A stunning early 1965 Fender Jazzmaster for your delectation. 

In an attempt to dispel the notion that their wares were not for top tier musicians, Leo Fender designed the Jazzmaster to attract jazz players away from the more traditional fare coming out of Kalamazoo. With innovative electronics married to ergonomic design, the company hoped that could be taken more seriously especially as the light of rock ‘n roll was waning as the 50s came to a close.

This is a stunning, near MINT and shining example. Very little wear to the finish anywhere, retaining a rich gloss finish.

The neck, dated April 1965, as with the body shows very little signs of wear with plenty of life left in the factory frets. The rosewood fretboard is well preserved with no real signs of use. Hardware is in great condition and as you’d expect shows no signs of corrosion, looking almost new in some places. The transitional logo is strong and unbroken. 

The pickguard, being the pre-CBS nitrate type, has shrunk a little bit under the bridge though this doesn’t affect playability and is the only place where shrinkage is really evident. In mid 1965, Fender changed for using Stratocaster type knobs in favour of using these witch’s hat style knobs.

Electronically all solder joint are undisturbed and things are remarkably clean. Its always nice to see under the pickguard as Fender always took such care with laying out the wires. A close inspection of the shielding also reveals that it hasn’t been removed and again here all the solder joint are undisturbed.

The guitar comes with its correct black Tolex hardshell case which like the guitar, is in mighty fine condition.

This guitar plays and sounds as good as it looks. The rhythm circuit is suitably dark but the lead circuit never gets too nasal, retaining plenty of the depth. This coupled with a smooth vibrato is a winner any day inner book.

Looking for a little offset action that is 100% original, that won’t break the bank then this is the one for you.