Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$2,799.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$2,799.99
Fender
$2,799.99
Amazon
$2,799.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$2,299.00 New
$1,600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$2,799.99
Thomann
4.0 (3)
$1,955.00
Gear4Music
£2,149.00

Average Price: $2,482

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster is a timeless tribute to the mid-20th century, a period of innovation and progression in guitar design. This iconic instrument, renowned for its versatility and distinctive sound, continues to be a favorite among guitarists across various genres from surf and grunge to new wave, shoegaze, and black metal.

At the heart of its construction lies an Alder body that provides a resonant base for the Jazzmaster's full-bodied, rich and warm tones. This is further enhanced by the maple neck's tight, articulate projection and the shimmering veneer of the rosewood fingerboard. The Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazzmaster pickups capture the seminal sounds of the era, offering an authentic vintage output.

The Jazzmaster's unique features include the classic "witch hat" knobs and thumbwheels, allowing you to dial in and balance your tone to perfection. The period-precise "C" shaped neck, complemented by a 7.25-inch fingerboard radius, accommodates players of multiple styles. With the addition of a bone nut, Fender Deluxe tuners, and a vintage-style tremolo, this instrument is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Era-accurate design includes “witch hat” knobs and bound fingerboard
  • Alder body maintains resonant, rich tones with incisive mids and lush lows
  • Maple neck contributes to tight, articulate tones across the spectrum
  • Rosewood fingerboard offers a balanced, glassy tonal topcoat
  • "C"-shaped neck is highly resistant to twisting and warping, thanks to its maple construction
  • 7.25-inch fingerboard radius houses 21 vintage tall frets for premium range
  • 25.5-inch scale length, complemented by Pure Vintage tuners and Jazzmaster bridge
  • 1.65-inch bone nut and threaded steel barrel saddles ensure buzz-free tones
  • Pure Vintage ’66 Single-coil Jazzmaster pickups accompanied by classic switch slide and thumbwheel controls

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Jazzmaster
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape 1966 C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 7.25"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Blocks
Number of Frets 21, Narrow Tall
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Pure Vintage Jazzmaster with Threaded Steel Barrel Saddles
Tuners Fender Deluxe Pure Vintage
Neck Pickup Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazzmaster
Bridge Pickup Pure Vintage '66 Single-coil Jazzmaster
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone, 2 x thumbwheel (neck volume/tone)
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch, 2-way switch (lead/rhythm circuit)
Strings Fender, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster?

The neck profile is a 1966 C shape, which offers a comfortable grip for players who prefer a vintage-style neck with a slightly rounded feel.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster?

The Pure Vintage '66 single-coil Jazzmaster pickups deliver a classic, full-bodied tone with rich overtones, suitable for surf rock, indie, and alternative music.

Is the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly enjoy this guitar, its vintage specifications and price point may be more appealing to experienced players seeking authentic vintage tones and feel.

How does the switching system work on the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster?

The guitar features a 3-way toggle switch for pickup selection and a 2-way switch for lead/rhythm circuit selection, allowing versatile tonal options.

What is the finish of the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster?

It features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhances resonance and gives the guitar a classic, vintage appearance.

Does the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster come with a case?

Yes, it comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Puisheen

Puisheen

Fender Changed the Headstock

Video thumbnail for Fender Changed the Headstock by Puisheen

Fender Changed the Headstock

Puisheen

Puisheen

Video thumbnail for 2022 Fender American Vintage II Jazzmaster Dakota Red | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2022 Fender American Vintage II Jazzmaster Dakota Red | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for NEW Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster @fender by R.J. Ronquillo

NEW Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster @fender

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Lake Placid Blue by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Lake Placid Blue

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Rosewood - Dakota Red by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Rosewood - Dakota Red

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Rosewood - 3-Colour Sunburst by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster | Rosewood - 3-Colour Sunburst

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage ii 1966 Jazzmaster Demo by Get Offset

Fender American Vintage ii 1966 Jazzmaster Demo

Get Offset

Get Offset

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazzmaster American Vintage II 1966 vs REAL 60s Pickups! | Working Class Music by Working Class Music

Fender Jazzmaster American Vintage II 1966 vs REAL 60s Pickups! | Working Class Music

Working Class Music

Working Class Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding tone, versatile across multiple genres and decades

  • Comfortable chunky neck, great for chords and solos

  • Excellent tuning stability, even straight out of the box

  • Nitro finish with attractive vintage vibe and color options

  • High-quality craftsmanship with flawless finish and binding

  • Impressive intonation, enhancing overall playability

  • Vintage charm with modern reliability

  • Tremolo system superior to Strat, encourages focus on sound quality

  • Lightweight build for a Jazzmaster, adding to playing comfort

CONS

  • Inconsistent initial quality control, issues with tremolo arm sizing and pickup functionality

  • Stock case lacks modern protection features

  • Playability not ideal for rock solos, better suited for rhythm work

  • Pickup outputs may be hard to balance, limited glassy sound options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster.

Setup and maintenance

  • Out-of-box setups may require attention; some owners found that their Fender AVII '66 needed adjustments unlike MIJ models that typically require no setup.

    Source
  • Owners note that a 7.25" fretboard radius offers a vintage feel, though it may be less ideal for modern playing styles that favor easier note bending.

    Source
  • Some AVII models lack threading in the original tremolo tip, leading to replacements for better fit and function.

    Source
  • The high E string can appear close to the fretboard edge; an easy fix is available via online tutorials.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Vintera 60’s Jazzmaster is noted for louder pickups compared to both the AVII '66 and the MIJ Traditional 60’s Jazzmaster with black bobbin pickups.

    Source
  • The AVII series is likened to a Custom Shop level guitar for nearly half the price, appealing to those seeking period-correct features without the premium cost.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Black bobbin pickups are a popular upgrade for MIJ Jazzmasters to enhance tone consistency with other high-end models.

    Source
  • The Halon bridge, while not essential, is praised for its aesthetic brass accents and potential tonal improvement over the stock bridge.

    Source
  • Brass tremolo arm tip, originally from the 70s, is a genuine Fender part and enhances the guitar's vintage look.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • AVII '66 is favored for its playability and neck feel, though some owners express that there's not a $1k quality difference over MIJ or Vintera models.

    Source
  • Despite concerns about the poly undercoat, the AVII's design maintains its value well, similar to the original AVRI models.

    Source

User experience

  • AVII '66 is praised for its vintage accuracy, appealing to players seeking a period-correct Jazzmaster experience.

    Source

Build quality

  • The AVII '66 Jazzmaster features a poly sealer coat under the nitro finish, aligning with historical accuracy, but it can chip around strap buttons and neck pockets.

    Source
  • Owners report that the painted headstock significantly enhances the guitar's visual appeal, aligning with vintage aesthetics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AVII '66 Jazzmaster uses Pure Vintage '66 pickups, which are appreciated in the context of their quality and consistency with other Pure Vintage models.

    Source
  • The truss rod at the neck heel is historically accurate but less convenient for adjustments compared to headstock placements.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster Review

guitar.com

Fender's American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster is a nostalgic delight for purists, delivering the jangly, crisp tones that define its legacy. Its aesthetics and vintage specs pay homage to the original, impressing with quality craftsmanship and dynamic soundscapes. However, the traditional bridge design poses practical challenges, leading to string slipping and potential tuning issues, which could frustrate players. While the guitar shines with its bright, percussive character, the lack of modern refinements may deter those seeking versatility. In essence, it’s a must-try for Jazzmaster enthusiasts, but be ready to navigate its quirks.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Conor Curley uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Conor Curley

Guitarist

Fontaines D.C.

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video of Fontaines D.C. performing "Starburster" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conor Curley can be seen using a Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster in Lake Placid Blue. It is certain that he has been using this guitar for every performance of "Starburster" during the Romance Tour.

See how Olivia Rodrigo uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Olivia Rodrigo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Fiesta Red

In the music video "so american (Live From Glastonbury)" by Olivia Rodrigo, she is seen playing a Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster in fiesta red. The distinctive features, such as the plastic-like paint finish and unique headstock design, align with the characteristics of the American Vintage series. This performance is available on Olivia Rodrigo's official YouTube channel, OliviaRodrigoVEVO.

See how Jan Borysewicz uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via Photo

Jan posiada ten instrument od marca 2023.

See how Lucia de la Garza uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Lucia de la Garza

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via Getty Images

Lucia de la Garza was photographed performing at the Coachella Festival on April 15, 2023, using a Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster in Dakota Red. The Getty Images photo distinctly shows the guitar's pearl inlay blocks on the fingerboard and the matching painted headstock, confirming the specific model.

See how Kevin Grimmett uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Kevin Grimmett

Guitarist, Bassist

HUNNY

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin Grimmett has recently started to use the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster accompanying the Wallows Model tour, as evidenced by a self-portrait he posted on Instagram.

See how R.J. Ronquillo uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

R.J. Ronquillo

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Stone Sour

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Black Mountain Roto-Echo Delay Pedal | Third Man Hardware collab," R.J. Ronquillo is seen using the Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster. The guitar's distinctive features, such as the block inlays, Dakota red matching headstock, and white pickups and control knobs, confirm its identity as the Vintage II model.

See how Rib:y(uhki) uses Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster

Rib:y(uhki)

Singer, Guitarist

Imperial Circus Dead Decadence

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter post, we can see a picture of Rib:y(uhki)'s Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster. with the caption: "今年最後のMNG…早めのセルフクリスマスプレゼントというか何というか! そろそろ私もシングルコイルをローゲインで演りたくなってくるお年頃……"

Album Usage

The Fender American Vintage II '66 Jazzmaster has been featured on the following albums:

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