(SOLD) Fender Japan '65 Mustang MG65/VSP Vintage White 2008
Fender Japan VSP Mustang, vintage white, made in Japan 2007-10. VSP stands for 'Vintage Special Project', which was the highest end offerings fom Fender Japan in the late 00s. They were blessed with superb vintage correct specs: nitro topcoat finish, grey-bottom style alnico pickups, CTS pots, cloth wire, Scaller F-key tuners, quartersawn maple neck with a slab board... all the good stuff. The specs are very similar to the reputable American Vintage series stuff, but, rudely, Fender USA never did a proper vintage spec Mustang reissue model. But, is it good? Heck yes indeed. The neck is a gorgeous piece of maple, the tight detail in the grain is spectacular and the rosewood on the board is dark, streaky and delicious. It's a 42mm nut with a sixties vintage C profile, so the neck isn't as skinny as the more common '69 style MIJ Mustang and more akin to a Jaguar, which feels great to me. The tone is thick and full, with a sweet shining top end that lends your notes a vocal eloquence. The CTS pots and poplar body add a little air and clarity to the midrange than you get on the standard models, which translates to chords and lead lines just popping that little bit more. The nitro topcoat on the finish means it's yellowed a little quicker than a standard vintage white, so it has a sweet creamy cheesecake aesthetic that pops beautifully against the tort guard and golden headstock. We've had maybe one or two of these VSP Mustangs through the shop in five years, so if you like it, don't miss your shot as it might be a while to til you get another chance.
Model: Fender Mustang 'Vintage Special Project' (MG65/VSP)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 2007-10 (serial T066026)
Finish: vintage white (VWH), nitro topcoat, 3-ply tort guard
Body: poplar
Neck: quartersawn maple, rosewood slab board, 24" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.470kg
Mods: none
Pickups: MG65 Vintage single coil x2
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has no major marks, just a few light scuffs in the middle and on the back edge of the body. The sides have a couple of dimples near the jack and some light scuffs on the elbow area. The front is pretty tidy, just a scuff on the back edge near the rear strap pin and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, intonation is good, neck is straight, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.