A very nice early ‘65 L series transition period Jazzmaster. All pre-CBS features. New factory spec cloth covered wiring and vintage caps, repro knobs and tremolo arm, otherwise original and in good shape.

So here is a great, classic sunburst example from early 1965. This transition model has all pre-CBS features including an unbound neck with small headstock and pearl dot inlays, cellulose nitrate tortoiseshell guard, L series serial number, double line Kluson tuners and transition decal.

The overall condition is very good with no repairs or touch up to the original finish. There is some natural play wear to the back of the neck and on the body around the forearm area. The guitar has obviously been well used and there are a number of dings, nicks and surface scratches along with some buckle rash which all adds up to a natural relic with bags of vintage vibe.

The volume and tone knobs are correct repros as is the tremolo arm. The rest of the hardware is original. The original bridge has been slightly modified on one side so the saddles are spaced slightly wider but the original holes are on the opposite side so the saddles can be repositioned using the original narrower spacing if preferred.

The electrics are mostly original but a previous owner had it rewired and the capacitors replaced at some point, so we have had it restored back to factory spec using period correct colour coded cloth covered wire, along with correct vintage capacitors and a vintage rhythm circuit switch. This work was carried out by Joseph Kaye Guitars in London who is regarded as one of, if not the best in the UK for this type of work. The rest of the electrics are completely original including the grey bottom pick-ups (one dated May '65 and the other without a date), the lead circuit pots (both dated to 1964), the lead circuit selector switch, the output jack socket and the rhythm circuit pots.

The neck (dated April '65) has a comfortable medium C profile and has some amount of attractive flame on the rear of the neck. The original frets have been levelled and crowned and have a good amount of life left in them and play effortlessly. The original nut has been shimmed to give correct string clearance at the first fret.

Sonically the two grey bobbin pick-ups are nicely balanced and deliver the classic vintage Jazzmaster tone. The bridge pick up is bright and warm with plenty of bite and definition and overdrives very nicely. The neck pick-up has that fat, woody but still distinctly single coil tone of classic vintage Jazzmasters. The middle position is full and chimey.

The last few years have rightfully seen a massive interest in original vintage Jazzmasters and prices have more or less doubled during this period and continue to rise.

Here is an opportunity to acquire a largely original vintage Jazzmaster, which features all the most desirable pre-CBS appointments, at a good price.

Comes with the original no logo black tolex Fender case which is in good condition with fully working latches.

Weight: 8lb 2oz
Pick up readings: neck 6.5k, bridge 7.1k

**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**