1971 Fender Mustang Bass, Blue Sparkle

A very cool and great-looking 1971 Fender Mustang Bass in Blue Sparkle, this one is a lightweight, player-friendly vintage short-scale with plenty of character and a finish that immediately sets it apart from the crowd.

The Mustang Bass had only been in the Fender catalogue for a few years by 1971, introduced as a compact, highly usable alternative to the larger Precision and Jazz Bass models. With its short 30" scale and punchy single-split pickup design, the Mustang quickly found favour with players wanting something comfortable, responsive and slightly different in feel and attack from Fender’s full-size basses. They have a distinctive sound all of their own too, with a focused, thumpy low end and a snappy, direct response that works brilliantly in the studio or on stage.

This example dates to 1971, with a JUL71 neck stamp and a Stackpole volume pot code of week 16, 1971. It retains its correct Fender nickel tuners and correct chrome bridge, wiring is black/white PVC type. The pickguard has been changed, and the finish is where things get especially interesting. The bass is presented in a striking Blue Sparkle finish, with evidence of red paint visible in the cavities underneath. The sparkle finish appears to have plenty of age and has clearly been applied to a high standard. There are other vintage Fender instruments known in similar sparkle blue shades, but as is so often the case with sparkle finishes from this era, absolute certainty is difficult. Whether factory, outsourced or an old, pro refinish, the honest answer is that the jury is still out. What is beyond doubt, though, is that it looks fantastic and gives the bass a seriously distinctive visual identity.

In the hands it feels great. At just 3.31kg it is an excellent lightweight example, and the short-scale feel makes it instantly comfortable and easy to get along with. The neck measures 40.5mm at the nut, with depths of 21.2mm at the 1st fret and 25mm at the 12th, giving it a very manageable feel.

A cool-looking and very useable vintage Fender bass, this is a great option for anyone wanting an early ’70s Mustang with loads of visual appeal, proper vintage feel and a tone that can hold it's own in almost any genre.