HNB said:
You might be able to find a vintage one for less than a custom shop one. I saw a placid blue us stang with matching headstock for $2000 recently. Depending on what you hear from Fender, you can weigh that option.
I just played a reissue Mustang for the first time and Wow what a difference. I'm used to a '65 Mustang, and the difference is so dramatic you really ought to compare a good all-original vintage Mustang to the RIs. I'm not saying one is better, just that they feel and play very different. The RIs are heavier, for one thing.
Another thing to consider about the originals is that they can be found at a reasonable price if you're patient. Mine had been refinished in vintage correct Dakota Red, so it was listed for $999 USD with the OHSC. It would have been about $1300 unrefinished. But the seller was a new & vintage dealer with a real sense of fairness (apparantly he'd anticipated a buyer would negotiate) because when I offered full price he countered with, "How about $875?". Seriously. I was in shock, then in heaven.
I just noticed you're in the West Midlands! London and Manchester are not quite as good as most large USAmerican cities for finding Mustangs, and the West Midlands?...whew, my advice might be way impractical. Oh well, you can get on the "Want List" of the better guitar shops all around England.
If you're patient and persistent the right Mustang will find you.
Cheers,
