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Average Price: $13,950
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Dive into the rich history and unmatched versatility of the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster, a classic that transcends genres. Originally envisioned as a jazz guitarist's dream, this model quickly found its place among surf rock and indie legends, thanks to its unique floating tremolo system and distinctively mellow pickups. With its sleek, sports-car-inspired curves and innovative design, the Jazzmaster is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire creativity across the musical spectrum. Whether you're shredding surf licks or crafting the next indie anthem, the Jazzmaster stands ready to fuel your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Unique floating tremolo system for unparalleled vibrato effects
- Mellower sounding pickups perfect for a wide range of music genres
- Sleek, offset solid body design inspired by sports cars
- Bolt-on neck with dot inlays for classic looks and solid playability
- Alder body and maple neck with slab Rosewood fingerboard for warm, rich tones
- Two single-coil soapbox pickups with a 3-way pickup selector for versatile sound shaping
- 25 1/2-inch scale length, treble and bass roll knobs for precise tonal control
- Lead/rhythm circuit switch, offering distinct tonal options
- Standard Sunburst finish, with rarer colors being highly prized by collectors
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Jazzmaster |
| Finish | Blonde, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst |
| Year | 1961 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder, Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Blue, Brown, Red, White, 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 | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster unique compared to other Jazzmaster models?
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The 1961 Fender Jazzmaster is renowned for its thick slab Rosewood fretboard and high build quality from the pre-CBS era. It features distinctive finishes and a unique offset body shape, contributing to its iconic status among vintage guitar enthusiasts.
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How does the pickup configuration of the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster affect its sound?
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The 1961 Jazzmaster features a single-coil pickup configuration, producing a bright and clear tone with a unique midrange character, ideal for surf rock and jazz. The pickups' design also contributes to its distinctive, jangly sound.
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Is the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for modern music genres?
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Yes, the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster's versatile tone and playability make it suitable for various genres beyond its surf rock origins, including indie, alternative, and experimental music.
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What type of bridge does the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster use, and how does it affect playability?
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The 1961 Jazzmaster uses a tremolo tailpiece bridge, allowing for smooth vibrato effects. This bridge design offers unique tonal flexibility and contributes to the guitar's distinctive feel and sound.
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How does the neck profile of the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster affect playability?
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The 1961 Jazzmaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is well-suited for a variety of playing styles, offering a smooth and easy playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Videos
MusicStoreLive.com
1961 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 1961 Fender Jazzmaster.
Build quality
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The 1961 Jazzmaster's neck has a thicker C shape, providing a comfortable grip, unlike the smaller 1960 necks.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners report issues with original bridges, often replaced with Mustang saddles to reduce rattle from threaded saddles.
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Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Despite refinishing and non-original parts, a $7k price is considered reasonable in today's market for a pre-CBS Jazzmaster.
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Other
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The lightweight body, at 7 lbs 3 oz, makes this Jazzmaster notably lighter than most vintage/custom shop models.
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Comparisons
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The neck of the 1961 model is noted to be thinner than the 1958 and 1959 Jazzmasters, offering a unique playing experience among early models.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners frequently use their Jazzmasters with vintage Fender Bassman amps, suggesting a preferred sonic pairing for authentic vintage tones.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Alex Turner can be seen playing a vintage 1961 Fender Jazzmaster since The Age of the Understatement tour.
The headstock of this model, from 1961 onwards, displays the patent number below the "Fender Jazzmaster with synchronized floating tremolo" inscription - just like Alex's guitar, despite the tremolo still indicating "PAT. PEND.". This latter detail changes only in the 1962 model.
The guitar includes a buzz stop and initially featured a black pickguard, which was later swapped for a tortoise pickguard during The Car Tour.
Additional images can be viewed in Gordon White's Flickr album.
In the EMusician article "STRAIGHT SHOOTER," James Murphy is noted for using a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster.
According to this article on Premier Guitar where all the gear he mentioned in the interview are written, this is one of his Guitars.
In this pic (https://www.guitarworld.com/features/rig-tour-lives-resident-fuzz-junkie-chad-taylor) you can spot the 1961 'Scarlett' Jazzmaster in fiesta red
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 1961 Fender Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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