Fender Mustang Bass MB98 CIJ

Year: 1999 – 2002
Finish/Color: Fiesta Red with Competition Stripes
Made in: Japan (CIJ / Crafted in Japan)
Factory/Plant: Fujigen Gakki

Short scale, huge punch This MB98 model hails from the legendary Fujigen factory during the golden Crafted in Japan era. While the Mustang was originally designed as a student model in 1966, this Japanese reissue is built to professional standards. Its 30-inch short scale length makes for incredible playability and lower string tension, resulting in a fat fundamental tone that is surprisingly deep. The split-coil pickup on these CIJ models is known for having a punchier, clearer output than many vintage originals, and the string-through-body bridge ensures that even with the shorter scale, you don’t lose an ounce of sustain or resonance.

This is bass is most likely an “Order Made”, meaning they were produced in small batches for specific Japanese retailers like Ishibashi or Ikebe and did not appear in the general Fender Japan catalog.

Because of its unique harmonic thud, it became the secret studio weapon for everyone from Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads) to Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Nine Inch Nails). This specific CIJ model is highly sought after because it features a more comfortable 7.25” neck radius and vintage-accurate hardware that many modern versions have since moved away from.