1960 Fender Mandocaster Vintage Electric Mandolin 100% Original w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1960 Fender "Mandocaster" Electric Mandolin in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. One of Fender's more unique golden age offerings, the Mandocaster is a four string electric mandolin that follows the traditional Fender template with an alder body, maple neck, and slab Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, fitted with one black bobbin single coil pickup. The tonal range is classic Fender sparkling cut and sweet warmth, with enough percussive chop to satisfy mandolin traditionalists. The instrument weighs 3lbs 8oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with fresh nickel roundwound 8-28 strings.

The neck has a U-shaped profile carve with a smooth nitro gloss on the profile and no palm wear, measuring .795" deep at the 1st fret and .955" at the 12th. The thick, dark Brazilian rosewood slab fretboard retains the original slender fretwire which has its full factory height, showing only light wear on the crowns of frets 1-5, playing cleanly up the 24 fret scale. The nut measures 1 1/8" in width, and the headstock retains the original flawless Fender decal and Kluson Deluxe single line tuning machines. The neck heel also retains its grease pencil 5/60 date.

The simple electronics function as intended with untouched solder joints, and the black bobbin pickup is wired to CTS pots that date to the 9th week of '60 and a "phone book" tone cap. Hardware includes the bridge with spiral saddles and original chrome-plated bridge cover, along with the pair of knurled knobs. The early nitrate tortoise pickguard is a deep red, retaining its aluminum shield on the underside and showing virtually no shrinkage, framing the dark brown pickup cover. The Sunburst nitro lacquer finish has a look very representative of the '60 model year, featuring more of a 2.5 burst with a muted central ring of red. Cosmetic wear is limited to very tight, faint lacquer checking, and only a few scuffs and dings mostly relegated to the back and body perimeter.

The original brown tolex "knucklebuster" case with luggage-style handle and centrally located middle latch is included.