The Fender Jaguar is an electric guitar by Fender Musical Instruments characterized by an offset-waist body, a relatively unusual switching system with two separate circuits for lead and rhythm, and a short-scale 24" neck. Owing some roots to the Jazzmaster, it was introduced in 1962 as Fender's feature-laden top-of-the-line model, designed to lure players from Gibson. During its initial 13-year production run, the Jaguar did not sell as well as the less expensive Stratocaster and Telecaster, and achieved its most noticeable popularity in the surf music scene. After the Jaguar was taken out of production in 1975, vintage Jaguars became popular first with American punk rock players, and then more so during the alternative rock, shoegazing and indie rock movements of the 1980s and 1990s. Fender began making a version in Japan in the mid-1980s, and then introduced a USA-made reissue in 1999. Since then, Fender has made a variety of Jaguars in America, Mexico, Indonesia and China under both the Fender and Squier labels. Original vintage Jaguars sell for many times their original price.

History

Initial production, 1962–75

Both the Fender company and vintage guitar authorities date the introduction of the Jaguar to 1962. One writer states that the model was introduced in December 1960,

The Jaguar never enjoyed the popularity of its Stratocaster and Telecaster siblings. After several upgrades—which included custom finishes, a bound neck, pearloid block inlays, maple fingerboard with black binding, and block inlays—the Jaguar was discontinued in December 1975 after a thirteen-year production run.

Resurgence

Punk and early new wave guitarists such as Tom Verlaine of the band Television (who can be seen playing a Jaguar on a 2003 album cover) In the 1990s the popularity of the Jaguar and Jazzmaster exploded after they were used by guitarists such as Scott Hill, John Squire,

Kurt Cobain (for whom a signature model was introduced),

Kevin Shields, Black Francis, J Mascis, Brian Molko, Rowland S. Howard,

Thurston Moore, John Frusciante, Will Sergeant

and Johnny Marr (who has a signature model).

Despite this, Jaguars still fetch considerably less than Telecasters and Stratocasters of similar vintage. the first two switches were on/off switches for the neck and bridge pickups, respectively, while the third switch engaged a capacitor that served as a high-pass filter (sometimes referred to as a "strangle" switch). The rhythm circuit, set into operation when the upper bout switch is flicked upwards, had individual volume and tone rollers but no option to choose between pickups. This rhythm circuit has a bassier, neck-pickup only range.

Another new feature was a spring-loaded rubber string mute, which was flipped upwards from under the strings by a lever. The mute was designed for guitarists who had to palm mute for extended periods, which was difficult or impossible on the Jaguar's floating bridge without knocking the bridge out of position. This feature proved unpopular and became known as a "tone killer"; the cover and its foam were usually quickly removed. including wrapping tape around the bridge posts.

Like the Jazzmaster and Bass VI, the Jaguar has an unusual floating vibrato mechanism that was a complete departure from the "synchronized vibrato" system found on the Stratocaster. Leo Fender believed that this new design was superior to previous designs since the bridge actually moved backwards and forwards along with the strings during vibrato use, thereby maintaining proper intonation even under duress, and preventing strings from binding. This floating bridge concept was also later used on the Fender Mustang. The floating vibrato mechanism also features a built-in lock, which helped the player preserve the guitar's tuning in the event of a string breakage and easing removal of the vibrato arm.

Variations

;Fender 50th Anniversary Jaguar

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar in 2012, Fender released a USA-made model that featured a C-shaped maple neck with lacquer finish and vintage-style truss rod, bound 9.5"-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid block inlays, a modified one-degree neck-angle-pocket cut to improve pitch, a re-positioned tremolo plate to increase bridge break angle to prevent string slippage and increased sustain, a custom neckplate and specially designed hotter wound single-coil neck and bridge pickups for fatter tone and more output. The 50th Anniversary Jaguar was available in three Custom Colors: Burgundy Mist Metallic, Candy Apple Red, and Lake Placid Blue. The first 100 of each color were hand-numbered.

;Fender Blacktop

A Jaguar with high-output humbuckers, alder body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 9,5" radius, T.O.M./STP style bridge, volume and tone pots and a three-way Gibson style pickup switch.

;Fender Blacktop Jaguar FSR with Neck Binding

Similar to the regular Blacktop Jaguar with high-output humbuckers, alder body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 9,5" radius, T.O.M./STP style bridge, volume and tone pots and a three-way Gibson style pickup switch. This model was manufactured for Guitar Center as a Fender Special Run and came in Blizzard Pearl or Metallic Surf Green. The Blizzard Pearl model featured white neck binding, while the Metallic Surf Green featured mint colored neck binding. The other difference between this and the regular Blacktop models was the presence of flathead screw adjustable Tune-o-matic posts and regular Jaguar knobs.

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;Fender Jaguar Special HH

Has the same body shape as the standard Jaguar, but is equipped with two low-output Fender designed Dragster humbucking pickups, a fixed Adjust-o-matic bridge (similar to a Gibson Tune-o-matic), a 24" scale length, and chrome knobs. It is made in Japan.

thumb|Fender Jaguar (1965) with bridge cover and mute installed

;Fender Jaguar Classic Player Special

This guitar is similar to the Fender Jaguar Special HH, only it has single coil hot rod Fender Jaguar pickups as opposed to the humbuckers on the HH. It is equipped with chrome hardware, and vintage-style vibrato arm that is threaded as opposed to the original non-threaded tremolo, and it has same controls as the bolt-on neck and has plastic control knobs. This guitar is made in Mexico and comes in Candy Apple red and three-color sunburst.

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;Fender Jaguar Baritone Special HH

Similar to the Jaguar HH, except that it has fewer switching options, and a longer 27" scale length (as opposed to the normal 24"), and is designed to be tuned a fourth below a standard guitar (B E A D F# B, low to high). This guitar is only available in black with a matching black headstock and chrome hardware to emphasise its unique design.

;Fender Classic Player Jaguar Special HH

A Jaguar modeled after the guitars of players such as Kurt Cobain. This Jaguar has two Fender Enforcer humbuckers which are able to be coil-tapped, a Gibson-style "Tune-O-Matic" bridge, and the vibrato-bar tailpiece has been moved closer to the bridge. It is made in Mexico.

;Fender Jaguar Baritone Custom

A MIJ combination of a Jaguar and a Fender Bass VI with additional features. It has a fixed bridge, a 28.5" scale length and heavier strings (the same set as the slightly longer Bass VI) to achieve an E–E tuning one octave lower than a standard guitar. Renamed the Fender Jaguar Bass VI Custom (some Fender catalogues omit the word Jaguar) a few months before it was discontinued.

;Fender Jaguar Bass

Essentially a Fender Jazz Bass with a Jaguar-shaped body and Jaguar-styled switching options. Features a switchable onboard preamp with bass/treble controls. The American version has the chrome plates that the design is known for whereas the Made in Mexico version replaces these with a plastic pickguard.

;Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar

In 2012, Squier released the Vintage Modified Jaguar, Crafted in Indonesia. It was available in 3-Tone Sunburst, Olympic White, Candy Apple Red and Surf Green, all came with tortoise shell guard except CAR which came with white. It was fairly accurate to vintage Jaguar specs and had Duncan Designed Jaguar pickups with vintage style Jaguar rhythm circuit and controls, 9.5" radius, 22 fret rosewood neck (until 2018 Indian Laurel) with dot inlays, and Jaguar bridge. The Vintage Modified Jaguar was discontinued in 2019 along with the discontinuation of the Vintage Modified series, and replaced by the Classic Vibe series 70's Jaguar.

;Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar

thumb|The left handed version of the Fender Kurt Cobain Road Worn Jaguar

A "Made in Mexico" Fender Jaguar model; a replica of the modified 1965 Fender Jaguar used by Kurt Cobain. Equipped with DiMarzio humbuckers, Gotoh tuners, and a Tune-o-matic bridge. It is currently the only Jaguar that is sold left-handed along with right-handed.

;Fender Modern Player Jaguar

Basically a stripped-down version with two Fender "MP-90" pickups, two Jazz bass knobs, and a Tune-o-matic bridge. It is crafted in China.

;Fender Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar

thumb|Johnny Marr with [[The Cribs using his signature Jaguar]]

US made signature model based on Johnny Marr's favourite vintage guitars plus some modifications to make it a more player-friendly guitar. Specs include four-way pickup selector allowing for standard pickup selecting in addition to choosing to combine both pickups either in series or parallel circuitry, dual strangle switches on the upper control plate, custom Bare Knuckle pickups, body with extra deep belly cut, nitrocellulose finish, custom Fender Mustang saddles in the bridge and a modified "Staytrem" vibrato arm.

;Fender Jaguarillo

As part of "Pawn Shop Series" Fender released this hybrid model featuring a traditional Jaguar body with an HSS pickup configuration. All three pickups—two standard Stratocaster® single-coils and an Atomic humbucking bridge pickup—are angled for enhanced bass and treble response. Other unusual touches include one volume knob, one tone knob and a five-way blade pickup switch.

;Fender Reverse Jaguar Bass

Also in the "Pawn Shop Series", this model features a reverse body and reverse headstock, a slim, off-center pickguard, and two humbucking pickups. The control layout consisting of a single three-way pickup toggle switch and one volume and one tone.

;Special Edition Jaguar Thinline

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar, Fender released a semi-hollow version of the Jaguar, with an Ash top and back and two Vintage-style Jaguar single-coil pickups.

;Fender Player Jaguar

This model is part of Fender's Player series that replaces the Mexican Standard series of instruments, and is manufactured in Mexico. The guitar has an alder body, a maple neck and a pau ferro fretboard with a modern 9.5 inch radius. There are two pickups: a single-coil pickup in the neck position and a humbucker in the bridge position. The humbucker has a coil-split option.

;Squier Classic Vibe 70's Jaguar

In 2019, Squier released a slightly upgraded version to the discontinued Vintage Modified Jaguar, this time as part of the Classic Vibe series. The Squier Classic Vibe 70's Jaguar has a 9.5" radius, 22 fret Indian Laurel fretboard, Fender designed alnico V Jaguar pickups, classic Jaguar rhythm circuit and pickup switching, including a version of the bass/mid cut "strangle switch", with a fixed radius 9.5" Mustang style bridge, bone nut, tortoise pick guard. It is a throwback to vintage 1970's Jaguar styling with binding on the neck, block inlays and a redesigned 70's inspired Squier Jaguar logo. Finish options include 3-tone Sunburst, Black, Surf Green. FSR finish options were also released in 2020 in Daphne Blue and Shell Pink. Crafted in Indonesia.

;Squier Contemporary Jaguar HH ST

In 2021, Squier released this model as part of the Squier Contemporary series, which aims to modernize classic Fender guitars. This model features two Squier SQR Atomic humbuckers, coil-split and series/parallel switching, a roasted maple neck with a 12" radius fretboard, a sculpted neck heel, and an adjustable bridge with a stop tailpiece. The guitar was made available in Sky Burst Metallic, Shoreline Gold, and Lake Placid Blue.

;60th Anniversary American Original and American Ultra Luxe Jaguar

In 2022 Fender released two limited edition models to celebrate the Jaguar's 60th anniversary.

The 60th anniversary American Original Jaguar features a bound rosewood fingerboard inlaid with pearloid block position markers and matching painted headstock. This guitar also sports an alder body with nitrocellulose lacquer finish, lead/rhythm circuit, "F" tuners, Jaguar tremolo system with adjustable string mute and comes with an engraved neck plate with a 60th anniversary logo. Available in Mystic Dakota Red and Mystic Lake Placid Blue.

The American Ultra Luxe 60th Anniversary Jaguar boasts a contoured offset select alder body and two custom Double Tap humbucking pickups with 3-way switching and two slide switches for coil-splitting and series/parallel wiring. This guitar deviates from the traditional Jaguar design for the inclusion of a 25.5-inch scale length. Other features include an augmented D-shape maple neck with a 10–14-inch compound radius ebony fingerboard, 22 stainless steel frets, locking all-shortpost tuning machines, TUSQ nut and a string-through Adjust-O-Matic stop tailpiece. Available in Texas Tea.

Fender Japan Moeka Shiotsuka Signature Jaguar

Japanese exclusive model, inspired by Moeka Shiotsuka’s favorite model, The American Vintage ‘65 Jaguar, with every detail catered to her own specifications. The guitar has a C-shaped neck with binding and medium-jumbo frets. While maximizing playability for smaller players the guitar also features two specially developed original pickups that are designed to reproduce the Jaguar’s signature sharp cleans while adding warmth and maintain a clear and defined sound when driven. The guitar features an original color inspired by aged Sonic Blue and butterfly engravings on the tuning peg buttons to symbolize the wish "May the often-snapped 4th string never break.”

Notable players

  • Jason Pierce of Spiritualized
  • Holly Ross of The Lovely Eggs
  • Scott Hill
  • John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Roy Clark
  • Greg Camp of Smash Mouth
  • Emily Kokal
  • Johnny Marr of The Smiths & Modest Mouse
  • Tom Verlaine of Television
  • Bob Dylan
  • Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth
  • Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys
  • Tim Gane
  • John Squire of the Stone Roses
  • Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
  • Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine
  • Al Kooper
  • David Marks
  • Black Francis
  • Courtney Barnett
  • Chris Stapleton (Baritone Custom)
  • Elvis Costello
  • Brian Molko
  • Kurt Vile
  • Joe Pass One of the few jazz players to use Fender's offset body guitars, he played a Jaguar in the early '60s, notably on an episode of the TV show Frankly Jazz.
  • Chris Dreja of the Yardbirds
  • Matt Skiba
  • Ian Fowles
  • Rowland S. Howard of The Birthday Party, Crime & the City Solution and These Immortal Souls
  • Blixa Bargeld of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
  • Jonathan Donahue
  • Ronald Jones
  • Win Butler
  • Marc Ribot
  • Nels Cline
  • Richard Oakes
  • Josh Klinghoffer
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • David Schelzel
  • Bradford Cox
  • Oliver Ackermann
  • Snail Mail
  • Samantha Fish
  • Gustavo Cerati
  • Will Sergeant
  • Raul Malo of The Mavericks
  • Eddie Perez of The Mavericks
  • Sharon Van Etten
  • Mico Roy of Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire
  • Stephen Fitzpatrick (musician) of Her's
  • The Trashmen guitarists Tony Andreason and Dal Winslow
  • The Lively Ones guitarists Jim Masoner and Ed Chiaverini
  • Bearface of Brockhampton (band)
  • Andrew Osenga of The Normals and Caedmon's Call
  • Alvvays guitarists Molly Rankin and Alec O'Hanley
  • Adam Hann of The 1975
  • Frankie Broyles of Omni, Balkans (band), and Deerhunter
  • Luther Perkins of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three
  • Eric Erlandson of Hole
  • Mk.gee
  • Moeka Shiotsuka of Hitsujibungaku
  • Christian Savill of Slowdive

References

Bibliography

Further reading

  • Official Fender website
  • Encyc: Fender Jaguar
  • (Utility patent for offset body styled guitars (Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster))
  • (Design Patent for Fender Jazzmaster)
  • (Patent for tremolo/bridge)