Fender Custom
Encyclopedia
The Fender Custom was a short-lived model released by the CBS
-owned Fender in 1969. Essentially a six-string Fender Electric XII
, the Custom was an attempt to sell off unused factory stock instead of simply writing it off. The guitar was made with unused parts from Electric XII guitars, including the body, pickups and neck, and also unused Fender Mustang
bridges. The six extra holes in the headstock for the tuning machines were filled and veneered over. The Custom was featured more prominently in sales material than its companion, the Swinger
, but sold poorly, and was never expected to compete with Fender's more popular models. A notable fan of the Fender Custom was Cheap Trick
's lead guitarist Rick Nielsen
.
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
-owned Fender in 1969. Essentially a six-string Fender Electric XII
Fender Electric XII
The Fender Electric XII was a purpose-built 12-string electric guitar, designed for folk rockers. Instead of using a Stratocaster-body style, it used one similar to a Jaguar/Jazzmaster body style. It was also a departure from the typical "Stratocaster"-style headstock, instead featuring a long...
, the Custom was an attempt to sell off unused factory stock instead of simply writing it off. The guitar was made with unused parts from Electric XII guitars, including the body, pickups and neck, and also unused Fender Mustang
Fender Mustang
The Fender Mustang is an electric guitar by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, introduced in 1964 as the basis of a major redesign of Fender's student models then consisting of the Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic. It was produced until 1982 and reissued in 1990.In the 1960s, it was used in Surf...
bridges. The six extra holes in the headstock for the tuning machines were filled and veneered over. The Custom was featured more prominently in sales material than its companion, the Swinger
Fender Swinger
The Fender Swinger was a short-lived electric guitar model released by Fender in 1969, with few made...
, but sold poorly, and was never expected to compete with Fender's more popular models. A notable fan of the Fender Custom was Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
's lead guitarist Rick Nielsen
Rick Nielsen
-External links:* * *...
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External links
- Fender Custom at Strat Central - a page with information and a photograph of the guitar in question.
- Fender Custom article on www.hypercustom.com