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Description
Discover the vibrant energy and distinctive sound of the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red, an iconic addition to the Offset Series that reimagines the classic mid-60s "student model" for today's musician. This electric marvel combines a sleek, short-scale design with modern playability, offering an accessible experience that doesn't compromise on tone or performance. The MP-90 pickups deliver a rich, snarling midrange bite that's perfectly balanced by the smoothness of the rosewood fingerboard, making it a versatile choice for various music styles. Whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking for a solid performance companion, the Mustang 90 stands out as a bold, affordable option that refuses to be pigeonholed.
Key Features:
- Short-scale design for comfortable playability, ideal for beginners and players with smaller hands
- Modern C-shape neck profile ensures a smooth playing experience
- Rosewood fingerboard enhances tonal balance, complementing the unique sound of the MP-90 pickups
- Twin MP-90 pickups provide a distinctive snarling midrange bite
- Vibrant Torino Red finish for a standout appearance on stage and in the studio
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Offset Series Mustang 90 |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Silver, Torino Red |
| Year | 2016 - 2019 |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Brown, Red, Silver, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Pau Ferro, Rosewood |
| Model Family | Fender Mustang |
| Model Sub-Family | Fender Mustang 90 |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Offset Series |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red have?
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The Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red features a pair of MP-90 single-coil pickups, known for their punchy and clear sound, suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Mustang 90's lightweight and comfortable offset body make it an excellent choice for beginners, offering easy playability and a versatile sound.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red?
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The Fender Mustang 90 features a "C" shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable grip that suits a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.
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How does the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red compare to a traditional Mustang?
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The Mustang 90 differs by featuring MP-90 pickups instead of the traditional single-coils, offering a thicker, more robust sound while maintaining the classic Mustang feel.
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Does the Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red have a string-through body design?
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Yes, the Fender Mustang 90 features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance for a fuller sound.
Videos
The Guitar Manifesto
UNBOXING Fender Mustang 90 Olympic White | Review Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design without feeling cheap offers significant playability
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Wide tone range from the P90 pickups retains single-coil character
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Good for beginners; easy chord transitions and clear notes
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Impressive aesthetic with a visually appealing Torino Red finish
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Simple hardtail bridge enhances tuning stability
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Perfect for smaller hands, easier to play than larger guitars
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Excellent tone sweep and range on volume and tone knobs
CONS
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Sharp fret edges may require professional rounding
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Wiring issues can cause unexpected hum and increased volume in middle position
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G string slipping off the nut during bends
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Bridge may hinder sustain, affecting single-note clarity
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Some may find the P90 pickups dull and lifeless
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Mustang 90.
Features and functionality
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The P90 pickups deliver a raw sound, especially effective when paired with effects like the SD-1 and Rat for punk genres.
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User experience
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Owners find the short scale length fun and conducive to playing punk and garage rock styles, referencing bands like The Stooges and MC5.
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Some players prefer a maple fingerboard, though it’s mentioned that the current model’s playability is still highly appreciated.
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Owners with smaller hands appreciate the 24-inch scale for its playability and comfort, reminiscent of the '66 Mustang model.
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Mustang 90 users often transition to other offset models like the Jaguar, indicating a preference for the offset body shape and unique tonal characteristics.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar’s configuration and color resonate with those seeking a non-traditional Mustang experience, appealing to players who favor aesthetics and unique tonal qualities.
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The Mustang 90 complements jazz and shoegaze styles, with its resonance and note clarity even under heavy distortion.
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It's been noted that the lack of a tremolo on the Mustang 90 can feel awkward for those accustomed to using one, impacting its suitability for surf and alternative rock styles.
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Comparisons
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Transitioning from a Les Paul, users note a potential drop in sustain but find the Mustang’s overall playability and fun factor compelling.
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Owners who switched from Mustangs to Aria offsets found that the Aria filled the same sonic space, suggesting a similar tonal quality suitable for alternative genres.
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Build quality
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Owners note the Pau Ferro fingerboard of this model appears more attractive and less dry than typical Pau Ferro boards, with a richer color that complements the finish.
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The thick poly finish on the Mustang 90 is reported to be prone to brittleness, which could affect long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some users found that the frets needed light filing and suggest adding graphite to the nut for improved performance.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Alex can be seen with a torino red Fender Mustang P90 with a black pickguard. It can be seen best at 0:04 and 1:00, and throughout the rest of the video.
At 2:58 you can see her holding the guitar. She says that she uses this guitar as a backup [for their current tour - Heads Up]
Sharon Van Etten can be seen using the Mustang on the Youtube video. Sharon has kept using the Mustang for her European and American tours of 2022.
In this interview on GuitarWorld, Sharon Van Etten mentioned her 1965 Mustang when asked her favorite guitar;
I have this ’71 Martin that I love. I still love my 1965 Jag that I’ve kept around. I have a newer Jag, too, that I have in my studio, and my older Jag, the ’65, comes on tour. His name is Oscar because he’s super grouchy! I also have a 1965 Mustang that Jessie [Stein] from Luyas gave me. It’s rad because it’s kind of the opposite world of the Jag – it cuts through a lot more.
It’s [on] the higher end, [with] higher treble. It cuts through in a different way than the Jag on the lower side. It has more clarity than the Jag – the Jag is a bit gnarlier. And I love MXR pedals. The MXR distortion and the MXR delay, they’ve been pretty solid on my pedalboard.
Source: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/sharon-van-etten-weve-been-going-about-this-wrong By Jacob Uitti published 1 February 2023
We can see in this live performance video Stefan is using a Fender Mustang 90 in Torino Red.
Eefje de Visser writes on this instagram photo from April 12, 2018:
"Vienna, bedankt voor de liefde gisteravond/Thanx for the love yesterday! 2night I’ll be supporting @j.bernardt for the last time, it’s a sold out show @clubrotesonne in Munich. It’s been quite special to play abroad with this lovely group of people, I had a great time! Looking forward to the show tonight. #fendermustang @fendermustangguitar"
translation: "Vienna, thanks for the love last night / Thanx for the love yesterday! 2night I'll be supporting @ j.bernardt for the last time, it's a sold out show @clubrotesonne in Munich. It was very special! I had a great time! Looking forward to the show tonight. #fendermustang @fendermustangguitar"
Album Usage
The Fender Mustang 90 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.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Mustang 90, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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