Scan of 1968/1969 Selmer guitar catalogue (printed July 1968), showing the entire range of electric and acoustic guitars distributed by the company: guitars by Hofner, Gibson, Selmer and Giannini. (2/80)ġ981: Only two finishes are listed in price lists, Black and Wine (6/81)ġ982: The Mustang bass is not listed in the 1982 catalogue or price listsġ983: Production ceases entirely at the Fullerton plant. Left handed basses are available in Sunburst only. List price $265, left had $290 (12/74)ġ976: Serial numbers are now a decal on the face of the headstock rather than being stamped into the neckplate.ġ977: Finishes available are Sunburst, Blond, White, Black, Natural and Walnut (11/77)ġ980: Finishes available are Tobacco Sunburst, White, Black, Natural, Antigua and Wine. Gradually over 1972/73 the thumbrest position changes to be above the strings.ġ973: Prices and finishes as above (6/73)ġ974: Finishes listed as available are Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Walnut. But the Fender Mustang bass was not the first 30' scale bass produced by the company (the Bass VI and Coronado bass were also 30') nor the last, the Mustang would be joined by the Fender Musicmaster bass in 1970.ġ972: Finishes and prices as above (2/72), though changing to Sunburst, White and just two competition colours (Red and Burgundy) in the 1972 Fender Catalogue. Previous basses, like the Precision and Jazz had a longer 34 1/2' scale. It certainly does not feel like an entry level guitar.

With its short scale, the Fender Mustang bass was aimed at guitarists dabbling at bass, and students but nonetheless is a great playing, solid feeling instrument, with good quality components. Like all Fender guitars up until that time it was a simple bolt on neck, solid body with electronics mounted to the scratchplate.

It was one of the first new instruments of the CBS era, and companion model to the Mustang guitar. The Fender Mustang bass was a short scaled (30') four string bass, produced at Fender's Fullerton plant, California, USA from 1966 until 1983. Available finishes: Sunburst, Competition colours (Red, Orange, Burgundy), Black, White, Natural, Walnut, Wine, Antigua

Maison guitar serial numbers