Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB
The Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB pairs a compact 24-inch scale with two single-coil pickups and a fixed bridge. Customer feedback highlights its playability and sound, while the lack of an included bag is a minor drawback.
★★★★★ 5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB review
The Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB is a short-scale electric guitar with an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Its 609 mm (24-inch) scale is shorter than a standard long-scale electric, while its hardtail bridge keeps the design straightforward. Fender lists the model at $664, and it has been available since August 2024.
The supplied player feedback is positive, especially about sound, playability, and the guitar's appearance in person. One owner describes it as their first short-scale electric and says they love it. That is useful context for buyers considering a shorter scale for the first time, though a single owner's experience cannot establish how every example will feel or sound.
Body, neck, and playing dimensions
The body is alder, finished in Aquatone Blue, with a three-ply parchment pickguard. The color was reported to look better in person than in product pictures. There is no separate top, and no tremolo system. Instead, the guitar has a six-saddle hardtail bridge with strings running through the body and bent steel saddles.
The bolt-on maple neck has a Modern C profile, a 42 mm (1.650-inch) nut width, and a synthetic bone nut. Its rosewood fingerboard has black dot inlays and a 241 mm (9.5-inch) radius. Fender fits 22 medium-jumbo frets. These measurements describe a familiar, moderately rounded fingerboard and a neck shape intended for a conventional electric-guitar grip. The shorter scale is the main change from a typical full-length design.
Scale length can affect both reach and string tension, but the available feedback does not specify exact differences in feel for particular techniques. The owner does report good playability and says the intonation was almost spot on straight out of the box. That is encouraging, though setup and intonation can vary between individual guitars and may need adjustment after a change of strings or tuning.
Pickups and controls
The Mustang uses two Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil pickups. A three-way switch selects between them, with master volume and tone controls for shaping the output. The specification identifies the pickup arrangement as SS, meaning two single-coil pickups. No additional switching options or built-in effects are listed.
The owner's overall impression of the sound is favorable, but the supplied comments do not describe specific pickup positions, amplifier settings, or musical styles. Buyers should treat that as a positive general report rather than a detailed comparison of clean, driven, or blended tones. The two-pickup layout and simple controls give the guitar a clear, conventional signal path, while the exact character will depend on playing style and amplification.
Bridge, hardware, and included items
The fixed bridge uses six individual saddles and strings through the body. Fender ClassicGear tuning machines handle tuning, and the hardware has a nickel and chrome finish. The listed factory strings are Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel strings in.009-.042 gauge.
No case or gig bag is included. That omission stood out to the owner, who would have liked a gig bag in the package. They also would have preferred.010-gauge factory strings rather than the supplied.009-.042 set. These are modest complaints rather than reported problems with the guitar itself, but they matter when comparing the purchase price with a bundle that includes basic transport protection.
Verdict
The Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB is a clearly specified short-scale electric with two Alnico 5 single coils, a fixed bridge, and a maple neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard. The reported experience points to enjoyable playability, convincing sound, nearly correct initial intonation, and a blue finish that makes a stronger impression in person than in photographs.
At $664, it may suit players looking for a shorter-scale Fender without a tremolo, as well as anyone curious about the Mustang format. The main practical caveats in the supplied feedback are the lack of an included gig bag and the light factory string gauge. Those preferences are easy to assess before buying, while the owner's comments give a reassuring first impression of the instrument's setup and feel.
The product is listed as item 595119 and sold as one piece. For shoppers who want a compact-scale guitar with a simple control layout and no included case to account for, the Player II Mustang RW AQB is a strong candidate based on the specifications and the available owner report.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Short 24-inch scale can feel comfortable for players who prefer a more compact reach.
- Two Alnico 5 single-coil pickups, a three-way switch, and simple volume and tone controls offer a straightforward sound setup.
- Reviewers praised its sound and playability, and one found the factory intonation nearly spot on.
What bugged me
- A gig bag or case is not included.
- The factory.009-.042 strings may not suit players who prefer a heavier set.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players who want a short-scale electric, a fixed bridge, and a simple two-pickup layout. Also worth considering for first-time electric players who value comfortable reach and straightforward controls.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for buyers who require an included gig bag or case. Players who prefer heavier factory strings or a tremolo bridge may want a different setup.Suggested level: Beginner
Specifications
- Color
- Blue
- Body
- Alder
- Neck
- Maple
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 609 mm
- Pickup system
- SS
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Top
- None
- Fretboard
- Rosewood
- Tremolo
- No
What other players say
The customer feedback is positive overall, with praise for the guitar's sound, playability, and nearly accurate out-of-box intonation. One reviewer also liked the color more in person than in pictures. The main reservations were the absence of an included gig bag and a preference for heavier factory strings.
It's my first short scale electric and I love it.
Sound and playability are great, the intonation out of the box was almost spot on
I would have preferred tens as the factory strings
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this guitar suitable as a first electric guitar?
One customer described it as their first short-scale electric and praised its sound and playability. Its compact scale may appeal to beginners, though personal comfort and setup preferences vary.
Does the guitar come with a gig bag or case?
No. The listed specifications say that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
What kind of pickups does it have?
It has two Player Series Alnico 5 Mustang single-coil pickups, with a three-way pickup switch and volume and tone controls.
What is the scale length?
The scale length is 609 mm, or 24 inches, which is considered short scale.
Does it have a tremolo?
No. It uses a fixed six-saddle bridge with strings through the body and bent steel saddles.
The last word from the bench
The Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB is a strong option for players who want a short-scale electric guitar with a simple control layout and two single-coil pickups. Its alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and fixed bridge make for a familiar, no-frills specification. One customer reported good playability and nearly correct intonation straight out of the box. Budget separately for a gig bag, and consider changing the factory strings if you prefer a heavier gauge.
Hanging next to it
Fender Player II Mustang RW AQB
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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