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Average Price: $1,988
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969) stands as a testament to innovation in the realm of student-level guitars, bridging the gap between beginner and professional musicians. Introduced amidst the hustle of the pre-CBS era, this guitar quickly captured the attention of those looking for something more than the traditional. Known for its offset solid body design, the Mustang was a visual and auditory departure from its predecessors, boasting a 24-inch scale length that made it accessible for players of all ages and sizes.
A favorite among alternative and indie rock artists, the Mustang's allure is not just skin deep. Crafted with an Alder body and a Maple neck adorned with a veneer Rosewood fingerboard, it offers a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The distinct tone is delivered by two single-coil pickups, which, though lacking visible pole-pieces, pack a punch in sound versatility. The inclusion of a tremolo tailpiece and two on/off pickup switches allows for dynamic sound experimentation, appealing to both novice and seasoned players alike.
For those who appreciate historical significance and a unique sonic footprint, the Mustang remains a go-to choice. Its enduring influence is evident, having been wielded by iconic musicians such as Kurt Cobain and John Frusciante. Whether you're a collector or a player in search of a timeless sound, the Fender Mustang is a guitar that promises both heritage and innovation.
Key Features:
- Offset solid body design
- 24-inch scale length
- Alder body with a Maple neck and veneer Rosewood fingerboard
- Two single-coil pickups
- Tremolo tailpiece and two on/off pickup switches
- Bolt-on neck with dot inlays
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Mustang Guitar 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 | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Blue, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Mustang |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24" |
| Series | Fender Vintage CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969)?
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The Fender Mustang from 1964 to 1969 is known for its bright, punchy tone with a distinctive midrange. Its single-coil pickups offer a clear, jangly sound ideal for surf rock, punk, and alternative genres.
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Is the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969) suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Mustang from this era is considered a great choice for beginners due to its short 24" scale length, which makes it easier to play, and its lightweight, ergonomic design.
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969)?
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The Fender Mustang from 1964 to 1969 typically features a "C"-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for most players, particularly those with smaller hands.
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How does the tremolo system on the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969) function?
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The Fender Mustang's tremolo system is known for its unique dynamic vibrato effect, which allows for subtle pitch modulation. It has a floating bridge design that can be adjusted for different tension levels.
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What finishes were available for the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969)?
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The Fender Mustang from 1964 to 1969 was available in finishes such as Dakota Red, Daphne Blue, and Olympic White, each with a gloss finish that enhances its vintage appeal.
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How does the Fender Mustang (1964 - 1969) compare to other Fender models from the same era?
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The Fender Mustang is distinguished by its short scale and offset body, making it more compact and comfortable compared to models like the Stratocaster or Telecaster, which have longer scales and different body shapes.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1965 Fender Mustang Daphne Blue | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Mustang (1964-1969).
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The pickguard and pickups have been replaced, resembling a Duo-Sonic/Mustang setup, deviating from the original Musicmaster design.
Source
Value and pricing
User experience
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Some owners express concerns about the authenticity and extent of modifications, suggesting that a high degree of modification affects the guitar's perceived value.
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Owners report that Duo-Sonics often require refretting, which can add significant cost due to thin fretboards that may not withstand leveling.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The short 24-inch scale is ideal for players with smaller hands or those seeking a more compact instrument.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 28 Ratings
1171
My First Real Guitar
Perfect to play my kind of stuff.... Light, thin neck really easy to play
71
Great
Awesome tone and great sound, Also pretty easy to play due to the small body and thin fretboard.
194
Very nice
It plays like a dream. I got it cheap. My name is George. srthretersgsdfgsfthsgdfzva rdgf
Artist usage
Add artist
In this pinterest pin we see one of the two photos in color available from the in bloom music video, here we see a vintage blue mustang previously unknown to Kurt. It's impossible for this to be one of his skystangs as the music video was in 1992 while Kurt would not receive SkyStang 1 until 1993, this same guitar in the same condition is also seen in the sliver music video resting on the mannequin's lap. You can tell because of the way the brand logo is in both photos that it has to be a left handed 1965 fender mustang in daphne blue.
Extra proof: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5r-B7lSKX/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1dth2vn3alwzi
https://youtu.be/QECJ9pCyhns?si=GDzGBeZtb5VpVe7t (0:33 in the video).
Mac DeMarco uses a Fender Mustang (1964-1969), identifiable as a 60s model due to its slab board body. It is pre-1967, as indicated by the "offset contour body" decal on the headstock, as seen in the provided image.
This is an iconic shot of Thurston Moore playing is his triple-pickup equipped Fender Mustang, which he used extensively from 1987 up until it was stolen in the summer of 1999. As like most Sonic Youth guitars, this one has been modified extensively and boasts a triple pickup configuration (much like a Stratocaster). Confoundingly, in many photographs, it features the earlier pre-CBS 'spaghetti' Fender logo, which was never present on Mustang models at the time. This is likely a replacement, however, as the 'contour offset body' decal is present and the neck size/headstock shape are correct for an earlier 1960's Fender Mustang.
In this videos he uses a 1965 Fender Mustang in White, fitted with Mojo pickups. He also has a black Mustang which he frequently uses.
Ty Segall famously used a faded 1966 Fender Mustang in Daphne Blue in the earlier part of his career during live shows. He hasn't been photographed with it live recently, however, it has been seen still in use at his studio. It is safe to assume that he has retired it from live use as the value of these has gone up substantially since he had acquired it.
Mike Campbell's use of the Fender Mustang is confirmed by a listing on Reverb.com, which documents this specific guitar as having belonged to him. The instrument exhibits numerous scratches, dents, and scuffs, with a missing volume knob and tuning machine washers absent from the topside of the headstock. Additionally, one knob has been replaced from white plastic to metal. The guitar also has fret buzz and requires a setup, with electronics that are scratchy and in need of cleaning.
Nick Allbrook uses a Fender Mustang (1964-1969), which is likely a pre-1967 model due to the 'offset contour body' decal located on the top of the headstock.
In a September 2019 Instagram post, beabadoobee is seen with a 1965 Fender Mustang White Electric Guitar, highlighting its use during her tour with Clairo and Helloyello.
Second vintage Mustang that beabadoobee uses is likely a 1978 sunburst. The guitar can be seen in the performance of "10:36" in this YouTube video.
In the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video, Carlos O'Connell of Fontaines D.C. is shown using a 1966 Fender Mustang in Dakota Red. He mentions initially using a similar model in the studio before purchasing this specific guitar for live performances.
throughout this video, you can see him using his mustang(side note: dillon also plays this mustang on stuck in a car with angels)
Album Usage
The Fender Mustang (1964-1969) 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.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Mustang (1964-1969), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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