Short-scale basses have had a renaissance in recent years, and the Player II Mustang Bass PJ is Fender’s best argument for why a 30″ scale bass belongs in your collection. At $799, it combines a Precision Bass split-coil in the neck position with a Jazz Bass single-coil at the bridge — the PJ configuration that gives you the best of both worlds — in a compact, lightweight body that guitarists and smaller players will find irresistible. The 30″ scale makes it four inches shorter than a standard bass, which translates to easier reaches, less hand fatigue, and a naturally warmer, thumpier tone.
If you’ve ever thought a full-size bass was too big, too heavy, or too unwieldy, the Mustang Bass PJ exists to change your mind about playing bass.
Bottom Line: The Player II Mustang Bass PJ is the best short-scale bass under $800 — the PJ pickup configuration gives it more tonal range than any short-scale competitor, and the 30″ scale makes it the most comfortable bass in Fender’s lineup.
Full Specs: Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder, gloss polyester finish |
| Neck | Maple, Modern “C” profile, satin urethane finish on back |
| Fingerboard | Maple or Rosewood, 9.5″ radius, 19 medium jumbo frets, rolled edges |
| Nut | Synthetic bone, 1.5″ (38.1mm) |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico V Split-Coil P Bass (neck) + Single-Coil J Bass (bridge) |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, 3-way switch |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle Standard |
| Tuners | Standard open-gear |
| Scale Length | 30″ (short scale) |
| Weight | 7.5-8 lbs |
| Finish Options | 3-Color Sunburst, Polar White, Aquatone Blue, Hialeah Yellow, Black |
| Street Price | $799 USD |
| Country of Origin | Mexico (Ensenada) |
The PJ pickup configuration is the smartest thing about this bass. A split-coil P Bass pickup in the neck position delivers that fundamental Precision Bass thump — fat, deep, and authoritative. The single-coil J Bass pickup at the bridge adds growl and definition when you need it. The 3-way switch lets you select neck only, both, or bridge only, giving you three distinct voices from one instrument.
This is a significant advantage over most short-scale basses, which typically have a single pickup or matched pair. The PJ layout means you’re not giving up tonal flexibility when you downsize to a 30″ scale — you’re getting more options than most budget full-scale basses offer.
The 30″ scale length changes the playing experience fundamentally. String tension is lower, so fretting notes requires less effort and bends are easier. The shorter neck means less stretching for wide intervals — a one-five interval that requires a four-fret stretch on a 34″ bass is a comfortable three-fret reach on a 30″. The trade-off is slightly less tight low-end definition compared to a 34″ scale, but with the right strings (most players recommend medium or heavy gauge on short-scale basses), the Player II Mustang Bass delivers surprisingly full and punchy low end.
Who Is the Player II Mustang Bass PJ For?
This bass is perfect for guitarists who double on bass. The compact body, lightweight construction, 30″ scale, and 1.5″ nut width make the transition from six-string to four-string as seamless as possible. If your band needs you to pick up bass for a few songs, the Mustang Bass PJ makes that switch effortless.
For younger and smaller players, a full-size 34″ bass can be physically challenging. The Mustang Bass’s 30″ scale and lighter weight (7.5-8 lbs) make it an instrument that smaller players can actually reach and play comfortably without developing bad habits from overextending.
For studio and recording work, short-scale basses have a distinctive thumpiness that engineers love for certain styles. The Mustang Bass PJ’s warm, round tone records beautifully for pop, indie, and R&B — think of the bass sound on Beatles records (Paul McCartney’s Hofner is a short-scale) or any modern indie track where the bass needs to be felt more than heard.
Touring musicians appreciate the compact size and light weight for travel. It fits in overhead bins on some airlines and takes up less space in a tour van than a full-size bass.
✓ PROS
- PJ pickup configuration delivers more tonal range than any other short-scale bass at this price
- 30″ scale makes it the most comfortable and ergonomic bass in Fender’s Player II lineup
- Lightweight at 7.5-8 lbs — significantly lighter than full-scale P and J Basses
- Rolled fretboard edges and 1.5″ nut width — excellent playability out of the box
- Ideal crossover instrument for guitarists who double on bass
✗ CONS
- 30″ scale produces less string tension — may feel floppy with standard gauge strings
- Low end is slightly less defined than a 34″ scale bass — not ideal for metal or drop tunings
- 19 frets vs. 20 on full-scale Player II basses — limits upper register access slightly
How Does It Compare?
Against the Player II Precision Bass ($799), both cost the same, but the Mustang Bass PJ adds a bridge J pickup and subtracts 4″ of scale length. If you need the tightest possible low end and play standard tunings, go full-size P Bass. If you want comfort, PJ versatility, and a naturally warm tone, the Mustang Bass PJ is the better choice.
Compared to the Squier Classic Vibe Mustang Bass (~$449), the Player II costs $350 more but upgrades to PJ pickups (the Squier has a single pickup), adds rolled fretboard edges, and delivers significantly better build quality. The PJ upgrade alone justifies the price difference for most players.
Against non-Fender short-scale competitors like the Ibanez GSRM20 (~$199) or Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass (~$299), the Player II Mustang Bass PJ is significantly more expensive but delivers professional-grade pickups, construction, and playability that the budget options can’t match.
Pricing and Availability
The Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ is widely available at $799 USD at all major retailers. It’s a regular production model with multiple color and fingerboard options in stock.
Is the Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ worth it?
Yes, if you value comfort and versatility. The PJ pickup configuration gives you more tonal options than any other short-scale bass at this price, and the 30″ scale makes it the most ergonomic bass in Fender’s lineup. It’s especially worth it for guitarists who double on bass, smaller players, and anyone who finds full-scale basses fatiguing.
What does PJ mean on the Mustang Bass?
PJ refers to the pickup configuration: a Precision Bass-style split-coil pickup in the neck position and a Jazz Bass-style single-coil pickup at the bridge. This combination gives you the P Bass’s deep thump, the J Bass’s growling bridge tone, and a blended middle position — three distinct voices in one bass.
What strings should I use on a short-scale bass?
Most players recommend medium to heavy gauge strings specifically designed for short-scale basses (30″ scale). Standard long-scale strings won’t fit properly. Brands like D’Addario, La Bella, and GHS make dedicated short-scale sets. Medium gauge (.045-.105) is a good starting point for balanced tension and tone.
Can a short-scale bass be used for gigging?
Absolutely. Short-scale basses have been used professionally since the 1960s — Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, and Allen Woody all gigged and recorded with short-scale basses. The Player II Mustang Bass PJ is a professional-grade instrument that holds its own on stage. Use appropriate string gauges and you’ll have no issues with volume or low-end presence through a proper bass rig.
The Player II Mustang Bass PJ fills a gap that no other Fender bass addresses — a professional-quality short-scale bass with genuine tonal versatility. The PJ pickup layout gives it a range that most short-scale basses can’t touch, and the 30″ scale makes it the most physically comfortable bass in Fender’s lineup. It’s not a compromise or a student instrument — it’s a purpose-built tool for players who want the short-scale experience without giving up tonal flexibility. If that sounds like you, it’s one of the smartest $799 you can spend on a bass.