This vintage 1965 Fender Mustang guitar in original Red finish came through the shop a few years ago. I'm always a vintage Fender guitar buyer but I especially love the Mustang guitars from the 1960s and 1970s. You can contact me here to sell a vintage Fender guitar.
If you're looking for help with Fender guitar dating, check out my blog post on How To Date A Vintage Fender Guitar.
"FENDER MUSTANG: The all new Fender Mustang meets the demand for a low priced model... Two new high fidelity pickups are standard on each guitar with a three position switch for each... one of the finest performing guitars in its price range." -- Fender Catalog, 1965
Make and Model: Fender Mustang Red
Year: 1965, serial L86xxx, neck stamp "8MAY65B" (Mustang model, May, 1965, B neck width)
Specifications: 24" scale (same as the Jaguar), B neck width = 1 5/8" but the actual measurement is a hair over at 1 41/64”, neck depth at the first fret = .80" and .94" at the 12th, 5.39k ohms neck pickup, 5.37k ohms bridge pickup, 7 lbs 8oz.
Originality: All parts appear to be original except the tremolo arm (reproduction) and the strings.
Condition: Excellent. This example has been very nicely preserved. There is light finish checking throughout and a few dings in the finish showing the original white undercoat. The high E string tuner button shaft is slightly bent.
Playability: Excellent. I've just completed a full set up and inspection. This one plays nicely with a working truss rod (.003" relief), good frets with very little wear, and full output pickups. My cleaning procedure included lubricating the oft troublesome switches and potentiometers. They work as intending and move smoothly.
Notes: The Fender Mustang is one of my favorite vintage guitars! The body shape and scale length are comfortable as well as professionally playable. The control layout allows a player to run either pickup by itself, both pickups in phase, or both pickups out of phase. Your Strat or Tele can do one or the other but not both. This clean example of the iconic Mustang has cool pre-CBS features including the L plate serial number, Kluson tuners, and a nitrocellulose finish. I'm confident you'll love this clean 1965 Fender Mustang!
