For sale is this exceptional 1964 Fender Mustang guitar in the Dakota Red finish. This instrument has been in my family since 1969 and, as you will see from the photos, is in excellent ++ condition. The guitar is completely original and still plays and looks like a dream, with low action and no string buzzing up and down the neck. All switches, controls and vibrato work properly. There is some fret wear on frets 1, 2 and 3 and two small wear spots on the back of the guitar. The front has one small wear spot at the front strap button, but is otherwise pristine. The neck and headstock finish is pristine. The neck stamp on this guitar reads “8 July 64 A” which dates it prior to the sale of Fender Electric Instruments to the CBS Corporation. The part code “8” indicates a 22 fret neck with a 24” scale. The “A” ending letter translates to a 1 ½ inch nut width. The Mustang was introduced by Fender in August, 1964, making this a very early example of this model. Additional features illustrating the early vintage of this guitar include clay dot fingerboard markers, and “L” series neck plate serial number, pre-CBS headstock shape and an early 1964, gold headstock decal reading: “DES. 186,826 PAT. 2,960,900 2,741, 146 & PAT. PEND.” This guitar has classic "black bottom" pickups with cast slug Alnico magnets used in several models of Fender guitars from the 1950’s into the 60’s. Pickups of this vintage were not hand dated on the bottom. Even though most Fender guitars after 1964 were supplied with “gray bottom” pickups with hand written dates on them, the “black bottom” style components were used from old stock as late as 1967. These pickups were dipped in hot wax before installation at the Fender factory and this wax is evident on this guitar’s pickups. The original hard shell case is in exceptional shape and is the older brown Tolex with no covered interior pocket, introduced by Fender in 1962. Note the great general condition of the case. The real leather case end coverings and the original handle are in near perfect shape. All the latches and hinges are good and work well. All the metal feet and corner guards are in place. Highlights of this guitar: • Poplar slab body with original Dakota Red finish • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard • 22 fret neck with a 24” scale • Clay dots fingerboard markers • Neck plate serial number: L20921 • White pearl neck side markers on the seam between the neck maple and the rosewood fingerboard • Small headstock with transition Fender logo • Original Kluson tuners with white plastic oval knobs • 12 screw pearloid white-black-white pick guard • 3 screw control cover plate • Original adjustable floating bridge • Original bridge cover • Dynamic Fender Vibrato with original tremolo bar • Two original single coil, “black bottom” pickups with unmarked black base plates • Original black potentiometer knobs with white marker line • Original potentiometers • Original ¼” female amp cord plug • Three position slider switches for each pickup • Brass shielding plate in the pickup, slider switch, and controls cavities • Original 1962 style “brown” Tolex hard case with Fender orange interior and no interior pocket This guitar was photo appraised by George Gruhn and Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee in September, 2012. Here are their findings: "I have examined the attached photos of the instrument described below, but have not seen the instrument itself. Below is my estimate, based on these photos, of the instrument’s value; however, it is not possible to judge from photos alone the exact state of originality and need of repair, so my appraisal is only accurate insofar as the photos are representative of the actual condition of the instrument. The guitar described below is, in our opinion, a Fender Mustang model made in the year 1964. Description: Serial number L20921. With the exception of a resoldered ground wire on the control cavity plate and a resoldered ground to the volume pot housing this guitar appears to be in fine original condition. It conforms to the typical specifications of the model for the period in which it was made with maple neck with rosewood fingerboard with clay dot inlays, transition logo peghead decal, pearloid pickguard, typical Mustang bridge and vibrato, red finish (other color options were available), and original hard shell case. " I will attach to this ad the same photos of the guitar as were used in the above appraisal. I grew up with this instrument and it is an old friend. I wish to get it to someone who will own and play it with joy. My eBay feedback rating speaks for itself. This is the real item in fantastic condition and a great opportunity for you to own a genuine Classic Fender from the era of the beginning of Rock and Roll.