The Fender Mustang stopped being made in 1982 but came back in 1990. It’s now sought after for its special sound and look1. So, we find ourselves comparing the Mustang to the Stratocaster. These guitars are big deals in music, appealing to different players and music types.
For those dreaming of rock stardom or already skilled in guitar play, knowing these two iconic models’ details matters. The Mustang stands out with its bold, punchy sound and is more budget-friendly. It’s loved in the garage rock scene thanks to its powerful P90 pickups2. Meanwhile, the Stratocaster, around since 1954, offers wide sound variations. It fits many music styles, thanks to its three pickups and five-way selector3.
Picking one of these guitars means diving into Fender’s rich history. Each model provides unique playing experiences and sounds. Are you into the Mustang’s affordability or the Strat’s diverse tones? For more help, check out this guide on Fender guitars. It will help you decide wisely.
Key Takeaways
- The Fender Mustang offers affordability and a unique sound tailored to garage rock.
- The Stratocaster is known for its rich tonal versatility and broad genre suitability.
- Both models have significant historical and cultural relevance in the music industry.
- The Mustang’s production history adds to its collector’s appeal.
- Stratocaster’s controllable switch and additional pickups provide a superior range of tones.
Introduction to Fender Mustang and Stratocaster
The Fender Mustang and Fender Stratocaster are legendary guitars with their own special features. The Fender Mustang came out in 1964 and became popular again in 1990. It’s beloved by grunge and punk rockers4. This guitar is known for its short scale lengths and punchy sound thanks to its two single-coil pickups4. The 1990 reissue and the Mustang 90 from 2016 are both made in Japan and keep the tradition alive4.
The Fender Stratocaster, or strat, has been rocking since 1954 with its sleek dual-cutaway design5. It combines materials like alder or ash and maple for its neck and fingerboard. This guitar has a longer scale and a comfortable V neck shape, making it a great choice for all music styles5. Its three single-coil pickups offer a wide range of sounds, perfect for everything from jazz to metal5.
Choosing the best Fender guitar option means looking at what each guitar offers. The Fender Mustang is easier for people with smaller hands, thanks to its shorter scale4. Meanwhile, the Fender Stratocaster stands out for its sound versatility and range of tones5. Let’s compare their key features:
| Features | Fender Mustang | Fender Stratocaster |
|---|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 19644 | 19545 |
| Scale Length | 24 inches, 22.5 inches4 | 25.5 inches5 |
| Pickups | Two single-coil pickups5 | Three single-coil pickups5 |
| Production Years | 1964-1982, reissued in 19904 | 1954-present5 |
Whether you’re new to guitar or have been playing for years, knowing these differences is key. It will help you find the best Fender guitar option for you. Next, we’ll explore more about these instruments’ design, build, sound, and how they play.
Design and Build Quality
Looking at the Mustang and the Stratocaster, we see Fender’s commitment to excellence. Both guitars meet high-quality standards but appeal to different types of guitarists.
Body Shape and Materials
The Mustang features a smaller body. This design suits players with a smaller build well. It typically uses alder wood, adding a rosewood fretboard and a maple neck6. In contrast, the Stratocaster comes with a comfortable contoured body. It’s made from alder too, but showcases a unique birdseye maple fretboard6.
Neck and Scale Length
In terms of necks and scale lengths, there’s much to discuss. The Mustang boasts a shorter 24″ scale. This makes it easier to play for those with small hands7. The Stratocaster, on the other hand, has a standard 25.5″ scale. This gives it a distinct tension and feel6.
Weight and Comfort
The debate often includes comfort and weight. The Mustang is light and portable, thanks to its compact size. Yet, both guitars cater to various hand sizes effectively. The Mustang sports a 9.5″ fretboard radius, simplifying single notes and bends when compared to the Stratocaster’s 7.25″ radius67.
| Feature | Mustang | Stratocaster |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality Score | 626 | 756 |
| Value Score | 756 | 596 |
| Starting Price | $799.996 | $5,2006 |
| Body Material | Alder6 | Alder6 |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood6 | Birdseye Maple6 |
| Neck Material | Maple6 | Maple6 |
| Scale Length | 24″6 | 25.5″6 |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5″6 | 7.25″6 |
| Pickup Configuration | SS6 | SSS6 |
| Switch Positions | 36 | 56 |
Sound Characteristics
The Fender Mustang and Stratocaster have their own sound qualities that make them special. The Fender Player Mustang gets a sound quality score of 72. The Fender American Performer Stratocaster, though, scores higher at 798. This shows the Stratocaster’s sound is brighter, clearer, and tunes better.
Pickups and Electronics
The pickups and electronics shape the unique sounds of these guitars. The Fender Stratocaster usually has 3 x Fender V-Mod II Single-coil pickups. These are great for many music styles like blues, rock, and pop9. The Mustang might have 2x single-coil or 2x humbucker pickups. These give a warmer sound, loved in alternative rock and indie9.
The Fender Player Stratocaster’s SSS pickup setup provides a wide range of tones. The Mustang 90’s P90 pickups offer different sounds10.
Sustain and Resonance
Stratocasters are famous for their bell-like sustain. This comes from their single-coil pickups and tremolo bridge8. The Mustang has a fixed bridge and P90 pickups. This mix delivers punchy chords and a fatter tone that works well for certain music styles10.
The Stratocaster’s big, contoured body enhances its resonance. It projects louder and richer sounds than the smaller Mustang9.
Versatility in Tone
The Fender Stratocaster offers a lot of tone versatility with its 5 switch positions and 2 tone knobs10. This makes it a top choice for playing different music genres. The Mustang has 3 switch positions and 1 tone knob. It’s simpler but still offers powerful tone control10.
Also, the Stratocaster’s longer 25.5” scale length compared to the Mustang’s 24” affects their tone. The Strat tends to sound brighter9.
Playability and Comfort
Guitar playability and comfort vary between Fender Mustang and Stratocaster. Each has unique features for different player needs. The Mustang’s 24-inch scale is great for those with smaller hands, making it beginner-friendly1112. On the other hand, the Stratocaster’s 25.5-inch scale caters to various playing styles and techniques1113. The Mustang’s shorter neck gives a warmer sound, while the Strat’s longer one offers brightness and versatility13.
Their fretboard radius and nut width also affect how they play. The Strat’s 12-inch radius suits fast playing. Meanwhile, the Mustang’s 9.5-inch radius is better for chords11. The Stratocaster’s wider nut can feel better for larger hands compared to the Mustang’s narrower one11.
Also, don’t ignore build quality and weight. The Stratocaster feels more solid because of its quality and weight, which might be preferred for long sessions11. But, the lighter Mustang could be easier for those who dislike heavy guitars13. Both guitars offer distinctive playability that suits different preferences.
Fender Mustang vs. Stratocaster: Which One Is More Versatile?
Choosing a Fender guitar means thinking hard about versatility. The Fender Mustang stands out with its 24-inch scale and about 7 pounds weight14. This is lighter than the Stratocaster’s 25.5 inches and 8 pounds15. Its shorter scale feels easier to play, and its Fender Duo-Sonic pickups give a special sound.
The Stratocaster excels in versatility across all kinds of music. It usually has a 5-way pickup selector and two tone knobs14. This lets musicians adjust its sound in many ways. Its longer scale makes the sound brighter. This helps lead guitarists be clear and loud in their music16.
If playing comfort is key, the Mustang could be your best pick. Its small size and unique pickup switches are big pluses. These switches help you match the sound to any song, a hit with grunge fans16. Its special bridge means better sound strength, fitting a variety of music styles15.
The Stratocaster, however, boasts an expressive floating tremolo bridge. This is great for rock, blues, and indie music. Its tone and volume controls add even more sound options14. This makes it a solid choice for many serious guitar players.
Knowing the specific features of each Fender model is key to choosing the right one. Both the Mustang and Stratocaster are very versatile. Yet, they each have features that suit different types of musicians.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Fender Stratocaster and Mustang have left a lasting mark on music. They blend innovation and artistry. These guitars are famous and have significant historical and cultural impact.
Famous Players
The Fender Stratocaster’s story is filled with famous musicians. Icons like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton chose the Stratocaster for their legendary performances. Similarly, famous artists like Kurt Cobain made the Fender Mustang well-known. His grunge sound gave the Mustang a cultural significance.
Iconic Songs and Albums
The Fender Stratocaster has been part of important music for decades. For example, Jimi Hendrix played “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock on it. Eric Clapton’s “Layla” also featured this guitar’s unique sound. Meanwhile, the Fender Mustang became famous with Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album. Cobain’s use of the Mustang symbolized the grunge era17. It became even more popular in the 1990s, making it a rock icon17.
Legacy and Influence
The history of the Fender Mustang is more than just a ‘student’ guitar. Since its 1964 release, it has surpassed sales expectations17. New features and colors like Red, White, Blue, and Sunburst made it highly desired17. Artists such as Adrian Belew and Theresa Wayman have shown its wide appeal17.
In 2022, Kurt Cobain’s Mustang sold for $4.5 million. This sale underlines its huge cultural and historical significance18. The Fender Stratocaster too, continues to shape guitar playing. It remains a symbol of electric guitar excellence.
Price and Value for Money
Fender guitar prices vary, especially between the Mustang and Stratocaster. The Mustang is often more affordable and offers great quality. Pre-CBS Mustang models are highly sought after in the market19. Kurt Cobain’s influence in the ’90s increased Mustang prices significantly19. However, a ’67 refinished Mustang might be overpriced at about $700.0019.
The Stratocaster usually costs more due to its famous reputation and resale value. It’s considered an iconic electric guitar. When looking at Mustang vs. Stratocaster, the resale aspect is important. A 1977 Fender Mustang, even rusted, might go for $1100 on Reverb, showing condition impacts value20. In contrast, well-kept models fetch higher prices20.
Understanding Fender guitar prices means looking at actual sale prices, not just what sellers ask for20. When comparing Mustang and Stratocaster, note that Mustangs may not get as high prices as vintage Les Pauls, despite their historic impact19. A look at Reverb’s price guide helps see real market trends for these guitars20.
Genre Suitability
When looking at Fender guitars, the Mustang and Stratocaster are both great. Each shines differently across music styles.
Rock and Blues
The Stratocaster is a top pick for rock and blues. Its sound is clear and has a great vibrato for different tones. The Mustang, on the other hand, is perfect for a rough rock edge21. Its shorter scale gives a bold, punchy sound blues fans love21.
Jazz and Funk
Both guitars do well in jazz and funk. The Strat’s tones fit jazz beautifully, making lead parts warm and rhythmic. The Mustang’s pickups and bridge bring out the best in funk music21. For funk rhythms, the Mustang Bass is even better22.
Indie and Alternative
Indie and alternative bands often go for the Mustang. Its sound and size are exactly right for these styles21. It’s also affordable and easy to carry on tours21. The Player II Mustang Bass PJ adapts well to indie and alternative music’s diverse sounds23.
To wrap it up, both the Stratocaster and Mustang are versatile for many genres. They help musicians hit just the right notes in styles like rock, blues, jazz, funk, indie, and alternative.
Ease of Modification and Customization
Customizing Fender guitars, especially the Stratocaster, comes with many options for aftermarket parts. The Stratocaster’s simple design makes guitar mods easy for hobbyists. At the top, the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster offers the most customization for those wanting a unique feel and sound24.
The Mustang is another model with lots of potential for changes, appealing to a community that loves to tweak. It’s not just for the experienced; beginners enjoy the Squier Vintage Modified Mustang too. It’s built for smaller hands and features powerful Duncan Designed pickups, making it great for different mods25.
The Mustang GTX50 amp is perfect for exploring tones. It has 200 presets to tailor and save, featuring both Fender and non-Fender amp sounds. With an easy interface, even without a PC, it’s ideal for all skill levels26.
Here’s a comparative overview showcasing the versatility and ease of modifying these models:
| Model | Features | Customization Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Stratocaster | Classic design, easily accessible parts | Extensive aftermarket parts, multiple model series |
| Squier Vintage Modified Mustang | 24-inch scale, Duncan Designed pickups | Ideal for beginners, growing modding community |
| Mustang GTX50 | 200 customizable presets, range of amp models | High personalization without deep technical knowledge |
In conclusion, both the Fender Stratocaster and Mustang offer great modification potential. They meet a wide range of player needs. Customizing these guitars is both accessible and fun, for beginners and experts alike.
Pros and Cons of Fender Mustang
The Fender Mustang is popular among guitar lovers for its cool style and being easy to afford. Its unique sound quality is a big win. Thanks to its shorter 24-inch scale and being light at 7 pounds, it fits well for those with smaller hands and for long jams14.
It’s also kind on your wallet. For example, you can grab the Squier Sonic Mustang for just $199.99. This makes it perfect for new players or those looking for a deal27. Plus, its cool offset waist design attracts many fans9.
But, the Mustang has some downsides too. Its range of sounds might not please everyone, especially those used to more versatile guitars like the Stratocaster9. Often, it has basic tuners, meaning you might need to spend a bit more for stable tuning27.
Its shorter scale might not suit everyone, especially if you’re used to the standard 25.5 inches9. Its design can limit you in music styles that need a wide range of tones.
Still, its sound quality shines. The Squier Sonic Mustang scores an 8.5 out of 10 for this reason27. People also like how it feels and plays, giving it ratings of 7.5 and 8 out of 10. Even if you need to upgrade some parts, the Mustang is fun and awesome for grunge and alternative rock27.
If you like to tweak your gear, the Mustang is a playground. Changing pickups for better sound or tuners for steadiness can make a big difference27. Those who pick the Mustang usually love its unique traits and are ready to personalize their instrument. It’s a classic to many and a favorite to customize for others.
- The Squier Sonic Mustang is affordable, stylish, and has a history with grunge icons like Kurt Cobain27.
- However, it might not satisfy those in search of wider sound variety and steadier tuning9.
- With a little tweaking, the Fender Mustang can go from a basic guitar to a top-notch performer, thanks to its customization-friendly design27.
Pros and Cons of Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster stands out for its clear sound and user-friendly shape. It’s a top choice for guitarists of many music types. Its 25.5″ scale length gives a bright tone and wide fret space, loved by numerous players28. Yet, this scale can be tough for people with small hands or beginners, who might prefer shorter scale guitars like the Fender Mustang28.
The Strat’s sound is adaptable, thanks to its three pickups and five-way switch. This setup offers a broad range of sounds. Many players like the Fat 50s pickups for their classic tone29. Still, 15-20% of users might swap out pickups to find their ideal sound29. The Stratocaster’s low action also means you can play easier and more comfortably, even for long periods28.
But, the Stratocaster’s weight may be a problem for younger or smaller players. Needing a hard case for the American Performer Strat adds extra cost29. Keeping this in mind is crucial if you’re watching your budget or need a comfortable guitar.
Fret size matters a lot for how the Stratocaster plays. It often has narrow, tall frets like the 6105 for smooth bends and lasting notes30. But, some players might prefer vintage jumbo frets for a different feel30. Choosing frets that feel right is important for enjoying this guitar.
If exploring different tones interests you, check out this detailed review of the Fender Mustang 90. The Mustang is great for rock and punk, and works well for those with smaller hands29.
User Reviews and Personal Experiences
Looking at feedback from Fender guitar users is useful. It helps to cover viewpoints from both new and seasoned players. This way, you get a complete picture that helps in choosing the best guitar for you.
Beginner Perspectives
Many beginners like the Fender Mustang because it’s easy to play and not too big. They enjoy how simple it is to change the settings. However, some new players don’t like most of the preset sounds it comes with31. They also mention you need the Mustang’s Fuse software to really get the best sound out of it31.
Experienced Guitarist Views
Seasoned musicians often admire the Stratocaster for its wide range and sound control. The uniqueness of each vintage model, like the 1964 Fender Mustang, fascinates many32. A lot enjoy the Mustang III for its customizable effects that enhance play31.
Old Fender Mustang guitars are known for their quality build and look32. But, there’s feedback about newer models having less durable plastic input jacks. This points out that while software can boost performance, the physical parts might need improvement31.
Every guitarist’s experience is different, but all find value in trying out various options. By looking at feedback from both beginners and pros, you can pick an instrument that suits your music path best.
Conclusion
Choosing between Fender Mustang and Stratocaster comes down to what you like and how you play. Both guitars have unique features but share Fender’s quality. You might prefer the Mustang’s easy-to-play shorter scale or the Stratocaster’s versatility and famous look. Each guitar fits certain needs well.
The sound difference is also key. Overdrive effects work great with both, yet they make the Strat’s sound bolder33. For fans of fuzz effects, like those used by Jimi Hendrix, both guitars excel33. The Mustang is better for more bass in music, while using Strat pickups in a Mustang can enrich its sound34.
Modifying your guitar is another thing to think about. Some say Japanese Fender necks are better than Fullerton ones35. Mustang lovers can swap switches or tweak the neck for better playing, with tips from other players34. This means you can adjust either guitar as you grow musically.
In the end, the Mustang and Stratocaster offer different things for guitar players. Your choice should match how you express yourself musically and the types of music you play. Make sure the guitar you choose fits your own music style perfectly.
