The Fender Jaguar was introduced as a high-end model guitar four years after the Jazzmaster. Though similar to the Jazzmaster in its offset body and lead/rhythem circuits controls, the Jaguar differed in two key ways. For one, the Jaguar used a shorter 24-inch scale length compared to the 25 1/2-inch of most Fender guitars. Additionally, the Jaguar used two thinner single-coil pickups compared to the feedback-prone soapbox pickups of the Jazzmaster. The Jaguar was not as popular as the Telecaster or Strat in its initial run, but has found some popularity with punk, grunge and indie rockers since.
Years of Production: 1962 - 1974
Unique to this Year: Last year before CBS purchase of Fender and changes such as pearloid inlays and three layer plastic pickguard.
Body Style: Offset solidbody
Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck with veneer Rosewood fingerboard
Design Elements: Bolt-on neck, dot inlays, 2 single-coil pickups with notched side-plates, individual pickup selectors, 24-inch scale length, treble and bass roll knobs, floating tremolo system, lead/rhythm circuit switch
Finish Specifications: Sunburst was the standard finish for the Jaguar in 1964. Rarer colors are more prized by collectors.
Notable Players: Kurt Cobain, Johnny Marr, Carl Wilson
