NGD-Early '69 Musicmaster...lotsa pics!

[joeybsyc]

Well, it looks like I added one more offset to the stable. I've had this for about a week now, I haven't had a chance to get any decent photos of it until yesterday. Although I love with my '65 "roadworn" Musicmaster and swore to one day try out another, I wasn't really looking to buy a mate to it quite so soon. The problem is that sometimes you can't really plan exactly when a great guitar at a great price is gonna pop up, and need to just be ready for it. That's basically what happened here, or at least that's the story I keep telling myself. I saw this advertised for sale for what seemed like a very reasonable price... What really interested me was that it was in remarkably clean condition, and recently received a pro set-up that included fret dress, level, and polishing. Another interesting thing about it was that it had a heel date from early 1969, but all the other details seemed to be indicative of a guitar from several years earlier. Old style headstock logo, double line Kluson tuners, nitro finish, etc. The guitar was totally disassembled as per my request, and proved to be 100% original, including the finish, pots, wiring, pickup, hardware, etc. As you can see, she's in remarkably nice overall shape. I didn't really "need" it, but after my offer was accepted, and the guy went out of his way to show me any details I asked for... a deal was made. I mean, c'mon... how could I walk away from this sweetheart? It plays very nicely, the rosewood board is gorgeous, the fretwork is probably some of the best of ANY guitar I own, and the whole thing is super light. Dakota Red happens to be one of my favorite colors, and it matches a Danocaster Strat I have that's finished in the same hue. I'll be honest, I still consider my smoked out, yellowed, and beat to hell '65 MM as my "#1" student model, but this one is cool for different reasons, and has a different feel. I now officially have WAY more guitars than I'll ever need, but gotta admit I really still enjoy the thrill of the hunt...especially when the bounty turns out to be such a neat little guitar! Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the pics. -JB

[Stereordinary]

Man, I love those. What a beauty. And clean too! What's the nut width?

[edouglaspratt]

Wow, Joey, that's one clean old guitar. Headstock & neck look perfect. Good catch.

Hard to tell with the way the light hits it in the photos, but has it maybe been refinished?

[joeybsyc]

Wow, Joey, that's one clean old guitar. Headstock & neck look perfect. Good catch.

Hard to tell with the way the light hits it in the photos, but has it maybe been refinished?

Thanks! Its a B width neck, and 100% original finish. I don't think it was ever apart prior to it's recent inspection, as the pickup wiring was still attached to the back of the pickguard with the factory circa '69 masking tape. No tampered solder joints, and quite honestly, I doubt the pickguard or control plate had ever been removed. We took both off and verified everything before the deal was finalized, and took a few pics. I posted them here, and also sent them to Jim Shine for extra peace of mind. He and everyone I spoke to agreed everything appeared to be unmolested and original, and when it arrived it was quite obvious no one's ever messed with it. There's some mild weatherchecking on it that doesn't show up well in pics, and the decal isn't quite perfect, but overall it's a really clean 41 year old original with just a few minor marks keeping it from being considered "mint". The fretboard looks like new, without the common ruts and wear usually seen on these old r/w boards. It's obviously a well taken care of guitar that has led a much more sheltered life than my other Musicmaster!

[Stratelejazzuar]

gratz! she's a beaut!

[diceman]

Stupid clean - simply beautiful! NICE find!! My '65 is its twin... other than a million dents dents and scuffs!

[joeybsyc]

I saw pics of your '65 a few weeks ago and was digging it. I hate to admit it, but I think I enjoy playing these simple little single pickup Musicmaster II's with no tremolo or floating bridges more than my Jaguars right now. They have everything you need, and nothing you don't! Amazingly underrated (and affordable) vintage Fender guitars.

[painted wood]

let's see a pic of your entire offset collection!

[diceman]

I saw pics of your '65 a few weeks ago and was digging it. I hate to admit it, but I think I enjoy playing these simple little single pickup Musicmaster II's with no tremolo or floating bridges more than my Jaguars right now. They have everything you need, and nothing you don't! Amazingly underrated (and affordable) vintage Fender guitars.

Crap, Joey - I didn't even read the user name when I first responded.

TWO new vintage MusicMasters in the past month? SWEET!!!!!

I'm the same way. I got my old Jag first - and now it takes back seat to my '65 MM - and even to the 22.5" scale PartsMaster I just finished. I'm working on restoring a '63/64 Jaguar at the moment. Hopefully it'll be able to compete.

It looks like you have the MusicMaster bug! I don't see another Mustang or Duo-Sonic in my future - it is MusicMasters for me from here on out!

[joeybsyc]

let's see a pic of your entire offset collection!

Not the greatest pic, but since you asked...





Diceman, I've never had a Mustang or a Duosonic, but I think the simplicity of the MM has them both beat. I wouldn't mind trying a Duosonic II someday, maybe even a Mustang... but I really think the key to why these things play and sound so sweet is the simple controls and solid mounted bridge.

[giraffecaster]

i like

[diceman]

Yup - the hardtail is fantastic. Also, the switches on the Duo/Mustang are positioned terribly. They are always in the way. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar!

Again, congrats. And - the white one is hands down the coolest MM I've ever seen - and one of the nicest looking guitars I've ever laid eyes on period!

[Highnumbers]

Congrats Joey, that MM is cherry clean!


I love the Shoreline Gold Jag too. Very cool.

[FenderBob]

Thanks for posting all the detailed shots of the MM and your entire collection. Very nice!!

[joeybsyc]

No problem... and thanks for the compliments. I'm really happy with all of them, and while I still have more Strats than offsets, I think i put together a pretty nice little collection in a relatively short time. This site has made me a total offset junkie!