Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,332

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Musicmaster II is a classic gem from the transitional era of electric guitar history, marking the shift during the CBS acquisition. While it retains the charm of the original Musicmaster with its student-friendly design, this iteration steps up with a full 25.5" scale length, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned players. What sets the Musicmaster II apart is its simplicity fused with potential for customization. Originally equipped with a single coil pickup at the neck, this model invites creativity, as many players have taken to adding a bridge pickup for a broader tonal palette.

This guitar's vintage allure isn't just about nostalgia; it embodies the spirit of an era when experimentation was key. With its minimalist design and straightforward functionality, it's a reliable companion for those who appreciate the subtleties of vintage tone and style. The Musicmaster II’s understated elegance is perfect for musicians who value the balance between history and personal customization.

Key Features:

  • Full 25.5" scale length for versatile playability
  • Single neck-positioned single coil pickup
  • Popular model for modifications, often seen with additional bridge pickups
  • Vintage design with a minimalist approach
  • Produced during the CBS transition era (1964 - 1969)

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Musicmaster II with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Dakota Red, Daphne Blue, Olympic White
Year 1964 - 1969
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 Blue, Red, White
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
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Musicmaster II?

The Fender Musicmaster II features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is ideal for players who prefer a smooth and easy grip, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the single pickup on the Fender Musicmaster II?

The single pickup on the Fender Musicmaster II delivers a bright and clear tone with a vintage character, making it well-suited for genres like surf rock, garage rock, and blues.

Is the Fender Musicmaster II suitable for small hands?

Yes, the Fender Musicmaster II is suitable for players with small hands due to its shorter 24-inch scale length, which offers easier reach and playability.

What are the finish options available for the Fender Musicmaster II?

The Fender Musicmaster II is available in Dakota Red, Daphne Blue, and Olympic White, each featuring a glossy finish that highlights its vintage aesthetic.

Does the Fender Musicmaster II have a bolt-on neck construction?

Yes, the Fender Musicmaster II features a bolt-on neck construction, which is typical for Fender guitars and allows for easy neck adjustments and replacements.

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Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1964 Fender Musicmaster and 1968 Champ Amp

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1964 Fender Musicmaster and 1968 Champ Amp by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1964 Fender Musicmaster and 1968 Champ Amp

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Beauty of Student Guitar - 1966 Fender Musicmaster II by TomoFujitaMusic

Beauty of Student Guitar - 1966 Fender Musicmaster II

TomoFujitaMusic

TomoFujitaMusic

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Musicmaster II Demo by littleredguitars2

1966 Fender Musicmaster II Demo

littleredguitars2

littleredguitars2

Video thumbnail for I bought a 1965 Fender Musicmaster ii and it's maybe not working? by Get Offset

I bought a 1965 Fender Musicmaster ii and it's maybe not working?

Get Offset

Get Offset

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Musicmaster II  Olympic White | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1965 Fender Musicmaster II Olympic White | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for A 1965 Fender Musicmaster II by williesguitars

A 1965 Fender Musicmaster II

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Musicmaster II.

Setup and maintenance

  • The narrow fretboard radius often requires a truss rod adjustment and fret dressing to prevent fretting out on the high E string above the 12th fret.

    Source
  • Some owners note bad intonation, potentially due to poor setup or wear, suggesting a professional setup is necessary for optimal playability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The vintage finish on these models is prone to finish checking, a common characteristic of older Fender guitars that adds to its relic charm.

    Source
  • A stripped and refinished body can significantly reduce resale value, affecting its appeal as a vintage collector's item.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find that, despite its age, with proper setup, the guitar continues to perform well, highlighting the durability and longevity of the Musicmaster II.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Post-CBS takeover models (1966 onward) can be identified by a six-digit "F" neck plate, indicating their era and potentially influencing collector interest.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite being a vintage piece, some compare its original market intent to a budget-friendly Squier, indicating its initial role as an entry-level instrument.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A refinish can reduce the guitar's value, making a price of $650 (plus trade) a tempting proposition for those looking for a vintage project guitar.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how David Byrne uses Fender Musicmaster II

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via YouTube

David Byrne is confirmed to have used a Fender Musicmaster II during Talking Heads' performance at The Kitchen in New York on March 13, 1976. This is supported by video footage available on YouTube, provided by MisterBiscuits. The guitar was later stolen during the band's first tour, as recounted by Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth in "Chronology" (2011), who stated, "I don't think David has that little Musicmaster made by Fender anymore. I think that was stolen on our very first tour before we left for Europe. It was just an awful, awful, crippling situation three days before we went on our first tour because we were living on five dollars a day."

See how Alan Duggan uses Fender Musicmaster II

Alan Duggan

Guitarist, Music Producer

Girl Band

...
Verified via Photo

Can clearly be seen to the left in the attached Instagram photo.

See how Cuco uses Fender Musicmaster II

Cuco

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

en esta imagen podemos observar al canta autor sentado tocando la guitarra fender music master roja

See how quickly, quickly uses Fender Musicmaster II

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by qqitemstorage, quickly, quickly showcases their 1964 Fender Musicmaster II in Dakota Red alongside a Mustang bass, a 1966 Mustang, and a Jaguar Baritone Special HH.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Musicmaster II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Mustang (1964-1969)
Fender Mustang (1964-1969) Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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