Fender Japan VSP '65 Mustang, California blue, made in Japan 2013. This is a superb little rarity out of Fender Japan. VSP stands for 'vintage special project'; these were the highest of high end guitars made for Fender in Japan in the late 2000s. As such, this gets some proper deluxe appointments: a nitro finish, superb Grey Bobbin alnico pickups, cloth wire and CTS pots, USA hardware, Schaller F-key tuners, and in a super classy vintage-correct touch: a poplar body. All that makes this extremely close to a legit mid 60s Mustang in feel and tone at a fraction of the price. The '65 model Mustang has a great neck, it's the same as a Jag; a round comfy classic C with a standard nut width, a little bigger than the '69 models. The body is also not contoured, so between the little extra mass and the awesome Grey Bobbin pickups, this sounds superb. Theres's an immediacy and crunchy brightness you don't get on a regular MIJ Mustang, on top of that classic Mustang punch and short-scale spank. Cali blue is a little brighter and than the more common sonic blue, this really does look awesome. Until I scored this example, I'd never seen a VSP Mustang anywhere, so it seems they're tasty non-catalog biscuit. This rules, basically.

Model: Fender Mustang, '69 Reissue (MG69)
Made: Japan 2013, Dyna plant (serial JD13021420)
Finish: California blue, nitro top coat, 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: 3-piece poplar body
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.375kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan Grey Bottom alnico pickups
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck pretty clean. Back has a few light scuffs around the body, nothing major. The sides have a few marks: a dent on the top horn, dimples on the shoulder and around from the knobs. The front is pretty clean, just a scratch up from the tailpiece, some dimples and light surface scratches behind the bridge and some light play wear on the guard and top horn. 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 have very little wear, 9/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.