![]() The prefix ‘E’ stands for the decade of the eighties.The prefix ‘S’ at the beginning of a serial number stands for the decade of the seventies.The prefix ‘L’ at the beginning of a serial number indicates a guitar from the early ’60s.The naming convention is a bit haphazard (it’s no different with Gibson serial numbers), but here are some general rules that should ring true 99% of the time – but beware, there are plenty of exceptions: Between the pick-up and the saddles (some Telecasters).On the back of the vibrato cover plate (on early ’50s Stratocasters).On the cover plate of the vibrato (on Stratocasters).On the front or at the back of the headstock.The location of the serial number has annoyingly changed from model to model over the years. Having said this, there are a lot worse guitars out there, and as well as being historically important, the 1820 bass can certainly provide the goods when required.Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Fender Guitar? Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. (2/80)ġ981: Only two finishes are listed in price lists, Black and Wine (6/81)ġ982: The Mustang bass is not listed in the 1982 catalogue or price listsġ983: Production ceases entirely at the Fullerton plant.īy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). Left handed basses are available in Sunburst only. List price $265, left had $290 (12/74)ġ976: Serial numbers are now a decal on the face of the headstock rather than being stamped into the neckplate.ġ977: Finishes available are Sunburst, Blond, White, Black, Natural and Walnut (11/77)ġ980: Finishes available are Tobacco Sunburst, White, Black, Natural, Antigua and Wine. ![]() ![]() Gradually over 1972/73 the thumbrest position changes to be above the strings.ġ973: Prices and finishes as above (6/73)ġ974: Finishes listed as available are Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Walnut. But the Fender Mustang bass was not the first 30" scale bass produced by the company (the Bass VI and Coronado bass were also 30") nor the last, the Mustang would be joined by the Fender Musicmaster bass in 1970.ġ972: Finishes and prices as above (2/72), though changing to Sunburst, White and just two competition colours (Red and Burgundy) in the 1972 Fender Catalogue. Previous basses, like the Precision and Jazz had a longer 34 1/2" scale. It certainly does not feel like an entry level guitar. With its short scale, the Fender Mustang bass was aimed at guitarists dabbling at bass, and students but nonetheless is a great playing, solid feeling instrument, with good quality components. Like all Fender guitars up until that time it was a simple bolt on neck, solid body with electronics mounted to the scratchplate. It was one of the first new instruments of the CBS era, and companion model to the Mustang guitar. The Fender Mustang bass was a short scaled (30") four string bass, produced at Fender's Fullerton plant, California, USA from 1966 until 1983. Available finishes: Sunburst, Competition colours (Red, Orange, Burgundy), Black, White, Natural, Walnut, Wine, Antigua
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