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Average Price: $1,600
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Description
The 1962 Fender Jaguar is a timeless classic that carved its own niche among electric guitars with its distinctive features and unique design. Introduced as a luxurious model in the Fender lineup, it quickly became a favorite for avant-garde musicians seeking a different sound. Its iconic offset body not only gives it an eye-catching appearance but also contributes to a comfortable playing experience, especially during long gigs.
One of the Jaguar’s most striking features is its 24-inch scale length, which is shorter than most standard Fender guitars. This scale length, combined with two specially designed single-coil pickups, delivers a crisp, articulate tone that stands out in genres like punk, grunge, and indie rock. The floating tremolo system offers players expressive vibrato effects, while the lead/rhythm circuit switch provides versatile tonal options, making it perfect for both rhythm and lead roles.
Crafted with an Alder body and a Maple neck topped with a Rosewood fingerboard, the 1962 Jaguar is a testament to Fender’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. It’s not just about the sound; the Jaguar also impresses visually with its standard Sunburst finish, although more rare colors can intrigue collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Join the ranks of legendary players like Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr who have embraced the Jaguar's unique sound and character. This is more than just a guitar; it’s a piece of musical history ready to inspire your next great riff.
Key Features:
- Offset solidbody design
- Alder body with Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard
- 24-inch scale length
- Two single-coil pickups with notched side-plates
- Floating tremolo system
- Lead/rhythm circuit switch with individual pickup selectors
- Treble and bass roll knobs
- Standard Sunburst finish
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Jaguar |
| Finish | Black, Black with Matching Headstock, Blonde, Burgundy Mist, Burgundy Mist with Matching Headstock, Dakota Red, Dakota Red with Matching Headstock, Fiesta Red, Fiesta Red with Matching Headstock, Lake Placid Blue, Lake Placid Blue with Matching Headstock, Olympic White, Olympic White with Matching Headstock, Shoreline Gold, Shoreline Gold with Matching Headstock, Sonic Blue, Sonic Blue with Matching Headstock, Sunburst |
| Year | 1962 |
| 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 | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Pink, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Jaguar |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24" |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the 1962 Fender Jaguar unique compared to other Fender models?
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The 1962 Fender Jaguar features a shorter 24" scale length and a distinctive offset body shape, making it comfortable for fast playing. Its unique pickup switching system and floating tremolo bridge set it apart from other Fender guitars, offering a versatile tone palette ideal for surf rock and alternative music.
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What type of music is the 1962 Fender Jaguar best suited for?
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The 1962 Fender Jaguar is well-suited for surf rock, punk, and alternative rock genres, thanks to its bright, cutting tone and versatile pickup configuration. Its unique sound and playability have made it a favorite among musicians in these styles.
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How does the neck profile of the 1962 Fender Jaguar affect playability?
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The 1962 Fender Jaguar features a slim neck profile with a 7.25" fretboard radius, offering a comfortable grip and ease of play for fast chord changes and intricate lead work. This makes it particularly appealing to players who prefer a vintage feel.
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What are the standout features of the 1962 Fender Jaguar's electronics?
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The 1962 Fender Jaguar is equipped with dual single-coil pickups and a unique switching system, including a rhythm circuit for a warmer tone and a lead circuit for a brighter sound. This setup provides a wide range of tonal options, making it highly versatile.
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Is the 1962 Fender Jaguar suitable for beginners?
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While the 1962 Fender Jaguar offers unique features and a distinct sound, its complex controls and shorter scale may present a learning curve for beginners. However, its comfortable playability and iconic status make it a rewarding choice for those willing to explore its capabilities.
Videos
frettedamericana
1962 Fender Jaguar 00924
Reviews
PROS
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Rare slab board model offers deeper tone and improved comfort
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Vintage appeal with a unique fiesta red finish
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Durable construction; can last for decades with proper care
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Incredible sound quality despite cosmetic imperfections
CONS
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Tuning stability issues require frequent adjustments
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Original components may need replacement for optimal performance
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Consistent setup required to maintain playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1962 Fender Jaguar.
Setup and maintenance
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The 1962 Jaguar's pickguard is prone to shrinking, requiring careful handling during maintenance to avoid damage.
Source
User experience
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The neck on the '62 Jaguar is noted for being worn-in and comfortable, though some users prefer a slightly thicker neck profile for better playability.
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Owners often modify Jaguars with Mastery bridges for improved stability and intonation, reflecting modern preferences over vintage setups.
Source
Value and pricing
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Vintage Jaguars like the 1962 model have significantly increased in value over the years, with recent transactions around $7,200, reflecting their collectible status.
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Comparisons
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Owners compare the 1962 Jaguar's neck profile to mid-60s models, noting a preference for the slightly thicker feel of later versions for enhanced comfort.
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Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The "strangle switch" on Jaguars cuts lows, adding versatility for more treble-focused tones.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 17 Ratings
282
Classy & Durable
I am the 2nd owner of a 1962 fiesta red Fender Jaguar; it was my grandfather's before me and I love it. It "stopped working" around 1975 and hung with a string tied around the headstock in his uninsulated shop until 2005 when he told me, "If you can get it to work, it's yours." A can of compressed air later I was the owner of this guitar I had no clue about, I only knew that I loved the look of it.
I believe guitars were made to be played and if there's a problem, fix it; I have since replaced the bridge with Mastery components, replaced the tuners but have otherwise kept it original. There is a 2' crack on the back of the guitar but has no problems and sounds incredible.
These are classy guitars that will last much longer that me if they are taken care of, if you can get one, I'd recommend it!
186
I love seeing/hearing the demo vids you post with this thing. What a gorgeous instrument.
105
Cool looking but...
I bought this guitar back in the mid-90s when it was in vogue. Looks cool but what a pain to keep in tune and constantly needs to be set-up. Probably needs a lot of equipment replaced. I never play it but did occasionally back in the day.
41029
get a mastery bridge and oil all the old moving parts including the tuners (if they are stock Klusons)
105
Thanks for the advice. Might do that in the Fall when I have more time.
Artist usage
Add artist
In an article from Vintage Guitar magazine, John Frusciante's 1962 Fender Jaguar in Fiesta Red finish (with matching headstock) is mentioned. When talking about his favorite instruments from his collection, he says:
"I’ve had most of these guitars for a really long time. When I rejoined the Chili Peppers, I just had one guitar – the red Jaguar. I started collecting and my friend, Vincent Gallo, helped me find a lot of guitars."
The actual guitar is pictured, with the following caption:
This 1962 Fender Jaguar in Fiesta Red is the guitar Frusicante has owned longer than any other.
Frusciante himself mentions this guitar, though there is an interesting inconsistency between what Vintage Guitar magazine says, in that Frusciante says it is from 1961:
"I love Fender Jaguars. The guitar I’ve owned the longest is a red Jaguar from around ’61. It has a matching headstock."
Original article can be found here.
Well on another page I read he's playing a Jazzmaster since 2008. But I saw him in 2017 at Rock Werchter in Belgium, and he was playing a Fender Black Jaguar (not sure which year). I added a video on YouTube, could someone help me to complete this ? 19:03 In 'Airbag' he's using it. I'm sure it's a Jaguar because of the gimmicky switches every where around the body.
My 1962 Fender Jaguar that I use with The Cribs and Modest Mouse. www.johnny-marr.com/guitarchestra-2/1962-fender-jaguar
The Edge has been seen playing this Fender Jaguar in Lake Placid Blue with a painted matching headstock and gold hardware. It is believed to be a 1962 vintage.
At about 14:06 in this video, Joe talks about how he got his 1962 Fender Fiesta Red Jaguar.
Josh Klinghoffer used a 1962 Fender Jaguar as a backup guitar during The Bicycle Thief's 1999-2000 tour, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on TinyPic.
Paul Banks of Interpol can be seen in this photo playing a black1962 Reissue Jaguar, rosewood fretboard, with a black pickguard and black pickups. At first glance it seems like it could be a black HH model (Blacktop Jaguar HH or Special Edition Jaguar HH), but the floating tremolo prevents it from being that specific one.
In an interview, Paul Banks talks about why he plays Fender Jaguars:
The Jaguars are, I think, because of Kurt Cobain and John Frusciante as a child. I happened upon my Les Paul, which also suited me because I'm a big Neil Young fan. But that came about from a trade, or I got it for a song, from a good friend of mine in high school. But it wasn't a guitar that I had gone to a store and picked. It's that I saw it and said, "Fuck, will you sell me that please?"
Alongside that has always been an inclination to play a Jaguar, basically, because, as I mentioned, Frusciante and Kurt; whether or not those guys used Mustangs, I don't care. I love the Jaguar. On another side, I've always been sort of a strummy, primarily rhythm guitar player. I'm only a rhythm guitar player. There's a reason why the Rapture uses thin-stringed kind of Fender guitars with that sound, that kind of funk, disco sound. It's made for a Fender, and a beefier, moody sound, I think, is made with a Les Paul.
A lot of the kind of guitar playing I do is rhythm oriented, so I like, once in a while, going over to the Fender side because the neck is thinner, and it's like a less percussive, more rhythmic thing. Also, I feel like the Les Paul suits Interpol. The Jaguar actually came about specifically within Interpol because I had written a part in which I wanted whammy, and I don't like Les Pauls with Bigsbys. I had just got a guitar that had a whammy bar.
(source here, published November 2012)
In the YouTube video "HOMESHAKE live @ Wonderland" by Drew Price, a band member is seen playing a 1962 Fender Jaguar in black.
Genre Usage
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Used With
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