1978 Fender Mustang

The 1978 Mustang is a CBS-era student model with Indian rosewood or maple fingerboard. F-stamped tuners. Polyester finish. The Mustang continued in production through the 1970s with consistent specifications. These are the guitars that punk and alternative musicians would later adopt. Serial numbers on the headstock decal (moved from neck plate around 1976). Format is typically S + six or seven digits for late 1970s (S-series). For 1978, S-series numbers should match documented ranges. Potentiometer date codes and neck date stamps (ink on heel) provide secondary verification. Some transitional instruments may still have neck-plate serials. Two Mustang single-coil pickups with phase switches. Dynamic Vibrato bridge complete. F-stamped tuners. Indian rosewood or maple fingerboard. Pot codes corresponding to 1978. Serial may be on headstock. Polyester finish. Check the phase switching system for functionality. The finish may be nitrocellulose lacquer or thick polyester (poly became standard through the 1970s). Polyester finishes are noticeably thicker, harder, and do not check or wear like nitro. Poly-finished guitars tend to be slightly heavier. A thick, glossy, chip-resistant finish with no checking is consistent with CBS-era polyester. If the finish shows nitro-style checking on a claimed 1978 instrument, verify carefully — it may be a refinish or misidentified earlier guitar. At these price points, outright fakes are not a concern. Focus on Dynamic Vibrato completeness, original pickups, and overall condition. Many Mustangs have been modified for punk/alternative use — replaced pickups, bridges, and pickguards are common. If sold as 'all original,' verify pot codes and neck dates. The 1970s Mustangs share similar specifications year to year. The fundamental design (short scale, phase switches, Dynamic Vibrato) remained unchanged. Indian rosewood or maple fingerboard. These are increasingly collected as the punk/alternative association drives demand.