Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $17,500
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Discover the iconic 1959 Fender Jazzmaster, a masterpiece that transcended its original jazz aspirations to become a staple in the realms of surf rock and indie music alike. Crafted with the discerning musician in mind, this guitar boasts a distinctive floating tremolo system and mellower sounding pickups, setting it apart in both functionality and tone. With its sleek sports-car inspired curves, the Jazzmaster is not just an instrument but a statement of style and innovation. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details in sound and aesthetics, this guitar continues to inspire across genres and generations.
Key Features:
- Unique floating tremolo system for unparalleled pitch control
- Mellower sounding pickups offering a distinct sonic character
- Sleek, sports-car inspired body curves for a visually striking presence
- Iconic status across surf rock and indie music scenes
- Designed with the discerning musician's needs in mind
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Jazzmaster |
| Finish | Blonde, Sunburst with Gold Anodized Pickguard, Sunburst with Tortoise Pickguard |
| Year | 1959 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Brown, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Jazzmaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster unique compared to other Fender models?
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The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster features distinctive single-coil pickups, a floating bridge with a tremolo-locking system, and a unique control layout, making it stand out from other Fender models like the Stratocaster or Telecaster.
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Is the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for surf music?
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Yes, the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster is highly regarded for its suitability in surf music, thanks to its bright, clean tones and the versatility offered by its floating tremolo system.
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What is the neck profile of the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster?
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The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster typically features a "C" shape neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that accommodates various playing styles, from rhythm to lead.
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How does the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster's pickup configuration affect its sound?
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The Jazzmaster's unique single-coil pickups deliver a warm, rich tone with a distinctive clarity, making it ideal for genres like jazz, rock, and surf.
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Is the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster easy to play for beginners?
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While the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster offers excellent playability, its complex control layout and floating tremolo system may require some adjustment for beginners.
Videos
MusicStoreLive.com
1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1959 Fender Jazzmaster.
Build quality
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The thin, see-thru nitro paint finish is noted for its unique transparency, differing from thicker finishes that might obscure wood details.
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The neck radius is noted to be 9.5", distinct from the vintage-correct 7.25", providing a modern playability advantage for some players.
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Black finishes on early Jazzmasters are often refinished due to black not being a standard Fender color until the late 60s, requiring custom orders.
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Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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A Staytrem bridge and arm are recommended for improved playability, highlighting their popularity among vintage Jazzmaster owners.
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Owners frequently replace the vintage bridge with a Mastery to improve tone and playability, though this is a matter of personal preference.
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Some users recommend trying Novak, Lollar, or Voodoo pickups for those seeking a different sound profile compared to the AVRI style pickups.
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Other
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The original color of this 1959 Jazzmaster was sunburst, as indicated by the neck pocket and trem cavity, providing historical context for restoration enthusiasts.
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Custom refinishes, particularly in black, were popular between 1959-61, often done by the automotive industry, adding unique historical significance.
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Value and pricing
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A price of $1.6k for this model is considered a bargain, as these guitars typically go for around $3.8k or more in the used market.
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User experience
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One owner with an '08 model highlighted the need to file down jumbo frets for better playability, indicating specific setup adjustments might be needed.
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Owners express a strong preference for keeping vintage Jazzmasters intact, emphasizing the historical value of original, complete instruments over parting them out.
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Vintage guitar enthusiasts often seek out authentic parts for restoration, revealing a niche market for original components despite ethical concerns about parting out instruments.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
At 3:03 in the video, Kevin Shields mentions that his refinished 1959 Fender Jazzmaster has been his main guitar since he acquired it in 2002 from the London guitar shop Vintage and Rare.
In Sam Fender's Instagram story from the 5th September 2021 he shows off his new 1959 Fender Jazzmaster in sunburst finish with a gold anodized pickguard
In this video Manuel is playing his grandfather's 1950s Fender jazzmaster its in a surf green colour and well used . It was passed down to him by his grandfather as stated in the description of the before mentioned video.
Joji Malani is seen using his original 1959 Fender Jazzmaster during a live performance of Gang of Youths' "What Can I Do If the Fire Goes Out," as evidenced by video footage available on YouTube.
In this video, Sol Philcox-Littlefield shows a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster at 17:18.
Dennis van Leeuwen uses a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster for live performances of songs such as "Scream," "Hold On to the World," and "Come Together." According to van Leeuwen, he was notified by a guitar store about the arrival of 15 Jazzmasters and selected this particular guitar based purely on its appearance. Upon playing it, he found it to be the best sounding among the options available.
Album Usage
The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1959 Fender Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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