Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,170
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender American Performer Mustang". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Fender American Performer Mustang is a masterful blend of classic design and modern innovation, crafted for musicians who demand both style and substance. This iconic offset electric guitar, made in Fender's renowned Corona, California facility, offers a uniquely compact and comfortable body that is perfect for gigging musicians and studio sessions alike. With its signature 24" scale length, the Mustang is designed to cater to players of all sizes, making long stretches and complex chords feel effortlessly within reach.
At the heart of the American Performer Mustang are the Yosemite single-coil pickups, which produce a rich, expressive tone that can handle everything from crisp cleans to overdriven rock textures. These pickups are enhanced by the Greasebucket tone circuit, allowing you to roll off highs without sacrificing volume or adding unwanted bass, giving you precise control over your sound. The modern C-shaped maple neck and 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience, ideal for both beginners and seasoned players.
The Mustang's vintage-modern tremolo system offers dynamic pitch control, letting you add haunting vibratos and expressive bends to your performance. Whether you're a nostalgic Mustang enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of electric guitars, the Fender American Performer Mustang promises an inspiring and versatile playing experience.
Key Features:
- Solid alder body with gloss finish
- 24" scale length ideal for smaller hands and extended playing
- Modern C-shaped maple neck with 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard
- 22 jumbo frets for easy string bending
- Yosemite single-coil pickups for dynamic tone
- Greasebucket tone circuit for precise sound shaping
- Vintage-modern Mustang tremolo bridge
- ClassicGear tuning machines for stable tuning
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Mustang |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Modern C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24" |
| Nut Width | 1.685" |
| Nut Material | Synthetic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | American Performer Mustang Bridge with Tremolo |
| Tuners | Fender Classic Gear |
| Neck Pickup | Yosemite Mustang Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Yosemite Mustang Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Fender USA, .009-.042 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender American Performer Mustang?
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The Fender American Performer Mustang features a Modern C neck profile, which provides a comfortable and versatile grip suitable for various playing styles.
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What type of music is the Fender American Performer Mustang best suited for?
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The Fender Mustang is versatile, ideal for alternative rock, indie, and punk genres due to its unique tone and short scale, which offers a punchy and aggressive sound.
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How does the short scale length of the Fender American Performer Mustang affect playability?
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The 24" scale length of the Mustang makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands and offers a slightly warmer tone, enhancing its suitability for fast, rhythmic playing styles.
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What kind of pickups does the Fender American Performer Mustang have?
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The Fender American Performer Mustang is equipped with Yosemite Mustang single-coil pickups, known for their clear, dynamic sound and wide tonal range.
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Does the Fender American Performer Mustang come with a gig bag?
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Yes, the Fender American Performer Mustang comes with a gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.
Videos
Fender
Patrick Droney Introduces The American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tone range from muddy like a Les Paul to bright like a Strat
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Lightweight and compact design makes it comfortable to play
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Modern vibrato system is smooth and stays in tune well
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Well-crafted build quality with no sharp fret ends or major flaws
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Unique electronics with Greasebucket circuit for sound shaping
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Short scale length ideal for players with hand issues
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Satin finish neck and medium jumbo frets for easy playability
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Distinctive pickups with a P90-like sound in the middle position
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Includes an embroidered Fender branded gig bag
CONS
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Stock tuning heads may require upgrading for stability
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Bridge pickup too quiet and hard to balance with neck pickup
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Toggle switch doesn't stay securely in positions 1 or 3
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Requires setup adjustments for different string gauges
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Tremolo may need to be locked for better tuning stability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Performer Mustang.
Setup and maintenance
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Fender's setup guide for the Mustang bridge is reported as incorrect, recommending lowering the cigar and bridge instead.
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Users find Mustangs challenging to set up, especially the tremolo; cigar height adjustment affects tension and stability.
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Using heavier strings requires placing the spring in the lowest slot for better tension compensation.
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Owners note that the fretboard often arrives dry and may require treatment with lemon oil and humidifiers for optimal condition.
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A luthier adjustment to configure the tremolo for upward movement only has been recommended for enhanced tuning stability.
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Mods and upgrades
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Lindy Fralin high output single coils are recommended for maintaining aesthetic while achieving heavier tones in bridge position.
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Chrome-colored plastic pickup covers are popular for aesthetic upgrades without altering tone, available on Reverb for about $10.
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Owners suggest using WD Music pickguards, noting minor fit issues but recommending copper shielding for noise reduction.
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Custom-wound bridge pickups offer more bite and clarity; neck pickup height adjustment is crucial before considering replacement.
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Some players have considered installing a humbucker or a SD SH-1 '59 pickup in the bridge for higher output and more powerful tones.
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Features and functionality
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Wound 3rd strings like D'Addario EXL115W (11-49) improve tuning stability and intonation, especially when tuning down a whole step.
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The Mustang's whammy bar is noted for its sensitivity, offering a more responsive feel than older Mustang tremolos or Bigsby systems.
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The satin finish is highlighted for its comfort and aesthetic appeal, with users noting it feels similar to a Gibson scale.
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The unique 24-inch scale and jumbo frets are appreciated for feel, yet the switch placement can occasionally be problematic during aggressive playing.
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Build quality
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Pickguard shape may vary between model years, requiring custom fits for replacements.
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Use cases and applications
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This model is often used as a clean-tone guitar, providing a tonal contrast to heavier-sounding guitars like a Gibson SG.
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3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Tyler has one in his home studio. Hung on the wall to the right between his basses
In this Instagram photo he is seen holding this American Performer Mustang in vintage white. The guitar is also seen being played in the 'Honey' music video and is later refinished to a custom 'Wachito Rico' design.
In an Instagram post by Sabrina Carpenter, she is seen playing a Fender American Performer Mustang in Vintage White.
In the music video for "The Beautiful Occupation" Fran is seen with a white Fender Mustang.
In a promotional video for Guitar Center, Miller played a Fender American Performer Series Mustang.
Patrick Droney is featured playing the Fender American Performer Mustang in a promotional video by Fender.
Cancamusa uses the Fender American Performer Mustang, as evidenced by a photo from her concert at Feria Pulsar 2023. The original post can be viewed on her Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0sQWslLCbe/
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* is confirmed to use the Fender American Performer Mustang, as evidenced by several TikTok videos and Instagram photos showing them performing with this guitar. Additionally, in the YouTube video titled "Guitar Tour 2022 | SANCHEZ BY THE SEA*," the artist explicitly discusses their use of the instrument, further supported by the caption, "I’m coming for you @fender."
Album Usage
The Fender American Performer Mustang has been featured on the following albums:
Windowsill (Remixes & The Like)
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2025)
Submerged
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2025)
Untitled (But It's About You)
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2024)
Untitled (B-Sides)
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2024)
Twisted Up
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2023)
San Andreas Road
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2023)
A24
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2022)
Saturn
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2021)
Feelings Are...
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2021)
Wachito Rico
Boy Pablo (2020)
honey
Boy Pablo (2020)
Dandelions Club
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2020)
You're Just Like Your Father
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2020)
The First Ones
SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* (2019)
12 Memories
Travis (2003)
The Beautiful Occupation
Travis (2003)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Performer Mustang, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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