1965 Fender Jazzmaster Guitar

Hey there!

Today we are looking at a well-loved 1965 Fender Jazzmaster. This example is mostly original, and has a true mojo to it.

The original run of Jazzmasters were built between 1958 and 1980, and were designed to be the top of the Fender line (i.e. most expensive) but never really caught on with the same popularity of the Stratocaster and Telecaster models. They have a warmer tone, and did catch on with the surf bands, though.

The slab body on this one was finished in black with a non-matching headstock, which is fairly rare. I believe this is the original paint, and it shows a lot of lacquer checking on the front and back.

This Jazzmaster has the most worn neck I have ever seen, making me wonder if maybe someone took some sandpaper to it at some point. There is a little flame to the male which you do not usually see on these. It is dated 4 MAR 65 B. The medium frets and nut were professionally replaced at some point, and they did a really nice job.

All of the hardware and electronics are original. The pickguard turned a lovely minty green over the years.

It came to me with the tremolo arm, the bridge cover and the ultra rare no logo hardshell case that was only available in 1965.

It played well, and the neck was super-well broken in. The sound was ok, but perhaps a bit noisy. I was always afraid to mess with those original solder joints.

I sold this a few years ago before the economy fell into the crapper. It was a great guitar, but was just not my style.

Mahalo!