1973 Fender Mustang Bass, Competition Red

A very cool early-’70s Fender Mustang Bass finished in Competition Red. Introduced in 1966 as Fender’s short-scale student bass, the Mustang Bass filled a gap in the market for a compact, more affordable yet professional-quality instrument. With its comfortable 30" scale length and distinctive styling borrowed from the Mustang guitar, it quickly became popular not only with students but also with experienced players who appreciated its punchy tone and easy/comfortable playability.

By the late 1960s Fender had begun offering the bold Competition finishes, featuring diagonal racing stripes across the body. These colours gave the Mustang range a unique visual identity and today remain some of the most recognisable and desirable finishes on the model.

This example dates from 1973, with an AUG72 neck stamp, week 29 of 1973 pots. It retains its original Competition Red finish, which has aged and faded beautifully over the years, developing a stunning patina and character. The nitrocellulose headstock face has mellowed nicely too.

The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard featuring pearl dot inlays and retains what appear to be the original frets, along with the original nut. The neck has a comfortable medium C profile measuring 21mm at the first fret and 24.2mm at the twelfth, with a 40.3mm nut width, making for an easy and inviting playing feel.

Hardware remains correct, including the open-back Fender nickel tuners and the original bridge with four individually adjustable saddles. Electronics appear largely original too, with the Stackpole pots dating to the 29th week of 1973. The capacitor has been changed, but otherwise the electronics are original.

Tonally, the Mustang Bass delivers exactly what players love about these instruments: a punchy, focused low end with a growling midrange, sitting perfectly in a mix while retaining that unmistakable vintage Fender character. 

The Mustang Bass gained popularity well beyond its student-model origins, finding favour with many professional players over the years thanks to its compact feel, distinctive tone, and overall versatility. Today, early-’70s examples like this represent a great entry point into vintage Fender bass ownership, offering genuine period vibe, excellent playability and iconic styling in one very cool package!