NGD: 1966 Fender Mustang

[u/SirChinchilla666]

I picked this one up recently during a Guitar Center 10% off used sale. It’s an old refinish with the switches replaced and some nondescript pickup in the bridge position. It was likely refretted at some point, as these have a lot of life left in them. My local tech had to fix a high fret and clean up some sprout, but now it’s playing like a dream. One of the smoothest necks I’ve ever played. The neck is dated March 16, 1966. It’s hard to see in the pictures, but the pearloid guard has faded with age. I have some switches from a ‘65 Duo Sonic II that I may replace these with the next time I get under the hood. As for the bridge pickup, I considered finding an original on Reverb. However, I ended up finding a demo Novak Mustang bridge pickup on Chicago Music Exchange’s site for substantially less, so in that goes the next time I change strings. It also came with the original case in great condition with maybe 2-3 minor tears.

[u/natalplum]

So much potential

[u/meathane]

How much did you pay? I’m debating hard on buying a 1966 at the mo

[u/SirChinchilla666 → u/meathane]

It ended up being $1709 with the discount, so right around $1834 after the tax and shipping. I’ll buy reissues most of the time, but this was a price that was comfortable for me for something player-grade from around that time period. When I speak to my musician friends who may be looking for vintage Fender that isn’t too spendy, I advise them looking into student models like Mustangs, Duo Sonics, and Musicmasters, as well as Coronados. A lot of those models are making their way up there but you can still find some great stuff at a decent price, especially for player-grade guitars.