
( Brand: Fender ), ( Model: MUSTANG ), ( Exact Year: 1966 ), ( Series: Original ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Fender Mustang introduced in 1965 represented a significant departure from the classic solid body designs that Fender was known for at the time. This semihollow body electric guitar was a part of Fender's lineup designed to cater to the changing musical landscape and the growing popularity of the Beatles and other bands who favored the fuller, warmer tones that semihollow bodies could provide.
At its core, the Mustang boasted a unique body shape, with a double cutaway contour and a sleek, streamlined appearance. Measuring 18 1/2 inches in scale length, this Fender model featured a 22-fret maple neck with a 1 5/8-inch nut width and a 7 1/4-inch fretboard radius. Both the body and the neck were finished with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer.
Powering the Mustang were two highly influential Gold Foil pickups, each with its unique tonal character. The stark black covers surrounding these pickups gave the guitar an eye-catching aesthetic, belying the extensive tonal range they possessed. These single-coil pickups provided a balanced sound, with crisp highs, a warm and smooth midrange, and a powerful, resonant low end.
Another notable feature of the Mustang was its adjustable truss rod, which allowed players to better maintain and adjust the neck's bow for optimal playing conditions. Furthermore, the Mustang boasted six adjustable saddles on its bridge a feature rather uncommon during the era. This contributed to more precise intonation and improved tuning stability.
The Mustang design also incorporated F-hole f-shaped sound preites, which grant the guitar a more resonant tone by allowing the body to reverberate more freely when played acoustically. These vents, however, did not impact the electric tone significantly.
Additional features included a three-way pickup selector switch, master volume and tone controls, and a five-way rotary pickup position switch. These components allowed players to easily navigate their tonal palette, providing a wide range of sounds from bright and spanky to smooth and thick.
With its original introduction in 1965 and various updates over the years, the Fender Mustang remains an enduring favorite among musicians, collectors, and guitar enthusiasts. Its captivating design, versatile tonal capabilities, and role as a trailblazer in Fender's history continue to influence and inspire new generations of guitar players.
The Fender Mustang, produced in 1964-1968, is a vintage solid-body electric guitar known for its unique design and sleek lines. This analysis will explore the pros and cons of acquiring a 1965 Fender Mustang.
Pros:1. Unique Design: The Mustang's body shape is unique among Fender guitars, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a standout instrument in their collection.
2. Versatile Tone: The mustang's single-coil pickups offer a variety of tones, making it suitable for different genres like rock, pop, and even country.
3. Compact Size: With a small body, the Mustang is ideal for players with smaller builds or those seeking a travel-friendly guitar.
4. Affordability: Compared to other vintage Fender models, Mustangs tend to be more budget-friendly, allowing beginners and collectors on a tighter budget to experience the Fender tone.
5. Cultural Significance: The Mustang's distinctive look has made it a favorite of iconic musicians like Paul McCartney, providing a link to musical history.
Cons:1. Construction Quality: Older Mustangs, especially those from the '60s, may require some maintenance and modifications to perform optimally, as the quality varies significantly depending on the factory production and the condition of the particular instrument.
2. Single-Coil Pickups: Some players find the single-coil pickups on Mustangs prone to hum, requiring the use of humbuckers or shielding to eliminate unwanted noise.
3. Neck Access: Due to its compact body size, some players may find it challenging to access the higher frets comfortably, making it less ideal for shredding or intricate solos.
4. rosewood fretboards have a higher risk of warping, which could cause frets to pop out or intonation issues, requiring frequent adjustments.
Conclusion:The Fender Mustang (1965) offers a unique design, versatile tone, and comparatively affordable price point. However, potential drawbacks include construction quality concerns, hum issues from single-coil pickups, access to higher frets, and potential fretboard warping. Despite these cons, the Mustang's cultural significance, compact size, and affordable cost make it an attractive addition to any player's collection. If you prioritize these features and are prepared to address any potential issues, the Mustang might be an excellent choice for your musical journey.
Recommendation:If you're considering purchasing a 1965 Fender Mustang, we recommend investing in a well-maintained piece, focusing on expert evaluations and proper setup to ensure an enjoyable playing experience. A professional setup, including adjusting the bridge and neck, can help mitigate fretboard warping and intonation issues. Additionally, consider upgrading the pickups to humbuckers, providing a hum-free and varied tone. By addressing these factors, you'll be ready to embrace the smooth lines, unique body shape, and delightful sound of this classic Fender offering.
Real nice guitar. Slab board neck. Frets are in amazing shape for the guitars age. Want to keep for my collection but unfortunate have let go financial reasons.
All pots and switches working properly. 24 inch scale. Guitar sounds great and feels amazing to play. Comes with new Fender gig bag,extra bag for shipping and gigging purposes,and an extra vintage pickup plate.
Dakota red Fender Mustang. Beautiful playing neck. All original parts.