Up for sale, a 1966 Fender Mustang boasting an Olympic White gloss nitro lacquer finish and slab Brazilian rosewood fretboard, complete with the original hardshell case. While a slab Brazilian rosewood board was something typically reserved for Pre-CBS Fender instruments (in contrast with the thinner veneer boards which were the norm at the time), it was also implemented on Fender's 24" scale models in the mid-1960s for a couple short production runs, like the example seen here.
This Mustang has a smooth, defined natural sound that translates well through the gray bobbin pickups. There's a bold chewy twang in the bridge position, and smooth bell-like cut and percussive snap at the neck. The Mustang also has the added benefit of a pair of three-way on/off/on pickup switches for an out-of-phase hollow quack when the switches are engaged in their innermost or outermost positions. The instrument is featherweight at 6lbs 14oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with fresh 11-49 strings, low action and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Maple
-Shape: Chunky C, full shoulders, measuring .895” 1st fret, .935” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood slab, 7 1/4” radius
-Frets: Slender, leveled and crowned, virtually no wear
-Scale Length: 24”
-Nut: 1 5/8”
-Tuners: F-stamped, white buttons
-Serialization: Six-digit stamp on F neck plate
-Factory Markings: January, 1966 date stamp on neck heel, “paint stick” markings in neck pocket
Body Specs:
-Pickups: Gray bobbin x2, 1966 pencil dates
-Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to the 12th week of ‘66
-Hardware: Pat. Pend. vibrato, bridge with barrel saddles
-Plastics: Wide bevel nitrate red tortoise pickguard, pointer knobs, pickup covers
The Olympic White nitro lacquer finish exhibits light yellowing of the clear coat and prominent lacquer checking. There are various finish chips primarily along the lower bout body edge, and some additional small dings and scuffs on the body as a whole. The neck profile retains its smooth nitro gloss, with natural palm wear down to the bare maple along the profile edges.
The original hardshell case with a gray speckled exterior and clean black leather ends is included. The case features the two functional outer latches, as well as the stock handle.