, 3-Color Sunburst | Interstate Music
Interstate Music
Fender American Performer Mustang Bass
Van De Moer Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Outstanding tonal versatility with well-matched pickups for varied sound combinations
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Comfortable, fast neck with a slim, modern C-shape ideal for all hand sizes
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Lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for players with physical constraints
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High build quality with precise craftsmanship and a smooth finish
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Short scale design offers a comfortable option for guitarists transitioning to bass
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Achieves both classic Fender tone and modern sound profiles
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Eye-catching color options and aesthetics, like Surf Green with pearloid pickguard
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Effective noise reduction when both pickups are engaged
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Responsive and punchy tone control without muddiness
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Ideal for a range of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and rock
CONS
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Some models require neck shimming for optimal action
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Bridge pickup may be quieter than desired, requiring adjustments
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Padded gig bag included is too large, causing the bass to slide around
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Electronics and wiring lack shielding, resulting in potential noise
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Slight hum present when using a single pickup
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Performer Mustang Bass.
Setup and maintenance
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A neck shim and fret work might be needed; one owner had to recentre the bridge due to initial setup issues.
Source -
A faulty neck pickup pot was replaced for $40, with the cost deducted by the retailer as a customer service gesture.
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A poorly cut nut caused an open A string buzz; Fender covered the repair cost under warranty, highlighting the importance of checking nut angles upon purchase.
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Some owners emphasize the importance of measuring the ball-to-taper length for through-body stringing; incorrect lengths may lead to string breakage.
Source
Features and functionality
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The stock pickups are noted for their "caramel tone," with the jazz pickup adding versatility despite some aesthetic criticism.
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The American Performer Mustang is noted for its light weight, potentially lighter than a Stratocaster, making it appealing for those concerned about instrument weight.
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It's noted that Mustang basses with thick tuning posts handle flatwound strings better, reducing the risk of breakage compared to models with skinny posts.
Source
Build quality
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A user experienced issues with the jack, indicating potential concerns with the instrument's durability over time.
Source
Comparisons
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The American Performer Mustang Bass offers unique versatility in tone compared to the JMJ Mustang and G&L Fallout, particularly when using roundwound strings.
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La Bella 760FS flats are recommended for basses with hot pickups, such as Dimarzio DP127s, to achieve a dark, thumpy tone reminiscent of vintage P basses.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Short-scale Dunlop flats were too short for through-body stringing; medium-scale strings are recommended for proper fit.
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Consider La Bella 760F-MUS strings for through-body Mustangs, especially if seeking lighter options, as some owners find them more suitable.
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Thomastik-Infeld JF324 strings are favored for enhancing midrange tones on Mustang basses, particularly when played with a pick.
Source
User experience
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The satin finish is praised for aesthetics and feel, contributing to a positive tactile experience for players.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
340
For the price, amazing.
Straight out of the box, set up nice, smooth fret edges. lovely comfortable neck.
If you want a solid roadworthy short scale bass without breaking there bank, this will probably serve you well.
After much research, it was apparent that the American performer sports a better sounding set of pups than both the Mexican made player and ventura versions. I am a professional musician and it was purchased as a studio tool, I am a guitar player. The sound of a precision bass is always going to be the King, but after 30 years of playing guitar, I find a 34" scale bass too much to handle, plus I fear as a 47 year old man, hand fatigue or injuries could be triggered by the precision so I bottled out and went short scale.
The Mustang Bass was Leo's last design prior to leaving Fender. So it is always going to deliver fender tone.
My only complaint, I would have preferred a spaghetti logo.
It's difficult putting this bass down, she demands to be played, once you start, you may not stop!!
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Both the P and J pups offer great tone independently, Blended there are a great many possibilities. the Grease Bucket switching is very nice, does what it says on the can.
Artist usage
Add artist
During ATGGGTL at the Music Midtown 2019 show, we can see that Finneas is using a Fender American Performer Mustang Bass (Sunburst)
In the provided image, Halsey is seen using a Fender American Performer Mustang Bass in Arctic White.
Conor Deegan III uses the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass, as evidenced by its use during the 2019 KEXP live session.
Tyson has been using the Mustang bass on the 2023 tour. He has used a sunburst one as well as a surf green one, possibly in different tunings.
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Riker uses an American Perfomer mustang on tour with the driver era, and riker and the beachcombers
In the cover of David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" performed by Magdalena Bay for triple j's Like A Version, Matthew Lewin is visibly playing a Fender American Performer Mustang Bass in Arctic White. This performance is available on YouTube, published by the channel triple j.
In this photo J Tyler is using a Fender American Performer Mustang Bass in the Aubergine Color :)
When Cobian joined the Mystic Brave, he uses this Fender American Performer Mustang Bass - Aubergine bass to play live. He does have a red pearl pickguard.
In a video interview on Gear Masters Episode 558, Luke Fabry, the bassist for Almost Monday, discusses his use of the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass. He explains his preference for the short-scale bass and mentions that he has applied glow tape to the fret markers to facilitate easier use in dark environments. This information is detailed at the 0:36 mark of the video hosted by Digital Tour Bus.
Album Usage
The Fender American Performer Mustang Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
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