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Average Price: $4,795

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Dive into the vintage charm and distinctive sound of the 1963 Fender Jaguar, a masterpiece that set the stage for punk, grunge, and indie rock legends. Renowned for its shorter 24-inch scale length and unique single-coil pickups, this guitar offers a playing experience that stands out in the crowd. Its offset body design and versatile controls for lead/rhythm circuits add layers of tonal possibilities, making it a beloved choice for players seeking a blend of classic Fender tone with a twist.

Key Features:

  • 24-inch scale length for a comfortable playability and unique sound
  • Offset body design, combining aesthetic appeal with ergonomic comfort
  • Dual single-coil pickups offering crisp and clear tones
  • Lead/Rhythm circuit switch for tonal versatility
  • Floating tremolo system for expressive vibrato effects
  • Alder body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for a balanced tone
  • Iconic players include Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr, testifying to its legendary status

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jaguar
Finish Black, Black with Matching Headstock, Blonde, Burgundy Mist, Burgundy Mist with Matching Headstock, Candy Apple Red, Candy Apple Red with Matching Headstock, Dakota Red, Dakota Red with Matching Headstock, Fiesta Red, Fiesta Red with Matching Headstock, Lake Placid Blue, Lake Placid Blue with Matching Headstock, Olympic White, Olympic White with Matching Headstock, Sonic Blue, Sonic Blue with Matching Headstock, Sunburst, Surf Green with Matching Headstock
Year 1963
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
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 Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on a 1963 Fender Jaguar?

The 1963 Fender Jaguar features a slim "C" neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for players, especially those with smaller hands or those who prefer faster playability.

What kind of tones can I expect from the 1963 Fender Jaguar pickups?

The 1963 Fender Jaguar is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver bright, cutting tones with a pronounced midrange, making it ideal for surf rock, alternative, and indie music.

Is the 1963 Fender Jaguar suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1963 Fender Jaguar offers excellent playability with its shorter scale length, its unique controls and vintage features may be more suited to intermediate or advanced players familiar with electric guitars.

How does the 1963 Fender Jaguar's tremolo system perform?

The 1963 Fender Jaguar features a floating tremolo system, which provides smooth pitch modulation and is ideal for creating subtle vibrato effects, although it may require some setup for optimal tuning stability.

What is the scale length of the 1963 Fender Jaguar, and how does it affect playability?

The 1963 Fender Jaguar has a 24-inch scale length, which results in a slightly looser string tension, making it easier to bend notes and enhancing overall playability, especially for rhythm playing.

Guitar

Guitar

Richard Hawley plays his 1963 Fender Jaguar in Lake Placid Blue | Guitar.com

Video thumbnail for Richard Hawley plays his 1963 Fender Jaguar in Lake Placid Blue | Guitar.com by Guitar

Richard Hawley plays his 1963 Fender Jaguar in Lake Placid Blue | Guitar.com

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1963 Fender Jaguar Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1963 Fender Jaguar Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jaguar Olympic White 00660 by frettedamericana

1963 Fender Jaguar Olympic White 00660

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1963 Fender Jaguar by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1963 Fender Jaguar

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1963 Candy Apple Red Fender Jaguar | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy by Chicago Music Exchange

1963 Candy Apple Red Fender Jaguar | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jaguar Sunburst | CME Quick Riff | Danny Stankus by Chicago Music Exchange

1963 Fender Jaguar Sunburst | CME Quick Riff | Danny Stankus

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jaguar Demo by Capsule Music

1963 Fender Jaguar Demo

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jaguar, Sunburst | Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate by Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate

1963 Fender Jaguar, Sunburst | Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate

Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate

Guitar Auctions at Gardiner Houlgate

Video thumbnail for 1963 Fender Jaguar - Best ever guitar? by Britain's Rare Guitars

1963 Fender Jaguar - Best ever guitar?

Britain's Rare Guitars

Britain's Rare Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jaguar (1963).

Build quality

  • The guitar's pickguard has a mint green hue with slight yellowing from cigarette smoke, adding a unique vintage aesthetic.

    Source
  • The 1963 Fender Jaguar's original tortoise shell pickguard is noted for shrinking evenly without warping, maintaining its aesthetic value over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Original mute foam deteriorates over time, becoming ineffective; replacement foam from Fender is recommended for functionality without altering originality.

    Source
  • The guitar features a B neck with a 1 5/8” nut width, consistent with most common Fender specifications between 1962-1969, offering a standard playing feel.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the instrument has been praised for its excellent playability after a proper setup, contradicting the notion that all vintage instruments are difficult players.

    Source
  • Fretboard oiling is crucial as dryness can lead to chipping and crumbling, preserving the neck's integrity.

    Source
  • Avoid plastic stands or hangers; the finish can suffer due to plastic softeners.

    Source
  • A can of Deoxit is recommended for cleaning pots, switches, and jacks of grime and corrosion.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Thomastik jazz flatwound .12 strings are recommended for clearer notes and a tighter sound, enhancing reverb effects, particularly spring reverb.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tremolo arm can be difficult to remove due to modifications by previous owners, impacting ease of use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's tone excels in producing a "thumpy surfy compressed sound" that pairs well with Fender amps and reverb, suitable for surf rock styles.

    Source
  • Owners suggest seeking a luthier experienced with Fender Jaguars or Jazzmasters for optimal tremolo and bridge setups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sunburst Jaguars in top condition are valued in the high 4 figures, though custom colors in similar condition can command significantly higher prices from collectors.

    Source
  • Jaguars in pristine condition, especially pre-1965 models, are noted to have significantly increased in value, with estimates around $8,000 or more.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner reports their experience with about 10 vintage Jaguars in the past year, noting this particular model stands out as a superior player compared to others.

    Source

Other

  • The finish quality on older Fenders is considered fragile, and those in excellent condition are increasingly rare, enhancing their collectible value.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1963 Fender Jaguar Electric Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

The 1963 Fender Jaguar captivates with its dreamy playability and nostalgic vibe, instantly transporting players to the surf and jazz eras. While it boasts a stunning original condition with all parts intact, it does require a fret level and setup to truly shine. The unique sound—melding the essence of P90s and Fender pickups—provides a versatility that’s hard to resist. Minor wear and tear tell a story of love, yet the guitar's charm is undeniable. If you're willing to invest time and care into its upkeep, this Jaguar is a worthy treasure that promises to enchant both players and collectors alike.

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Artist usage

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See how Alec O'Hanley uses Fender Jaguar (1963)

Alec O'Hanley

Guitarist

Alvvays

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see Alec playing with that guitar the whole video

See how Raymond McGinley uses Fender Jaguar (1963)

Raymond McGinley

Guitarist

Teenage Fanclub

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In an interview with Guitar.com, Raymond McGinley said "I’ve had two main guitars all the way through Teenage Fanclub,” McGinley recalls. “One of them, I bought in 1983 from the Guitar Player shop in Rochdale, a sunburst 1963 Fender Jaguar. It was £265 and it’s still my main guitar."

A

Adam Cooper

Guitarist

Alison’s Halo

...
Verified via Photo

In this Guitar Geek, made by him, Adam's rig included a 1963 Fender Jaguar.

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 Jaguar (1963), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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