Wow, is that what I think it is?! Yup, a 1962  green guard Fender Jaguar in very rare and unfaded, factory Dakota Red…

Billed as ‘faster and easier to play’ due to its shorter scale length and equipped with some of the most advanced switching options of any Fender to date, the Jaguar has always been a little bit at odds with its other stable mates but has always found favour in the underground. Even so, there is no denying the iconic look of the instrument, especially decked out in custom colours and covered in chrome.

The first thing that strikes you about this guitar is the colour. So vibrant with very little in the way of wear on the body. Its a colour that was more commonly seen on the cheaper Fender brands and as such is rare to find on these more premium models. If you look closely, there is evidence of a different colour underneath. This was Fender's first attempt to finish the guitar and is probably sunburst which they didn't quite get right so they decided to finish it in a solid colour. All before it was assembled and left the factory of course.

There are a few dinks and marks but they only add to the look of the guitar. Have a look at the pics and you will see for yourself.

The neck, which has quite a thick veneer board, a feature of 1962 as they were perfecting the technique. It has a wonderful worn in feel as is the case with the fretboard. It had a refret and there is plenty of life left in them.. The original nitro headstock finish is untouched with maybe a few minor paint chips.

The hardware on a whole is free of corrosion apart from some expected minor corroison on the bridge. Elsewhere the chrome retains that unmistakable gleam. Electronically the guitar is correct and all the solder joints (and yes, there are many!) look to be undisturbed which is always a welcome sight.

Included is the original blonde Tolex case.

The guitar sounds fantastic. Unplugged there’s a vibrancy that isn’t always evident in these offset guitars. Once plugged in, the guitar has a wide palette of tones available and both pickups work well so as to make any option a good one, again a statement that can’t be made about all Jaguars unfortunately.

This guitar is certainly special. Looks to die for with tone to match. They don’t often get here in this condition so its a must for anyone looking for a custom colour offset for their collection…