Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (45)
$1,849.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$1,849.99
Fender
$1,849.99
Amazon
3.2 (9)
$1,831.95 New
$1,689.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (33)
$1,425.09 New
$1,025.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (5)
$1,849.99
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$1,849.99
Thomann
4.7 (30)
$1,444.00 $1,429.00 $15.00 · All time low

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.

* 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

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

What makes the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass unique?

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.

Is the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass suitable for beginners?

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.

What kind of music genres is the Fender JMJ Mustang Bass best suited for?

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.

Does the Fender JMJ Mustang Bass come with active or passive pickups?

The Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass is equipped with passive pickups, providing a classic, warm tone with dynamic response.

How many frets does the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Mustang Bass have?

This bass features 19 frets, allowing for a range of notes suitable for both rhythm and lead bass playing.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

The Bass Stole My Heart! - Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang [Demo]

Video thumbnail for The Bass Stole My Heart! - Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

The Bass Stole My Heart! - Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass - Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass by PMTVUK

Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass - Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass (Justin Meldal-Johnsen) - Fingers/Plectrum/Slap/Effects by Dan Hawkins Bass Lessons

Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass (Justin Meldal-Johnsen) - Fingers/Plectrum/Slap/Effects

Dan Hawkins Bass Lessons

Dan Hawkins Bass Lessons

Video thumbnail for Fender’s BEST LOOKING Bass?!?  Fender JMJ 'Justin Meldal-Johnsen' Road Worn Mustang Bass by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Fender’s BEST LOOKING Bass?!? Fender JMJ 'Justin Meldal-Johnsen' Road Worn Mustang Bass

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for Fender Mustang Bass JMJ by Thomas Delepau

Fender Mustang Bass JMJ

Thomas Delepau

Thomas Delepau

Reviews

PROS

  • Short scale design offers easy playability and comfort

  • Vintage-inspired aesthetics with thoughtful touches like Daphne Blue and antique pearl pickguard

  • Nitro finish ages naturally, adding character over time

  • Brighter P Bass sound with flatwounds preventing excessive brightness

  • Thick, resonant low-end tone; cuts through mixes effectively

  • Versatile tone control from vintage to modern sounds

  • Solid build quality with comfortable, chunky neck

  • Faithful reproduction of a '66 Mustang with a modern touch

  • Holds tune well, even during extensive playing

CONS

  • Price increase makes it less accessible than initially

  • Road worn finish may not appeal to everyone

  • Some users report buzzing issues related to the string tree

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the signature model pricing premium, which includes artist royalties and exclusive design modifications.

    Source
  • The JMJ Mustang's high price is attributed to its nitrocellulose lacquer finish and relic aesthetic, features not found on cheaper models.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JMJ Mustang is noted for providing a comfortable play experience due to its short scale, appealing to those transitioning from larger basses.

    Source
  • The JMJ Mustang is favored for cleaner musical styles, with owners using it as their primary bass for rock and pop genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The rosewood fingerboard and nitro finish are highlighted as unique features of the JMJ model, setting it apart from other Mustang variants.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MIM PJ Mustang, while praised for value, lacks the distinct Mustang feel and sound, making it more of a shrunken PJ.

    Source
  • The JMJ Mustang is preferred over the Vintera model at a similar price point due to its superior feel and sound.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the JMJ Mustang as truer to the original Mustang design compared to the 'Offset' Mustang, which some found disappointing.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some players prefer D'Addario Chromes over the stock Fender flatwound strings, indicating a preference-based string swap for tonal customization.

    Source
  • It's recommended to retain the original Fender light gauge flatwound strings for optimal sound and feel, after testing multiple string sets.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that the neck is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, requiring frequent truss rod adjustments throughout the year.

    Source

User experience

  • The smooth playability of the JMJ Mustang Bass is frequently praised, with owners noting its ability to inspire prolonged playing sessions.

    Source
  • The bass is often described as feeling like an extension of the player, enhancing creativity, but the weight is slightly heavier than expected.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners found initial setup issues like loose strap pins and uneven frets, which required adjustments despite the premium price point.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
iofflight

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
See how St. Vincent uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via YouTube

She traded this bass with JMJ for a Music man guitar/bass.

See how Hayley Williams uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Hayley Williams

Singer, Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via Pinterest

Hayley Williams can be seen playing this bass.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Tyson Ritter uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Tyson Ritter

Singer, Bassist

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via Instagram

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.

See how Ian Farmer uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Ian Farmer

Bassist, Music Producer

Modern Baseball

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how John Stirratt uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

John Stirratt

Singer, Bassist

Hail The Sun

...
Verified via Photo
See how David Hartley uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

David Hartley

Bassist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Luke Reynolds uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Luke Reynolds

Guitarist, Bassist

Guster

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Luke Reynolds mentions using the Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass, appreciating its similarity to his vintage 1967 Daphne Blue Mustang.

See how Louis Leimbach uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Louis Leimbach

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Louis can be pictured using this bass here

See how Niels Kinsella uses Fender Justin Meldal-Johnsen Signature Mustang Bass

Niels Kinsella

Bassist

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

A photo taken from the Rehearsal room ( God is an Astronaut)

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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ilhnync

ilhnync

Gear IQ 93

ilhnync

ilhnync

Gear IQ 93

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