Fender '69 Mustang, made in Japan 1987, faded sonic blue. Somehow, this is a perfect balance of sleek and stanky. The Mustang was discontinued from Fender USA's line in 1982; offsets were not the flavour of the month in the 80s. They reappeared in surf-rock-loving Japan in the 1987 catalog, although there was but one model and finish on offer and they were produced in far smaller numbers than the Strats and Teles of the same era. This little darling seems to hail from that very year; it's weathered the decades gracefully and is in lovely condition, save for a few sticker marks to prove it survived the 90s. The finish was originally a sunny and optimistic sonic blue, but it's yellowed significantly to an uneven and deep seafoam green, radiating a certain seasick majesty. There's something appealing about the way these MIJ models age; the thin poly yellows a bit quicker than USA models. The slim neck, light body, cheeky trem and short scale make for a piece-of-cake playing experience; you're never working hard, just having fun. The tone ha a certain depth and warmth that newer models often lack, although that typical Mustang punch and spank is there in spades. In a word: toothepastexcellence.

Model: Fender Mustang, '69 Reissue (MG69-65)
Made: Japan 1987, Fujigen plant (serial E794639)
Finish: sonic blue (heavily yellowed), 3-ply dark tort guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.2kg
Mods: nut replaced, pickguard replaced, switches replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan MGC single coils
Case: very basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear.  Headstock has a couple of very minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimple on the back only. The back has a couple of light scuffs and minor scratches, mostly along the middle and the belly carve; no major marks. The sides are pretty clear, just some dimples on the shoulder, bottom horn and around from the jack. The front is also fairly clear, just some minor dimples on the top horn, shoulder area and behind the bridge, as well as some uneven fading from stickers. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, intonation is good, neck is straight, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look great, they're recently dressed and polished and feel awesome, 9/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.