73 Comp or 66 Mustang?

[Pogue Mahone]

Hey gang, quick question for you Mustang connoisseurs. I've recently run across a local seller that has two really nice Mustangs for sale one is your typical 1966, good/+ condition, nice and light, all original in typical Mustang red, I guess it would be considered Dakota red, the second one is a 1973 in competition red, with stripe of course, in equally good/+ condition and very similar weight. Both are the same price,both sound and play about the same, not much difference. I'm a little partial to the 73 as that was when I was born and always thought it would be cool to have a guitar from then, silly I know but still a small consideration. That being said it's hard to ignore the allure of a Fender from the mid 60's not pre-CBS of course but still a solid 60's guitar. Would love to hear everybody's thoughts and opinions....

[rhythmjones]

70s Fenders are a real crap-shoot.

A 66 is going to have lacquer finish and cloth wiring. It's going to be much, much closer to pre-CBS quality and specs.

[Pogue Mahone]

Good points, and definitely not lost on me for sure. Thanks for your input!

[Pogue Mahone]

couple of pics of the guitars in question...

[Unicorn Warrior]

That's a tough decision. I think I'd go 73. I've owned a really nice 66' Jag, but the guitar I miss most is the 75' mustang I let go. The pickups in that thing were so alive. Such a great guitar

[HNB]

I like comps.

[zip73]

I’d go for the ‘73 too, primarily out of preference for the arm & waist cutaways.

[jagstang]

Hands up for the compstripes!

[mgeek]

if they really both play and sound the same, then the stripy one for sure. It's stripy!

[Pogue Mahone]

I agree, stripes rule! I also prefer the body contours on the comp. as well. Thanks for all the positive contributions!

[kapepper]

I agree, stripes rule! I also prefer the body contours on the comp. as well. Thanks for all the positive contributions!

Congratulations!

[Embenny]

I have a strong preference for the slab-body nitro Mustangs. They feel like vintage Fenders should. The compstangs feel, for better or for worse, a lot more like modern Fenders.

[HH1978]

I prefer personally the 1966 slab board, but I would spend a lot of time trying them in different amps if I was in your position. And I would also take the time to feel the necks.

[Pogue Mahone]

Yeah the neck is really where it's at for me as well, just unloaded a nice SG because I couldn't gel with the neck. Still doing some thinking on this one but everyone has made some great points so far! Now I just gotta figure out how to pay for one of these, the eternal struggle, lol!

[HH1978]

Love your user name btw, I’m a great fan of the Pogues myself.