Pricing and availability
Average Price: $2,680
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster, a product of unmatched craftsmanship and a tribute to Sonic Youth's legendary guitarist. Launched in 2009, this Jazzmaster stands out with its stripped-down electronics and satin nitro finish, echoing Ranaldo's own minimalist style. Its distinctive wide-range humbuckers, reminiscent of a '70s Telecaster Deluxe, produce a rich, full sound that's sure to impress. Whether you're a dedicated Sonic Youth fan or a discerning guitarist seeking an instrument with a difference, this Jazzmaster is a solid choice.
Key Features:
- Years of Production: 2009 - present
- Body Style: Offset solidbody
- Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard
- Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 2 humbucker pickups, 3-way pickup selector, 25 1/2-inch scale length, single master volume control, floating tremolo system
- Notable Jazzmaster Players: J Mascis, Elvis Costello, Lee Ranaldo, Kevin Shields
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Lee Ranaldo Artist Series Signature Jazzmaster |
| Finish | Sapphire Blue Transparent |
| Year | 2010 - 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Artist | Lee Ranaldo |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Tailpiece |
| Color Family | Blue |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| 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 | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Artist Series |
FAQs
-
What type of pickups does the Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster feature?
-
The Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster is equipped with a pair of Wide Range humbucking pickups, offering a versatile sound suitable for various genres, particularly alternative and indie rock.
-
How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster affect playability?
-
The tremolo tailpiece allows for smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects, enhancing the expressive capabilities of the guitar without compromising tuning stability.
-
Is the Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster suitable for beginners?
-
While the Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster offers professional-level features and is tailored for experienced players, dedicated beginners with a strong interest in its unique sound and style can also appreciate its capabilities.
-
What are the standout features of the Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster's neck?
-
The neck of the Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster is made from maple with a rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience with a smooth feel, ideal for fast playing and intricate chord work.
-
How does the Sapphire Blue Transparent finish contribute to the guitar's aesthetics?
-
The Sapphire Blue Transparent finish, coupled with a matching headstock, gives the guitar a striking visual appeal, highlighting the wood grain and enhancing its stage presence.
Videos
Fender
Lee Ranaldo talks about his Fender® Jazzmaster® guitar | Fender
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional articulation and sustain for jazz and post-rock music
-
Unique sound distinct from other Jazzmasters
-
Nitro-finished blue with visible woodgrain offers stunning aesthetics
-
Equipped with Mustang bridge and WRHB pickups for versatile performance
-
Black aluminum pickguard and black headstock add visual appeal
-
Simple yet elegant setup enhances playability
-
Rare and coveted model, adding to its desirability
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster.
Mods and upgrades
-
Owners often add a Mastery bridge and swap knobs for customization while maintaining the guitar's near-perfect status.
Source -
Some owners have replaced stock WRHBs with GFS copies for tonal preference, but further upgrades are often considered due to dissatisfaction with the replacements.
Source -
Curtis Novak pickups are favored for their enhanced tone, improving on the stock pickups' full and clear sound with unique midrange.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The "revoiced" Lee Ranaldo pickups are a highlight, offering a distinct tone that many owners appreciate without further modification.
Source -
The guitar has a single volume pot, leading some to speculate about a unique resistance and capacitor combo for a creamier clean sound when rolling back the volume.
Source -
The volume knob effectively reduces treble, especially when set between 6-8, beneficial when using distortion pedals.
Source
Comparisons
User experience
-
A lacquer spray can effectively protect signatures from wear due to sweat, preserving the autograph on the guitar.
Source -
Owners frequently praise the neck profile, describing it as a favorite among various guitars they've played.
Source -
The neck is praised as the best among various Fender models, including vintage Jazzmasters, influencing some to struggle playing other guitars due to its comfort.
Source
Build quality
-
The satin nitro finish was initially matte but polishes to a shiny appearance with use, especially on areas like the arm contour due to frequent contact.
Source -
Alder bodies are lightweight and breathable, with durable construction that withstands daily use and offers beautiful wood grain aesthetics.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The guitar is often tuned to unconventional Sonic Youth tunings, emphasizing its suitability for experimental and alternative rock styles.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Kim Gordan can be seen playing a Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster at 2:44 into this video.
In this 2009 photo of Cline, he is visible with the Fender Lee Ranaldo signature Jazzmaster.
At 19:53 (and throughout) this video, Dan can be seen playing his Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster guitar.
You can see Liv using the Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster all the way through this video.
"I used to use a Lee Ranaldo Signature for ages, but I had to sell it for rent, unfortunately."
In a YouTube video by Vinyl Theatre titled "What To Pack - Keegan," Keegan Calmes is shown discussing and using the Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster.
Album Usage
The Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster 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 Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
purplecoloredrockGear IQ 784
-