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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.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Fender Musicmaster (1959) | Elderly Instruments

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Fender Musicmaster (1959) | Elderly Instruments

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Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Musicmaster - Desert Sand / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1959 Fender Musicmaster - Desert Sand / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

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Vintage Guitar Oldenburg presents a Fender Musicmaster from 1959

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Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Musicmaster - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1959 Fender Musicmaster - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

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No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Musicmaster by wutzdog001guitars

1959 Fender Musicmaster

wutzdog001guitars

wutzdog001guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender MusicMaster by ZIMM'S GUITARS

1959 Fender MusicMaster

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ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for NGD! 1959 Fender MusicMaster by The Riff w Nik Sevigny

NGD! 1959 Fender MusicMaster

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The Riff w Nik Sevigny

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

  • The Musicmaster originally came with a single neck pickup, contrasting with the later Fender Bronco, which had a bridge pickup and a unique tremolo bridge.

    Source
  • The Musicmaster’s larger headstock was introduced in 1965, concurrent with the body change to the Mustang.

    Source

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

  • Some owners enjoy swapping in Duo Sonic pickguards and experimenting with handwound single coils for varied tones.

    Source
  • It's suggested to mod a 90s Fender Duo Sonic by removing the bridge pickup and creating or sourcing a new pickguard to maintain the Musicmaster's clean aesthetic.

    Source

Build quality

  • A well-done refinish can maintain visual appeal, but up-close scrutiny may reveal imperfections or quirks in the finish.

    Source
  • Desert Tan finish with rosewood fretboard indicates a 1959 model, as this combination was limited to a short production period.

    Source

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Vintage pickguards can shrink and are prone to breaking; handle with care during removal.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Navarro uses 1959 Fender Musicmaster

Dave Navarro

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via FeelNumb.com

This was used by Kurt Cobain and given to Dave by Courtney Love It was actually a black musicmaster not a 1959 musicmaster

See how Dean Ween uses 1959 Fender Musicmaster

Dean Ween

Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Gene Ween uses 1959 Fender Musicmaster

Gene Ween

Singer, Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Mickey Melchiondo uses 1959 Fender Musicmaster

Mickey Melchiondo

Guitarist, Bassist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:02 Deaners seen playing this fender music master a lot of Pure Guava I believe was written on this as well

See how Claude Coleman, Jr. uses 1959 Fender Musicmaster

Claude Coleman, Jr.

Guitarist, Drummer

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

Genre Usage

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