Fenders first foray in to acoustic guitar manufactured came in the early 1960s, with the aim of injecting a youthful, California style in to the acoustic guitar market that was at that time dominated by Gibson and Martin, both of which had a long standing pedigree in the world of Flat top guitars. With Roger Rossmeisl of Rickenbacker fame joining the design team at Fender in 1962, ideas for various acoustic models were drafted. The Villager 12 string was among a number of models released in April 1965, and featured a more modern design than their contemporaries. This 1965 Fender Villager is a great example of the model from the first production year.
Constructed from a Sitka Spruce top with Mahogany back and sides, the Villager was essentially the 12 string version of Fender's mid sized Malibu acoustic, and features the same aluminium support rod found in the body of all Fender acoustic. The modern style of the Villager is accentuated with the hockey stick headstock, and a gold multi ply pick guard.
This guitar is in very good condition, with the kind of play wear and patina you would expect from an instrument of its age. It has been fitted with an older after market pickup system at some point, and includes its original Victoria made hard case. This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
