Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

Reviving the spirit of grunge and alternative rock, the Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar is a tribute to Kurt Cobain's legendary sound. Blending the iconic features of the Jaguar and Mustang, this guitar embodies Cobain's vision, offering an instrument that is as versatile as it is powerful. The alder body is the backbone of its punchy, resonant tone, making it perfect for those heavy power chords that defined Nirvana's music.

The Jag-Stang is equipped with a unique 24-inch short scale, reducing string tension for a smoother, more effortless playing experience. Its maple neck and 7.25-inch radius rosewood fingerboard allow for easy chording and fast, fluid movement across all 22 frets. The guitar's electronics are where it truly shines, featuring a custom humbucker in the bridge for those full-bodied, crunchy tones, and a single-coil neck pickup for creamy, clean sounds. With phase toggling capabilities via its slider switch, the Jag-Stang offers a wide array of tonal possibilities, making it an essential tool for any guitarist looking to explore new sonic territories.

Add in the vintage-style Mustang tremolo for subtle warbles and textures, and you have a guitar that not only pays homage to a rock legend but also stands out as a powerhouse of creativity and expression.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by Kurt Cobain's iconic Jaguar and Mustang guitars
  • Alder body for punchy, powerful tones
  • 24-inch short scale for reduced string tension
  • Maple neck with 7.25-inch radius rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom humbucker and single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Slider switch for phase settings
  • Vintage-style Mustang tremolo for added texture and depth

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jag-Stang MIJ
Finish Fiesta Red, Sonic Blue
Year 1996 - 2004
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Blue, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Jag-Stang
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24"
Series Fender Vintage MIJ / CIJ
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar?

The Fender Jag-Stang features a slim "C" shaped neck profile, providing comfortable playability, especially suited for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a faster neck feel.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Jag-Stang pickups for alternative rock music?

The Jag-Stang is equipped with a single-coil neck pickup and a humbucking bridge pickup, offering versatile tones. The single-coil provides bright, clear sounds, while the humbucker delivers a thicker, more powerful tone, perfect for alternative rock.

Is the Fender Jag-Stang suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Jag-Stang is suitable for beginners due to its shorter 24" scale length, making it easier to play and handle, especially for those new to electric guitars.

Does the Fender Jag-Stang come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Fender Jag-Stang is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for pitch modulation and vibrato effects, adding expressive capabilities to your playing.

How does the offset body of the Fender Jag-Stang affect playability?

The offset body design of the Fender Jag-Stang provides ergonomic comfort, particularly when playing in a seated position, and gives it a distinctive aesthetic appeal.

Fender

Fender

Exploring the Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang | Artist Signature Series | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang | Artist Signature Series | Fender by Fender

Exploring the Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang | Artist Signature Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Nevermind... I Was WRONG About This Guitar! | 2021 Fender Kurt Cobain Jagstang Mexico Reissue Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Nevermind... I Was WRONG About This Guitar! | 2021 Fender Kurt Cobain Jagstang Mexico Reissue Review

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for LEMMO DEMO: Fender Jag-Stang for $999 | "My Affordable Favorites" by Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: Fender Jag-Stang for $999 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Does It Sound like Kurt? (New Jagstang Unboxing and Review) by TheGuitarGeek

Does It Sound like Kurt? (New Jagstang Unboxing and Review)

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Video thumbnail for Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang - From Kurt's Sketchbook To The Stage! This Iconic Guitar Is BACK! by PMTVUK

Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang - From Kurt's Sketchbook To The Stage! This Iconic Guitar Is BACK!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for The Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang | The Classic is Back! by Alamo Music Center

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang | The Classic is Back!

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for 1996 Fender Jag Stang MIJ by Bizarre Guitar

1996 Fender Jag Stang MIJ

Bizarre Guitar

Bizarre Guitar

Video thumbnail for Possum Plays Guitars Episode 1: The Fender Jag-Stang by Possum Willy

Possum Plays Guitars Episode 1: The Fender Jag-Stang

Possum Willy

Possum Willy

Video thumbnail for Fender Jag Stang Shell Pink Kurt Cobain Nirvana Guitar by guitarsmith

Fender Jag Stang Shell Pink Kurt Cobain Nirvana Guitar

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique blend of Mustang and Jaguar design, offering distinctive aesthetics and sound

  • Lightweight and well-balanced, ideal for extended playing sessions

  • Vibrant Fiesta Red color with a slight orange hue attracts attention

  • Slider switch configuration enables unique "out of phase" pickup sounds

  • Designed by Kurt Cobain, adding iconic status and historical value

  • 24-inch scale neck makes learning scales easier

  • Versatile tonal capabilities with potential for modification

  • Dynamic vibrato system praised for smoothness and tuning stability

  • Excellent Japanese build quality, known for durability

  • Stock neck praised for its playability and comfort

CONS

  • Non-contoured body can be uncomfortable compared to other Fender models

  • Odd body shape makes it prone to falling over without a stand

  • Early model bridge pickups can be weak without modifications

  • Some switches may stick over time, affecting pickup selection

  • Bridge design may require upgrades for better tuning stability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar.

Comparisons

  • Japanese-built Cobain Mustangs are often preferred over Jag-Stangs for their higher build quality and closer resemblance to Kurt Cobain's modified guitars.

    Source
  • The Squier Ryan Jarman signature "Mus-Uar" is cited as a more visually appealing alternative to the Jag-Stang's design.

    Source
  • The Jag-Stang shares its short scale neck with the Mustang and Jaguar, offering a smaller fretboard suitable for players with smaller hands.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's reported that the guitar excels in a grunge setup with blocked tremolo, making it a favorite for that genre.

    Source
  • The guitar's small neck and frets make it ideal for Nirvana's music but less suitable for more technical playing styles.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner found it particularly comfortable for sitting down play, despite its controversial appearance.

    Source
  • Owners note the guitar feels like a toy when played by taller individuals, particularly those around 6'7" due to its small size.

    Source
  • Some players experienced discomfort due to the protruding pickup switches, which were modified on Cobain's tour models to sit flush with the pickguard.

    Source
  • The guitar's offset weight balance can cause instability when standing or positioning on a stand.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Another modification is adding a Super Distortion at the bridge and a lipstick pickup at the neck, which enhances the guitar's grunge sound.

    Source
  • Some owners replace the stock pickups with Lace Sensors and change the pickguard to mint green for improved aesthetics and tone.

    Source
  • Several owners recommend replacing the stock humbucker with a Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB and adding a Mastery bridge for improved tone and playability.

    Source
  • Some users replace the stock humbucker with a Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB for improved tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Jag-Stang's floating bridge can be unstable; many players fix it in place or swap it for a Tune-o-Matic for better tuning stability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck is notably thin, which suits punk and metal styles but may hinder jazz or blues playing.

    Source
  • The pickup switches have three positions, with the middle position turning the pickup off, which can be accidentally triggered while playing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners from the early 2000s suggest the original price of $539 was appropriate, finding the current $1250 price excessive.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Jag-Stang Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Jag-Stang is a charming yet quirky fusion of Fender short scales, with an unmistakable Cobain aesthetic. The updated pickups offer more versatility and improved tone, though the humbucker can lack warmth. While the narrow, fast neck is a delight for some, it may be too slim for others. The Mustang-style switching remains cumbersome. Despite these quirks, the Jag-Stang excels in punk and garage settings, offering unique tonal possibilities. It's a well-crafted, fun instrument, albeit with a non-traditional feel that may polarize players. Overall, it's a distinguished blend of style and substance for Cobain enthusiasts and adventurous players alike.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 12 Reviews and 65 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chazdrums11

One of the best

When I want to get the kurt cobain sound I use this guitar

kaine_delay

Trivia: If you use the neck pickup only, and plug her into the Piezo function on the Boss Acoustic Simulator pedal it will sound exactly like Kurt's Martin D18e on Unplugged in New York. Seeing as that album had just been released upon creating this axe, I wonder if this was wired as such, almost as an Easter egg.

T

Jaggstang

Originally got this back in 94 still in mint condition with the sticker as well as the certificate of authenticity..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Jeff Owens writes in an article published by Fender, "The Jag-Stang was designed by Kurt Cobain, and the design process was rather simple - he took Polaroids of half of a Jaguar and half of a Mustang, and taped them together. After making a few small drawn modifications and notes, the design was sent to Fender Custom Shop master builder Larry Brooks. The Jag-Stang wasn't used very often while Kurt had it, not only due to some glitches that still needed to be worked out, but also the fact that Kurt got the Sonic Blue one not too long before he died. Fender released the Jag-Stang to the public in both Sonic Blue and Fiesta Red in 1995-1996. It was reissued in 2005-2006."

See how Frank Iero uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Frank Iero shared on Instagram that his friends at Fender sent him a new Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar, replacing the one he sold years ago to fund a demo.

See how Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo)

Singer, Guitarist

Melvins

...
Verified via Themelvins

Buzz Osborne has used the Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar extensively throughout his career with the Melvins, as documented on the band's gear page.

See how Courtney Barnett uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Courtney Barnett

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

She plays the Jagstang during the whole music video of If I Don't Hear From You Tonight.

See how Peter Buck uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Peter Buck

Guitarist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in this photo, found on Feel Numb, in the music video for "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Buck can be seen playing the Jag-Stang, originally designed and owned by Kurt Cobain.

See how Unknown Mortal Orchestra uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Armed with a Fender Jag-Stang" mentioned in an article about Unknown Mortal Orchestra

See how Isaac Brock uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Isaac Brock

Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Dropd

"Brock reaches compelling levels of intensity, delivering stabbing guitar work with his treble-tastic Fender JagStang and buckshot lyrical delivery" Brock can be seen playing a fender jagstang in a photo on this page

See how Nick Reinhart uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Nick Reinhart shares a photo of his Fender Jag-Stang, captioned "kurt and courtney," indicating his use of the guitar.

See how Molly Rankin uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Molly Rankin

Singer, Guitarist

Alvvays

...
Verified via The Guitar Magazine

"Molly, for a while, bounced between a Mustang and a JagStang on the road, but none of the pickups sounded as good as the old DuoSonic she played on the record, which we found in a Cash Converters on Prince Edward Island."

See how Ruban Nielson uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Ruban Nielson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview with Noisey, Ruben says, "I really like them; they change the way that I play. I used to play a regular scale Telecaster in a punk band I was in [The Mint Chicks], but when I changed to the Jag-Stang, I could play much more intricate stuff. It's a really subtle difference, but it makes a big difference."

See how Laurie Vincent uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Laurie Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

Slaves

...
Verified via YouTube

Sonic blue jagstang. Also played at reading festival 2016 eg on 'Sockets'

See how Joe Goldsmith uses Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar

Joe Goldsmith

Singer, Guitarist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video from tiktok by Ash Kabosu, is a Lovejoy rehearsal, in which Joe can be seen using a Fender Jag Stang

Album Usage

The Fender Jag-Stang Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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 Jag-Stang Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Kramer Focus 3000
Kramer Focus 3000 Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Duo-Sonic Electric Guitar
Fender Duo-Sonic Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Harley Benton RB-414
Harley Benton RB-414 Electric Basses
1
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic
Tech 21 SansAmp Classic Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

Community setups

Show yours
jjq

jjq

Gear IQ 67

marc_michael_moser

marc_michael_moser

Gear IQ 214

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

lars_gustav_larsson

lars_gustav_larsson

Gear IQ 3586

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

mandomvp

mandomvp

Gear IQ 188

stupidrazorkid

stupidrazorkid

Gear IQ 1256

M

michael_paul_aguilar

Gear IQ 100

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

esteban08

esteban08

Gear IQ 240

zekeneely

zekeneely

Gear IQ 120

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides