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What are the differences between the Classic Series 65 (as featured on Fender's US website) and the 65 Reissue (as sold via Ishibashi)?

They're both MIJ, correct? Same factory? Same components?

Google is failing me at the moment!

I think they're the same, but branded differently. Seems that the 65RI Mustangs became the Classic Series some time around last year.

They are but I think the Classic Series 65 offers better colors and or with matching headstock or something.

The Japanese always get the cooler stuff.

Based on what I see online, both the 65 RI and the Classic Series offer just 3 colors and no matching headstocks.

You're thinking of your favorite model... The 69 RI

gusman2x wrote:I think they're the same, but branded differently. Seems that the 65RI Mustangs became the Classic Series some time around last year.

See, it might be different in the UK. From what I can tell, the 65-73 RI guitars are not uncommon in the UK. However, we have a very limited selection of MIJ in the US because FMIC essentially has jurisdiction here.

That's why the appearance of the Classic Series is so odd. They are clearly branded for a Western audience and are available everywhere in the US. But do they have the MG65 pups? Do they have the superior 65 reissue bridge? They ought to considering the price!

singlepickup24 wrote:But do they have the MG65 pups? Do they have the superior 65 reissue bridge? They ought to considering the price!

Yes x2.

The made-for-USA 65 RI Mustangs have nicely made Alnico pups. The '69 and '73 I've looked at under the hood have slightly inferior build quality Alnico pups. They're OK, but they seem to be a bit harsher sounding, a bit noisier, too. Neither are as good as a really good Duncan or anything, however.

Also, all Japanese Fender Mustangs now have the better larger saddled bridge (w/ no gaps), so that's no longer a differentiating factor between the models.

But given that pickups can be replaced, the only real differences between 65 and 69/73 reissues are cosmetic. The gappy pickguard on the '65 (vs continuous on 69/73), the ever so slightly thicker neck (vs paper thin on 69/73), and vintage correct poplar (rather than basswood on 69/73). Also, the contours, which I think result in the 69s and 73s being generally lighter than the 65s.

My favorite model is the '73 because I like stripes and stocks that match the body.

honeyiscool wrote:

singlepickup24 wrote:But do they have the MG65 pups? Do they have the superior 65 reissue bridge? They ought to considering the price!

Yes x2.

The made-for-USA 65 RI Mustangs have nicely made Alnico pups. The '69 and '73 I've looked at under the hood have slightly inferior build quality Alnico pups. They're OK, but they seem to be a bit harsher sounding, a bit noisier, too. Neither are as good as a really good Duncan or anything, however.

Also, all Japanese Fender Mustangs now have the better larger saddled bridge (w/ no gaps), so that's no longer a differentiating factor between the models.

But given that pickups can be replaced, the only real differences between 65 and 69/73 reissues are cosmetic. The gappy pickguard on the '65 (vs continuous on 69/73), the ever so slightly thicker neck (vs paper thin on 69/73), and vintage correct poplar (rather than basswood on 69/73). Also, the contours, which I think result in the 69s and 73s being generally lighter than the 65s.

My favorite model is the '73 because I like stripes and stocks that match the body.

Wow, great info... thanks honey! So the Classic Series and the 65 RI are really the same guitar, probably made in the same factory. I'm guessing FMIC is controlling the importation and distribution.

Also good to know that the 69 and 73 now have the better bridge. It makes choosing between these three models much more difficult.