1964 Fender Mustang
The original Mustang — Fender's student model that became a punk and alternative icon. Short scale, unique pickup switching system, and the Dynamic Vibrato. Kurt Cobain's choice.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (22.5-inch or 24-inch scale — shorter than standard Fender) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.000" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Dynamic Vibrato (Mustang-specific tremolo system) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom colors (Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Olympic White) |
| Est. Production | 3,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Mustang single-coil pickups with individual on/off switches and phase switching. Unique Mustang pickup design with separate rhythm/lead choices per pickup.
What Changed in 1964
First year of the Mustang — designed as a student model with a shorter scale length. Despite its budget origins, the Mustang became beloved by alternative and punk musicians. Kurt Cobain's use of a Mustang in Nirvana made it an icon.
Notable Examples
Kurt Cobain played a modified Mustang with Nirvana. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day is also associated with the model.
Collector's Notes
Competition series Mustangs (with racing stripe) command a significant premium. Custom colors are the most valuable. The Dynamic Vibrato bridge/tremolo must be complete — missing the spring arm significantly reduces value.