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Introduced in 1964, the Mustang was the most advanced addition in Fender’s student range, joining the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic. Adding an offset-waist body, two pickups and Fender’s newly designed Dynamic Vibrato system its compact dimensions and comfortable 24" scale length made it immediately accessible, while its versatile electronics and distinctive appearance ensured an appeal extending far beyond the student market for which it had originally been conceived.
The Competition Mustang arrived in 1969, when Fender added body and forearm contours together with a range of automobile inspired finishes featuring contrasting racing stripes. Competition Red was paired with cream stripes, creating one of the most recognisable and enduring variations of the Mustang design. The Competition finishes were discontinued around 1973, making this 1972 example one of the later guitars produced during the original period.
This example remains in very good overall condition for its age, and has some attractive lacquer checking together with a small number of minor dings and light play wear consistent with careful use over the last 50 odd years. The Competition Red finish remains vibrant and eye catching. There is a small area of wear on the rear upper edge where the translucent red top coat has chipped to reveal the gold base coat - see pictures.
There are a few minor changes. The volume pot has been replaced, but the remainder of the electronics including the pickups, tone pot, capacitor, switches and wiring are original. There is a small repair to the low E tuner button, while the high E tuner has been replaced at some point with a correct vintage replacement. The tremolo arm is a modern repro.
The two pick ups and switching system on Mustangs offers a good range of tonal options. Each pickup can be switched on, off or placed in reverse polarity, allowing the two pickups to be used individually or combined both in and out of phase.
Comes with the original Fender hard shell case, which is in good condition.
