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Just like the Fender Swinger from the same era, the Fender Custom (or Maverick as it was sometimes known) was another cunning ploy by the then CBS-owned Fender company to clear out unused parts of guitars that hadn't exactly been a commercial success.

The Custom uses body and neck from the Fender Electric XII, the body being chopped (or "re-modelled") in places to achieve a different look, and the hockey stick headstock - designed for a 12-string - looking decidedly odd with only six machine heads. Although the head looks as if it was never drilled for 12 tuners, the extra six holes were filled in and the front and back of the headstock were veneered over. I have also read that the headstock was also shortened slightly before being veneered over, and comparing these photos with that of the Electric XII this seems highly possible.

Pickguard and split pickups are stock Electric XII hardware, but the bridge is from a Mustang.

This example is currently being offered for sale on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $4,999. If you're after a quirky vintage Fender but can't quite afford that, the same seller has a Fender Swinger in Olympic White finish for $2,999.


G L Wilson

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