ELECTRIC: MISC. MODELS

In 1970, Fender switched to 15 pickguard screws from 13. In 1975, a black laminated pickguard was introduced.

The Custom model was devised by long-time Fender employee Virgilio "Babe" Simoni as a method to use up necks and bodies left over from the Electrix XII model. The twelve-string peghead was refitted to six strings, and the body was recarved into a different design. The Custom model was originally to be named the "Maverick," which appears on some pegheads. Simoni estimated production to be around 600 to 800 completed pieces.

In 1965, a bound fingerboard was introduced. In 1966, block fingerboard inlays replaced dot inlays.

This model was designed by luthier Roger Rossmeisel, and is very rare.

The pickups on this instrument were set under the pickguard, making the guitar appear to have no pickups. Due to unknown circumstances, this model never went into full production. There are few of these instruments to be found, and though they were featured in 1965 sales brochures, they would have to be considered prototypes. Most seasoned Fender dealers have never seen a Marauder. In the 1965-1966 catalog, the newly introduced Marauder carried a list price of $479. Compare this to the then-current list price of the Stratocaster's $281! This model had an optional standard vibrato. In 1966, the "second generation" Marauder featured 3 exposed pickups (which replaced original hidden pickups). According to Gene Fields, who was in the Fender R& D section at the time, 8 prototypes were built: 4 with regular frets and 4 with slanted frets.
Again, the Marauder was not put into full production.

Fender's Mustang model was initially offered in both the full-scale or 3/4-scale neck. While the Mustangs were in great demand, both necks were produced, but many of the 3/4-scale models were returned from the field due to lack of popularity as compared to the full-scale neck. To salvage leftover parts, Virgilio "Babe" Simoni then redesigned the headstock (which then began to resemble a spear) while another worker redesigned the body. These changes are purely cosmetic; the Musiclander model is basically a Mustang with the 3/4-scale neck and a single pickup. Simoni estimates that, all in all, perhaps 250 to 300 were built, and even some of these were renamed into the Arrow or Swinger.

In 1959, a rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay replaced the maple fingerboard. In 1960, a plastic tortoiseshell or white pickguard was introduced. In 1964, Red, White, and Blue finishes were introduced and the model was offered in 24 in. scale for this year before it became the Musicmaster II. In 1965, the Musicmaster II was introduced, which was 24 in. scale. In 1969, the Musicmaster II was disc. and the regular Musicmaster was offered in 22.5 or 24 in. scales. In 1975, 24 in. scale was standard, and 22-fret fingerboard and Black or White finish was introduced. Models produced after 1975 are also available in alder or ash bodies.

In 1969, a 24-fret fingerboard replaced 21-fret fingerboard. Keep in mind that a long scale Musicmaster was available prior to and after the release of the Musicmaster II.