Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $17,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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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

What makes the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster unique compared to other Fender models?

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.

Is the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for surf music?

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.

What is the neck profile of the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster?

The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster typically features a "C" shape neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that accommodates various playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

How does the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster's pickup configuration affect its sound?

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.

Is the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster easy to play for beginners?

While the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster offers excellent playability, its complex control layout and floating tremolo system may require some adjustment for beginners.

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Demo | TGM Gear Demos by Guitar

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Demo | TGM Gear Demos

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Black Bobbin Review - 1959 Fender Jazzmaster by Black Bobbin

Black Bobbin Review - 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Black Bobbin

Black Bobbin

Video thumbnail for The Story of my 1959 Fender Jazzmaster by Alex Strahle

The Story of my 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Alex Strahle

Alex Strahle

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Mothership Gear by Ildefonso, Inc.

1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Mothership Gear

Ildefonso, Inc.

Ildefonso, Inc.

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

  • The thin, see-thru nitro paint finish is noted for its unique transparency, differing from thicker finishes that might obscure wood details.

    Source
  • The neck radius is noted to be 9.5", distinct from the vintage-correct 7.25", providing a modern playability advantage for some players.

    Source
  • 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

  • The transparent red finish is likened to a 1998-2006 Les Paul studio wine red, though it has more SG vibes in terms of appearance.

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  • The guitar's weight and brightness have been compared to a Les Paul, with some finding it too heavy and bright for their taste.

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Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner with an '08 model highlighted the need to file down jumbo frets for better playability, indicating specific setup adjustments might be needed.

    Source
  • Owners express a strong preference for keeping vintage Jazzmasters intact, emphasizing the historical value of original, complete instruments over parting them out.

    Source
  • 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

Vintage Bench Test: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

guitar.com

The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster dazzles with its stunning blonde finish and rare ash body, making it a coveted collector's piece. Its acoustic tone surpasses expectations, offering brightness and sustain that many vintage guitars lack. However, its unique sound strays from traditional Jazzmaster tones, which might not appeal to purists seeking that classic woody thunk. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with a comfortable neck and functional anodised pickguard, yet the hefty price tag of £35,000 marks it firmly as a luxury item. Ultimately, this Jazzmaster is a masterpiece for those who appreciate its distinctive qualities, but it may not be for everyone.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Shields uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Kevin Shields

Guitarist, Singer

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Sam Fender uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Sam Fender

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Manuel Gardner Fernandes uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Manuel Gardner Fernandes

Singer, Guitarist

Unprocessed

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Dan Estrin uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Dan Estrin

Guitarist

Hoobastank

...
Verified via Photo

Taken from Dan's instagram account.

See how Joji Malani uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Joji Malani

Guitarist

Gang of Youths

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Natural Refin Year: 1959

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.

See how Sol Philcox-Littlefield uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Sol Philcox-Littlefield

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Sol Philcox-Littlefield shows a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster at 17:18.

See how Dennis van Leeuwen uses 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Dennis van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Music Producer

Kane

...
Verified via Photo

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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