Fender introduced the Jaguar in 1962 as their new flagship model. It was intended as the next step forward and was meant to outperform both the Stratocaster as the Jazzmaster. The Jaguar's basic platform and body shape was the Jazzmaster but Leo changed the scale length to 24” to provide easier chording. Metal control plates were added for visual appeal.

The pickups were designed narrow and with a metal “saw tooth” like claw that was made with the intention of concentrating the magnetic field, providing a punchier sound than the Jazzmaster. The switching was updated as well: the pickup selector toggle switch was replaced with slider switches and a high-pass filter was added. The vibrato and bridge of the Jazzmaster were maintained but a string mute was added to provide easy muting with the bridge cover in place.

Here’s an example of an L-series, third year of production Jaguar in a beautiful only slightly faded sunburst finish. It has the typical features for this year like double-line Kluson tuners, pearloid dot inlays but no binding (yet), grey bobine pickups, a nitrate tortoise pickguard and thin nitrocellulose lacquer that has crazed nicely in very fine parallel lines. There’s a unusual wear spot visible next to the mute plate, probably where a previous owner placed his pinky while playing. The mute still has its original black foam and works fine. The upper edge of the body shows a large area of wear that may have been caused by playing while sitting down but the back is in good condition without much buckle rash or wear. Although this guitar has been played a lot and shows some dings, wear and lacquer crazing, it still looks very classy.

The neck has a quite full for a Jaguar B-shape neck shape that feels great and a very dark rosewood fretboard. The guitar was refretted professionally at some time with original style wire frets that have been levelled on the low side but the guitar doesn’t fret out in any position. A small portion of rosewood directly above the e/b string is missing, it appears this piece of the fretboard broke while replacing the nut? This does not affect playability and could be repaired easily and near invisible by a good luthier if the need arises. The grey fiber bobbin pickups in this guitar sound very direct and punchy, they appear somewhat meatier than later production grey fiber bobbin pickups.

This guitar is almost completely original apart from the new frets and nut, even the factory shim is still in the neck pocket. The original black tolex case and whammy bar are included with the sale.

Additional specifications:

• Serial Number: L33655
• Neck stamp: 1AUG65B
• Potentiometer codes: Lead circuit wk30/’65, Rhythm circuit wk40/’65
• Modifications: professional refret, new bone nut, portion of rosewood missing above the nut
• Setup: D’Addario EXL116 .011-.052 strings
• Case: Original Fender black tolex case (no logo)