This first-year Fender Mustang delivers some exceptional short-scale tone and feel with some serious road worn vibes.

Student model electrics from the 50s and 60s have become secret weapons for many players who want a compact guitar that delivers something different in the tone and feel department. Case in point with this Fender Mustang.

Introduced in 1964 to replace its predecessor the Duo Sonic, the Mustang aimed at the student guitar market, keeping design and function minimal along with limited options in the finish department. Easy playing and outfitted with simple electronics, they offered a low-resistance gateway to the a player. However, working musicians soon found these to be formidable options on stage and in the studio, delivering something different than the other larger full-scale counterparts.

This Mustang is ripe with vibe, having clearly been in the hands of a working musician for many years. All that being said, it retains much of its originality with little in the way of changed parts. Frets are original as are the electronics and pickguard. The Olympic White finish has darkened to a nicotine yellow from years of gig exposure, and frankly looks amazing! Currently set up with a set of 11-52 nickel wound strings, it's very resonant and lively, and the factory single coil pickups have great output and authority.

All in all, a truly captivating example of a first-year Mustang that begs to be played.