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Average Price: $2,300
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
Step back into the swinging '60s with the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster, a masterful reissue that captures the essence of a golden musical era. This solid body electric guitar doesn't just replicate the past; it brings it alive with a balanced blend of vintage charm and modern playability. With its C-shaped neck profile and round-lam rosewood fingerboard, this Jazzmaster offers the classic feel that has inspired artists across genres. The American Vintage pickups are meticulously voiced to deliver the authentic sound of the mid-'60s, yet they maintain the clarity and precision that modern players demand.
Whether you're diving into surf rock or exploring experimental soundscapes, this Jazzmaster provides the tonal versatility and comfort required. The period-correct appointments and craftsmanship ensure that every detail, from the offset body design to the floating tremolo system, is a nod to its iconic lineage. Perfect for the discerning player who values both heritage and innovation, the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is more than an instrument; it's a portal to the past with the promise of future musical adventures.
Key Features:
- C-shaped neck profile
- Round-lam rosewood fingerboard
- American Vintage pickups
- Period-correct appointments
- Offset body design
- Floating tremolo system
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst, Aztec Gold, Olympic White |
| Year | 2013 - 2017 |
| 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 | Brown, Gold, White |
| 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 |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender American Vintage |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster?
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The Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster features a mid-'60s "C" shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players who prefer vintage-style necks.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster?
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The Jazzmaster's single-coil pickups deliver a warm, full-bodied sound with a distinctive bell-like chime, making them ideal for surf rock, indie, and alternative music styles.
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Is the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster suitable for beginners?
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While the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is a high-quality instrument with vintage specs, its unique offset body and tremolo system might be more suited to intermediate or advanced players familiar with these features.
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Does the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is equipped with a vintage-style floating tremolo system, allowing for smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects.
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What are the finish options available for the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster?
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The Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is available in 3-Color Sunburst, Aztec Gold, and Olympic White finishes, each offering a classic and stylish look.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Review Demo - Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic mid-60s sound with true vintage specs and flash coat nitro finish.
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Superb resonance and sustain, uncommon for Fender offsets.
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Smooth, versatile pickups offering a range of tones from stratty to teleish.
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Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship.
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Comfortable, substantial neck; bound fretboard for added aesthetic appeal.
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Tremolo system is smooth, musical, and locks securely.
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Aesthetically pleasing vintage features like witch hat knobs and matching headstock.
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Highly resonant, making it enjoyable and easy to play.
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Fits well when sitting, offering a comfortable playing experience.
CONS
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7.25" radius neck may require higher action for optimal playability.
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Vintage spec vibrato arm lacks modern push-in convenience.
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Original bridge may need upgrades for enhanced performance.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster.
Comparisons
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For similar pricing, many prefer the Custom Shop for better craftsmanship over the American Vintage '65, which is noted as overpriced in this scenario.
Source -
The TVL Jazzmaster, made in Mexico, offers similar specs to the AVII but with a ready-to-play setup and upgrades like a Mustang bridge.
Source
Value and pricing
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The American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is considered overpriced at $3500-$4000, given typical market rates are about half.
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Build quality
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The early models had a finish prone to chipping, which led Fender to change their painting process after retailer complaints.
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Features and functionality
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The neck is perceived as initially large, but many owners find it becomes a favorite due to its slim fit.
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The model includes binding, a feature not present in the '62 versions, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
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The American Vintage model features a polished neck, contrasting with the American Professional II's satin finish, influencing playability preference.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 67 Ratings
Best Jazzmaster, my number 1.
I bought this second hand for considerably cheaper than the original price, and I must say, is the most authentic Jazzmaster that you can buy for the money. The neck is a little bigger than I'm used to, but is very comfortable, and the guitar is extremely resonant and nice to play. The tremolo system is the smoothest and most musical I've come across, and locks nicely and tightly. I love that this guitar's finish will also show you how you like to play it due to Fenders Flash Coat Lacquer. The matching headstock, the transitional gold CBS Fender logo, bound neck and vintage style witch hat knobs are also very aesthetically pleasing to me. In my opinion this is the best Jazzmaster you can currently buy from Fender, that is true and authentic to the original instrument.
256
Versatile and Functional.
Everything about my jazz master I love. the eccentric tremolo system just begs to be played and the tone is killer. Its not overly harsh or offensive. I'm glad I bought it. I don't think Id trade it for anything else. I changed it to a mastery bridge and never had any problems. I swear it keeps strings from breaking
114
Artist usage
Add artist
Guitarist Alex Turner is seen using a Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Electric Guitar in this Arctic Monkeys performance for the BBC Radio 1 Live.
In this image we can see Thom Yorke of Band Aid 20, Radiohead, The Venus in Furs, Headless Chickens, and Atoms for Peace playing his white Jazzmaster.
Robert Smith used an Olympic White Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster early in his career, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
In 2003, Jonny stated that he played a 'Vintage Fender Jazzmaster' in one of Coldplay's self-published eZines.
Jono Grant can be seen playing a sunburst Fender Jazzmaster in an Instagram photo posted by Above & Beyond.
"On most all the songs, the main guitar parts were played on a Fender Jazzmaster. I have like these reissues. I also have a vintage one that I used on a lot of stuff, but a lot of it I just stuck with the reissue. I just like the way it feels and I like the way that it sounds."
In this picture you can see Bob Dylan playing his sunburst Fender Jazzmaster @ Forest Hills on 28 August 1965
Taylor describes the custom details of this Jazzmaster, which is much the same as his Sunburst aside from the color.
*Block Inlay.
*Painted Headstock
Humbucker ( AlNiCo II pro) in bridge and Humbucker Sized P90 (Phat Kat) in the neck.
Rhythm/Lead circuit removed and pickup selector toggle moved from lower bout.
*Output jack moved from guard to lower bout
- Neck based on '72 Thinline Tele RI and standard Jazzmaster.
Ryan Adams is seen playing a Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Electric Guitar during his latest tour, as captured in a Rolling Stone photo.
In a performance of "Eyes to the Wind" on Austin City Limits, Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs plays a Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Electric Guitar.
“I play this Jazzmaster all the time. It’s a ’65, and I really like it. The neck’s been refinished, but I’m gradually scrubbing that off with sandpaper, because I don’t like it when they’re too shiny," says Adrian.
Jeff Rosenstock uses a Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster, as evidenced in the YouTube video titled "Jeff Rosenstock 'Scram', 'Beauty of Breathing', 'Old Crap', '80's Through the 50's' guitar lesson" by latas recicladas de LMBECIL. The distinguishing features of this guitar, such as the fretboard binding, matching headstock, and specific knobs, confirm its identity.
Album Usage
The Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster has been featured on the following albums:
HELLMODE
Jeff Rosenstock (2023)
SKA DREAM
Jeff Rosenstock (2021)
NO DREAM
Jeff Rosenstock (2020)
By Default
Band of Skulls (2016)
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
Florence and the Machine (2015)
Inanimate Objects
Atlas Genius (2015)
A Ton of Love
Editors (2013)
Sweet Sour (Remastered 2024)
Band of Skulls (2012)
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 Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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