1964 Fender Mustang-Question??? Help!!!

spongebob123

Looking to buy this guitar. He said it was a 1964 Mustang. Looked for any indication for "made in USA". Unable to find any where. Looks like there was a decal on top the first letter and numbers were-DES 186.826 then patent pending and numbers twice. On the back bottom of neck was metal plate had L 33144. Some one said might be a Frankenstein. Do these numbers mean anything? Would it have to say made in USA? Lastly, have to let him know ASAP-Sat Afternoon. Any idea on value??? Much appreciated, thanks!

Purplehaze19x

Old mustangs dont say 'made in usa' the L serial plate is a give away that it is a '64-'65, those were the only 2 years for the L serial number.

only true way to tell is pull the neck, and look at the date stamp.

robertoriginal

the pots will have a date code, and the pickups will have a date code as well(if its a 65 maybe not, but perhaps yes)

the main things are.

the color, the body style, tuners. neck stamp, pot days and pup dates, and of course, check all the wiring to assure that nothing has been tampered with.

LOSTVENTURE

All Fenders were American made in '64 so they were never marked one way or the other.

If the switches work, they must be replacements, because the originals were a problem from the start. A couple of days after I bought my Mustang (October 1964) I had to go to Radio Shack and pick up some contact cleaner to keep the switched working. Never left home without it, as the say.

What is the asking price if I might ask ?

Don

nirvana23freak

LOSTVENTURE said: All Fenders were American made in '64 so they were never marked one way or the other.
If the switches work, they must be replacements, because the originals were a problem from the start. A couple of days after I bought my Mustang (October 1964) I had to go to Radio Shack and pick up some contact cleaner to keep the switched working. Never left home without it, as the say.
What is the asking price if I might ask ?
Don

not true.

Purplehaze19x

it depends on how often the switches are used.

When i bought my '65, both switches were worn and didnt work, when i bought my '66

both switches worked perfect and the guitar is 100% original.

robertoriginal

you honestly expect 40+ year switches to work like new?

gtf!

the stuff they used back then is pretty close to what we use now.

and there is no reason why a switch cannot be repaired(unless the pole has been yanked out, and the wipers been broken off)

Purplehaze19x

Umm, im not sure if your refering to me, but. my 42 year old switches still work.