Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: What’s the difference?

While the Stratocaster and Telecaster may rule supreme in regards to appeal among Fender’s line-up of electrical guitarsthe Jaguar and Mustang are still much enjoyed by an entire variety of gamers. Presented in 1962 and 1964 respectively, they both use a much shorter scale than the majority of other Fender guitars, and a series of various tones; however what sets these 2 guitars apart? And if you’ve been thinking about selecting one up, which is the ideal design for you?

Both guitars are popular for being covered in all sorts of switches and knobs. While this believes baffled and perhaps even put some gamers off, it’s likewise a substantial part of what makes them sound so distinct, and has actually assisted provide some traditional tones over the last 60 years.

Here, we’re going to pit these balanced out guitars versus each other to compare and contrast things like tone, style, playability and more. Like with all of Fender’s other designs, there have actually been different variations of both guitars throughout the years. Even today there are great deals of choices to choose from. To make things simpler and fairer, for this function we will be taking a look at classic specification ‘d variations of both guitars, like the ones seen in Fender’s Vintera and Vintera II varies.

Fender Mustang vs Jaguar: At a look

Most likely the most visible distinction in between the Jaguar and the Mustang initially look is the body shape, with the latter being a bit more compact. They’ve got various kinds of pickups too– they’re both single coils, however you’ll observe that the Jag’s has little metal claws around them, as we’ll take a look at later on, and produces rather a various noise.

They both have various controls and circuits too, which once again contributes towards the various tones that these guitars can producing. The hardware, especially the trem systems vary too, which provides a various feel from one another however likewise has rather an influence on how they look. They do both share a 24″ scale length however, which is much shorter than Fender’s normal 25.5″, so you may observe a comparable feel in your stressing hand. The specifications listed below are based upon the Vintera II 70s designs.

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Switching systems

Both guitars use single coil pickupsnevertheless they’ve both certainly got their own tonal attributes and have extremely various changing systems. Let’s go through what all the switches do.

On a Jaguar, you’ve got 3 switches put near the lower horn. Taking a look at the guitar face-on, the right-hand man switch turns the neck pickup on/off, the middle is on/off for the bridge pickup and the left-hand switch is a ‘strangle’ switch that eliminates a few of the lower frequencies throughout all pickups. Near the input, you’ve got master volume and master tone knobs.

At the top, you’ve got a single switch and 2 roller knobs. When the switch is up, you’re on the lead circuit (which is what the master knobs and 3 switches control) – when it’s down, you’re on the Jag’s rhythm circuit. Here, just the neck pickup is engaged and, because it’s going through a various circuit, it sounds various– much darker and mellower. The 2 roller knobs are then tone and volume controls for this.

The Mustang has an easier changing system. Each pickup has a three-way switch above it. When the switch remains in the middle, that pickup is off. When it’s either to the left or the right, then that pickup is on. Now, it’s a three-way switch for a factor– if the turn on both pickups remain in the exact same position then they’re both on and in stage. If the switches remain in opposite instructions (i.e. one is changed to the left, and the other to the right), then they’re both on, however they run out stage. Basically, this offers you 4 various tones. The 2 knobs near the input are master volume and tone controls.

Decision: Draw

Tough to choose a winner here. They both do various things and serve the guitar that they’re on well. You can most likely do somewhat more with the Jag– helpful for those that like alternatives; less so for those that desire an easier system!

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Tone

The various pickups suited both the Fender Jaguar and Fender Mustang indicate that they sound various. A Jag will normally be brighter sounding and have a hotter output, suggesting you can press a tube amp to overdrive naturally more quickly. It’s likewise got a great deal of that Fender jangle that individuals discuss– it’s clear, specified and intense. The metal claws around the pickups assist boost the leading end frequencies and likewise decrease hum somewhat.

You’ve then got the strangle switch, which secures some bottom end, and even some mid frequencies– this noise will not work for whatever, however it’s good to have. The rhythm circuit is terrific for jazz, or anything that needs a much darker tone. Matching this with a good fuzz pedal can yield some actually cool noises too.

Mustangs on the other hand sound a little warmer, nearly woody sounding, and thinner. You can even get a little twang out of it– practically like a Tele. You’ve then got the honky out of stage sounds possible with the three-way switches. These may not work for your daily sort of tones, however they’re useful if you desire a series of various noises available. There’s likewise a somewhat percussive aspect to the attack of a Mustang– things like how the amp or pedals you’re utilizing compress will effect this, however in a lot of the pickup positions, there’s something cool there.

Both guitars can sound excellent tidy and distorted. It’s worth keeping in mind though that a lot of the grunge gamers of the ’90s that utilized these guitars did customize them to include humbuckers rather of single coils.

Decision: Draw

Which one is the winner will truly depend upon your individual taste. Both have their advantages, and both can produce a fantastic series of noises. For me personally, the Jag edges it – it’s a little fuller sounding, clearer and I like the more vibrant, hotter output.

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Design & & hardware

A huge distinction in the style of these 2 guitars is the body shape– the Mustang is significantly smaller sized. For those that like a more compact instrument– especially smaller sized gamers, and even kids, then this will be a plus. It being smaller sized likewise implies it weighs a little less typically (the Jaguar likewise has an extra metal plate for the rhythm circuit which includes more weight), so if you’re searching for a light guitar, then the Mustang may win you there.

The turn on the Jaguar are a bit more out of the method. Once again, this can go in any case– some may like that as there’s less threat of knocking them whilst playing, whereas others may desire them closer to hand. On the Mustang, the switches are ideal by the pickups, however in the heat of the minute, playing live, they’re not the simplest to change rapidly.

The bridge vibrato systems are various too. The Mustang has a drifting tremolo system– just position the arm in the top-mounted hole and you’re all set to go. The arm then moves the bar which the strings are strung through so you get a good and smooth motion which is truly simple to manage. Due to the fact that you’re more in contact with the strings, you can get quicker motions in pitch.

The Jaguar generally has a longer arm, which alters the feel of it rather. The arm likewise pops into a little hole on the bridge plate which moves a piece below, which is linked to the strings. The motion is a little slower and more progressive than on the Mustang.

Winner: Jaguar

Once again, it’s a close one, and for lots of gamers the Mustang will win. The Mustang does have a lighter and smaller sized body which will no doubt be a draw to some. The slower, more progressive motion of the vibrato system on the Jaguar is a winner, as is the more useful (for me …) design.

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Playability

Both guitars have a much shorter 24″ scale length, so there isn’t much of a distinction in regards to what your stressing fingers feel. The neck profile will play a huge part in playability, however once again, that will depend upon the specific design you choose. Some gamers may have various experiences, however I tend to discover that a Jaguar trem holds its tuning much better after usage than a Mustang.

Both guitars are comfy to play took a seat as both bodies have a cut in the waist to put on your knee. Standing, both are great, however once again– it’s worth keeping in mind that typically, Mustangs are lighter, if weight is a problem.

Winner: Draw

They’re really comparable, and many distinctions in playability will boil down to the specific variation you pick. Whilst the Jag vibrato system holds its tuning well, the Mustang is lighter.

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Verdict

The Fender Jaguar and Mustang are both fantastic guitars, and they both use tones that you can’t get with anything else. The Jaguar certainly has a good intense jangle to the noise, together with clearness and fullness, whereas the Mustang is a little warmer however likewise thinner sounding. Those honky out of stage noises are likewise truly fascinating.

The changing systems on both guitars are totally distinct, and as soon as you understand what whatever does, are in fact truly instinctive and simple to utilize. Which one is much easier to browse and utilize in a live situation will depend upon your playing design, however they’re both really various to an easy three-way pickup selector.

If you’re looking for a light and more compact guitar, the Mustang is your pal here, however it’s difficult to neglect how fantastic the balanced out Jag looks! Both are actually cool guitars though and they provide a good option for gamers looking for something various to the timeless Strat and Tele designs.

Fender Jaguar vs Mustang: Recommended designs

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After investing a years in music retail, I’m now a freelance author for Guitar World, MusicRadar, Guitar Player and Reverb, specialising in electrical and acoustic guitars, bass, and nearly anything else you can make a tune with. When my head’s not buried in the very best of modern-day and classic equipment, I run a little business assisting artists with songwriting, production and efficiency, and I play bass in an alt-rock band.