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Average Price: $4,053

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Jazzmaster 1974 is more than just an electric guitar; it’s a piece of music history. First introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster was celebrated for its sleek, offset body design and unique floating tremolo system, capturing the hearts of surf rock musicians and later becoming a staple in the indie rock scene. This 1974 model retains its vintage charm with features that set it apart even in its era. Crafted with an alder body and a maple neck, it offers a balanced and resonant tone that caters to a variety of musical styles.

What makes the 1974 Jazzmaster special is its period-specific features, such as the larger headstock logo and the thicker poly finish, which were introduced after 1968. These elements not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its durability. The guitar is equipped with two single-coil soapbox pickups, a hallmark of the Jazzmaster’s distinctive sound, alongside a 3-way pickup selector and a lead/rhythm circuit switch for versatile tonal options. The bold block inlays and the longer 25 1/2-inch scale length further add to its allure, making it a collector's dream and a musician's delight.

Whether you’re an indie rocker, a surf music enthusiast, or simply a lover of vintage guitars, the Fender Jazzmaster 1974 is a timeless instrument that promises to inspire and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Offset solid body design
  • Alder body with a maple neck
  • 2 single-coil soapbox pickups
  • 3-way pickup selector
  • Lead/rhythm circuit switch
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • Floating tremolo system
  • Block inlays and bolt-on neck configuration

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazzmaster
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 CBS Era

FAQs

What makes the 1974 Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red unique compared to other Jazzmasters?

The 1974 Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red is notable for its vintage CBS era features, including a rosewood fretboard and maple neck, combined with its distinctive Candy Apple Red metallic finish, making it a collector's item with a classic sound and aesthetic.

What type of music is the Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red 1974 best suited for?

The Fender Jazzmaster is versatile, excelling in genres like surf rock, indie, and jazz due to its unique offset body and single-coil pickups, which produce a warm, clear tone with a distinctive tremolo effect.

How does the tremolo system on the 1974 Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red perform?

The Jazzmaster's tremolo tailpiece offers smooth, subtle pitch modulation, ideal for creating shimmering effects without drastically detuning the guitar, which has made it a favorite among players who appreciate nuanced vibrato.

Is the Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red 1974 suitable for beginners?

While the Jazzmaster is renowned for its distinct tone and playability, its unique controls and vintage features may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with guitar setup and maintenance.

What is the neck profile like on the 1974 Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red?

The 1974 Fender Jazzmaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, allowing for smooth playability and easy fret access, which is ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jazzmaster 1974.

Value and pricing

  • True vintage 1959 Jazzmasters can be found on Reverb for upwards of $18,500, while custom-built models range from $4,000 to $7,500.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For a budget version, combining a Fender neck with an MJT body and matching relic finish costs around $1,500.

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  • Hand-wound Monty's P90 and a hand-wired vintage style harness significantly improved a Harley Benton Les Paul Jr Doublecut copy.

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Features and functionality

  • Candy Apple Red was Leo Fender's favorite color, and age has enhanced its patina, giving it a unique appearance.

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Build quality

  • A unique refinish includes a layer of gold between Lake Placid Blue and Candy Apple Red, contributing to its distinctive look.

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  • The neck on 70s Gibson SGs is often criticized for poor quality, described as a "disgrace" by one owner.

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Comparisons

  • The Fender Japan Candy Apple Cola Jazzmaster is a close modern alternative to the vintage model.

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  • A 1974 Strat was exchanged for $300, but its unique sound and vintage appeal are missed by the owner.

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User experience

  • Owners express regret over selling guitars, highlighting the sentimental value and uniqueness of vintage models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Running a guitar through a Roland SH-09 mono synth was used for filter and tremolo effects, adding depth to live performances and recordings.

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Artist usage

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See how Courtney Love uses Fender Jazzmaster 1974

Courtney Love

Singer, Guitarist

Hole

...
Verified via Photo

Courtney Love played a Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red from 1974 during the 1990s, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Nils Lofgren uses Fender Jazzmaster 1974

Nils Lofgren

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live tour from London in 2013 Nils Lofgren uses a Candy Apple Red Fender Jazzmaster in this rendition of Bobby Jean at 1:05

See how Asmawi uses Fender Jazzmaster 1974

Asmawi

Guitarist

Kugiran Masdo

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Mawi can be seen holding a Fender Jazzmaster guitar. In timestamp 0:41 he stated that he replaced the stock pickups with Porter J-90 pickups. This Is the guitar he uses onstage frequently.

G

Guy McDonough

Guitarist

Australian Crawl

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Fiesta Red Year: 1964

In the video titled "Australian Crawl - Oh No Not You Again (1981)," Guy McDonough is seen playing a Fender Jazzmaster Candy Apple Red 1974 while performing the song. This video is provided by Australian Crawl on YouTube and is a reliable source confirming his use of this specific guitar. Guy McDonough can be also seen playing his Jazzmaster on various different countdowns. According to the book Sons Of Beaches written by Guy McDonough's brother Bill McDonough, Guy McDonough's favourite guitar was his Fender 1964 L Series Jazzmaster in red.

See how Tommy DeVito uses Fender Jazzmaster 1974

Tommy DeVito

Singer, Guitarist

The Four Seasons

...
Verified via YouTube

Tommy is playing a red Fender Jazzmaster at The Ed Sullivan Show.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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