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Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
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Playability
70
Sound
81
Build
69
Value
78
Score
73
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Playability
72
Sound
84
Build
74
Value
82
Score
77
FIND IT ON:
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The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ was discontinued. It was replaced by the Player II Mustang Bass PJ. Check out our comparison.
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Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ vs Player Plus Jazz Bass Specs Comparison
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Player Plus Jazz Bass
General
Brand: Fender Fender
Year: 2021 2021
Configuration: SS SS
Strings: 4 4
Made in: Mexico United States
Series: Player Mustang Player Plus
Colors: Gold, Sunburst, Natural White, Sunburst, Blue, Orange, Red
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Alder
Bridge: 4-Saddle Standard Fender HiMass with Chrome-Plated Zinc Saddles
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Fender Vintage-Style Standard Open-Gear
Fretboard: Pau Ferro Maple
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: White Dot Black Dot
Scale Size: 30" 34"
Shape: Bass C Shape Bass Modern C
Frets: 19 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver 20 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 12"
Nut: Synthetic Bone Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 38.1mm (1.5'') 38.1mm (1.5'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jazz Bass (Single Coil / Passive) Fender Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Fender Vintage-Style Split Single-Coil Precision Bass (Single Coil / Passive) Fender Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup:
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 2
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ and Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ and Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's switch options

Reasons to Get
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ over Player Plus Jazz Bass

Preamp
Passive vs Active/Passive
Doesn't require a battery, so it's more dependable
Scale Length
30'' (762mm) vs 34'' (863.6mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Avg. Weight
7.719lbs (3.5kgs) vs 9.6565lbs (4.4kgs)
Tends to be lighter

Reasons to Get
Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass over Player Mustang Bass PJ

Country of Manufacturing
United States vs Mexico
Built with higher quality standards
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Number of Frets
20 vs 19
Allows to reach higher notes
Preamp
Active/Passive vs Passive
Providing the best range of tonal options
Scale Length
34'' (863.6mm) vs 30'' (762mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Value Score
82 vs 78
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ vs Player Plus Jazz Bass

Bridge Pickup
Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jazz Bass vs Fender Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass
Different Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup
Fender Vintage-Style Split Single-Coil Precision Bass vs Fender Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass
Different Middle Pickup
Fretboard Wood
Pau Ferro vs Maple
Different Fretboard Wood

Shared Features
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ vs Player Plus Jazz Bass

Body Wood
Alder
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Headstock
4
Same Headstock
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone
Same Nut Material
Strings
4
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Pickups
SS
Beautiful cleans
Nut Width
1.5'' (38.1mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Retainer Bar
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio

Price History Comparison

Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Prices

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    Hand Size Comfortability

    And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ favors large hands more than the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass.

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ meets 5 out of our 6 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass meets only 3. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
    • Comfortable shape
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Tall frets
    • Short scale
    • Comfortable neck
    • Narrow nut

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
    • Comfortable shape
    • Tall frets
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Narrow nut
    • Short scale

    Sound Quality Comparison

    The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

    Woods Used in Both

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple
    Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
    Alder

    Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

    Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

    Woods Used in the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ

    Pau Ferro wood pattern used for guitar building
    Pau Ferro

    Pau Ferro has a dark, chocolate-like color with straight dark grains that is being used as a replacement to Rosewood due to the regulations. It produces a warm tone that is somewhere between Mahogany and Rosewood. Find out more about Pau Ferro.

    Winner: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    Both pickup configurations are SS. SS is the classic Telecaster configuration. It's used mainly for playing clean or with low-gain distortion, and it's very popular for the country genre because of their brightness. It doesn't give you as much versatility as a Strat SSS configuration, but you might like the cleaner look of a guitar body with fewer pickups.

    Pickups Quality

    Both come with some of the top pickups on the market. You can't go wrong with either of them. You'll probably never need a pickup upgrade.

    Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

    Preamp Circuit

    A preamp in an electric bass functions as an electronic circuit that acts as an interface between the bass's pickups and the amplifier. Its main purpose is to amplify and customize the bass's initial signal before it reaches the amplifier, offering enhanced control over factors like tone, volume, and sound attributes. Preamps typically come equipped with tone adjustments, equalization options, and sometimes built-in effects, empowering bass players to fine-tune their sound to suit their personal preferences and the musical environment.

    The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's preamp is Passive while the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's is Active/Passive.

    Passive: A bass with a passive preamp lacks an onboard electronic circuit for tone shaping and signal boosting. Instead, it relies solely on passive pickups and basic tone controls, typically consisting of volume and tone knobs. Passive preamps don't require an external power source like batteries, making them low-maintenance and dependable. While they offer a simpler and more straightforward tonal character, passive basses are appreciated for their warm and vintage sound, often favored in genres like classic rock, blues, and funk. They are an excellent choice for musicians who value the simplicity and timeless appeal of their instrument's tone without the need for active electronic components.

    Active/Passive: This type of circuit combines both passive and active electronics in one instrument. This versatile setup allows the player to switch between passive and active modes, providing a wide range of tonal options. In passive mode, the bass relies on traditional passive pickups and tone controls for a warm and organic sound. In active mode, the onboard preamp circuit is engaged, offering enhanced EQ shaping capabilities and sometimes a signal boost. This flexibility caters to a broader spectrum of musical styles and playing preferences, as it allows the bassist to switch between the classic, vintage tone of passive operation and the more versatile and finely tuned active mode, all within the same instrument.

    Winner: Tie.

    Versatility Comparison

    Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

    Switch Options

    Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

    Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

    When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

    Winner: Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
    Pickups 100
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 80
    Tuning Stability 80
    Sound 81
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
    Pickups 100
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 92
    Tuning Stability 80
    Sound 84

    Build Quality Comparison

    When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ compares to the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ is built in Mexico while the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass is made in United States.

    Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.

    The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

    Winner: Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass

    Nut Material

    If you want your bass to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

    In this case, both have Synthetic Bone nuts. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

    Fret Material

    Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

    Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

    Winner: Tie.

    Tuners

    Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's are Fender Vintage-Style while the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's are Standard Open-Gear

    Winner: Tie.

    Neck Joint

    Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a bass is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

    Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Mexico
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Active Preamp
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Retainer Bar
    • No Strap Lock
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
    • Made in United States
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Active/Passive Preamp
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Retainer Bar
    • No Strap Lock

    Final Build Quality Scores

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
    Quality of materials 66
    Features 70
    Quality Control 70
    Build Quality 69
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
    Quality of materials 66
    Features 75
    Quality Control 80
    Build Quality 74

    Playability Comparison

    Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a bass might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

    Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a bass feels in your hands.

    Nut Width

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Nut Width
    Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 38.1mm (1.5'').

    This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 4-string bass. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

    Scale Length

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's Scale Length
    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's Scale Length
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's Scale Length
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's Scale Length

    The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

    The Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass has the longest scale: 34". The Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ is only 30" long. This is a 4'' (101.6mm) scale length difference.

    This longer scale means that the strings need more tension to get in tune. This is good if you want to avoid fret buzz, which can happen when the strings are too loose and touch the frets while vibrating. This is especially important when playing in lower tunings. This will also let you reduce the gap between fretboard and strings (low action) to make them easier to press down. However, this higher tension will also make it harder to perform bends and vibratos as the strings will feel stiffer.

    This also means that the frets have a longer separation between each other, so this will make it harder for people with smaller hands when playing some chord positions.

    Another characteristic of a longer scale is that it makes the bass sound 'snappier' or brighter. This is due to the extra separation between harmonics and overtones produced by the tension. This influences tone more than any other factor (except the pickups).

    Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

    Neck Profile

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Neck Profile
    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's neck profile
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass Neck Profile
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's neck profile

    No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

    Both the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ and the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's Fingerboard radius
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's Fingerboard radius

    Most bass fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

    In this case, the Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass.

    Fret Size

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ and Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass Frets Size
    Both have a similar Medium Jumbo fret size

    Both have a Medium Jumbo fret size. These are slightly shorter than full Jumbo frets, so you'll still feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. However, they interfere less with your fretting hand than medium-size frets. This is a good size if you like easy-to-press frets, but would still like to feel a bit of the fretboard when playing.

    Final Playability Scores

    Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 60
    Playability 70
    Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 72