Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,680

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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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.

Fender

Fender

Lee Ranaldo talks about his Fender® Jazzmaster® guitar | Fender

Video thumbnail for Lee Ranaldo talks about his Fender® Jazzmaster® guitar | Fender by Fender

Lee Ranaldo talks about his Fender® Jazzmaster® guitar | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster by N Stuff Music

Fender Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for PART 2 - OFFSET SIGNATURE GUITAR SHOOTOUT - FENDER TVL KURT COBAIN J MASCIS LEE RANALDO RYAN JARMAN by Lord Fuzzman

PART 2 - OFFSET SIGNATURE GUITAR SHOOTOUT - FENDER TVL KURT COBAIN J MASCIS LEE RANALDO RYAN JARMAN

Lord Fuzzman

Lord Fuzzman

Video thumbnail for PART 1 - OFFSET SIGNATURE GUITAR SHOOTOUT - FENDER TVL KURT COBAIN J MASCIS LEE RANALDO RYAN JARMAN by Lord Fuzzman

PART 1 - OFFSET SIGNATURE GUITAR SHOOTOUT - FENDER TVL KURT COBAIN J MASCIS LEE RANALDO RYAN JARMAN

Lord Fuzzman

Lord Fuzzman

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

  • Some owners swap out the original pickups for Novak rewinds but note only subtle differences compared to the "revoiced" pickups.

    Source
  • The Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster's pickups are said to differ less from other models than expected, especially when processed through effects pedals.

    Source

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

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest purchasing if found for $1600 or less, noting it compares favorably with other Fenders in this price range.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Ranaldo uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Lee Ranaldo can be seen with his signature Jazzmaster.

See how Kim Gordon uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Kim Gordon

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via YouTube

Kim Gordan can be seen playing a Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster at 2:44 into this video.

See how Nels Cline uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Nels Cline

Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

In this 2009 photo of Cline, he is visible with the Fender Lee Ranaldo signature Jazzmaster.

See how Dan Boeckner uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Dan Boeckner

Singer, Guitarist

Arcade Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

At 19:53 (and throughout) this video, Dan can be seen playing his Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster guitar.

See how Adalita Srsen uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Adalita Srsen

Guitarist

Magic Dirt

...
Verified via Photo

Since 2012 Adalita has been seen playing this guitar.

See how Liv Bruce uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Liv Bruce

Singer, Guitarist

PWR BTTM

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Liv using the Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster all the way through this video.

See how Sophie Hopes uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Sophie Hopes

Singer, Guitarist

Tired Lion

...
Verified via reverb.com

"I used to use a Lee Ranaldo Signature for ages, but I had to sell it for rent, unfortunately."

See how Keegan Calmes uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Keegan Calmes

Singer, Guitarist

Vinyl Theatre

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Ben Hopkins uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Ben Hopkins

Singer, Guitarist

PWR BTTM

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben puts on this guitar at 2:22 just before going into Dairy queen, yum!

See how Olympia uses Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster

Olympia

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Mentioned during this video at 1:57. Olympia has used this guitar during live performances over the years.

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.

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