Designed in collaboration with multi-genre producer and bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Nine Inch Nails, St. Vincent, and so many others), the Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang is built for speed, comfort, and distinct studio punch. Fender’s Road Worn finish treatment gives the bass a broken-in appearance without the decades of touring to get there.
Fender originally introduced the Mustang Bass in 1964 as a more affordable, student-oriented instrument, and its compact body, short scale, and straightforward design offered both a different feel and playabiltiy from the familiar Precision and Jazz Bass formulas. After putting through the paces, many players discovered the small-body, short-scale approach offers a different sound and vibe, too. The JMJ signature is a refined take on the '60s foundation, based around Meldal-Johnsen’s experience as a working bassist. With a focused, full-bodied sound and a worn-in feel that suits the instrument’s understated character, the JMJ Mustang Bass shines across genres, playing styles, and musical applications.
The Mustang’s 30" scale is a where it all beings—both for the feel and the sound. The shorter distance between frets makes stretches and position changes more comfortable, and the reduced string tension gives the bass a distinctive response under the fingers. Tonally, short-scale basses deliver a rounder, more immediate attack with a thick sound and a slightly loose feel that sits naturally in a mix. The JMJ pairs that character with the traditional Mustang split-coil pickup for a direct, punchy voice that works equally well for recording, live performance, and players who prefer a simpler setup. The tone is extremely touch sensitive, so the single pickup can produce a wider range of sounds than expected from a single pickup.
This 2017 JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass features Fender's classic Daphne Blue finish, and it is in nice shape all around. Because of the Road Worn treatment, it's hard to say if there's any authentic play wear. There is some old residue from a sticker or tape on the back, but that's one of the only real things that jumps out. The setup is really nice with flat wound strings. This bass offers accessible proportions and unassuming vibe that have kept the Mustang Bass relevant for generations. A practical choice for studio work or everyday playing, it includes the character of a well-loved classic in a compact, player-friendly package. It includes its original Fender gig bag.