Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $871

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Jaguar Special is a modern twist on a beloved classic, seamlessly blending vintage allure with contemporary innovation. This iconic solid body electric guitar retains the signature offset-waist body, reminiscent of the original 1960s design, now crafted from lightweight alder for optimal resonance and playability. Fitted with specially designed hot Jaguar single-coil pickups, this guitar offers a fatter tone and a hotter output, ensuring your sound stands out on any stage.

What sets the Jaguar Special apart are its modern enhancements tailored for today's musicians. The neck pocket has been re-engineered to provide a better pitch and a more comfortable playing experience. Additionally, the Adjusto-Matic bridge works in tandem with the relocated trem plate to improve sustain, while the screw-in tremolo arm adds precision to your vibrato control. Medium jumbo frets make bending notes a breeze, and the 9.5" fingerboard radius ensures a smooth and fast playability.

Whether you're diving into surf rock or experimenting with new genres, the Jaguar Special is versatile enough to meet your needs. Its sleek chrome hardware and black plastic knobs offer a striking aesthetic, while the inclusion of a deluxe gig bag ensures your instrument stays protected on the go. Embrace the past while stepping into the future with the Fender Jaguar Special.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with a classic offset-waist shape
  • Maple neck with a "C" shape and polyurethane finish
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • Special Design Hot Jaguar Single-Coil Pickups in neck and bridge
  • Fender Adjusto-Matic bridge with vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece
  • 9.5" fingerboard radius for enhanced playability
  • 24" scale length with 1.650" width at nut
  • Deluxe gig bag included

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Player Jaguar Special
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Candy Apple Red
Year 2009 - 2019
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, Rosewood
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
Series Fender Classic Player

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Jaguar Special like?

The Fender Jaguar Special features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles, particularly favored by those who enjoy fast playing and smooth transitions.

Are the pickups on the Fender Jaguar Special suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Fender Jaguar Special is equipped with Special Design Hot Single-Coil Jaguar pickups, which deliver a fatter tone and more output, making them well-suited for rock music and other genres requiring a powerful sound.

Is the Fender Jaguar Special good for beginners?

While the Fender Jaguar Special offers features that appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for beginners who are committed to learning and investing in a quality instrument.

Does the Fender Jaguar Special have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Fender Jaguar Special is equipped with a Vintage Style Floating Tremolo, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

What is the scale length of the Fender Jaguar Special?

The Fender Jaguar Special has a 24-inch scale length, which provides a slightly shorter reach and can be easier to play for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact feel.

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Fender Jaguar Special | Nirvana Tribute | fb.com/angeldust.guitars Review Test

Video thumbnail for Fender Jaguar Special | Nirvana Tribute | fb.com/angeldust.guitars Review Test by AngelDust Guitars

Fender Jaguar Special | Nirvana Tribute | fb.com/angeldust.guitars Review Test

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar DEMO: Fender Jaguar Special (Japan) by Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Guitar DEMO: Fender Jaguar Special (Japan)

Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Mark Stuart GUITARIST

Reviews

PROS

  • Surprising build quality for a Made in Mexico model rivals American versions

  • Short scale makes it easier to play than full-length models

  • Unique metal shields on pickups offer distinct sound

  • Tremolo positioned for better string stability

  • Excellent for surf and retro rock genres

  • Rich vintage aesthetics with modern improvements

  • Wide range of tones suitable for various music styles

  • Smooth Jaguar/Jazzmaster tremolo preferred over Strat style

  • Candy Apple Red finish has an appealing metal flake look

  • Exceptional playability and tonal variety for recording

CONS

  • Controls can be confusing and cumbersome

  • Short scale can result in higher string tension

  • Rhythm circuit may not be widely useful

  • Tremolo proximity to the body can be an issue

  • Neck pickup may be too dark for some players

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Lollartrons pickups can transform the guitar's sound, enhancing tone significantly without further modifications.

    Source
  • Consider using tight tolerance CTS pots and a Switchcraft or Puretone output jack for improved electronic reliability.

    Source
  • The Johnny Marr plate with a Telecaster 4-way switch offers versatile pickup configurations, including series mode for a louder punk sound.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully installed lipstick humbuckers and a Les Trem, enhancing both the guitar's aesthetic and playability.

    Source
  • Transitioning to Wide Range humbuckers and simplifying to a 3-way switch with a single volume pot has been praised for enhancing the sound and playability.

    Source
  • Rewiring the rhythm circuit switch to function as a kill switch is a popular modification among owners seeking versatile tonal control.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Grub screws in the saddles may rattle; applying Loctite Blue can fix this common issue.

    Source
  • Owners frequently experience electrical faults, suggesting a need for periodic maintenance or upgrades to the MIJ Fender's electronics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Rotating the bridge pickup and adjusting screw poles can mimic a P90 tone without soldering.

    Source
  • The use of humbucker frames on top of the pickguard is preferred by some owners for its superior visual appeal compared to direct mounting.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar excels with flatwound strings, changing its tonal profile to suit genres not traditionally associated with flatwounds.

    Source
  • The stock humbuckers are noted to sound closer to single coils, which some believe is due to their relatively weak output, potentially altering traditional Jaguar sound expectations.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Early models once sold for $300, but current market prices have surged to $1-1.8k, indicating a significant increase in value over time.

    Source
  • An owner reported paying $530 for a black Jaguar Special, contrasting with a $1300 asking price for a red-burst model, highlighting significant market price variations.

    Source

Other

  • The combination of a black body with chrome hardware is praised for its striking appearance, while a tort pickguard is considered less complementary.

    Source

Build quality

  • The stock Dragster pickups are reported to pick up interference near electronic devices like TVs, indicating potential shielding issues.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
otherside

It's about the vibe

Probably the only thing that I'm not the biggest fan of is the weight of this guitar. But it's a small pay for the sound and esthetic of this Jag. Love it

Genres:
adam_schoenbachler

Versatile guitar with a sleek, beautiful aesthetic

I have owned my Fender Jaguar Special HH for seven years now, and despite heavy use, I have yet to have any issues with it. It has been a perfect guitar for me. Its wide range of tones and low price point make it a great guitar for the starving artist who can't afford a wider array of guitars.

Despite being typecast as one of Fender's least attractive instruments, the silver and black color scheme suits a Jaguar's indie vibe.

My only complaint is that the neck pickup is almost too dark--particularly for those of us playing with round wound strings. The guitar itself benefits rhythm guitar playing just because of its darker overall tone. I offset this by upping the treble on my clean boost, which is almost always on when I play.

Overall, this is one of my favorite instruments that stands up both tonally and aesthetically to guitars three and four times its price. Pick it up if you can find one.

irulsdan

Good

Lots of knobs but good looking and good sounding

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Julien Pras uses Fender Jaguar Special

Julien Pras

Singer, Guitarist

Mars Red Sky

...
Verified via YouTube

During a performance at the Rock In Bourlon festival in Bourlon, France, on June 24th, 2023, Julien Pras, the singer, guitarist, composer, and music producer known for his work within various rock genres, was observed playing a Fender Jaguar Special HH electric guitar, which was notably equipped with a custom vibrato. This information is substantiated by a video provided by Rock In Bourlon, showcasing MARS RED SKY's live performance at the event.

See how Sam Patt uses Fender Jaguar Special

Sam Patt

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video of "Belmont - Overstepping," Sam Patt is seen playing a Fender Jaguar Special, which has been modified with Seymour Duncan pickups.

See how Aaron Brooks uses Fender Jaguar Special

Aaron Brooks

Guitarist

The Ghost Inside

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video Aaron can be seen using a hh jaguar

See how Brian Kanagaki uses Fender Jaguar Special

Brian Kanagaki

Guitarist

Loma Prieta

...
Verified via Tumblr

Brian is seen playing his Fender Jaguar Special in this photo. He also mentions using a "Jag" in this post:

http://lomablog.tumblr.com/post/93285214179

See how Mikel Jollett uses Fender Jaguar Special

Mikel Jollett

Guitarist

The Airborne Toxic Event

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance by The Airborne Toxic Event at the SXSW music festival, Mikel Jollett can be observed playing the Fender Jaguar Special HH, as documented in a video titled "The Airborne Toxic Event - Goodbye Horses (Live at SXSW)" provided by ShoutFactoryMusic on YouTube.

See how Robin Wattie uses Fender Jaguar Special

Robin Wattie

Guitarist

Big Brave

...
Verified via Photo

The video shows her with the Fender Jaguar Special HH.

See how Joseph Yarmush uses Fender Jaguar Special

Joseph Yarmush

Guitarist, Bassist

Suuns

...
Verified via YouTube

Joseph Yarmush uses his Fender Jaguar Special HH at 1:16 in the video of Suuns performing "Resistance" on Exclaim!TV.

See how Shae Cathcart uses Fender Jaguar Special

Shae Cathcart

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Instagram

Shae Cathcart is shown using a Fender Jaguar Special as his main guitar in the band 25th Hour, as seen on his Instagram.

See how Coastlands uses Fender Jaguar Special

Coastlands

...
Verified via Facebook

Coastlands can be seen using a Fender Jaguar Special in a photo shared on their official Facebook page.

See how Depresión Sonora uses Fender Jaguar Special

Depresión Sonora

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Depresión Sonora has been using the Fender Jaguar Special since 2023 for live performances. The artist has mentioned that the guitar has a great tone and is very lightweight. Depresión Sonora expressed excitement about owning the guitar for a long time and had even made an unboxing video, which was later deleted.

See how Felix Bondarev uses Fender Jaguar Special

Felix Bondarev

Singer, Guitarist

RSAC

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

In an Instagram post by Felix Bondarev dated September 18, 2023, Felix is seen playing a HH Fender Jaguar Special. The photo, credited to @daria_ashes, serves as proof of his use of this particular guitar model.

See how Josh Augustin uses Fender Jaguar Special

Josh Augustin

Singer, Keyboardist

Vansire

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Red

In the video at the 03:34 timestamp, Josh is using a red Fender Jaguar Special.

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 Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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romalane

romalane

Gear IQ 64

intersonico

intersonico

Gear IQ 208

creepingnet

creepingnet

Gear IQ 2937

dimiknowsbest

dimiknowsbest

Gear IQ 114

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