2001 Fender American Vintage Reissue ’62 Jazzmaster w/ Mastery Bridge & Evo Gold frets

In 1958, Fender introduced the Jazzmaster in its ill-fated attempt to enter the jazz guitar market. With a flat offset solid Alder body, 7.25" fingerboard radius, and vibrato tailpiece, the Jazzmaster didn't exactly resemble the hollodbody archtops jazz players preferred. Designed to sound mellower than both the Telecaster and Stratocaster, the original Jazzmaster featured two wide single-coil pickups (often confused with P90s) that are wound flat and wide with Alnico magnets as pole pieces. The result is a thicker, warmer-sounding pickup that still retains single-coil clarity and dynamics. Wired to be reverse wound, the Jazzmaster's middle position is naturally hum canceling. Much to Fender's surprise, the Jazzmaster turned out to be the perfect choice for surf guitar in the '60s, and in the '80s and '90s, alternative rock guitarists discovered their warm sound, unique stylings, and touch-sensitive vibrato system. By 1962, the Jazzmaster's original specs were perfected, and it sported