The Fender Jaguar

The Fender Jaguar, an excellent addition to the infamous line of Fender guitars. Utilized by such musicians as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, and John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In the early years it followed many failures, and as time went on it suffered through two reissues. Clearly worth the time and effort however, spawning a whole new generation of Jaguar lovers giving another great fender guitar a secured place in music history. The tale for the Jaguar began way back in the '50's with a guitar known as the Jazzmaster.

Back in the hay days of music, one of the three Fender men Forrest White got the brilliant idea of creating a guitar that could set two completely different tones with the flick of a switch. In submitting this idea to the co-founder Leo Fender (Who couldn't play guitar) he was turned down. Luckily for this generation of musicians, a musician named Alvino Rey was pitched the idea by Forrest and Rey loved the idea. Reinventing the Jazzmaster with all new gimmicks, the guitar to be known as the Jaguar was released in 1962. Featuring a shorter neck, 22 frets, and thinner pickups with a medal shield to reduce the squeal. Also including a muting system which muted the strings automatically when wanted, also the first Fender to include the chunky logo on the headstock. This was a high powered instrument, more complex and full of gimmicks than its predecessor. Sadly it failed in the sails and was discontinued in 1975.

Unfortunately the cardinal rule of guitars is that simplicity is king this was just too much to turn any sort of profit. Something amazing did happen, it gained popularity because of its use by underground alternative bands like Sonic Youth and of course Nirvana because of how cheap it had become. It had been born again, being bought up by many alternative fans. It had begun to be sold for $1200 as apposed to its $200 dollar price. In the 90's Fender released cheap reissues but did not live up to the vintage guitars, so in 1999 they released exact replicas of the vintage guitar to live up to the expectations. The models today are essentially the same, minus the better constructed pick ups. This guitar has come a long way since the 50's, and will always remain a part of history.

If you'd like to pick up your own Fender Jaguar take a look at our collection or come in and play one at our store, The Guitar Lounge - Fender Heaven