Fender Custom Shop 1966 Jazzmaster Journeyman Relic Candy Tangerine - Truetone Color Set

Designed expressly for jazzers (but adopted by surfers) and introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster combined refined looks with a warm, mellifluous voice and new tremolo system. It evolved over the years, but the 1966 model has become a favorite for many - that's what we went for with this Custom Shop recreation, but with a few twists for modern players.

The two-piece alder body sports the iconic offset curves designed for guitarists who usually played seated, and also wears a Journeyman Relic lacquer finish, giving it the look and feel of a guitar that’s survived over five decades of playing.   We had the Custom Shop "go light" on it....the result is more like a Closet Classic, which is exactly what we wanted.  There's subtle aging, perfectly done finish checking, and just a few dings.  It has the appearance of a vintage Jazzmaster that was played over the years, but very well taken care of.

This '66 Jazzmaster is a testament to the Fender Custom Shop's ability to pull off vintage recreations with modern playability.  It has a two-piece select alder body that is lightweight, a rock solid roasted maple neck with a '65 C neck shape, dark rosewood fretboard, and all of the correct vintage hardware.   We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.  For the pickups, we kept it real, going with the base model Custom Shop Jazzmaster pickup set.  These recreate the sound of a classic 60's Jazzmaster, using Alnico 5 magnets and a vintage stagger, with strong output and a nice, even response across the tonal spectrum.   Tied together with ultra-flexible, vintage-style Jazzmaster wiring—including the famous “lead/rhythm” circuit, complete with thumbwheel controls—the vintage styled Jazzmaster single-coil pickups sound mellow and fat; the model’s calling card.  But don't be mistaken, this guitar can definitely rock, as plenty of players have shown with Jazzmasters.

One thing that really stands out are the Mother of Pearl block inlays on the fretboard - just like you'd expect on a Jazzmaster from 1966.  Another key feature is the RSD J-Bridge.  It provides better stability, with brass saddles for extra warmth.  Most players would agree that this bridge that the Custom Shop developed is a remarkable improvement over the old school Jazzmaster bridge.  We love it so much that we put it on almost every Custom Shop Jazzmaster we do.  

Other features include a vintage style tremolo, tuning machines, bone nut and 3-ply Parchment pickguard. Also includes a Custom Shop brown hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is a special Jazzmaster, as part of a Truetone-exclusive color set in Candy Tangerine.  Come to Club Fender at Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to have it shipped to your home.