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Average Price: $649

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into a world of sonic versatility with the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player, a guitar that captures the spirit of a bygone era while offering modern enhancements for today's musicians. This iconic instrument, beloved by legends like Elvis Costello and Thurston Moore, is renowned for its unique sound and stylish offset body. Crafted for those who crave both authenticity and innovation, it features specially designed pickups that deliver a broad spectrum of tones—from smooth jazz to gritty rock.

The Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player doesn't just replicate the vintage vibe; it enhances it. With its upgraded neck angle, this guitar ensures improved sustain and playability, offering musicians a comfortable experience whether they're strumming chords or diving into intricate solos. Perfectly suited for stage and studio, its distinct tone and aesthetic will leave an impression long after the final note fades.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with classic offset design
  • Maple neck with a modern "C" shape
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets
  • Specially designed Jazzmaster single-coil pickups
  • Adjusto-Matic bridge with vintage-style floating tremolo
  • Vintage-style tuners for stable tuning and authentic feel
  • Available in a range of classic finishes

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Player Jazzmaster Special
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Lake Placid Blue
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 Black, Blue, Brown
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Pau Ferro, 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
Series Fender Classic Player
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player best suited for?

The Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player is highly versatile, making it ideal for surf rock, alternative, and indie music due to its unique tonal characteristics and offset body design.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player?

The Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player features a comfortable "modern C" neck profile, designed for smooth playability across various playing styles.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player?

The Jazzmaster Classic Player's SS pickup configuration delivers a rich, full-bodied sound with a distinctive midrange, perfect for cutting through a mix in live and studio settings.

Is the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Jazzmaster Classic Player offers features that appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners looking to explore diverse musical styles.

What is the fretboard material on the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player?

The fretboard of the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player is made from Pau Ferro, known for its smooth feel and warm tonal qualities, enhancing playability and sound.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special by ProGuitarShopDemos

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

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Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster vs Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster Comparison

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special Electric Guitar

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Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster, Part1 by GregsGuitars

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special Electric Guitar

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender Jazzmaster - Classic Player Series Special by Adam Newman

Fender Jazzmaster - Classic Player Series Special

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Adam Newman

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster by Captain Cherry

Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster

Captain Cherry

Captain Cherry

Reviews

PROS

  • Neck is reaaally good and comfortable with a dark fretboard

  • Flawless fit and finish, with a striking blue color

  • Offers a 4-way switch for a balanced tone not found in traditional Jazzmasters

  • Tremolo system is usable with good tuning stability

  • Versatile, combining elements of a Les Paul and a Jaguar

  • Updated design loved for its modern take on a classic model

  • Sounds great across various amp channels, offering a warm, bell-like tone

  • Rhythm circuit is improved and tonally more rounded than original models

  • Versatile across genres, with unique roller knobs for added sound customization

  • Reliable and perfect neck with a 9" radius and medium jumbo frets

CONS

  • Stock pickups are often considered too hot or muddy

  • Vibrato system is more rigid and less expressive compared to other models

  • Bridge spacing limits replacement with traditional or aftermarket units

  • AOM bridge not universally liked, with some preferring more traditional styles

  • Bridge rattles, potentially requiring a replacement for better sound quality

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Classic Player Jazzmaster's Tune-o-matic bridge offers improved stability over vintage floating bridges, appealing to heavy-handed players or those seeking reduced maintenance fuss.

    Source
  • The Classic Player Jazzmaster's neck is praised for comfort and smoothness, with a notably dark rosewood fretboard compared to other models.

    Source
  • The J Mascis Jazzmaster is noted for having superior pickups compared to the Classic Player, even though both share TOM bridges and hot pickups.

    Source
  • The Classic Player Jazzmaster features a 9.5" radius and jumbo frets, contrasting with the traditional 7.25" radius of vintage Jazzmasters, affecting playability and comfort.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The different tremolo placement on the Classic Player is appreciated by some users after acclimation, enhancing the playing experience.

    Source
  • The Classic Player's pickups are closer to P90s, providing a hotter output, which might suit those preferring a more modern sound profile.

    Source
  • The stock bridge on the Classic Player is praised for tuning stability but criticized for limiting tremolo use; a roller bridge may enhance playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners who switched from 12-56 to 10-52 strings report excellent tuning stability and reliability, even with frequent tuning changes.

    Source
  • Some players appreciate the Classic Player Jazzmaster for its modern features, which diverge from traditional Jazzmaster characteristics, offering a versatile playing experience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Halon JM-AOM bridge upgrade allows matching string height to fretboard radius, noted for tight fit requiring a rubber mallet for installation.

    Source
  • Heavier strings like 10s are advised for better performance on offset guitars, potentially improving action and tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup can fit under a Jazzmaster cover with leg adjustments, offering a high-output pairing with the stock neck pickup.

    Source
  • Gotoh SD91 MG-T locking tuners are praised for ease of string changes and eliminating the need for a string tree with staggered posts.

    Source
  • The Curtis Novak JM-V and JM-90 are recommended for a vintage neck sound and improved bridge tone while retaining classic Jazzmaster characteristics.

    Source
  • The Seymour Duncan Antiquity I pickups are noted for handling gain well without being overly bright, offering clarity with grit.

    Source
  • The AVRI Fender tremolo assembly (part 005-4466-049) and arm (part 005-4473-049) are recommended for improved vibrato stability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Classic Player's trem arm may be a screw-in type, suggesting a potential mismatch if it's loose, hinting at a swapped part.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guitar Review: Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster Special - menga.net

menga.net

A visually stunning instrument, the Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player impresses with its pawn-shop charm and quality build, but falls short in delivering the vintage sound purists crave. The modern Adjust-o-Matic bridge reduces buzz but alters the classic Jazzmaster feel, making it less appealing for those who adore the original's quirks. While the hotter pickups provide a smooth tone, the lack of "honk" might disappoint traditionalists. This Mexican-made model holds potential as a collectible, yet its high price may not justify the modern compromises for all players. Consider it if aesthetics and ease of use trump vintage authenticity.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 31 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
mettlegossett

Awesome guitar

Everything I read in the forums says that its not a "real" Jazzmaster because of the updates, being honest that's why I love it. The only thing I do not love is the pickups, They sound super muddy and just not my style. I swapped in the V Mod pickups from a new American Professional Jazzmaster and now this guitar is unstoppable. I also swapped out the bridge for a Mastery bridge but being honest I'm not even sure it helped. In fact I may just go back to the old bridge because I actually think it sounded better and had more sustain. Take this review for what you will this is just my opinion!

jared2colow

Amazing Guitar

This guitar is a beautiful sounding guitar for most genres.The tremolo is easy to use and the roller knobs can add something to it that no other guitar has. The bridge rattles so u recommend replacing it with a mastery bridge

michael_foreman

My fav gigging guitar

Love this modern take on the Jazzmaster. Really versatile and reliable, the neck (with a 9in radius and med jumbo frets) is perfect.

weepo
weepo

3565

Great tone!

I have a customized version of this guitar with Seymour Duncan pickups. I love the jangly, noisy tone this thing makes.

adamrobertstewart

Fender's masterpiece

As far as Fenders are concerned, nothing beats the Jazzmaster's versatility and warm, bell-like tone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mikey Way uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Mikey Way

Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Mikey can be seen playing this guitar while recording with Electric Century.

See how Jimmy Smith uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from a live performance, Jimmy Smith is playing on a Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player electric guitar with a black finish.

See how Nick Rattigan uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Nick Rattigan

Singer, Guitarist

Current Joys

...
Verified via YouTube

During a performance of "Tele/Visions" by Current Joys, Nick Rattigan plays a black Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player, as seen in a video by T Hayes on YouTube.

See how Nick Bassett uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Nick Bassett

Guitarist, Bassist

Nothing

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Bassett is shown using a Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player in a user-uploaded photo on Reddit.

See how Kristian Bell uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Kristian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

The Wytches

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see at 0:31 that Kristian is using a black Jazzmaster with mint pickguard.

See how Tomo Milicevic uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Tomo Milicevic

Guitarist, Bassist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via Gstatic

Seen playing one in this image

See how Ronan Crix uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Ronan Crix

Guitarist

Basement

...
Verified via Mixdownmag

Regarding the recording of Promise Everything: "Ronan used the Jazzmaster and it has such a bright sound and then from the Les Paul we would have that really nice warm, kind of gritty sounding rhythm track.”

See how Daniel Blumberg uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Daniel Blumberg

Singer, Guitarist

Yuck

...
Verified via Photo

This picture shows Daniel playing a Fender Jazzmaster (Black)

See how Jacob Rubeck uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Jacob Rubeck

Guitarist

Surf Curse

...
Verified via Photo

Jacob Rubeck is seen using a Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player in black and white during live performances. A user-uploaded photo provides evidence of this gear choice, though it's not a typical guitar in the band's history.

See how Charlie Barnes uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Charlie Barnes

Singer, Guitarist

Bastille

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from his instagram, you can see Charlie's black Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster.

S

Sharin Foo

Guitarist

The Raveonettes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph, Sharin is playing with a Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player guitar.

See how Meric Long uses Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player

Meric Long

Singer

The Dodos

...
Verified via Photo

It is seen on the left that Meric is using a Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster in a black finish during their KEXP performance on September 7, 2013.

Album Usage

The Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player has been featured on the following albums:

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 Classic Player, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

dazedjames

dazedjames

Gear IQ 126

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