NGD - Performer Mustang

[DiAmoroso]

My friend who works at Sam Ash let me know yesterday that a couple of used Mustangs hit the floor. I’m a big offset fan, so I went over to check them out. When I got there they had two, a daphne blue MIJ ‘65 RI (mislabeled as a ‘69 RI) and a Penny MIA Performer. I have owned a CIJ ‘69 RI and a ‘71 Fender Bronco in the past, so I basically knew what I was looking for in a Mustang. I played the MIJ Mustang for a few minutes, then switched over to the MIA. Really was impressed, it’s a great playing guitar with literally zero signs that it’s ever been touched by the original owner. All the case candy was still unopened in the original packaging in the original gig bag. It was priced exactly the same as the MIJ, and stood out to me as clearly a better guitar from all angles, so I brought it home. Ran it through the paces jamming with a friend, and was even more impressed. I assume the original owner gave up on it not being able to keep it in tune, but that was pretty simple to sort out with a few adjustments to the vibrato. I had been wondering about these Performer Mustangs since they came out, wondered how it would stack up to the vintage and Japanese Mustangs, and I’m happy to find that this is probably the best playing and sounding Mustang I’ve come across yet.

[dc]

that's a super sweet color for a 'Stang!

[MayTheFuzzBeWithYou]

That‘s probably my favorite of all current Mustang offerings.
Haven‘t had the pleasure of playing one but it just looks so great! Penny is an awesome and beautiful color!
So congrats and enjoy!

[DiAmoroso]

Thanks guys, I had someone on another forum request some sound samples so I figured I’d post them here in case anyone is interested. Please excuse the sloppy playing haha!

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/s45oKpXYGqpHYUH57

[Veitchy]

Everything about that is great. Agree on the colour too. Nice score.

[BoringPostcards]

They are the best Mustangs, I have ever played, and I am including vintage Mustangs.
They are super playable and the pickups are great. They even work well with 10s.

[algeriet]

Tbh one of the few non-vintage spec Fenders that I can see myself own. Everyone I've played have been pleasant. I really like the Sonic Blue one. Enjoy!

[DiAmoroso]

Thanks guys, I have to agree, I’ve played a lot of Mustangs over the years, and owned the two I mentioned earlier of course, but this is definitely the best yet.

As someone who switches pickups mid song in live situations fairly often, I highly prefer the 3 way switch. I do use out of phase sounds occasionally, so it’s lacking there, but honestly those are rare and I can get them on my Jaguar or Jazzmaster.

The fretboard doesn’t have any type of rolling to the edges unfortunately, and I’m not in love with the jumbo frets, but the actual fret work is really good. A little fret sprout, but that’s not the fault of the build.

The tremolo is really good compared to other Mustangs I’ve played. I have it currently set up with the cigar screwed all the way down, the bridge set for pretty low action. The bridge returns perfectly in place, but I may replace the nut at some point. Tuning stability with trem use is good, but I think I can get it better. I am not sure what string gauge is on it, still has the strings from the store, but I’m guessing 10s, they are pretty slinky.

Like most I think, I wish the maple portion of the neck had some tint to it, but if I decide this is a keeper I’m not afraid to mod or refinish my guitars. This one might be a candidate for a neck refinish with tungs oil.

[DiAmoroso]

Made a few cosmetic mods, tortoise shell pickguard, changed the knobs, pickup covers, and switch tip to white(ish). Just need to get a white tip for the vibrato bar.

[tequila_in_teacups]

I love this colour, and it looks fantastic with tort. I'd love one with the stock switching.