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Average Price: $3,500

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern innovation, epitomizing the raw energy and creative spirit of Sonic Youth's legendary guitarist. Crafted for those who dare to push boundaries, this guitar is more than just an instrument; it's an extension of your artistic voice. Its dual Seymour Duncan Antiquity II pickups deliver a rich, dynamic sound that captures every nuance of your performance, while the American Vintage tremolo system ensures smooth and expressive playability.

Designed with a minimalist approach, the Jazzmaster features a single volume knob for streamlined control, allowing you to focus on your music without unnecessary distractions. The guitar's semi-gloss transparent Forest Green finish, complemented by a matching headstock, exudes understated elegance with a touch of rebellious flair. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Thurston Moore Jazzmaster is your ticket to a world of sonic exploration.

Elevate your sound and embrace the unconventional with an instrument that embodies the spirit of innovation.

Key Features:

  • Dual Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Jazzmaster pickups
  • American Vintage tremolo system for smooth playability
  • Single volume knob for simplified control
  • Semi-gloss transparent Forest Green finish with matching headstock
  • Solid body electric guitar designed for creative versatility

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Thurston Moore Artist Series Signature Jazzmaster
Finish Forest Green Transparent
Year 2010 - 2014
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Thurston Moore
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Green
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 SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Artist Series

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster?

The Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster features a Forest Green Transparent finish, rosewood fretboard, and a unique SS pickup configuration. It's designed to capture the distinct sound and style of Thurston Moore, making it ideal for alternative and experimental music.

How does the Thurston Moore Jazzmaster differ from a standard Jazzmaster?

The Thurston Moore Jazzmaster is part of the Artist Series, featuring a signature design with a simplified control layout and unique pickup configuration tailored to Moore's specifications, offering a raw, powerful sound distinct from standard Jazzmasters.

Is the Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster can be played by beginners, its features and tonal qualities are tailored more towards experienced players, especially those interested in alternative and experimental genres.

What type of music is the Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster best suited for?

The Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster is best suited for alternative, indie, and experimental music, offering a sound that aligns with the innovative style of Thurston Moore.

What kind of neck does the Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster have?

The Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster features a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience with a comfortable feel typical of Jazzmaster models.

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

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

Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for Fender Thurston Moore Signature Jazzmaster Jazzblaster Forest Green Transparent USA 2010 by NOIZEMAKER GUITARS

Fender Thurston Moore Signature Jazzmaster Jazzblaster Forest Green Transparent USA 2010

NOIZEMAKER GUITARS

NOIZEMAKER GUITARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautifully resonant body, both unplugged and plugged in

  • Neck is highly praised for its comfort and playability

  • Simple, stripped-down wiring harness for straightforward control

  • SD Antiquity II pickups offer a great sound quality

  • Vintage tuners are reliable with proper setup

  • Customizable with aftermarket pickups and bridge options

  • Considered the best affordable Jazzmaster by some users

  • Ideal for Sonic Youth fans

CONS

  • Stock bridge often criticized and recommended for replacement

  • Bridge pickup may be too treble-heavy for some users

  • Lack of rhythm circuit might not appeal to traditional Jazzmaster fans

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Thurston Moore Jazzmaster is uniquely modded with only a volume knob and a single switch for pickup selection, simplifying the control layout significantly.

    Source
  • The guitar features Antiquity II pickups, contributing to its distinctive Sonic Youth-inspired sound.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound pickups were reportedly favored by Thurston Moore according to a past guitar tech interview.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners praise the neck for its silky smooth feel and robust construction, likening it to the durability of a Swedish Tank.

    Source
  • The Nitro Cellulose finish is noted for its silky smooth texture and visually appealing grain, enhancing the guitar's aesthetic.

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Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Thurston Moore model to the Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster, noting differences in pickup preferences, with the latter featuring humbuckers.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners express difficulty in finding these guitars on the secondary market, highlighting their rarity and desirability among enthusiasts.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Novak JM-V in the neck and JM-Fat in the bridge pickups are recommended for a Thurston Moore-inspired tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Achieving the Thurston Moore sound relies significantly on using unique tunings in addition to vintage-style Jazzmaster pickups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster shines with its big frets, classic sounds, and increased reliability, making it a worthy gig companion. It impressively removes the traditional Jazzmaster quirks, enhancing playability for both aggressive lead styles and chordal parts. However, the hefty price tag and lack of finish options may deter some buyers. While the Moore model excels with its jumbo frets and robust sound, the Ranaldo version offers a unique sonic identity with its Wide Range humbuckers. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for those seeking a versatile, player-friendly Jazzmaster.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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meeghan_dempsey_perri

Great!

This guitar is really fantastic. It sounds great and is the best affordable Jazzmaster out there. The only issue is the bridge is awful .Must be replaced with a mastery bridge. Must have for any Sonic Youth fan!

seanmsinclair

Beautiful Guitar

Changed the stock pickups for The Creamery "Extra Width". Changed the stock bridge for a Mastery Bridge.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thurston Moore uses Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:59 in this live performance of "Antenna", there is a clear shot of Thurston using his signature green Fender Jazzmaster with black pickguard and white pickups.

See how St. Vincent uses Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster

St. Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

The Polyphonic Spree

...
Verified via Photo

"I was playing this guitar that [producer] John Congleton had, the Thurston Moore edition of the Fender Jazzmaster. It’s super chopped—just a volume knob. You either like the way it sounds when you play it, or you don’t. I really like that on/off kind of thing. You don’t mess around with a million permutations. So I was using that a lot on the record, but I don’t play it live," says St. Vincent, in this interview.

See how Nels Cline uses Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster

Nels Cline

Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

At the 2010 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nels Cline is seen playing a Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster, as captured in a user-uploaded photo on BlogSpot.

See how Aaron Dessner uses Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster

Aaron Dessner

Guitarist

The National

...
Verified via Photo

Aaron uses the Fender Thurston Moore Signature Jazzmaster in the live performance with Justin Vernon together as Big Red Machine in Berlin at the People Festival 2018. https://youtu.be/pXYwGPQsFjo?si=8cKbtdxqfjkYFiXI

See how Kyp Malone uses Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster

Kyp Malone

Guitarist

TV on the Radio

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Malone can be seen with a Fender Thurston Moore Jazzmaster.

Genre Usage

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

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