Wow, is that what I think it is?! Yup, an early 1965 L Series, green guard, 1964 spec Fender Jaguar in very rare and unfaded 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. There are only a few dinks and marks that don’t detract from the overall look. Its only other owner was allegadly, an American serviceman with whom its purported the guitar saw service in Vietnam…

The neck, which is unbound as per 1964 specifications, with single line Klusons, has a wonderful glossy lacquer finish which looks almost untouched as is the case with the fretboard. The frets show signs of having been stoned and dressed a couple of times but 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 form some expected discolouration 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 which someone has put a Fender amp logo on, just in case there is any confusion what brand of guitar goes inside it..!

The is 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 pallette 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…