“He handed me a 1970s maple-neck, Walnut-finish Mustang Bass loaded with flats. I was instantly hooked”: What this perfect pair of vintage Fenders tells us about collecting gear

1965 Fender Duo-Sonic II and 1967 Fender Mustang Bass.

This pair was separated at birth. I first discovered the joys of the Fender Mustang Bass – strung with flatwounds, of course – several years ago while recording a Blue Violet album.

I’d been using a Japanese Precision Bass, but Middle Farm Studios’ Pete Miles handed me a 1970s maple-neck, Walnut-finish Mustang Bass loaded with flats. I was instantly hooked.