Fender Competition Mustang Solid Body Electric Guitar (1973), ser. #436174, original grey hard shell case.

Fender Competition Mustang Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1973), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 436174, Candy Apple Red with Racing Stripe finish, alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, original grey hard shell case. This is a nicely original and well-preserved Competition Red Mustang, original and unaltered. This guitar was built near the end of the run for this rather whimsical "Competition" version of the model, with the Candy Apple Red metallic "car" finish and "racing" stripe on the body but a natural headstock. The Mustang series was Leo Fender's last original design for the company that bore his name, and the easy handling short scale model has endured as a classic in its own right. This one has pots dated to the 43rd week of 1973 but the features (including the snazzy pearloid pickguard) remain nearly identical to 1960s models.Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 in. (610 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). This Mustang remains in nice, clean, original condition overall. There are some small finish chips and dings, and a spot of belt-buckle wear on the back down to the undercoat. The lower tip of the pickguard on the treble horn is missing -- they tend to split off as the guard shrinks over time -- with some glue residue visible were it was once tacked down. A fine-playing and sounding Mustang; still snazzy and sporty these many years on! Excellent Condition.