Fender Custom

The Fender Custom (or Maverick) 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. Rik Mayall is briefly seen holding a Fender Custom - upside down in the 'left-handed' position - in the music video for Cliff Richard and The Young Ones 1986 re-recording of Richard's song Living Doll. Rock and country musician Izzy Miller also owns a Maverick.