1961 Fender Music Master

by Anthony Berry
(Bangor, ME)

I am wondering what the value of this guitar might be. The serial number is 68696 which indicates it was made at the Fullerton Factory in 1960-1961.

I am guessing that the color is considered "Sunburst"? I have seen a lot of other Music Master guitars from the the early 60's but they all seem to be "Desert Tan" or "Red". Is the "Sunburst" coloring rare? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi, Anthony--

The sunburst finish was one of the two original finishes for these guitars. The other was Blonde.
Any other colors that you have seen (if they are the factory color) are custom colors.

Here is the general info:
MUSICMASTER (U.S. MFG.)
- offset double cutaway poplar body, bolt-on maple neck, 21-fret maple fingerboard with black dot inlay, fixed bridge with cover, six-on-one-side tuners, metal pickguard, single coil covered pickup, two knobs (v, tone), chrome hardware, available in Blonde, Sunburst, or Custom Color finishes, mfg. 1956-1980.

Additional information:

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.

Here is the pricing info:

1959-1964

Mint $1,350
Exc.+ $1,075
Exc.$875
Avg.+ $675
Avg. $550
General $450

The Blue Book value for these guitars has increased continuously since 2006.

Lynne