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Description

Dive into the past with the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar, a masterpiece that blends the iconic sounds and style of the 60s with contemporary craftsmanship. This electric guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a bridge to the golden era of rock and roll, equipped with Fender's American Vintage pickups for that authentic tone without the vintage noise. Its shorter scale and unique tremolo system make it a standout choice for players looking to capture the spirit of the 60s without sacrificing modern playability. Perfect for the musician who respects tradition but craves the reliability of a new instrument.

Key Features:

  • Modeled after the 1965 vintage Jaguar
  • Equipped with Fender's American Vintage pickups for authentic, noise-free '50s and '60s sounds
  • Shorter scale for easy playability
  • Unique tremolo system characteristic of the Jaguar series
  • Period-accurate appointments blend vintage appeal with modern reliability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '65 Jaguar
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Sonic Blue
Year 2013 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 American Vintage, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar?

The Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar features a mid '60s C-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

How does the pickup configuration of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar affect its sound?

This Jaguar model is equipped with vintage-accurate single-coil pickups, wound to period-correct specifications, delivering a bright and articulate sound typical of the mid-1960s Jaguar.

Is the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar suitable for alternative rock music?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar is well-suited for alternative rock, offering a distinctive tone that has been favored by many iconic alternative rock guitarists.

What are the key features of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar's tremolo system?

The guitar features a vintage-style floating tremolo with a lock button, providing smooth pitch modulation and improved tuning stability during performances.

What is the scale length of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar, and how does it affect playability?

The scale length is 24 inches, which is shorter than standard Fender models, offering easier playability and a slightly warmer tone, making it ideal for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a slinkier feel.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar?

The body of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar is made from lightweight alder, contributing to its balanced tone and comfortable weight for extended playing sessions.

Paul Reno

Paul Reno

Best Fender Jaguar? American Vintage 65 vs Crafted in Japan vs Johnny Marr Comparison

Video thumbnail for Best Fender Jaguar? American Vintage 65 vs Crafted in Japan vs Johnny Marr Comparison by Paul Reno

Best Fender Jaguar? American Vintage 65 vs Crafted in Japan vs Johnny Marr Comparison

Paul Reno

Paul Reno

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar by Coleman's Music

Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar Candy Apple Red - Damon |  PMTVUK by PMTVUK

Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar Candy Apple Red - Damon | PMTVUK

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for TEST DRIVE: Eugene Strobe tests the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar by Detroit Guitar

TEST DRIVE: Eugene Strobe tests the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Detroit Guitar

Detroit Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding build quality and vintage accuracy; feels like a classic Fender

  • Short scale neck and 7.25 radius provide effortless playability

  • Sonic blue finish offers a striking vintage aesthetic

  • Creamery Jag 90 pickups deliver a unique, inspiring tone

  • Nitro finish and vintage-style wiring add to authentic feel

  • Bound neck and matching headstock for extra vintage vibe

  • Versatile sound, suitable from mellow to overdriven tones

  • Comfortable body shape with a unique offset design

  • Excellent attention to detail, comparable to custom shop quality

  • Offers a distinct blend of acoustic-like playability and electric sound

CONS

  • Finish issues; neck plate adhesion can mar the body

  • Lead circuit may sound dark at low volumes without a treble bleed

  • Standard bridge may require replacement for optimal performance

  • Tedious truss rod access located by the body

  • Pickup cavity may need routing for taller pickups like Jag 90s

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar.

Setup and maintenance

  • A floating bridge adjustment with straightened strings enhances resonance; fret around the 4th or 5th fret and pluck behind the bridge for noticeable sound improvements.

    Source
  • Shimming the neck and applying beeswax on bridge posts can reduce unwanted movement, offering a more stable playing experience.

    Source
  • Running 250k pots is common, though swapping the capacitor for a lower value can prevent the tone control from darkening too aggressively.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Tortoiseshell pickguards are popular among owners for aesthetic upgrades, particularly when paired with Sonic Grey finishes.

    Source
  • Some users pair a Pure Vintage '65 neck pickup with a Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup for versatile tones, from blues to rock and metal.

    Source
  • Owners have experimented successfully with wiring pickups in series for a thicker sound, especially when using fuzz effects.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer changing the pickguard color from white, indicating a common dissatisfaction with the stock aesthetic.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Pure Vintage '65 Jaguar pickups are bright and can squeal with fuzz, but still allow jangle to cut through high gain.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Stacking pedals at lower individual settings can improve distortion tone with Pure Vintage '65 pickups more than cranking a single pedal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Stock Jaguar pickups blend well with distortion but are noted for their tendency to squeal due to being single coils.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
berit

The best!

The best guitar money can buy. A real bad man. A real bad man. Sounds like a rocket.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Christian Bland uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Christian Bland

Guitarist

The Black Angels

...
Verified via YouTube

about 9 seconds in he explains it all work done on it mostly original etc

See how Sarah Lipstate uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Sarah Lipstate

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In this video Sarah is playing her Jaguar '65

See how Laura Marling uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Laura Marling

Singer, Guitarist

Noah and the Whale

...
Verified via YouTube

She uses this guitar during the live at WFUV on False Hope song.

See how Martin Courtney uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar

Martin Courtney

Guitarist

Real Estate

...
Verified via Photo

From this instagram post, it is seen that Martin has a pink Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar.

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 American Vintage '65 Jaguar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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