Introduced in 1958, the Fender Jazzmaster was designed as the replacement for the Fender Stratocaster and became Fenders top guitar model. Unfortunately, after only gaining modest acceptance during the surf music scene, the Stratocaster regained popularity, and the Jazzmaster (and Jaguar) models remained the ugly ducklings for many years, drawing little or no interest in pawn shops. Ironically, it was because these models were out of fashion and hence priced cheaply (within reach of working musicians), that both the Jazzmaster and Jaguar made a come back in the hands of many underground/independent musicians during the 80’s and 90’s. In particular, the Jazzmaster model has enjoyed success in the post-punk, New Wave, and early alternative-rock scenes.

The 1958 catalogue praised the new and improved features, which included revolutionary new pickups and a tone circuit especially designed for modern guitar work; new off-set waist body design which offered the ultimate in playing comfort and separate tone and volume controls for each pickup that could be preset, which made fast pickup changes possible without the need for further tone or volume adjustments. Furthermore, the model featured the new Fender "floating tremolo" which offered the smoothest tremolo action available at that time. The tremolo could even be locked down and the arm removed if no tremolo was desired. As you can see, for its time, this instrument offered many advantages over the other Fender models, Telecaster and Stratocaster. Historically, it is also worth noting that the Jazzmaster was the first of Fender's guitars to use a rosewood fretboard.

As for its name, the Jazzmaster was designed as an attempt to enter the jazz market. To this end, the Jazzmaster was equipped with newly designed pickups that produced a mellower sound similar to the sound obtained from a hollow body guitar, the typical jazz guitar. Unlike the single coils of the Stratocaster, the single coils of the Jazzmaster are wide and rather flat. Noting the larger dimensions, these new pickups could pick up a wider area of the vibrating strings and the designers believed that the resulting sound would be better suited for jazz. Few jazz players were interested - despite the promising name and the design features - but it did enjoy time in the spotlight during the California’s late 60’s surf music scene.

I purchased this guitar from Norms Rare Guitars in CA. In fact, I bought this Jazzmaster and my Jaguar on the same day as a matching set. Both guitars are L serial numbered 1965 models, have Candy Apple Red (CAR) finishes with matching painted headstocks and are in very good plus original condition. I prefer the scale length of the Jazzmaster (25.5”) over the Jaguar (24”) and find myself playing the Jazzmaster more than the Jaguar. This Jazzmaster remains in very good plus condition and with the exception of a changed volume pot, is factory original. The guitar has a few small dings, but for her age, she has survived in very good condition.

The “off-set waist” design makes this guitar comfortable to play, especially when playing seated. Overall this guitar offers some very interesting sounds and I really enjoy the clean tones. What really impresses me is how well the tremolo works and the guitar stays in tune remarkably well. Today, unfortunately there has been an increase in desirability and the prices are once again out of reach for most working musicians.