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 it 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, very clean example of the transition pearl dot inlay markers with unbound neck and transition Fender logo. The sunburst is pronounced and vibrant as is typical of the period, and despite a few dings and scratches the overall condition is very good. 

The neck, dated May 1965, shows very little signs of wear with plenty of life left in the factory frets. The rosewood fretboard is well preserved with little signs of use. Hardware is in great condition and as you’d expect showing the odd scratch but no signs of corrosion. 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. Pots date to 15th and 19th week of 65.

Electronically all solder joints appear undisturbed and things are clean and tidy under the hood. 

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 and dry woodiness in the tone. This coupled with a smooth vibrato is a real winner.

The guitar comes with its correct black Tolex, orange lined hardshell case (please note the two latches have been removed.)