1966 Fender Mustang Dakota Red
1966 Fender Mustang Dakota Red
Here’s a vintage 1966 Fender Mustang in 100% original condition, looking glamorous in its original Dakota Red finish.
This guitar was produced in 1966 at the original Fender factory in Fullerton California, USA. It appears to be an early 1966 unit-as the neck stamp indicates February and the potentiometers date to the 9th week (late February) 1966. The date in one of the pickups appears to be January 1966 as well.
The guitar is set up and ready to go and needs nothing.
This is a squeaky clean unit for sure. This guitar features, the earlier slab body construction. The finish shines nicely and reflects light like only real nitrocellulose can.
There is minor evidence of handling-mostly along the edges-see photos.
The neck joint is solid and a good fitment.
The neck itself is smooth and straight. The neck profile is best described as a vintage slim-C shape. The neck depth measures .857” at the 1st fret and .846“ at the 12th fret. That is correct-it actually gets slightly slimmer towards the body. Personally, I don’t really feel it. It really feels the same in different positions. The tuners all function well and the guitar stays in tune. The headstock and logo display excellent with the vintage vibe you want. The nut measures 1 5/8” wide.
The Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard displays excellent and has a nice soft feel. The fret have been cleaned, leveled, crowed, and polished. They have an excellent height, and appear as close to new, as can be. The action has been set fairly low, and the string height measures .010” at the 1st fret and .055” at the 12th fret. Of course the bridge is fully adjustable so you can raise or lower the action if you prefer that. with the current set up, the guitar plays like butter up and down the fingerboard with no dead spots.
The pick ups, both have a strong solid signal. All the electronics work as they should. The Guitar has the quintessential classic Fender “bell“ Tone.
The guitar is very lightweight at 7.64 LBS. so it is very comfortable and fun to play.
The vibrato works smoothly, and the arm is included, of course.
This guitar comes with an extremely rare original RED Fender hard case manufactured by Bulwin.
I’ve had hundreds of mustangs over the 35 years of collecting and have seen less than 10 of these cases.
It is in great condition also.