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Average Price: $2,300

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$1001+

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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

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

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster?

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.

Is the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster suitable for beginners?

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.

Does the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is equipped with a vintage-style floating tremolo system, allowing for smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects.

What are the finish options available for the Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster?

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.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Aztec Gold - Demo by PMTVUK

Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Aztec Gold - Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage 65 Jazzmaster by paolo1968

Fender American Vintage 65 Jazzmaster

paolo1968

paolo1968

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster and '65 Jaguar electric guitar demo by Guitarist

Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster and '65 Jaguar electric guitar demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage Reissue '65 Jazzmaster (jam demo) by Brett Kingman

Fender American Vintage Reissue '65 Jazzmaster (jam demo)

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster® by Yu Ishikawa

Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster®

Yu Ishikawa

Yu Ishikawa

Video thumbnail for The unsellable guitar... Fender American Vintage 65 Jazzmaster. by Audiomo Music

The unsellable guitar... Fender American Vintage 65 Jazzmaster.

Audiomo Music

Audiomo Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster by 楽器.me

Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

楽器.me

楽器.me

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic mid-60s sound with true vintage specs and flash coat nitro finish.

  • Superb resonance and sustain, uncommon for Fender offsets.

  • Smooth, versatile pickups offering a range of tones from stratty to teleish.

  • Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship.

  • Comfortable, substantial neck; bound fretboard for added aesthetic appeal.

  • Tremolo system is smooth, musical, and locks securely.

  • Aesthetically pleasing vintage features like witch hat knobs and matching headstock.

  • Highly resonant, making it enjoyable and easy to play.

  • Fits well when sitting, offering a comfortable playing experience.

CONS

  • 7.25" radius neck may require higher action for optimal playability.

  • Vintage spec vibrato arm lacks modern push-in convenience.

  • 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

  • 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

  • The American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is considered overpriced at $3500-$4000, given typical market rates are about half.

    Source

Build quality

  • The early models had a finish prone to chipping, which led Fender to change their painting process after retailer complaints.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck is perceived as initially large, but many owners find it becomes a favorite due to its slim fit.

    Source
  • The model includes binding, a feature not present in the '62 versions, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The American Vintage model features a polished neck, contrasting with the American Professional II's satin finish, influencing playability preference.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lightweight nature of the guitar, enhancing playability and comfort.

    Source
  • ClassicGear tuners on the AVII frequently feel stiff, impacting tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some prefer Avantguard tort guards over Spitfire for custom pickguard modifications.

    Source
  • Owners often consider swapping AVII's bridge for a Mustang bridge to enhance string stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster's threaded bridge often fails to hold strings securely, requiring neck shimming or a bridge swap.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender '65 Jazzmaster Review: American Vintage Series - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Fender's American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster is a love letter to the adventurous guitarist. It shines with its vibrant vibrato and bell-like pickups that embrace experimental and genre-spanning players. While the guitar delivers rich tones suited for everything from surf to jazz, its quirks—like a finicky bridge and some tuning instability—require patience. The neck is more substantial than earlier models, making it a rhythm player's delight. Despite a polarizing finish and some traditionalist gripes, this Jazzmaster remains a playground for those who value versatility and creativity over convention.

positive

Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster offers a refreshing departure from typical Stratocaster versatility, delivering authentic garage rock, surf, soul, and funk tones with excellent build quality. While the vintage accuracy and personality of this guitar are impressive, it may not appeal to those averse to the unique fretboard feel. Its mid-60s C-shaped neck and period-correct floating vibrato system cater to those who appreciate its character and sound. With improved pickups and adherence to 1965 specifications, this Jazzmaster is a standout for its aesthetic appeal and unique tonal palette, especially for players with a vintage-minded approach.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 67 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
taran_taz_sidhu

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.

poonce_dong

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

iiiiiiiiiiiii

used at the halftime show at a hockey game

used and smashed at halftime show in 2006

maxime_garcia

Olympic White AVRI 65

" Amazing guitar, Jazzmaster are one of my favorite guitar "

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Thom Yorke uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Robert Smith uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

Robert Smith used an Olympic White Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster early in his career, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Jonny Buckland uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Jonny Buckland

Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

In 2003, Jonny stated that he played a 'Vintage Fender Jazzmaster' in one of Coldplay's self-published eZines.

See how Above & Beyond uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Above & Beyond

Music Producer

Above & Beyond vs. Andy Moor

...
Verified via Photo

Jono Grant can be seen playing a sunburst Fender Jazzmaster in an Instagram photo posted by Above & Beyond.

See how Mike Einziger uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Mike Einziger

Guitarist

Incubus

...
Verified via Ultimate-guitar

"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."

See how Bob Dylan uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Bob Dylan

Keyboardist, Composer

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see Bob Dylan playing his sunburst Fender Jazzmaster @ Forest Hills on 28 August 1965

See how Taylor York uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

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.
See how Ryan Adams uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Photo

Ryan Adams is seen playing a Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster Electric Guitar during his latest tour, as captured in a Rolling Stone photo.

See how Adam Granduciel uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Adam Granduciel

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Adrian Utley uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via Photo

“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.

See how Jeff Rosenstock uses Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster

Jeff Rosenstock

Singer, Guitarist

Bomb the Music Industry!

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Olympic White

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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2

Community setups

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lehimacs

lehimacs

Gear IQ 449

1 alternative for Fender American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster, curated by the Equipboard community.

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