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Average Price: $17,500

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the legendary Fender Jazzmaster 1959, a trailblazer in the world of electric guitars. Originally introduced at the 1958 NAMM show, this iconic instrument was designed as a high-end jazz guitar, boasting an array of innovative features and sleek, sports-car inspired curves. While it didn't capture the hearts of jazz musicians initially, the Jazzmaster quickly found its place in the surf rock scene, thanks to its distinctive floating tremolo system and mellower sounding pickups.

Over the decades, this versatile guitar has become a staple for indie rock artists, revered for its unique tonal capabilities and vintage charm. The Fender Jazzmaster 1959 combines classic aesthetics with modern playability, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for musicians of all genres. Its offset body design offers a balanced feel, while the dual-circuit setup provides a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Whether you're looking to recreate the jangly surf rock vibes of the '60s or explore new soundscapes, the Fender Jazzmaster 1959 is a timeless choice for any guitarist seeking a blend of history and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Floating tremolo system for smooth pitch modulation
  • Mellower sounding pickups suited for various music styles
  • Offset body design for comfortable playability
  • Dual-circuit setup for versatile tone options
  • Vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern functionality

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Jazzmaster
Finish Blonde, Sunburst with Gold Anodized Pickguard, Sunburst with Tortoise Pickguard
Year 1959
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
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 Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster?

The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which is ideal for players who prefer a vintage feel with smooth playability.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster?

The 1959 Jazzmaster is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a warm, rich tone with a pronounced midrange, making it versatile for genres like surf rock, jazz, and alternative music.

Is the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1959 Jazzmaster offers exceptional sound quality and playability, its vintage design and features are often more appreciated by experienced players familiar with its unique characteristics.

What are the finish options available for the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster?

The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster is available in Blonde, Sunburst with Gold Anodized Pickguard, and Sunburst with Tortoise Pickguard finishes, each offering a classic and timeless look.

Does the 1959 Fender Jazzmaster have a tremolo system?

Yes, the 1959 Jazzmaster is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1959 Fender Jazzmaster *and* Bassman by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1959 Fender Jazzmaster *and* Bassman

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Dave's Guitar Shop Vintage Demo: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster by DavesGuitarShop

Dave's Guitar Shop Vintage Demo: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

DavesGuitarShop

DavesGuitarShop

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1959 Fender Jazzmaster | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for The Story of my 1959 Fender Jazzmaster by Alex Strahle

The Story of my 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

Alex Strahle

Alex Strahle

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Jazzmaster 1959.

Build quality

  • Owners report a 9.5" neck radius, offering an alternative to the vintage-correct 7.25" radius, which some players find more comfortable.

    Source
  • The '59 Jazzmaster is noted for having a thinner neck profile, beginning to fill out around the 8th fret, which enhances comfort for certain players.

    Source
  • A black finish on a 1959 Jazzmaster usually indicates a refinish, as black was not a standard color until custom orders in the late '60s.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Mastery bridge is a popular upgrade, praised for improving tone and playability compared to the stock vintage bridge.

    Source
  • One owner preferred Brandonwound wide range humbuckers over Novak's for their Jazzblaster setup, highlighting differences in tone preferences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players prefer Novak, Lollar, or Voodoo pickups over the stock AVRI-style pickups for a richer tone.

    Source
  • The hardware on vintage Jazzmasters, particularly the tremolo and bridge, is considered superior to AVRI and MIJ/CIJ models for its substantial feel and tuning reliability.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner mentioned a neck twist issue developing after several years, leading to a neck replacement.

    Source
  • Owners find the neck pickup on the '59 to be thick and articulate, providing a fuller sound than the AVRI Jazzmaster, while the bridge position offers surprisingly engaging tones.

    Source
  • Users with experience handling numerous guitars find the '59 Jazzmaster offers a unique tactile and tonal experience that justifies its premium pricing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is noted as a good investment, with resale values reportedly reaching $3.8k, making a $1.6k purchase highly appealing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Thin skin nitro finish is appreciated for not feeling tacky and allowing the wood to "breathe" more than thicker poly finishes.

    Source
  • The tremolo system on the '59 Jazzmaster is praised for its substantial feel and tuning stability, surpassing MIJ/CIJ versions and even the Mastery system in some users' opinions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1959-61 period saw many Jazzmasters refinished in automotive colors, suggesting a historical connection between guitar and car industries.

    Source

Other

  • There is a collector's mentality to preserving vintage Jazzmasters intact, opposing the practice of parting them out for profit.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1959 Fender Jazzmaster

guitar.com

The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster dazzles with its rare and collectible features, including a striking blonde finish and ash body, making it a must-have for vintage enthusiasts. Its pristine condition and unique tonal characteristics set it apart, offering a brighter, clearer sound compared to its alder-bodied counterparts. The guitar's comfort and playability, combined with its distinctive tonal palette, make it a standout. However, purists seeking the traditional Jazzmaster sound may find its brighter tone and sustain diverging from expectations. Despite its hefty price tag, this Jazzmaster is a remarkable piece for collectors and players alike.

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Artist usage

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See how Gustavo Cerati uses Fender Jazzmaster 1959

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

59' original Jazzmaster, used to record "Me quedo aquí" and also played in "Spinetta y las bandas eternas".

See how Billy Childish uses Fender Jazzmaster 1959

Billy Childish

Singer, Guitarist

Thee Headcoats

...
Verified via Photo

Billy Childish discusses his gear in this interview with Forced Exposure -

"You've really captured that authentic gritty urban blues sound. Gearheads will want to know what guitars and amps you used?"

"My same old Selmer Truevoice guitar 15 amp I've used since the Milkshakes, a 15 Selmer bass combo (15 quid from Rochester flea market. A '59 Jazzmaster guitar and an old Hagstrom bass that Thee Headcoats got on the cheap in Seattle"

https://www.forcedexposure.com/Catalog/childish-and-the-chatham-singers-wild-billy-kings-of-the-medway-delta-lp/DAMGOOD.528LP.html

See how Sol Philcox-Littlefield uses Fender Jazzmaster 1959

Sol Philcox-Littlefield

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17:18 in the Premier Guitar video titled "Nashville Riffmaker: Sol Philcox-Littlefield Rig Rundown Guitar Gear," Sol Philcox-Littlefield showcases a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster as part of his guitar rig.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Jazzmaster 1959, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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