Introduced in 1966, it was a beginner’s model with a single, split-coil pickup, and a 30-scale (which was it’s main selling point). This made it “ideal for the student and musician with short reach”.

The bass was initially offered in the same red, white, and blue colors as the original Mustang.

Despite it’s modest success, the Mustang Bass has attracted a number of high-profile players, including Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, and Bill Wyman of the Roling Stones.

Fender’s decision to start producing the model again in 2002 was warmly welcomed by many players, both amateur and professional.