FENDER JAZZMASTER, 1965

Sunburst, a typical Jazzmaster from the transitional era which goes from late '65 to early 1966: all these Jazzmasters - and Jaguars - have the unique combination of a dot-inlaid fingerboard with a white plastic binding. Until then, all the fretboards were unbound, and after mid-66 the dots were replaced by large blocks. 

This nice guitar is 100% original. The neck is dated October 1965 and the pots are dated '64 and '65. The serial number on the "F" neckplate could be either late 1965 or early '66, but every detail indicates the first as more reliable dating.

The guitar's peculiar circuitry has a slide-switch on the upper horn, which can select either the standard controls (master tone and volume) or a preset warmer "rhythm" sound with two thumbwheel controls for tone and volume. The pickups are the classic large and flat single-coils. Not a single screw has ever been changed. Not a single solder-joint has ever been touched.

The chrome hardware consists of the typical Jaguar/Jazzmaster floating tremolo with original vibrato arm, the original bridge with threaded metal saddles with metal cover, original Kluson Deluxe "double-line" tuners. No modification whatsoever, no hidden nor visible holes.

The asymmetrical body is made of light alder, the bound neck is made of maple and has a beautiful brazilian rosewood fretboard with pearl dots, the pickguard is made of multy-ply tortoise plastic. The nice sunburst finish is in great shape, with some fading to the red due to the exposure to sunlight, as shown by the comparison with the areas hidden by the pickguard and with another area covered by a sticker (now removed) whose shape can still be seen just for the absence of fading of the red in the three-tone sunburst color. There is some belt-buckle wear on the back, but all in all the guitar is in really excellent conditions.

The fretboard is one of the last made of Brazilian rosewood, whose exquisite grain adds a classy touch. Frets, neck angle and action are ok, thanks also to the two original paper shims, so common in '60s Fenders neck pockets! The guitar sounds great, loud and powerful, especially in the standard circuitry setting.

The case is the original hardhell covered with black tolex, still '65 without the Fender logo, with some trace of wear but still strong and solid.