Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster Original Prototype w/ Original Neck Owned by Sonic Youth

This Fender Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster Original Prototype w/ It's Original Prototype Neck is part of the private collection of Sonic Youth.

Fender released the Lee Ranaldo Signature Jazzmaster in 2009 along with another signature Jazzmaster for fellow Sonic Youth guitarist, Thurston Moore. Both models featured striped down electronics and a satin nitro finish.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BUYERS PURCHASING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES: Please be advised that due to CITES regulations enforced by the Fish & Wildlife Administration in 2018 - An additional delivery time of up to 4 weeks may be enforced because of the Rosewood used on the neck of this guitar. Buyers will need to file for a CITES import from their local customs office prior to shipment. Buyer be advised.

The Ranaldo model also features a pair of wide-range humbuckers similar to those found on a '70s Telecaster Deluxe. Lee's primary guitar for many many years.

Included in this listing is the original prototype neck that was on the guitar for many many years before being swapped out for a newer production model after being thrashed from years of shows. 

No serial information as this is the original prototype. Heavily abused. Tone electronics removed. Pickup selector is scratchy but settles in. Very stickered. Whammy bar in place. In gig bag.

Used by Lee: 2009-2010

2009 -- CGDCGD (What We Know)

2010 -- solo shows

NOTES:

This is the first prototype for Lee's custom signature Jazzmaster -- the only difference I see is that this one has a regular headstock where-as the finished model has a black headstock. THIS NECK COMES WITH THIS GUITAR.

Lee has used the prototype live, though possibly only for solo gigs -- but he did use it for 'What We Know' on the Pitchfork A>D>D session (he used the 'finished' model for the remainder of the songs).

As of September 2010, Lee was still using this for his solo gigs (typically hung from the ceiling pendulum-style).

Sapphire Blue Transparent body

Black anodized aluminum pickguard

2 "newly voiced and improved Fender wide range Humbucker reissue pickups voiced to Lee's specs" This one had standard Tele Deluxe humbuckers, which were replaced for the 2nd prototype + production run

Streamlined electronics - no rhythm circuit, just one volume knob

Fender Mustang bridge

Vintage frets and 7.25" fretboard radius

Vintage style nickel hardware

Pickup selector switch 'side to side' instead of up/down

Vibrato bar

"Ultra Eczema" sticker

Spiral sticker on reverse

Pavement 09/21/10 NYC guest pass on the back

All pieces of gear in the Official Sonic Youth Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity with signatures from all four original members of Sonic Youth.