In an attempt to dispel the notion that their wares were not for top tier musicians, Leo Fender designed the Jazzmaster to attract jazz players away from the more traditional fare coming out of Kalamazoo. With innovative electronics married to ergonomic design, the company hoped that could be taken more seriously especially as the light of rock ‘n roll was waning as the 50s came to a close.

This guitar has certainly seen some life. There's plenty of buckle rash on the back and wear to the finish on the front. Its also faded as youd imagine but there is no sign of any touchup.

The neck, dated June 1965, has worn comfortably and been refretted and fitted with a new nut. The rosewood fretboard is in great condition. The transition logo is still visible.

This is the desirable 1965 with 1964 features such as the unbound fingerboard, dot neck and nitrate guard.

Hardware is in great condition with some signs of corrosion. 

The pickguard, being the pre-CBS nitrate type, has shrunk a little bit but this doesn’t affect playability and is the only place where shrinkage is really evident. In mid 1965, Fender changed for using Stratocaster type knobs in favour of using these witch’s hat style knobs.

Electronically all solder joint are undisturbed and things are remarkably clean. Its always nice to see under the pickguard as Fender always took such care with laying out the wires. A close inspection of the shielding also reveals that it hasn’t been removed and again here all the solder joint are undisturbed.

The guitar comes with a  hardshell case.

This guitar plays and sounds as good as it looks. The rhythm circuit is suitably dark but the lead circuit never gets too nasal, retaining plenty of the depth. 

Worn sunburst on any Fender is a winner in our book. Grab this before it gets away…