’65 Fender Musicmaster II in its original white finish looking top-notch with that striking, original red tort guard! The Musicmaster II has the all important Mustang/Jaguar scale length of 24” so it feels quite different to its 22.5” predecessor. While this scale length was optional on earlier models, it was standard on the Musicmaster II - a model only made between 1965-’69.

This a first year example with a ’65 serial number, a neck date of Dec ’65 and volume pot code of the 18th week of ’65. It also features a slab Rosewood fingerboard long after they were seen on models higher up in the range. It’s a great feature that is sometimes seen on student models, and it certainly adds to the desirability.

The neck feels great in the hand. The profile is a robust, full C that sits very comfortable and offers a reassuring, stable feel that these student models can occasionally lack. Pearl dot markers punctuate the dark Rosewood slab board, the headstock bears the transition Fender decal, model name and 3 Pat numbers. Tuners are the original double-line Kluson’s with plastic buttons.

The body shows some characterful wear, discolouration and dings fitting for an instrument that has seen use over the years but has overall been looked after. This model was available in three standard finishes - Red, White, Blue. Models finished in White were the only ones to feature a tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard (versus the white guards on the other two models) which we think looks superb. 

Sounds wise it has an excellent rhythm tone - bright and jangly but well rounded and not at all harsh. Without a bridge pickup to get in the way it leaves plenty of room to adjust the right hand position to create a variey of different tones with plenty of dynamic range, with the volume and tone controls giving you scope for further adjustments. The threaded saddles intonate well with further adjustment available as required. Originality wise we have a changed tone pot, otherwise the guitar is all original.

These represent excellent value in today’s vintage guitar market so we don’t imagine this one will hang around! Comes in a non-original hard case.