Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,170
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Step back into the golden age of rock 'n' roll with the 1959 Fender Musicmaster, a piece of history that captures the essence of Fender's early innovation. Designed as one of the first student models, the Musicmaster's charm lies in its simplicity and functionality. With its compact 22.5" scale length, this solid body electric guitar is perfect for those seeking a comfortable playing experience without compromising on sound quality.
This vintage gem features a single pickup, offering a pure, unadulterated tone that harks back to the classic sounds of the late '50s. The 1959 Fender Musicmaster was a pioneer in incorporating a 2-piece maple neck paired with a rosewood fretboard, a design choice that enhances both playability and aesthetic appeal. The plastic pickguard adds a touch of vintage flair, while the minimalist two-knob control system ensures straightforward sound modulation, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking for a straightforward yet expressive instrument.
Whether you're diving into the world of electric guitars or adding a classic to your collection, the 1959 Fender Musicmaster is a testament to Fender's legacy of crafting instruments that resonate through the ages.
Key Features:
- 22.5" scale length for comfortable playability
- One single pickup for classic tone
- 2-piece maple neck with rosewood fretboard
- Plastic pickguard for vintage aesthetics
- Simple two-knob control system
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Musicmaster with Rosewood Fretboard |
| Finish | Dakota Red, Desert Sand, Olympic White, Sunburst, Transparent Red |
| Year | 1959 - 1964 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Brown, Red, Tan, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Musicmaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | S, Split-Coil |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 22.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
-
What is the scale length of the 1959 Fender Musicmaster, and how does it affect playability?
-
The 1959 Fender Musicmaster has a 22.5" scale length, which is shorter than standard guitars. This makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands or for players who prefer a lighter string tension.
-
What kind of pickups does the 1959 Fender Musicmaster have, and what tones can I expect?
-
The 1959 Fender Musicmaster features a single-coil pickup, offering a bright and clear tone typical of vintage Fender guitars. It's well-suited for clean and slightly overdriven tones, ideal for rock and blues styles.
-
Is the 1959 Fender Musicmaster suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the 1959 Fender Musicmaster is suitable for beginners due to its shorter scale length and comfortable neck profile, making it easier to play and handle.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the 1959 Fender Musicmaster?
-
The 1959 Fender Musicmaster features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, which contribute to its balanced tone and comfortable playability.
-
Does the 1959 Fender Musicmaster have a bolt-on neck construction?
-
Yes, the 1959 Fender Musicmaster features a bolt-on neck construction, which is common in Fender guitars and allows for easier neck adjustments and replacements.
Videos
Elderly Instruments
Fender Musicmaster (1959) | Elderly Instruments
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1959 Fender Musicmaster.
Features and functionality
User experience
-
Owners appreciate the aesthetic and functional touch of the "ashtray" bridge cover, despite its non-functional nature.
Source -
The guitar's provenance from family ownership adds sentimental value, often leading to it being cherished as an heirloom.
Source -
A user found the 22"-ish scale of the Musicmaster challenging, preferring the 24" scale of their Jaguar due to hand size, highlighting the importance of scale length preference.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
Comparisons
-
The Musicmaster was originally intended for beginners, similar to Gibson's approach with the Les Paul Junior by offering a more affordable, simplified option.
Source -
The Squier Duo Sonic is recommended as an alternative, but with a 24" scale length, whereas a 90s Fender Duo Sonic reissue retains the original 22.5" scale.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This was used by Kurt Cobain and given to Dave by Courtney Love It was actually a black musicmaster not a 1959 musicmaster
Mickey "Dean Ween" Melchiondo has been noted for using a 1959 Fender Musicmaster, as seen in a YouTube video by americanshaft where he plays "Superstar" on this guitar.
In the YouTube video titled "Ween - Tender Situation," performed in 1991 at The Wetlands in New York, you can see Gene Ween playing a 1959 Fender Musicmaster, which is confirmed to be Dean Ween's guitar, as documented by the video author, figtus.
At 1:02 Deaners seen playing this fender music master a lot of Pure Guava I believe was written on this as well
In the video titled "WEEN - Tyranny of the Wedge FULL" by Rafer Roberts on YouTube, at the 0:09 mark, Claude Coleman, Jr. is seen playing a 1959 Fender Musicmaster. This footage is from Ween's 1994 Chocolate and Cheese tour, as described in the video's description, which attributes the original filming to Mike Miller.
Album Usage
The 1959 Fender Musicmaster has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
fertzeneheimerGear IQ 512
-