Ryan's Gig Guide - April 2019

So you want a bass that kicks butt but doesn’t break backs? Don’t fret, we might have something for you. Despite contrary belief, you do not need a titanium spine to proudly wear a bass around your neck. There are some options which may seem a bit more acute, until you plug them in. This month we are looking at the Fender American Performer Mustang Bass. Don’t be deceived by its size, it is a ballsy piece of wood with attitude. The Mustang’s short- er scale length makes it more approachable for guitarists interested in laying down some bass. Everything feels relative- ly in the same place, very much as if you were wearing a normal gui- tar. The advan- tage is ob- vious, there is no need to adjust, you can just pick it up and play. An- other bonus to its shorter scale length is that the strings feel slinkier and easi- er to fret. Playability is a major factor to any instrument and the Performer series aims to give the player an instrument that can be regularly gigged without causing you grief. The dif- ferent feel can also be a welcomed change to vet- eran bass players used to a longer more traditional scale length. A change in fel might inspire you to play differently, completely rein- venting playing for you once again. The Mustang was first intro- duced in the 60’s and over the years it has worked its way into the hearts of many genres. Most will look at and immediately be reminded of alternative bands of recent times and present. A strong advocate of the Offset is Laurie Vincent (Slaves) and he can be seen in many per- formance wielding an Fender Offset bass. If you are not convinced that angst oozes from the curves of this guitar then you need go check out Slaves immediately. Don’t think shav- ing a few inch- es off the scale length will affect its ability to shat- ter your neigh- bours light bulbs. Stick it through any decent amplifier and all the neces- sary frequencies are at your dis- posal. Use them for good or evil, it’s up to you. If the classic Offset shape is bringing you weird happy feel- ings in your stomach then wait until you see the colours it comes in. Yes, sure you can play it safe with a nice 3 Tone Sunburst or Arctic White (they are classics after all), but why not push the boat out with Aubergine. Nom Tasty, or maybe you are already getting your five a day and something even more interesting might tickle your fancy. How about Satin Surf Green? Cool does not cut it. Adding a new tex- ture to the surface has added a whole new dimension to its aesthetic. Fender have not meddled too much with the formula when it comes to the makeup of the Mustang Bass. A few new finishes and some updated electronic witchcraft which have resulted in a more mod- ern sound.The instrument has seen a recent peak in popular- ity so perhaps they felt there was no need for any dramatic changes. The same rules still apply. Play it low and play it loud. The versatile pickup config- uration gives you a large pal- ette of sonic possibilities that will allow you to decorate the murky depths of any track. Something about a Mustang bass screams “ABUSE ME WITH A PICK AND STICK MY FAT ASS THROUGH A DISTORTION PEDAL.” You would have no problem cut- ting through a mix, that’s for sure. However, the versatility is there to allow a more laid back approach. Sit back and cake the low end with your lush bottom end. It is all there for the taking so do with it what you will. REVIEW: Fender American Performer Mustang Bass By Adam Roberts Local stockists... www.ryansgigguide.com 28 rgg Apr 2019