Fender announced the Jazzmaster at the 1958 NAMM show as a high-end jazz guitar with an array of innovative features and sleek sports-car inspired curves. Though the model never really caught on with jazz players, it was quickly embraced by surf rock players due to its unique floating tremolo system and mellower sounding pickups. Later, the Jazzmaster would find new life as an iconic instrument for a range of indie rock players.
Years of Production: 1958 - 1980
Unique to this Year: Changes brought about with CBS purchase of Fender start to creep in by end of 1964 including change to plastic pickguard, switch from clay to pearloid inlays, and change in headstock decal. These factors indicate when in 1964 guitar was produced, with earlier examples demanding more than later produced guitars.
Body Style: Offset solidbody
Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with veneer Rosewood fingerboard
Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 2 single-coil soapbox pickups, 3-way pickup selector, 25 1/2-inch scale length, treble and bass roll knobs, floating tremolo system, lead/rhythm circuit switch
Finish Specifications: Sunburst was the standard finish for the Jazzmaster in 1958. Rarer colors are more prized by collectable.
Notable Players: J Mascis, Elvis Costello, Lee Ranaldo, Kevin Shields
