The Mustang and Precision basses are both great instruments to consider if you’re in the market for a new bass guitar, but what are the differences between them?
In this article, I’ll directly compare the Mustang and P-Bass and the different Squier and Fender versions of them so you can figure out which bass guitar is the most suitable for you.
Quick Comparison
The Precision bass guitar has a longer 34″ scale length compared to the Mustang bass which has a shorter 30″ scale length. The Mustang bass also has a offset body unlike the P-bass. The Precision bass has more sustain and note separation compared to the Mustang.
Fender Precision Bass
Fender Mustang Bass
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Body Shape
One of the most obvious differences between the Precision bass and Mustang bass that remains the same regardless of whether you’re looking at a Squier or Fender model is the body shape.
The Mustang bass has an “offset” body which means it is has an angled waist and the upper horn leans more towards the neck compared to the P-bass which has a symmetrical waist.
The idea of the offset body is that it makes it more comfortable to play whilst sat down and it shifts the centre of gravity of the guitar so the neck tilts upwards more when playing stood up.
The body is also larger on the Precision bass compared to the Mustang.
| Body Dimension | Mustang Bass | Precision Bass |
| Length | 19″ | 20.5″ |
| Maximum Width | 12″ | 13″ |
| Thickness | 1.53″ | 1.75″ |
The longer scale length combined with the larger body makes the Precision bass considerably heavier than the Mustang bass. On average, a Precision bass weighs 9 lbs, whereas a Mustang bass weighs 7.5 lbs.
Scale Length
The second key difference between the Mustang and Precision bass models which is the same regardless of whether you’re looking at a Squier or Fender, is the scale length.
The scale length of a guitar is the measurement from the nut to the bridge of the guitar and correlates to the length of the strings. It affects the tone and how the guitar feels to play.
The Precision bass has a 34″ scale length whereas the Mustang bass is described as a short-scale bass as it measures 30″.
The longer scale length on the Precision bass means that the strings are under more tension which makes them harder to fret and bend, but makes it possible to get a lower action without fret buzz and results in better tuning stability. In terms of tone, the longer scale length on the Precision bass gives it more high-end clarity.
Neck Shape and Specifications
The neck shape and size varies when you consider the different Squier and Fender versions. When comparing models in the same series e.g. Fender American Performer the neck shape and fingerboard radius are usually the same.
However, there are some exceptions, mainly related to the nut width.
- The Fender Player versions have the same fingerboard radius and modern C-shape, however the Precision has a wider fretboard (1.625″ nut width) compared to the Mustang (1.5″ nut width).
- The Fender Vintera versions have the same fingerboard radius, but the Mustang has a slimmer mid ’60s C profile compared to the vintage C on the Precision. The Precision also has a wider nut (1.75″ compared to 1.625″).
- The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s models have the same C-shape neck and 9.5″ fretboard radius, but the Precision has a wider 1.685″ nut compared to the Mustang’s 1.5″ nut.
The other notable difference which you’ll see on all Fender models is that the Precision bass has 20 frets and the Mustang bass only has 19. On the Squier Classic Vibe versions, both models have 20 frets.
Squier Precision Bass
Squier Mustang Bass
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Pickups and Tone
There have been many iterations of the Fender and Squier Mustang and P-basses over the decades which have used different pickup configurations.
Traditionally, Precision basses have a one split single-coil pickup in the “middle” position. However, the more recent Fender American Performer model has an extra single-coil in the bridge position, similarly to a Jazz bass. Other Fender and Squier models have the traditional single pickup configuration.
Again, the pickup configuration on the Mustang varies depending on what series it is in. Some models just have the split single-coil, and others have the single coil in the bridge as well. Here’s a rundown of the configurations currently available:
- Fender American Performer Mustang Bass: both pickups
- Fender Player Mustang Bass: both pickups
- Fender Vintera Mustang Bass: single split-coil pickup
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass: single split-coil pickup
If compare the tone of the middle position split single-coil pickup to the tone of the bridge position single coil, you’ll notice that the bridge pickup sounds brighter whereas the middle pickup sounds warmer.
If you compare the tone of the Mustang and P-basses with the same pickups, you’ll notice that the Mustang bass has less sustain and sounds warmer compared to the Precision which has more note definition.
Squier and Fender Models
As I mentioned previously, there are different versions of both basses in the Squier and Fender line-ups and the specifications vary slightly between models.
Here’s a complete list of models currently available. LH = left-handed version available, RH = right-handed version available.
| Series | Precision Bass | Mustang Bass |
| Squier Mini | RH | Not Available |
| Squier Affinity | RH | Not Available |
| Squier Contemporary | RH | Not Available |
| Squier Classic Vibe | LH and RH | RH |
| Fender Player | LH and RH | RH |
| Fender Player Plus | RH | Not Available |
| Fender Vintera | RH | RH |
| Fender American Performer | RH | RH |
| Fender American Professional II | LH and RH | Not Available |
| Fender American Original | RH | Not Available |
| Fender American Ultra | RH | Not Available |
You’ll notice from the table above that there are 4 comparable series that both models can be found in:
- Fender American Performer
- Fender Player
- Fender Vintera
- Squier Classic Vibe
Below you’ll find tables comparing the full specifications of each bass along with links so you can check the current prices..
Fender American Performer Precision vs Mustang Bass
- Fender American Performer Precision Bass on Guitar Center
- Fender American Performer Mustang Bass on Guitar Center
| Feature | Fender American Performer Precision Bass | Fender American Performer Mustang Bass |
| Body Wood | Alder | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss/ Satin Polyurethane | Gloss/ Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Wood | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Satin Polyurethane | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | Modern C |
| Scale | 34” | 30” |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple/ Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Fret Number | 20 | 19 |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 9.5” |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Medium Jumbo |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.625” | 1.625” |
| Middle Pickup | Yosemite Split Single-Coil Precision Bass | Yosemite Split Single-Coil Mustang Bass |
| Bridge Pickup | Yosemite Single-Coil Jazz Bass | Yosemite Single-Coil Jazz Bass |
| Controls | 2 x Vol, 1 x Tone | 2 x Vol, 1 x Tone |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle | 4-Saddle |
| Tuning Machines | “F” Light-Weight Vintage-Paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts | “F” Light-Weight Vintage-Paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts |
| String Gauge | 0.045 | 0.040 |
| Case | Deluxe Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag |
| Colors | 3 Color Sunburst Arctic White Satin Lake Placid Blue | 3 Color Sunburst Arctic White Aubergine Satin Surf Green |
Fender Player Precision vs Mustang Bass
| Feature | Fender Player Precision Bass | Fender Player Mustang Bass |
| Body Wood | Alder | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Wood | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Satin Polyurethane | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | Modern C |
| Scale | 34” | 30” |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple/ Pau Ferro | Maple/ Pau Ferro |
| Fret Number | 20 | 19 |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 9.5” |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Medium Jumbo |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.625” | 1.5” |
| Middle Pickup | Player Series Alnico 5 Split Single-Coil Precision Bas | Vintage-Style Split Single-Coil Precision Bass |
| Bridge Pickup | None | Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jazz Bass |
| Controls | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle | 4-Saddle |
| Tuning Machines | Standard Open Gear | Vintage Style |
| String Gauge | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Colors | 3 Color Sunburst Polar White Black Tidepool Buttercream Silver Capri Orange | Sienna Sunburst Aged Natural Firemist Gold |
Fender Vintera Precision vs Mustang Bass
| Feature | Fender Vintera Precision Bass | Fender Vintera Mustang Bass |
| Body Wood | Alder/ Ash | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Wood | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Shape | Vintage C | Mid ‘60s C |
| Scale | 34” | 30” |
| Fingerboard Material | Maple | Pau Ferro |
| Fret Number | 20 | 19 |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25” | 7.25” |
| Fret Size | Vintage | Vintage |
| Nut Material | Synthetic Bone | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.75” | 1.625” |
| Middle Pickup | Vintage-Style ’50s Split Single-Coil Precision Bass | Vintage-Style ’60s Split Single-Coil Mustang Bass |
| Bridge Pickup | None | None |
| Controls | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle | 4-Saddle Strings-Through |
| Tuning Machines | American Vintage Reverse Open-Gear | Vintage Style |
| String Gauge | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Colors | Seafoam Green Dakota Red | Seafoam Green Fiesta Red 3 Color Sunburst |
Squier Classic Vibe Precision vs Mustang Bass
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass on Guitar Center
- Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang Bass on Guitar Center
| Feature | Fender Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Precision Bass | Fender Classic Vibe ‘60s Mustang Bass |
| Body Wood | Poplar | Nyatoh |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Wood | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Shape | C-Shape | C-Shape |
| Scale | 34” | 30” |
| Fingerboard Material | Indian Laurel | Indian Laurel |
| Fret Number | 20 | 20 |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 9.5” |
| Fret Size | Narrow Tall | Narrow Tall |
| Nut Material | Bone | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.685” | 1.5” |
| Middle Pickup | Fender Designed Alnico Split Single-Coil | Fender Designed Alnico Split Single-Coil |
| Bridge Pickup | None | None |
| Controls | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone | 1 x Vol, 1 x Tone |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle | 4-Saddle Strings-Through |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage-Style | Vintage Style |
| String Gauge | 0.045 | 0.045 |
| Colors | Olympic White 3 Color Sunburst | Olympic White Surf Green |
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