Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $9,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the golden era of music with the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster, a masterpiece that transcends its initial jazz aspirations to become a surf rock and indie icon. Its unique floating tremolo system and mellow pickups offer a playing experience as dynamic as its storied history. Not just a guitar, but a legacy wrapped in sunburst.

Key Features:

  • Alder body and veneer Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard for a warm, rich tone
  • Unique floating tremolo system for expressive vibrato effects
  • Dual single-coil pickups offering the quintessential mellow Jazzmaster sound
  • Lead/rhythm circuit switch, providing versatile tonal options
  • Classic sunburst finish, embodying the '60s spirit
  • Notable users include J Mascis and Elvis Costello, highlighting its diverse appeal

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazzmaster
Finish Blonde, Burgundy Mist, Burgundy Mist with Matching Headstock, Candy Apple Red with Matching Headstock, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Fiesta Red with Matching Headstock, Lake Placid Blue, Lake Placid Blue with Matching Headstock, Olympic White, Olympic White with Matching Headstock, Sherwood Green, Shoreline Gold, Sunburst
Year 1963
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, Gold, Green, 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 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 Fender 1963 Jazzmaster unique compared to other Fender models?

The Fender 1963 Jazzmaster features an offset body design and a unique floating tremolo system, distinguishing it from other Fender models like the Stratocaster or Telecaster. It offers a distinctive tone with its SS pickup configuration, making it popular for surf rock and alternative music.

Is the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster suitable for playing surf rock?

Yes, the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster is renowned for its surf rock capabilities, thanks to its unique floating tremolo system and bright, clean tone produced by the single-coil pickups.

What type of wood is used in the body of the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster?

The body of the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster is made from alder or ash, depending on the finish, contributing to its balanced tone and sustain.

How does the neck profile of the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster affect playability?

The Fender 1963 Jazzmaster features a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard and a 7.25" radius, providing a vintage feel that is comfortable for chord playing and rhythm work.

What is the scale length of the Fender 1963 Jazzmaster, and how does it impact the sound?

The Fender 1963 Jazzmaster has a 25.5" scale length, similar to the Stratocaster, which contributes to its bright tone and clear articulation, making it versatile for various music styles.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1963 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1963 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1963 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1963 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rogo 1969 Fender Telecaster & Lemmo 1963 Fender Jazzmaster at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Rogo 1969 Fender Telecaster & Lemmo 1963 Fender Jazzmaster at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Should I have bought it? 1963 Fender Jazzmaster vs my Custom Shop Jazzmaster by StuartRyanMusic

Should I have bought it? 1963 Fender Jazzmaster vs my Custom Shop Jazzmaster

StuartRyanMusic

StuartRyanMusic

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazzmaster 1963 pre-CBS L series by akallons

Fender Jazzmaster 1963 pre-CBS L series

akallons

akallons

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 1963 Jazzmaster.

User experience

  • Owners cherish the Jazzmaster as a family heirloom, noting its durability and sentimental value over decades.

    Source
  • The distinct musty smell of the 1963 Jazzmaster indicates extensive playtime, offering a unique authenticity absent in artificially aged relic guitars.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the guitar reportedly plays excellently, though it may require airing out due to odor before being displayed in a retail environment.

    Source
  • The distinct two-color grain in vintage Jazzmasters' rosewood fingerboards is often compared to marble, providing a unique aesthetic not seen in modern guitars.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite its age, the Jazzmaster's electronics remain fully functional, showcasing its robust construction.

    Source
  • The original tortoise pickguards on 1963 Jazzmasters have unique patterns, created from mixed chemicals, offering a 3D look not replicated in modern versions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar has been used in live performances and personal learning experiences, demonstrating its versatility and continued relevance.

    Source
  • Playing through a '70s Bandmaster Reverb stack enhances the vintage Jazzmaster experience, highlighting its compatibility with classic amps for a legendary sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Historical context suggests the Jazzmaster was initially less expensive than a Stratocaster, but now holds significant sentimental and historical value.

    Source
  • Early '60s Jazzmasters are priced similarly to custom shop models, roughly around $8K CAD, but gold guard versions can double in price.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest Spitfire pickguards for accurate vintage reproduction, as they replicate the original chemical mixing process and can be warped for authenticity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted that vintage Jazzmasters often feel more solid and lack string buzz compared to modern versions, even without recent setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Catch of the Day: 1963 Fender Jazzmaster - Fretboard Journal

fretboardjournal.com

The 1963 Fender Jazzmaster is a vintage gem that defied its initial lukewarm reception to become a cult favorite among alternative musicians. Praised for its unique sound and affordability in earlier decades, it gained respect from artists like Elvis Costello and Thurston Moore. This particular model, with its aged Olympic White finish, retains its original charm despite minor cosmetic flaws. While the shallow bridge saddles can cause string slippage, the Mastery Bridge offers a non-invasive fix, making it a highly recommended upgrade. Overall, this Jazzmaster is a celebrated piece for enthusiasts willing to invest in its distinctive character.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

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stanley_christiaensen

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Johnny-marr

1963 Fender Jazzmaster in Inca Silver. One of my favourite guitars.

Source: www.johnny-marr.com/guitarchestra-2/1963-fender-jazzmaster-in-inca-silver

See how J Mascis uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video interview, J Mascis talks about his ’63 Fender Jazzmaster Guitar. At :47, he says, “I bought it right after my guitars got stolen a few years ago. It happened to be in a local shop, and they never have any old guitars and it was just kind of there and it actually was really nice. I just put different pick up covers on it and different knobs and a different bridge. I always put Jumbo Frets on guitars too.” J demonstrates the guitar at 20:44.

See how Matthew Healy uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Matthew Healy

Singer, Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In the Guitar.com article, Matthew Healy of The 1975 is featured with his vintage 1963 Fender Jazzmaster, highlighting his impressive guitar collection.

See how Adam Granduciel uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Adam Granduciel

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Adam Granduciel talks about his use of the jazzmaster with The War On Drugs.

At 2:20 he says "I feel like the Jazzmaster's just your comrade on that journey or something, you know. It can be subtle, it can be angry, it can be chill, it can be anything you know."

See how beabadoobee uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

beabadoobee

Composer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Bea is confirmed to use a vintage Fender 1963 Jazzmaster, as evidenced by a photograph shared by her on Instagram, where she is seen holding and playing the guitar. The post, dated November 10, 2020, includes a caption that reads: "from recording fake it flowers ♥️ this 63’ jazzmaster was used for the majority of this record :)", indicating that this guitar was used extensively during the recording of her first full-length album, "Fake It Flowers".

See how Sean Lennon uses Fender 1963 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 Sune Rose Wagner uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Sune Rose Wagner

Guitarist

The Raveonettes

...
Verified via Photo

"My ’63 Fender Jazzmaster and my 1959 Musicmaster. I also have a Mosrite Ventures II. I don’t know the exact year for that, but I had it appraised once and he was pretty sure that it was mid ’60s." - https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/the-raveonettes-sune-rose-wagner-ripping-in-the-darkness-wild

See how David Rhodes uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

David Rhodes

Guitarist

Talk Talk

...
Verified via Davidrhodes-archive

Since joining Peter Gabriel, David Rhodes has relied on an arsenal of guitars and effects. To begin with, there’s his trusty ’63 Fender Jazzmaster, which he describes as “a very lovely guitar. It’s very wooden, with a beautiful, mellow tone. On So, when Daniel Lanois was playing – we’d often put things down together – he’d play the Jazzmaster.”

See how Douglass McComb uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Douglass McComb

Guitarist, Bassist

Tortoise

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an article from Premier Guitar titled "Tortoise’s Jeff Parker and Doug McCombs: Slow ’n’ Steady," Douglass McComb is mentioned as using a Fender 1963 Jazzmaster.

See how Luke Reynolds uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Luke Reynolds

Guitarist, Bassist

Guster

...
Verified via Photo

Jazzmaster can be seen in this instagram post.

See how Nile Marr uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Nile Marr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Nile has several 1963 Fender Jazzmaster's. This one is Lake Placid Blue with a matching headstock, in the caption of this instagram post he writes: "Also say hello to the newest member of the family curtesy of @brianeastwoodgui for hooking me up with my dream guitar. 1963 lake placid blue Jazzmaster." .

See how Brent Rowan uses Fender 1963 Jazzmaster

Brent Rowan

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Rambos

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine
Year: 1963

Brent Rowan uses a Fender 1963 Jazzmaster to "get that sound in-between Fender and a Gretsch," as detailed in an article by Zac Childs in Vintage Guitar® magazine.

Album Usage

The Fender 1963 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 Fender 1963 Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    michael

    Gear IQ 42641