Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,662
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the groove with the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass, where vintage aesthetics meet modern playability. Crafted in collaboration with the acclaimed session musician, this bass guitar embodies the spirit of the '60s with its authentic Road Worn Daphne Blue finish and aged pearl pickguard. Its distinctive single-coil Mustang pickup delivers a sound so close to Justin's own vintage '66, you'll be hard-pressed to tell them apart. Perfect for bassists seeking a blend of classic vibe and contemporary performance.
Key Features:
- Custom spec single-coil Mustang pickup, voiced to closely match JMJ’s vintage original
- Authentic Road Worn Daphne Blue finish for a genuine '60s vibe
- Aged pearl pickguard, adding to the vintage aesthetic
- Collaboration with renowned session musician Justin Meldal-Johnsen
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Justin Meldal-Johnsen Road Worn Signature Mustang Bass |
| Finish | Black, Faded Daphne Blue |
| Year | 2018 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Artist | Justin Meldal Johnsen |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Blue |
| Finish Features | Relic |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Fender Mustang Bass |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | Split-Coil |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Road Worn |
FAQs
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What makes the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass unique?
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This bass features a short scale length and a split-coil pickup, providing a warm, punchy tone ideal for various music styles. Its Road Worn finish gives it a vintage look and feel, reminiscent of classic Fender basses.
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Is the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the short scale length and comfortable neck make it an excellent choice for beginners, offering ease of playability without compromising on tone or quality.
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What kind of music genres is the Fender JMJ Mustang Bass best suited for?
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This bass excels in genres like rock, indie, and alternative music, thanks to its punchy tone and versatile sound, but it can also adapt well to other styles such as funk and jazz.
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Does the Fender JMJ Mustang Bass come with active or passive pickups?
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The Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass is equipped with passive pickups, providing a classic, warm tone with dynamic response.
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How many frets does the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass have?
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This bass features 19 frets, allowing for a range of notes suitable for both rhythm and lead bass playing.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
The Bass Stole My Heart! - Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang [Demo]
Reviews
PROS
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Short scale design offers easy playability and comfort
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Vintage-inspired aesthetics with thoughtful touches like Daphne Blue and antique pearl pickguard
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Nitro finish ages naturally, adding character over time
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Brighter P Bass sound with flatwounds preventing excessive brightness
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Thick, resonant low-end tone; cuts through mixes effectively
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Versatile tone control from vintage to modern sounds
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Solid build quality with comfortable, chunky neck
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Faithful reproduction of a '66 Mustang with a modern touch
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Holds tune well, even during extensive playing
CONS
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Price increase makes it less accessible than initially
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Road worn finish may not appeal to everyone
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Some users report buzzing issues related to the string tree
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Lacks shielding, potentially leading to noise without modification
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass.
Value and pricing
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Discussion around the JMJ Mustang's pricing highlights its appeal despite being a Mexican-made instrument, with some considering it on par with American-made Fenders due to its components.
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Owners highlight the signature model pricing premium, which includes artist royalties and exclusive design modifications.
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The JMJ Mustang's high price is attributed to its nitrocellulose lacquer finish and relic aesthetic, features not found on cheaper models.
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Some owners feel the retro aesthetic is what predominantly drives the JMJ's appeal, suggesting it's a signature model priced like a mid-range Squier.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The rosewood fingerboard and nitro finish are highlighted as unique features of the JMJ model, setting it apart from other Mustang variants.
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The JMJ Mustang's pickups are praised for their ability to cut through mixes, especially when palm-muted with a pick, delivering a distinctive indie sound.
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Comparisons
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The MIM PJ Mustang, while praised for value, lacks the distinct Mustang feel and sound, making it more of a shrunken PJ.
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The JMJ Mustang is preferred over the Vintera model at a similar price point due to its superior feel and sound.
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Owners highlight the JMJ Mustang as truer to the original Mustang design compared to the 'Offset' Mustang, which some found disappointing.
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Compared to American Performer PJ and '78 Musicmaster, the JMJ is preferred for neck feel and pickup clarity, but some find the Squier Classic Vibe better built.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some players prefer D'Addario Chromes over the stock Fender flatwound strings, indicating a preference-based string swap for tonal customization.
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It's recommended to retain the original Fender light gauge flatwound strings for optimal sound and feel, after testing multiple string sets.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's noted that the neck is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, requiring frequent truss rod adjustments throughout the year.
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User experience
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
2259
Fantastic bass for the price
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is due to a few short cuts they had to make for keeping the price down. Otherwise a really fine bass, I did swap out the strings and I did shield the bass as it had no shielding and was somewhat noisy.
Artist usage
Add artist
JMJ can be seen playling his fender mustang bass signature. He is discusing this bass right there : https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/instant-vintage-justin-meldal-johnsen-discusses-his-fender-signature-bass
In the All-American Rejects reunion, Tyson Ritter is seen using the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass, as captured by Four Chord Music Festival on Instagram. Notably, he has modified the pickup to a standard Precision.
At the very beginning of the video, the bass "relic" is visible and it seems to match the one that's applied in factory for that particular model.
Played live here: https://youtu.be/ggSyNBg5GXc?si=94lYgtUbj7fM54o9
David Hartley expresses his admiration for the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass on Instagram, highlighting its buttery neck and resonance, comparing it favorably to vintage models.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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