Some guitars are vintage.

Some guitars are survivors.

This one is both.

Offered here is an exceptionally honest 1965 Fender Jaguar finished in its original 3-Color Sunburst, complete with its original black tolex hard shell case. From the pickups and electronics to the switches, pots, bridge, vibrato, tuners, and finish, this guitar remains completely original. No replacement pickups. No rewinds. No refin. No stories.

This is exactly the kind of Jaguar serious collectors hope to find.

In the mid-'60s, Fender charged extra for the Sunburst finish because the transparent center showed off the beauty of the wood beneath. Sixty years later, that ash/alder grain still shines through exactly as Leo Fender intended, framed by a finish that has aged beautifully with time.

And yes—it wears those sixty years honestly.

This Jaguar has accumulated the kind of cosmetic wear you'd expect from a guitar that was actually played instead of hidden away in a closet. There are chips, dings, scratches, and finish wear throughout the instrument, but none of it has been disguised or "improved." It's the sort of natural aging collectors appreciate because it tells the guitar's story instead of rewriting it.

The neck feels fantastic, and the original frets remain in remarkably good condition, with plenty of life left for years of playing. Every switch functions correctly. The rhythm circuit works exactly as it should. The lead circuit is crisp and responsive. The original pickups deliver everything a great Jaguar should—bright attack, articulate cleans, unmistakable snap, and surprising warmth when you dig in.

If you're reading this listing, you probably already know the Jaguar's reputation. Introduced as Fender's flagship solid-body, it featured a 24-inch scale, dual-circuit electronics, individual pickup switching, floating tremolo, and the innovative string mute system that Fender proudly promoted in its original catalogs. It remains one of Leo Fender's most ambitious and distinctive designs.

I've documented this guitar extensively with detailed photographs, including the electronics, cavities, hardware, finish wear, and original case, so you'll know exactly what you're getting. There are no surprises here.

The original black tolex hard shell case is included. Like the guitar itself, it shows honest cosmetic wear from decades of use, but it remains structurally solid. The handle is secure, the hinges are tight, and every latch functions properly. It has spent the last sixty years protecting this Jaguar—and it's still doing exactly that.

Vintage Jaguars come to market every day.

Untouched, all-original 1965 Jaguars like this one do not.

Wendell's Music is a repair-centered music store. Every instrument is inspected, cleaned, and professionally set up before it leaves our shop. When you purchase a guitar, let us know your preferred string gauge and tuning—we'll set it up to your specifications so it's ready for the stage or the studio when you open the box.

We don't believe a guitar should need a trip to the repair bench the day after it arrives.