A stunning early 1966 Fender Jazzmaster in Candy Apple Red for your delectation. 

The first few chords of ‘Walk Don’t Run’ by the Ventures should be enough to convince you of the merits of these guitars. As with most inventions, it sometimes takes others to really turn the populous on to a product and its was the now infamous ‘You won’t part with yours either’ campaign, the brainchild of Adman Robert Perine, that really set the ball rolling for the Jazzmaster and got it into the hands of the surf music community.

Another Californian native Joe Bailon, celebrated car customiser and inductee into the National Rod & Custom Museum Hall of Fame, is first credited with creating Candy Apple Red in the early 50s. Popular with hot-rodders for its deep colour and the way the metallic paint layer reflected the light, it first appeared on the Fender colour charts in 1963 and it quickly became one of their most popular choices.

This is a stunning, near MINT example. Very little wear to the finish anywhere, retaining a rich gloss finish. The rich colour really accentuates the contours of the guitar, offset so wonderfully by the white pickguard.

The neck, dated February 1966, shows some light signs of wear. The finish has worn comfortably and the recent refret makes for a very enjoyable playing experience. The bound rosewood fretboard is in good condition. The headstock is in great condition with hardly a mark.The transitional logo is strong and unbroken. A new nut has been fitted and it has had a refret so playability is excellent.

Hardware is in great condition and as you’d expect shows no signs of corrosion, looking almost new in some places. 

Plastics are in great condition as you’d expect.

Electronically all solder joints are undisturbed and things are remarkably clean. It's 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 joints are undisturbed.

The guitar comes with its correct black Tolex hardshell case.

This guitar plays and sounds as good as it looks. The rhythm circuit is suitably dark with the lead circuit providing plenty of light. This coupled with a smooth vibrato, surely there is little else you need?

 A stunning addition to any collection, this guitar will surely turn some heads. Grab it before it gets away…