Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $999

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Steeped in history and exuding classic charm, the Fender Musicmaster is a true gem for collectors and musicians alike. This solid body electric guitar, originating from Fender's renowned lineup, offers simplicity and functionality wrapped in a vintage package. Designed during a pivotal era in Fender's history, this guitar embodies the spirit of 70s rock and roll sound.

The Musicmaster is equipped with a single-coil pickup that delivers a crisp and clear tone, ideal for a range of styles from blues to rock. Its short scale length makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more manageable neck, offering both comfort and ease of playability. The rosewood fretboard not only complements its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its smooth feel and articulate sound.

With its minimalistic design, the Fender Musicmaster is perfect for musicians who appreciate straightforward controls and a no-nonsense approach to their sound. The guitar’s lightweight body ensures that it’s easy to handle during long jam sessions or live performances.

Whether you're a vintage guitar enthusiast or a player looking to capture the essence of a bygone era, the Fender Musicmaster is a remarkable instrument that stands the test of time, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and performance.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction
  • Single-coil pickup for clear, crisp tones
  • Short scale length for enhanced playability
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth feel

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Musicmaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Dakota Red, Daphne Blue, Olympic White, Wine
Year 1970 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Musicmaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24"
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White?

The 1978 Fender Musicmaster White features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is typical for Fender guitars from this era, offering easy playability for both beginner and experienced guitarists.

Is the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White suitable for beginners?

Yes, the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White is ideal for beginners due to its shorter 24" scale length, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickup in the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White?

The 1978 Fender Musicmaster White is equipped with a single-coil pickup, delivering bright and clear tones that are well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and pop.

Does the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White have a bolt-on neck?

Yes, the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White features a bolt-on neck construction, which is a common design in Fender guitars, providing stability and ease of maintenance.

What is the body shape of the 1978 Fender Musicmaster White?

The 1978 Fender Musicmaster White has a double cutaway body shape, allowing for easy access to the higher frets and enhancing playability.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Musicmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Musicmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1978 Fender Musicmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1978 Fender Musicmaster - Demo by Erik

1978 Fender Musicmaster - Demo

Erik

Erik

Video thumbnail for Affordable Vintage Guitars | 1978 Fender Musicmaster by Alamo Music Center

Affordable Vintage Guitars | 1978 Fender Musicmaster

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for 1978 Fender Musicmaster - Phil Uhlik Music Demo by Uhlik Music

1978 Fender Musicmaster - Phil Uhlik Music Demo

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for 1978 Fender Musicmaster | wurst.guitars demo by wurst.guitars

1978 Fender Musicmaster | wurst.guitars demo

wurst.guitars

wurst.guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Musicmaster 1978 in Olympic White | wurst.guitars demo by wurst.guitars

Fender Musicmaster 1978 in Olympic White | wurst.guitars demo

wurst.guitars

wurst.guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Musicmaster (1970-1980).

Build quality

  • The neck radius is confirmed to be 7.25", which matches the typical specifications for this era of Fender guitars.

    Source
  • The late 70's paint often exhibits a mix of nitro and poly, leading to flakiness and checking over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickup is noted for its excellent sound quality, a standout feature according to multiple owners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price of $700 has been deemed fair for a 1978 Musicmaster, given its mostly original condition.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The neck pickup is highlighted as the best part of the guitar, suitable for players seeking a distinct vintage tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It’s recommended to check the serial number on both the headstock and neck heel for authenticity verification.

    Source
  • Some owners apply poly clear coats to prevent further chipping of the original finish.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A suggested mod is to consider adding a bridge pickup for enhanced versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the finish can end up looking like water damage or aggressive chemical exposure over time.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Musicmasters and Mustangs are often compared, with some suggesting Mustang bodies as a potential swap for a new look.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Rory Gallagher uses Fender Musicmaster (1970-1980)

Rory Gallagher

Guitarist, Singer

Taste

...
Verified via Rorygallagher

Rory had many guitars in his collection. One of these is the 1978 Fender Music Master. You can see him playing this guitar on an amazing cover of Nadine below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3aY3xboyEk

See how Bob Mothersbaugh uses Fender Musicmaster (1970-1980)

Bob Mothersbaugh

Guitarist

Devo

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for the song "The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprize" Bob Mothersbaugh can be seen using an Olympic White Fender Musicmaster. It can also be seen in the film "Human Highway" directed by Neil Young, during the performance of "It Takes A Worried Man".

See how Ace Kefford uses Fender Musicmaster (1970-1980)

Ace Kefford

Singer, Bassist

The Move

...
Unverified

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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