How to Set Up a Fender Mustang Guitar

A guitar will play better when it is set up correctly.

Fender introduced the Mustang in 1964. Its smaller neck scale and body size make it popular with musicians looking for a less bulky instrument. Buyers often use online retailers to purchase both new and used guitars; however, the buyer doesn't have the chance to play the guitar prior to purchase. Both new and used guitars should be set up properly to make them more comfortable to play. Use professional techniques to set up a Mustang yourself, saving the cost of a hiring a guitar technician to do the work.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips and standard screwdrivers
• Guitar strings
• Liquid dish washing detergent
• Cotton rags
• Toothbrush
• Compressed air
• Hex nut drivers
• Sandpaper
• Graphite

Instructions

1. 

   Remove the strings prior to working on the guitar.

   Remove the guitar strings. To do so, turn the tuners counterclockwise until the strings are slack. Cut the strings just below each tuner. Unwind the strings at the tuners and pull them through the slots in the tail piece.

2. 

   Old t-shirts make great cleaning rags.

   Clean the guitar. Mix 6 teaspoons of liquid dish washing detergent with 16 ounces of hot water. Dip a cotton rag into the soapy water and clean the guitar. Clean the accumulated grease and dirt off of the fretboard, neck, body and all hardware. Use a toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach spots such as the bridge and tuners.

3. Inspect and clean the electronics. Remove the pickguard, using a Phillips screwdriver, and the metal plate that houses the volume and tone controls. The Mustang's electronics are mounted on the bottom side of the pickguard and metal plate. Check the wiring for corrosion, loose connections and any other damage. Use compressed air to blow out dirt and debris that has built up on the potentiometers and pickups. Reattach the pickguard and metal plate.

4. Restring the guitar with new strings. Carefully wind the strings around the tuners so that they form a neatly stacked coil. This helps to prevent the guitar from going out of tune. Tune the guitar.

5. 

   Correct string height makes a guitar easier to play.

   Check string height. If the strings are too high, the guitar is difficult to play. If they are too low and touch the frets, a buzzing sound occurs when the strings are strummed. Use a hex driver to raise or lower the bridge's set screws, which are located on either side of the bridge. Adjust both screws equally. Adjust the bridge until the strings are at a minimum height above the fretboard, not touching any frets.

6. 

   Pickups can be raised or lowered to alter the sound.

   Adjust the pickups. The Mustang has two pickups that can be raised or lowered by adjusting their set screws. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to adjust the pickup height. Raise the pickups so they are at least 1/4-inch higher than the pickguard's surface.

Tips & Warnings

• If the replacement strings do not fit into the grooves that run through the nut, use a folded piece of 320-grit sandpaper to deepen the grooves. Have a professional guitar technician make any truss rod adjustments.

References

• Jag-Stang: Fender Mustang History
• Project Guitar: How to Set Up a Solid Body Guitar
• Electric Guitar Info: Electric Guitar Setup
• Adirondack Guitar: Electric Guitar Set Up

Resources

• Mr. Maxima: The Fender Mustang Story