1968 Fender Newporter Acoustic Guitar

This little acoustic guitar was made by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation back in the late 1960s. I had a hard time deciphering the code on the bottom of the neck heel but I've come to the conclusion it's a 1968 model. These were all Mahogany, very small bodied, concert guitars. Fender had a full range of acoustics back then which are now being reissued and this one was the smallest as far as I know. The upper bout measures approximately 8.25" and the lower bout measures approximately 14.25". This guitar boasts a brand new bone nut. The fingerboard radius is 7.25" and the nut width is 1 5/8" with the string spacing being 1 5/16". These are very narrow necks that remind me of student model Fenders like the Duo Sonic or Musicmaster which were also made around the same time. The wooden band on the inside of the back panel says Santa Ana, Calfornia which is where they made these guitars for a limited time. A common problem seen with the vintage acoustics is that the wood around the neck heel cracks due to extreme pressures from the strings. This was a flaw in the design. This guitar has been thoroughly repaired in the neck pocket and around the neck heel. There is also a repaired crack behind the neckplate which is stable as well. This guitar plays exceptionally well with the action being approximately 3/32". It can play all the way up to the body. The tuners and neckplate are replacements but everything else is original. This is a well worn guitar with visible repairs and dings that adds to the overall mojo. It would make a great campfire acoustic and the tone of the aged Mahogany is unmatched. It doesn't come with a case but I will pack very well.