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Average Price: $9,777

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of vintage elegance with the Fender Jazzmaster 1960, a guitar that effortlessly blends classic style with modern versatility. Originally introduced as a high-end jazz instrument, this guitar quickly became a favorite among surf rock and indie musicians, thanks to its unique floating tremolo system and smooth, mellow tone. The Jazzmaster's offset solid body, crafted from quality alder wood, offers both durability and a comfortable playing experience, while the maple neck and slab rosewood fingerboard ensure an optimal balance of warmth and clarity.

The 1960 Jazzmaster stands out with its distinctive design elements, including two single-coil soapbox pickups and a three-way pickup selector, allowing players a wide range of sonic possibilities. The guitar's lead/rhythm circuit switch provides even greater tonal flexibility, making it an ideal choice for musicians who crave both vintage charm and modern adaptability.

This iconic instrument has been a staple in the hands of legends like J Mascis and Elvis Costello, and its timeless appeal continues to captivate guitarists across genres. Whether you're diving into classic surf riffs or exploring the experimental realms of indie rock, the Fender Jazzmaster 1960 offers a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and versatility that is sure to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Offset solidbody design
  • Alder body with maple neck and slab rosewood fingerboard
  • Two single-coil soapbox pickups
  • Three-way pickup selector
  • Lead/rhythm circuit switch
  • Unique floating tremolo system
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • Bolt-on neck with dot inlays

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazzmaster
Finish Blonde, Burgundy Mist, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Sunburst
Year 1960
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 Blue, Brown, Red, White, Yellow
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
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster pickups?

The 1960 Fender Jazzmaster features single-coil pickups known for their warm, full-bodied sound with a clear, bell-like high end. This makes them versatile for genres ranging from surf rock to jazz.

Is the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for modern music genres?

Yes, the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster is versatile and can handle a variety of modern music styles, thanks to its unique pickup configuration and offset body design, which provides a distinctive sound and comfortable playability.

What is the neck profile of the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster like?

The 1960 Fender Jazzmaster typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits a wide range of playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

How does the tremolo system on the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster function?

The 1960 Fender Jazzmaster includes a floating tremolo system, which allows for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing, making it ideal for surf and alternative rock styles.

What makes the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster distinct from other Fender models?

The 1960 Jazzmaster is distinct due to its offset body design, unique floating tremolo system, and wide, flat single-coil pickups, which offer a different tonal palette compared to other Fender models like the Stratocaster or Telecaster.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1960 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1960 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Jazzmaster Dakota Red | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Jazzmaster Dakota Red | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1960 Fender Jazzmaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Jazzmaster by Emerald City Guitars

1960 Fender Jazzmaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Jazzmaster by Capsule Music

1960 Fender Jazzmaster

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jazzmaster 1960.

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest MIJ ‘62 Reissue and Squier Classic Vibe as closest modern equivalents to vintage 1960 Jazzmasters.

    Source

User experience

  • J Mascis Jazzmaster is noted to feel closer to vintage models than modern American Fender alternatives.

    Source
  • A music shop setup of a 1960 Jazzmaster highlighted its exceptional neck feel compared to contemporary models.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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funky_faro

Greatest year for the Fender Jazzmaster

It's just the PERFECT Fender Jazzmaster. The 1960 sunburst is the most beautiful Fender has ever done with that deep '2.5 tone' and wide black outer ring. The black bottom Jazzmaster pickups have incredible clarity and depth. The rythm and lead circuit provide plenty of options to have a warm, punchy or cutting sound.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

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See how Dan Auerbach uses Fender Jazzmaster 1960

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via YouTube

Dan Auerbach is observed playing a 1960 Fender Jazzmaster in a sunburst finish during a performance captured in the 'Later... with Jools Holland' video titled "The Black Keys feat. Noel Gallagher - On The Game (Later... with Jools Holland)." This direct visual evidence from the video confirms Auerbach's use of the 1960 Fender Jazzmaster.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Fender Jazzmaster 1960

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1960

At 4:29 in the "Jeff Tweedy Rig Rundown" video by Premier Guitar on YouTube, a 1960 Fender Jazzmaster is clearly visible as part of Jeff Tweedy's guitar rig.

See how Dann Huff uses Fender Jazzmaster 1960

Dann Huff

Guitarist, Music Producer

White Heart

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:19:59, Dann talks about a 1960 Fender Jazzmaster in the studio.

See how Steven Seagal uses Fender Jazzmaster 1960

Steven Seagal

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1960s

In a video by Hirameki Dojo titled "Steven Seagal's incredible guitar collection - SRV, B.B. King, Albert Collins," at the 0:58 mark, Steven Seagal claims to own a Fender Jazzmaster 1960 that was once owned and played by Jimi Hendrix (take this claim with a grain of salt as Seagal is a very well known liar) . The narrator, however, incorrectly identifies the guitar as one of Hendrix's Stratocasters.

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 Jazzmaster 1960, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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funky_faro

funky_faro

Gear IQ 124

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