SOLD - Vintage Fender Stringmaster T8 Triple Neck Console Steel - USA 1964

By the early 1950s, Fender’s Stringmaster series had become one of the defining steel designs of the era, introducing a level of flexibility and tonal control that pushed steel guitars well beyond their earlier Hawaiian roots. Produced from 1953 onward in single, double, triple, and quad neck configurations, the Stringmaster quickly became popular with country, western swing, and jazz players who needed multiple tunings available in a single instrument. This 1964 example is the desirable 26" long scale version, widely preferred for its stronger sustain, tighter string response, and clearer articulation higher up the neck.

This triple neck model is constructed from ash and finished in walnut nitrocellulose lacquer, remaining 100% original throughout. The three necks are currently set up in A6, E13, and A7 tunings, offering a highly versatile range of voicings suited to traditional western swing, country, Hawaiian, and jazz influenced steel playing. Fender’s counterbalanced Stringmaster pickup system gives the instrument much of its distinctive voice, using paired single coils wired in a way that reduces hum while retaining the bright, treble focused attack these steels are known for. The blend control allows players to shift between warmer bass heavy sounds and sharper cutting tones, while the neck switching system makes it possible to isolate or combine necks depending on the setup required.

The Stringmaster design also incorporated a number of practical engineering features that separated it from earlier steels. Adjustable bridges allowed for more accurate intonation across varying string gauges, while the telescoping chrome legs made the instrument equally suited to seated or standing performance. The elevated stepped neck layout provides comfortable access across all three necks, particularly useful for players working with multiple tunings during live performance.

In use, the long scale construction gives the guitar a very direct and articulate response, particularly suited to cleaner styles where sustain, note separation, and harmonic clarity matter. The naturally bright voicing works especially well for traditional steel guitar phrasing, western swing chord work, and jazz influenced playing.

This guitar was originally purchased from Gruhn Guitars in Nashville in July 2007 and remains an exceptionally clean and original example from Fender’s peak steel period.

Specs:

Model: Fender Stringmaster T8 Triple Neck Console Steel

Year: 1964

Serial Number: 8705

Scale Length: 26" Long Scale

Body: Ash

Finish: Walnut Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Configuration: Triple Neck

Tunings: A6, E13, A7

Pickups: Original Fender Stringmaster counterbalanced single coils

Controls: Volume, tone, blend control, neck selector system, neck isolator switch

Bridge: Adjustable steel bridge

Legs: Original telescoping chrome legs

Case: Original Black Tolex Fender Hard Shell Case

Crafted in: USA