The Fender Mustang first went on sale in 1964, and has been a feature of the Fender line for most of the last half century. Maybe not as well known as the Stratocaster or Telecaster, but still the instrument that millions of 60s and 70s student guitarists learned to play on.
Part of a series of student solid bodies, Fender initially described it as meeting 'the demand for a low-priced guitar with tremolo', and like the single pickup Muscimaster and non-tremolo DuoSonic, it was available with a regular (24") or 3/4 (22") scale neck - 'for adults or young musicians with small hands'. 24" is still on the shorter side of 'regular', but this makes for a very easy playing guitar that has won it many fans amongst more accomplished guitarists too.
1965 Fender Mustang Image Heritage auctions
The following description is taken from the 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalogue Fender's popular Mustang meets today's growing demand for a fine low-priced guitar with tremolo. The Mustang may be classed as either a ¾ or regular size guitar since it is available with either 22 ½ or 24 inch neck. Two adjustable high-fidelity pickups are standard on each guitar with three-position switch forward on each. The middle position turns the pickups off and tone changes are made on either side of the off position. Eight different tone selections are available, plus the normal tone and volume controls. Both the 22 ½ and 24 inch necks are reinforced with an adjustable truss-rod which maintains perfect neck alignment. The bridge channel features Fender's new individual barrel-type bridges for each string. Each bridge varies in size to conform to the fingerboard curve and is adjustable for length. String height may be adjusted by lowering or raising the bridge channel at either end. The new patented Fender easy-action Dynamic Tremolo working in conjunction with the Floating Bridge has extremely smooth action, returning to tuned pitch without variance. All chrome parts are case hardened and heavily plated to retain their beauty after long use. Available in re, white or blue finishes. Left-hand models available by special order. |
1965 Fender Competition Mustang Image Heritage auctions
Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1968 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Fender advertisements
Fender Mustang - Pick A Winner (1968)
...From Fender's famous Telecaster Trio. (left) Fender 6 String Solid Body TELECASTERS are now available with the popular Bigsby Tremolo Unit. Adjustable pickup and adjustable dual bridge highlight...
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Fender Mustang - The Worlds Favourite Space Machine (1973)
Space, like music, is an endless frontier. To conquer either requires creative talent, dedication and the finest equipment. Our Research and Development team is dedicated to creating the finest gui...
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Fender Mustang - You get there faster on a Fender (Fender Mustang) (1974)
Colourful 70s illustrated advert for the Fender Mustang guitar and Pro Reverb amplifier
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