Fender Japan '69 Mustang, faded sonic blue, made in Japan 1987. Well, isn't this a beauty? The Mustang was popular in the 60s and made a resurgence with the grunge movement in the 90s, but these 80s era Fujigen-made examples date to a very quiet period in the history of offsets and as such are very scarce. The Mustang made and appearance in the Fender Japan line-up for the first time in 1987, and this E-serial example dates to that very year. It left the factory a bright, sunny sonic blue, but three decades of being the coolest guitar in the room has seen it yellow to a seasick seafoam green hue. As the aging is all natural, it's not quite even and displays a lot of depth an inconsistencies; it has a superb legit-relic look that can't really be achieved without the miles on the clock. The 80s-era Fujigen build quality and mojo is absolutely on display here once again; these early MIJ guitars absolutely deserve their place as some of the best production Fenders ever made. It's light and lively in the hands; an absolute no-brainer to play. Tone-wise, the classic Mustang thump and spank is all there, but this one adds a certain openness and complexity through the treble and midrange that newer models don't have. We're huge suckers for a Mustang around here, and this one is definitely one of the absolute best we've had; I'm secretly hoping it doesn't sell and can come and live with me forever and ever, amen.

Model: Fender Mustang, '69 Reissue (MG69-65)
Made: Japan 1987, Fujigen plant (serial E785775)
Finish: sonic blue, 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.070kg
Mods: nut replaced, pickguard replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan MGC single coils
Case: very basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear.  Headstock has some minor marks on the end, a small dent near the string tree on the front and some light scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor marks around the 9th and 3-5th fret. The back has a couple of noteworthy dings and scratches running along the centre, as well as some scuffs, mottling and uneven fading around the outside edge. The sides have a few marks; some dents and marks up from the switches and on the shoulder area, a chip and a few scuffs around from the jack (see pics) and some dimples on the bottom horn. The front is pretty good, just some scuffs near the jack, some dimples and light scratches behind the bridge and on the shoulder, some dimples and a rub-wear hole on the top horn alongside som play scratches in the guard and horn. Overall:  good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, intonation is good, neck is straight, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, inc minor pitting, but they're in reasonable shape and fairly even and shouldn't need immediate attention, 6/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.