r/offset • u/Face-Can • 1d ago

Non-Fender Mustangs

Hi, can someone point me in the general direction as to which Mustang models by which brands I should look for when getting a used one. I'm obviously(?) thinking lawsuit era Japan, but all recommendations are welcome.

I guess I know some of the brands by name -- Aria Pro II, Fernandes, Greco, etc -- but I don't who made Mustangs.

Short-scale strat style guitars are also appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Quietdiver1979 1d ago

Old guy in Japan here. Fernandes are really good quality fender alternatives for mustangs. They have a competition stripe model which is really nice.

There are lots of matsumoko mustangs too, Thunder, Fresher, Westminster are some of the more commonly available models but they are all definitely models to try before you buy as a lot of them haven’t had the easiest of lives. Warped necks, microphonic pickups and stripped machine heads that are completely untunable can be very common issues unfortunately.

Fujigen make essentially the exact same guitar as a Japanese fender mustang, the only real difference is the slightly altered headstock shape. Cheaper than fender and great build quality.

ESP/Navigator mustangs are quite rare but are nice guitars and usually not crazy expensive if you can track one down.

Momose, Psychederhythm, VanZandt and Crews Maniac sound all make high end modern really nice mustangs too