Fender historians - please help?

[GoesThump]

Hello,

Trying to settle a minor point of Fender history here, can anyone shed some light on this? Perhaps someone with a scan of an old catalogue?

In what year was the Mustang Bass introduced?

- Fender's webpage says 1964.
- The "Fender Bass Book" by Black says 1966.

Many sources say it is from '66, and was part of what Leo did under contract to CBS after the sale... Most of the '64 claimants simply cite Invalid Link Removed.

Which date is correct? The earliest Mustang bass I've ever seen is a 1966.

Thanks,
GT

 

[danomite64]

The Mustang guitar was introduced in late 1964, and the bass was 1966.

 

[Jeff K]

If the Fender website and the Fender Bass Book are citing two different years, you could always call Fender's Customer Service. Point out the discrepancy, and ask for the definitive answer. I also have the Fender Bass Book, so I can't really help you with anything you don't already know, so calling them is about all I can suggest.

 

[lpdeluxe]

The Mustang bass was released after Leo sold to CBS in 1965. It was very nearly the only thing he worked on as a "consultant" that CBS used (one of the others was the three-bolt neck attachment).

I vote for 1966; probably someone has confused the Mustang bass with the guitar.

 

[GoesThump]

Many thanks guys - I thought it was '66 & will definitely take up Jeff's suggestion when I find a spare moment.

Are old Fender catalogs online anywhere?

I'm trying to assemble a chronology of this little bass, so if anyone has info on how it changed over time, I'd be much obliged. I can track a couple of changes from units I've seen, but I don't have dates for all of 'em:

- Paddle tuners vs. the usual Fender type
- slab body vs. contoured in the 70s.
- J-style knobs vs. strat style knobs (70s too.)
- Thumbrest change (ISTR '76?)
- & Of course the ever popular competition stripes.

GT

 

[DeanT]

According to the 10th Edition of the Blue Book of Electric Guitars, the Mustang was introduced in 1966.

 

[Jim Carr]

The Mustang guitar was introduced in late 1964, and the bass was 1966.

+1

A bandmate had a mustang guitar in '65. First saw the bass in '67.

Don't forget Ford.