The Fender Jaguar and the Fender Mustang are two of the most popular Fender guitars in the world. Used by legendary rockers and blues guitarists alike, these two iconic models have been part of the Fender family for over half a century.
But which one is the better choice for you?
Let’s examine the differences between the two guitars, looking at playability, sound, and features, to help you decide which one is the right fit for your playing style.
Pros & Cons For These Bad AF Fender Guitars
Fender Vintera 60s Jaguar:
Pros:
- Great sound with more bite in higher frequencies
- Smooth and fast neck
- High-quality build
Cons:
- Priced on the higher end for Fender guitars
Fender Vintera 60s Mustang:
Pros:
- Classic vintage-inspired design
- Great playability
- High-quality build
Cons:
- Sound lacks some bite compared to Jaguar
| Fender Jaguar vs Mustang | ||
|---|---|---|
Fender Vintera 60s Jaguar |
Fender Vintera 60s Mustang |
|
Brand
|
Fender | Fender |
Price |
$1,249.99 | $1,099.99 |
Number Of Strings |
6 | 6 |
Available Colors |
Sunburst, Blue | Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Green |
Body |
||
Body Type |
Solid Body | Solid Body |
Body Material |
Alder | Alder |
Body Bridge |
6-Saddle Vintage-Style Adjustable with “Floating” Tremolo Tailpiece | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Mustang Tremolo |
Neck |
||
Neck Shape |
60s C | 60s C |
Neck Material |
Maple | Maple |
Neck Joints |
Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
Scale Length |
24″ | 24″ |
Number Of Frets |
22 Vintage | 22 Vintage |
Nut Width |
1.654” | 1.650″ |
Hardware & Electronics |
||
Bridge Pickup |
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jaguar | Vintage-style ’60s Mustang Single-coil |
Neck Pickup |
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jaguar | Vintage-style ’60s Mustang Single-coil |
Switch |
3 Way | 3 Way |
Volume Knobs |
2 | 1 |
Tone Controls |
2 | 1 |
| Overall Rating | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
Construction
The Jaguars have an alder body and a 6-saddle Vintage-Style adjustable floating tremolo tailpiece, while Mustangs have an alder body with a 6-saddle Vintage-Style Mustang Tremolo. Both guitars feature a 60s C profile maple neck and 22 vintage frets. The build quality on both guitars is excellent, and they are made with high-quality materials that should last for many years of use.
Pickups and Electronics
The Fender Jaguar feature two Fender Vintage-style single-coil Jaguars, while Mustangs feature one Fender Vintage-style 60s Single Coil Mustang. Both guitars also come with a three-way switch that allows you to select between neck and bridge pickups or bridge only.
How does the neck pickup on the Jaguar and Mustang compare to each other?
The pickups on the Fender Jaguar and Mustang are both Fender Vintage-Style single-coil pickups. The Jaguar has a single-coil Jaguar neck pickup at the bridge and the Mustang has a single-coil 60s Mustang pickup at the bridge.
Sound
When it comes to sound, both guitars offer great tones, but the Jaguar tends to have more bite in the higher frequencies than the tame sound of its sibling, the Mustang.
Playability-wise, the necks on both guitars are smooth and fast, making them great choices for players who like to bend strings or shred solos.
Is the price difference between the Jaguar and Mustang significant?
Yes, the price difference between the Fender Vintera 60s Jaguar and Mustang is significant. The Jaguar is priced at $1,249.99 while the Mustang is priced at $1,099.99.
What is the difference between a Fender Jaguar and a Fender Mustang?
The main difference between a Fender Jaguar and Fender Mustang is their size and shape.
Jaguar guitars are a larger, offset-style electric guitar with a 24″ scale length and two single-coil pickups, as well as a rhythm circuit with a switchable bass-cut and treble-cut filter.
The Mustang is a smaller, more traditional-looking guitar with a 22.5″ scale length and two single-coil pickups, plus a rhythm circuit with a toggle switch for tone control.
In terms of sound, the Jaguar has more of a bright, jangly tone due to its single-coil pickups and rhythm circuit, while the Mustang has a more traditional, full-bodied tone.
Are Fender Jaguars worth it?
Yes, Fender Jaguars are worth the investment, this classic electric guitar has been in production for over 50 years and there is a lot of demand for them. They are also known for their distinctive tone and have been used by some of the world’s most famous musicians.
Additionally, because of their age and popularity, Fender Jaguars tend to retain much of their value over time.
What makes a Fender Jaguar special?
The Fender Jaguar is known for its distinctive look and sound. It was first released in 1962, and it quickly became one of the most popular electric guitars of all time.
The Fender Jaguar has a shorter scale length than other Fender electric guitars, which gives it a softer, warmer sound. It also features two single-coil pickups, individual on/off and phase switches, an adjustable bridge, and a unique tremolo arm.
These features make the Fender Jaguar a unique and advanced instrument for its time, and it remains popular to this day.
Can the tremolo systems on the Jaguar and Mustang be swapped out for other types?
No, the tremolo systems on the Fender Vintera 60s Jaguar and Mustang cannot be swapped out for other types.
The Jaguar has a 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Adjustable with Floating Tremolo Tailpiece, while the Mustang has a 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Mustang Tremolo.
Can the Jaguar and Mustang be used for a variety of music styles, or are they better suited to specific genres?
The Jaguar and Mustang are versatile guitars that can be used for a variety of music styles; it all depends on the individual’s preference and playing style.
Both guitars offer a classic vintage tone that can be especially suited to genres such as rock, blues, jazz, and indie. They can also be used in other genres such as metal, pop, and country.
The Jag or The Tang? You decide.
Both of these guitars from Fender’s Vintera line are excellent instruments that offer great sound and playability at a reasonable price point. The Jaguar offers more bite in its tone while still maintaining clarity while the Mustang offers more classic vintage sounds with less emphasis on higher frequencies.
Ultimately, which guitar is better for you depends on your own personal preference and playing style – if you are looking for more “in your face” sounds then go with the Jaguar but if you prefer something more mellow then try out the Mustang.
