Pricing and availability

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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

What makes the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster unique compared to other Jazzmaster models?

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.

How does the pickup configuration of the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster affect its sound?

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.

Is the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for modern music genres?

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.

What type of bridge does the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster use, and how does it affect playability?

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.

How does the neck profile of the 1961 Fender Jazzmaster affect playability?

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.

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

1961 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1961 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fender Jazzmaster at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

1961 Fender Jazzmaster at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fender Vintage Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1961 Fender Vintage Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fender Jazzmaster Demo & Tone Review ( with Panda ) by MusicStoreLive.com

1961 Fender Jazzmaster Demo & Tone Review ( with Panda )

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1961 Fender Jazzmaster | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1961 Fender Jazzmaster | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

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

  • The 1961 Jazzmaster's neck has a thicker C shape, providing a comfortable grip, unlike the smaller 1960 necks.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report issues with original bridges, often replaced with Mustang saddles to reduce rattle from threaded saddles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend replacing the original tuners with repros to preserve them, although the original tuners are known for their durability.

    Source
  • Owners often replace the original bridge with a Mastery bridge shortly after acquisition for improved stability and performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Original cases are often included, although trem locks may be missing in some purchases.

    Source
  • The Brazilian rosewood fretboard is often described as feeling "like butter," highlighting its smooth playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite refinishing and non-original parts, a $7k price is considered reasonable in today's market for a pre-CBS Jazzmaster.

    Source

Other

  • The lightweight body, at 7 lbs 3 oz, makes this Jazzmaster notably lighter than most vintage/custom shop models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently use their Jazzmasters with vintage Fender Bassman amps, suggesting a preferred sonic pairing for authentic vintage tones.

    Source

User experience

  • The natural wear and chips in the paint are generally accepted and appreciated as part of the guitar’s history, as opposed to artificial relic finishes.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1961 Jazzmaster vs 1966 Jaguar shootout

guitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how James Murphy uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via EMusician

In the EMusician article "STRAIGHT SHOOTER," James Murphy is noted for using a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster.

See how Sean Lennon uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

Sean Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to this article on Premier Guitar where all the gear he mentioned in the interview are written, this is one of his Guitars.

See how Chad Taylor uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

Chad Taylor

Guitarist

Live

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how R.J. Ronquillo uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

R.J. Ronquillo

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Stone Sour

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "I Got a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster!" on YouTube, R.J. Ronquillo demonstrates his newly acquired 1961 Fender Jazzmaster, providing clear evidence of his use of this specific guitar model.

See how Zulhezan uses 1961 Fender Jazzmaster

Zulhezan

Guitarist, Composer

Dirgahayu

...
Verified via Photo

Zulhezan is seen using a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster in his projects, including bands like Akta Angkasa and Dirgahayu, as shown in his Instagram post mentioning #1961jazzmaster.

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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