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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
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar?
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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.
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How does the pickup configuration of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar affect its sound?
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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.
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Is the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar suitable for alternative rock music?
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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.
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What are the key features of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar's tremolo system?
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The guitar features a vintage-style floating tremolo with a lock button, providing smooth pitch modulation and improved tuning stability during performances.
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What is the scale length of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar, and how does it affect playability?
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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.
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What type of wood is used for the body of the Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar?
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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.
Videos
Paul Reno
Best Fender Jaguar? American Vintage 65 vs Crafted in Japan vs Johnny Marr Comparison
Reviews
PROS
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Outstanding build quality and vintage accuracy; feels like a classic Fender
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Short scale neck and 7.25 radius provide effortless playability
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Sonic blue finish offers a striking vintage aesthetic
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Creamery Jag 90 pickups deliver a unique, inspiring tone
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Nitro finish and vintage-style wiring add to authentic feel
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Bound neck and matching headstock for extra vintage vibe
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Versatile sound, suitable from mellow to overdriven tones
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Comfortable body shape with a unique offset design
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Excellent attention to detail, comparable to custom shop quality
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Offers a distinct blend of acoustic-like playability and electric sound
CONS
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Finish issues; neck plate adhesion can mar the body
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Lead circuit may sound dark at low volumes without a treble bleed
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Standard bridge may require replacement for optimal performance
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Tedious truss rod access located by the body
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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
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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.
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Shimming the neck and applying beeswax on bridge posts can reduce unwanted movement, offering a more stable playing experience.
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Running 250k pots is common, though swapping the capacitor for a lower value can prevent the tone control from darkening too aggressively.
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Mods and upgrades
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Tortoiseshell pickguards are popular among owners for aesthetic upgrades, particularly when paired with Sonic Grey finishes.
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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.
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Owners have experimented successfully with wiring pickups in series for a thicker sound, especially when using fuzz effects.
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User experience
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Some owners prefer changing the pickguard color from white, indicating a common dissatisfaction with the stock aesthetic.
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Features and functionality
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Pure Vintage '65 Jaguar pickups are bright and can squeal with fuzz, but still allow jangle to cut through high gain.
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Use cases and applications
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Stacking pedals at lower individual settings can improve distortion tone with Pure Vintage '65 pickups more than cranking a single pedal.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Vintage '65 Jaguar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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