Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (5)
$1,179.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (8)
$1,179.99
Amazon
4.2 (7)
$1,469.99
Reverb
5.0 (20)
$1,399.99 New
$849.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (6)
$939.99

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.

* 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 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

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Performer Mustang?

The Fender American Performer Mustang features a Modern C neck profile, which provides a comfortable and versatile grip suitable for various playing styles.

What type of music is the Fender American Performer Mustang best suited for?

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.

How does the short scale length of the Fender American Performer Mustang affect playability?

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.

What kind of pickups does the Fender American Performer Mustang have?

The Fender American Performer Mustang is equipped with Yosemite Mustang single-coil pickups, known for their clear, dynamic sound and wide tonal range.

Does the Fender American Performer Mustang come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Fender American Performer Mustang comes with a gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Fender

Fender

Patrick Droney Introduces The American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender

Video thumbnail for Patrick Droney Introduces The American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender by Fender

Patrick Droney Introduces The American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender by Fender

American Performer Mustang | American Performer Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Series Mustang | Demo and Overview with Molly Miller by Guitar Center

Fender American Performer Series Mustang | Demo and Overview with Molly Miller

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender American Performer Mustang Demo NO TALKING by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender American Performer Mustang Demo NO TALKING

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for The All-New Fender American Performer Mustang - Penny by N Stuff Music

The All-New Fender American Performer Mustang - Penny

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Fender American Performer Mustang - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang - Rock and Roll Machine by MooreMusicGuitars

Fender American Performer Mustang - Rock and Roll Machine

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Fender American Performer Mustang | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang Overview by Sam Ash Music

Fender American Performer Mustang Overview

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for Snacks 111: Fender American Performer Mustang, Vintage White by Russo Music

Snacks 111: Fender American Performer Mustang, Vintage White

Russo Music

Russo Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang - Rimmers Music | Demonstration & Tones With Mike by Rimmers Music

Fender American Performer Mustang - Rimmers Music | Demonstration & Tones With Mike

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Performer Mustang - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Fender American Performer Mustang - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tone range from muddy like a Les Paul to bright like a Strat

  • Lightweight and compact design makes it comfortable to play

  • Modern vibrato system is smooth and stays in tune well

  • Well-crafted build quality with no sharp fret ends or major flaws

  • Unique electronics with Greasebucket circuit for sound shaping

  • Short scale length ideal for players with hand issues

  • Satin finish neck and medium jumbo frets for easy playability

  • Distinctive pickups with a P90-like sound in the middle position

  • Includes an embroidered Fender branded gig bag

CONS

  • Stock tuning heads may require upgrading for stability

  • Bridge pickup too quiet and hard to balance with neck pickup

  • Toggle switch doesn't stay securely in positions 1 or 3

  • Requires setup adjustments for different string gauges

  • 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

  • Fender's setup guide for the Mustang bridge is reported as incorrect, recommending lowering the cigar and bridge instead.

    Source
  • Users find Mustangs challenging to set up, especially the tremolo; cigar height adjustment affects tension and stability.

    Source
  • Using heavier strings requires placing the spring in the lowest slot for better tension compensation.

    Source
  • Owners note that the fretboard often arrives dry and may require treatment with lemon oil and humidifiers for optimal condition.

    Source
  • A luthier adjustment to configure the tremolo for upward movement only has been recommended for enhanced tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Lindy Fralin high output single coils are recommended for maintaining aesthetic while achieving heavier tones in bridge position.

    Source
  • Chrome-colored plastic pickup covers are popular for aesthetic upgrades without altering tone, available on Reverb for about $10.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using WD Music pickguards, noting minor fit issues but recommending copper shielding for noise reduction.

    Source
  • Custom-wound bridge pickups offer more bite and clarity; neck pickup height adjustment is crucial before considering replacement.

    Source
  • Some players have considered installing a humbucker or a SD SH-1 '59 pickup in the bridge for higher output and more powerful tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Wound 3rd strings like D'Addario EXL115W (11-49) improve tuning stability and intonation, especially when tuning down a whole step.

    Source
  • The Mustang's whammy bar is noted for its sensitivity, offering a more responsive feel than older Mustang tremolos or Bigsby systems.

    Source
  • The satin finish is highlighted for its comfort and aesthetic appeal, with users noting it feels similar to a Gibson scale.

    Source
  • The unique 24-inch scale and jumbo frets are appreciated for feel, yet the switch placement can occasionally be problematic during aggressive playing.

    Source

Build quality

  • Pickguard shape may vary between model years, requiring custom fits for replacements.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This model is often used as a clean-tone guitar, providing a tonal contrast to heavier-sounding guitars like a Gibson SG.

    Source

User experience

  • The Mustang's lower output single coils are praised for clean tones but may lack punch for distortion-heavy music compared to Telecasters.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

False

The guitar he uses looks similar, but it is a different one

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyler Joseph uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Tyler Joseph

Singer, Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

Tyler has one in his home studio. Hung on the wall to the right between his basses

See how Boy Pablo uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Boy Pablo

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Sabrina Carpenter uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Sabrina Carpenter

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Sabrina Carpenter, she is seen playing a Fender American Performer Mustang in Vintage White.

See how Fran Healy uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Fran Healy

Singer, Guitarist

Travis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "The Beautiful Occupation" Fran is seen with a white Fender Mustang.

See how Molly Miller uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Molly Miller

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a promotional video for Guitar Center, Miller played a Fender American Performer Series Mustang.

See how Patrick Droney uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Patrick Droney

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Patrick Droney is featured playing the Fender American Performer Mustang in a promotional video by Fender.

See how Cancamusa uses Fender American Performer Mustang

Cancamusa

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

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/

See how SANCHEZ BY THE SEA* uses Fender American Performer Mustang

SANCHEZ BY THE SEA*

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Penny Year: 2019

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."

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.

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides