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Average Price: $1,095

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Description

Meet the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster—an iconic instrument that merges vintage vibe with modern playability, perfect for the discerning musician. This American-made workhorse offers the unmistakable Jazzmaster essence with a twist, bringing a fresh spin to the classic model. Crafted from an Alder body, it carries the signature resonance and sustain that Fender aficionados crave. The sleek C-shaped neck, crowned with a late 1960s headstock profile, ensures comfort whether you're shredding on stage or jamming at home.

Gone are the traditional dials and push switches on the upper bout; instead, you get a streamlined control setup with a three-way toggle switch, offering a straightforward approach to your tone-shaping needs. Equipped with two Jazzmaster Special pickups, this guitar delivers the warm, full-bodied sound that has colored countless records, making it a versatile choice for any style—from surf rock to shoegaze.

Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a budding musician, the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Alder body for classic Fender resonance and sustain
  • Two Jazzmaster Special pickups for versatile tonal options
  • C-shaped neck with late 1960s headstock profile for comfortable playability
  • Simplified control layout with a three-way toggle switch

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Special Jazzmaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Olympic White, Sherwood Green, Sonic Blue, Walnut
Year 2013 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 American Special
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music is the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster Walnut best suited for?

The Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster Walnut is versatile and excels in genres like surf rock, indie, and alternative music, thanks to its offset body and unique tonal characteristics from the SS pickup configuration.

How does the walnut finish on the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster affect its appearance?

The walnut finish gives the Jazzmaster a rich, warm aesthetic, complementing its classic design with a modern twist, making it visually striking on stage.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster Walnut?

The neck features a comfortable C-shape profile, which is ideal for most playing styles, offering a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster Walnut have a tremolo system?

Yes, it features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and classic vibrato effects, which are essential for surf and alternative rock styles.

Is the Fender American Special CME Jazzmaster Walnut suitable for beginners?

While its features cater more to intermediate and advanced players, beginners who appreciate its tone and aesthetics can also find it rewarding, especially if they are dedicated to learning.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Fender American Special Jazzmaster | Chicago Music Exchange Exclusive | CME Gear Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender American Special Jazzmaster | Chicago Music Exchange Exclusive | CME Gear Demo by Chicago Music Exchange

Fender American Special Jazzmaster | Chicago Music Exchange Exclusive | CME Gear Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The absence of a floating tremolo is noted as a significant change, impacting the traditional Jazzmaster playing experience and reducing its appeal for tremolo enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The model includes a hardtail bridge, which some players appreciate for its stability and tuning retention compared to the traditional floating tremolo system.

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  • Mastery bridge offers louder and more varied "behind the bridge" sounds compared to the AmPro, which provides a more consistent and flat sound.

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  • The CME Jazzmaster in walnut is a discontinued model, now with expanded color options by Chicago Music Exchange.

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Comparisons

  • The tailpiece position remains unchanged from the previous Fender Specials, leading to a different string resonance compared to classic Jazzmasters.

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  • Mastery bridge requires thimble replacement, which can be intimidating for beginners, whereas the AmPro bridge installation is straightforward.

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  • The walnut finish on this model is likened to the color of a 2014 SG Standard, appealing to those seeking a matching guitar aesthetic.

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User experience

  • Enthusiasts express a desire for a more traditional Jazzmaster setup, indicating that this model's changes may not satisfy purists seeking the classic Jazzmaster feel.

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  • Some users note that the angled neck pocket of the CME Jazzmaster may reduce the need for additional shimming.

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  • Owners who disliked Bigsby systems appreciate the absence of a tremolo on this Jazzmaster.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Mustang saddles are recommended for reducing string slippage and buzz, particularly when using heavier strings like 10s or above.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The American Professional (AmPro) Jazzmaster bridge can be easily fitted without thimble replacement, providing a cost-effective alternative to the Mastery bridge.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some players transitioning from Les Pauls prefer the hardtail setup of this Jazzmaster for its simplicity and stability.

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