Description

The Fender American Performer Mustang in Vintage White takes Fender’s classic short-scale offset and gives it a refined USA-made specification designed for modern players.

Its 24" scale, Modern “C” maple neck and 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard create a comfortable, slinky playing feel, while two Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang pickups deliver clear, lively tones with plenty of definition. A straightforward 3-way toggle replaces the more complex vintage Mustang switching, while the Greasebucket tone circuit provides useful high-frequency control without making the sound overly bass-heavy.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional. No case or gigbag is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail Information
Brand Fender
Series American Performer
Model Mustang
Finish Vintage White
Country of Manufacture USA
Body Alder
Fingerboard Rosewood
Scale Length 24"
Pickups 2 x Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang
Condition Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included Guitar Only – No Case
Main Appeal USA-made short-scale Fender with modernised controls
Best For Indie, alternative, rock, blues, punk and studio work

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Fender American Performer Mustang is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and ready for regular playing.

What's Included?

✔ Fender American Performer Mustang Vintage White

No Case Included
No Gigbag Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

  • Very Good overall condition
  • Cosmetic signs of previous use
  • Vintage White finish
  • No case or gigbag included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Fender Mustang has been assessed for general operation and playability.

Checks include:

  • Neck pickup operation
  • Bridge pickup operation
  • 3-way pickup selector
  • Master volume
  • Greasebucket tone control
  • Output jack
  • Neck condition
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Frets
  • ClassicGear tuning machines
  • Mustang bridge
  • Tremolo operation
  • General hardware
  • Overall playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

  • Action
  • Neck relief
  • Fret condition
  • Intonation
  • Tuning stability
  • Pickup operation
  • Electronics
  • Tremolo setup
  • Hardware
  • General playing feel

Minor setup movement can naturally occur during transport as wooden instruments respond to changes in temperature and humidity.

What Makes The Fender American Performer Mustang Special?

The American Performer Mustang combines the compact, short-scale character that made the Mustang famous with a more streamlined modern specification. The 24" scale gives the strings a softer feel than a conventional 25.5" Fender, while the Modern “C” neck, 9.5" radius and jumbo frets make it significantly more accommodating for modern bending and lead playing than many vintage-inspired Mustangs.

Its electronics are equally practical. Two Yosemite Mustang pickups retain the bright, direct quality expected from the design, while the simple 3-way selector provides immediate access to neck, bridge and combined sounds. The Greasebucket tone circuit also helps roll away treble without introducing excessive low-end muddiness.

Key Features & Benefits

Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang Pickups

The American Performer uses two Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang pickups.

These provide:

  • Clear note definition
  • Bright Fender attack
  • Dynamic response
  • Strong clean sounds
  • Excellent compatibility with fuzz and overdrive
  • Distinctive short-scale Mustang character

24" Short Scale

The Mustang’s 24" scale length is significantly shorter than the 25.5" scale found on Stratocasters and Telecasters.

This creates:

  • Softer string tension
  • Easier bends
  • Compact fret spacing
  • Comfortable chord stretches
  • A distinctive response under the picking hand

Modern “C” Neck

The maple neck uses Fender’s familiar Modern “C” profile, giving it an approachable contemporary feel without losing the compact character of the Mustang.

9.5" Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5" radius, offering a practical balance between vintage Fender curvature and modern playability.

22 Jumbo Frets

The 22 jumbo frets make fretting and bending feel noticeably different from a strict vintage Mustang, giving the guitar a more contemporary playing surface.

Greasebucket Tone Circuit

Fender’s Greasebucket tone system rolls off high frequencies without adding the pronounced bass response that can occur with a traditional passive tone control.

This helps keep the sound more defined as the tone is reduced.

American Performer Mustang Tremolo

The dedicated Mustang bridge and tremolo preserve one of the defining features of the design, allowing smooth pitch movement and subtle vibrato effects.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

American Performer Mustang vs Player Mustang

The Player Mustang uses a simpler fixed hardtail bridge, while the American Performer retains the traditional-style Mustang tremolo and upgrades the electronics with Yosemite pickups and Greasebucket tone circuitry.

American Performer Mustang vs Traditional Vintage Mustang

Vintage-spec Mustangs often use smaller frets, rounder fingerboards and more complicated individual pickup switching. The American Performer simplifies the controls and introduces a flatter radius and jumbo frets for easier modern playing.

Mustang vs Stratocaster

A Stratocaster’s longer 25.5" scale produces more string tension and a firmer response. The Mustang feels noticeably softer and more compact, making it especially attractive to players who enjoy short-scale instruments.

Who Is It For?

Indie and alternative players – The Mustang’s distinctive attack works particularly well with fuzz, modulation and reverb.

Rock guitarists – Yosemite pickups retain clarity through overdrive and distortion.

Players who prefer shorter scales – The 24" scale provides a softer and more compact playing feel.

Studio guitarists – Its character sits noticeably differently in a mix from more conventional Stratocasters and Telecasters.

Fender players wanting something different – The Mustang retains recognisable Fender DNA while offering very different ergonomics and response.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

  • Indie
  • Alternative
  • Rock
  • Garage rock
  • Punk
  • Grunge
  • Shoegaze
  • Blues
  • Pop
  • Psychedelic rock
  • Surf
  • Studio recording
  • Live performance
  • Fuzz-heavy rigs
  • Ambient guitar
  • Rhythm and lead playing

Why Choose A Short-Scale Electric Guitar?

A shorter scale changes both the physical feel and response of an electric guitar.

With the same string gauge and tuning, a 24" scale produces lower tension than a 25.5" Fender. This can make bends easier and chord stretches more comfortable while also changing the attack and sustain characteristics of the strings.

For players who find a full-scale Stratocaster or Telecaster slightly stiff, the Mustang can feel immediately more relaxed.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Product Type Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand Fender
Series American Performer
Model Mustang
Finish Vintage White
Country of Manufacture USA
Body Shape Mustang
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Gloss Urethane
Neck Material Maple
Neck Construction 4-Bolt
Neck Profile Modern “C”
Neck Finish Satin Urethane
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 9.5" / 241mm
Scale Length 24" / 610mm
Number of Frets 22
Fret Size Jumbo
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Nut Width 1.685" / 42.8mm
Position Inlays White Dot
Pickup Configuration SS
Neck Pickup Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang
Bridge Pickup Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Tone Circuit Greasebucket
Switching 3-Position Toggle
Bridge American Performer Mustang Bridge
Tremolo American Performer Mustang Tremolo
Tuning Machines Fender ClassicGear
Pickguard 4-Ply Aged White Pearloid
Hardware Finish Nickel / Chrome
Included No Case or Gigbag
Condition Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Switching Layout

The simplified 3-way selector provides:

  1. Bridge pickup
  2. Bridge + neck pickups
  3. Neck pickup

This is considerably more straightforward than the independent slider switches used on many vintage-style Mustangs.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Yosemite single-coil pickups and Greasebucket tone circuitry are completely passive.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender American Performer Mustang in Vintage White is a strong choice for players who like the compact feel and distinctive character of a Mustang but want a more modern professional specification.

Its 24" scale, rosewood fingerboard, jumbo frets and Modern “C” neck make it extremely approachable, while the Yosemite pickups and simplified 3-way switching provide a versatile and straightforward electronics package.

Presented in Very Good Condition, this is an appealing USA-made Fender for indie, alternative, rock and studio players or anyone looking for something less conventional than a Stratocaster or Telecaster.

No case or gigbag is included.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can provide access to premium USA-made instruments at strong value while allowing you to purchase the individual guitar shown.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition and included items are represented clearly.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

  • Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
  • Birmingham's largest independent music store
  • 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
  • Expert musician-led advice
  • Extensive experience with Fender and pre-owned guitars
  • Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
  • Clear condition grading
  • Competitive prices on leading music brands
  • Secure ordering
  • Fast UK delivery
  • Large Birmingham showroom
  • Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Fender.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Fender American Performer Mustang.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Fender Mustang in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, meaning it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

Is this an American-made Fender?

Yes. The American Performer series is made in the USA.

What finish does it have?

It is finished in Vintage White.

What body wood does it use?

It has an alder body.

What fingerboard does it have?

It uses a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

The Mustang uses a short 24" scale length.

How does a 24" scale feel?

It generally feels softer and more compact than a 25.5" Fender scale, with easier bending and closer fret spacing.

What is the neck profile?

It uses Fender’s Modern “C” neck profile.

What fingerboard radius does it have?

It uses a 9.5" radius.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 jumbo frets.

What pickups does it use?

It uses two Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Mustang pickups.

What does the Greasebucket circuit do?

It rolls off high frequencies while reducing the tendency for the sound to become overly bass-heavy as the tone control is turned down.

Does it use the traditional Mustang slider switches?

No. The American Performer simplifies the controls with a 3-way toggle switch.

Does it have a tremolo?

Yes. It uses the American Performer Mustang bridge and tremolo system.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its electronics are completely passive.

Is it suitable for alternative and indie music?

Yes. Mustangs are especially popular for indie, alternative and effects-heavy styles because of their short-scale response and distinctive single-coil sound.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case or gigbag is included.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Vintage White finish and individual cosmetic condition or hear the Yosemite pickups before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

Need more help?

Don't hestitate to contact us