1963 Fender Jazzmaster

1963 Fender Jazzmaster Sunburst 

Serial # L12800

Condition: Very good

Upgrades / modifications:

New pickup height foam, 1 little screw hole from a incorrectly added second string guide was professionally corrected, see last pics, before and after, slightly  touched angles of the back of the headstock, refreshed soldering of the ground wire cable, switch tip is a period correct repro part.

New set of 11-49 d’addario strings.

All work was done by the very fine luthier Enrico Crippa from Sound City, Piacenza, IT

Description:

The front side is showing little wear, the original thin nitro lacquer finish retains pretty good color on the face with only minimal fade, the back has a decent amount of fairly random belt wear, see pics.

The original frets are just fine, the beautiful rosewood fingerboard is awsome and in perfect shape, trussrod works perfectly. All hardware is original to this guitar.

History:

The 1963 Fender Jazzmaster is a vintage electric guitar that is part of Fender’s iconic lineup of instruments from the early 1960s. Known for its distinctive looks, rich tonal capabilities, and smooth playability, the 1963 Jazzmaster holds a special place in the hearts of guitar enthusiasts, especially for its unique blend of traditional Fender qualities and new innovations at the time.

Key Features:

• Body Shape and Design: The 1963 Jazzmaster features a contoured, offset body shape that sets it apart from other Fender models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. The body is made of alder (or occasionally ash), and it’s coated in a variety of vibrant nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, including sunburst, black, and Olympic white. The offset shape not only gives it a distinctive look but also makes it more comfortable to play, particularly for those who prefer a more ergonomic instrument.
• Neck: The neck is made from maple, and by 1963, Fender had refined their neck construction. It features a 24-inch scale length (shorter than the more common 25.5″ scale of other Fender guitars), which gives the Jazzmaster a smoother, slinkier feel compared to longer-scale guitars. The neck typically has a slim, comfortable profile, which is ideal for players who favor fast, intricate fretboard work. The fingerboard is usually rosewood, with 21 frets and dot inlays.
• Pickups: The 1963 Jazzmaster is equipped with two single-coil pickups designed for smooth, mellow tones with a characteristic “jazzy” warmth, but also capable of bright, bell-like clarity when needed. These pickups are mounted in a floating metal bridge assembly, and the Jazzmaster’s unique pickup switching system allows for a variety of tonal options, including a rhythm circuit on the neck pickup and a lead circuit on the bridge pickup.
• Bridge and Tremolo: One of the standout features of the Jazzmaster is its floating tremolo system, which was an innovation when it was introduced. This system allows players to create subtle pitch bends and vibrato effects without the tuning instability often associated with other tremolo systems. The bridge has individual adjustable saddles, which allow for fine-tuning of string height and intonation.
• Tone and Versatility: The Jazzmaster’s tone is famously versatile, capable of both smooth, mellow jazz tones as well as brighter, more aggressive rock sounds. The rhythm circuit, which engages the neck pickup with a rolled-off tone control, offers a more bass-heavy, smooth sound, while the lead circuit allows for a brighter, more cutting tone.
• Vintage Details: As a 1963 model, the guitar likely features the “clay dot” fretboard inlays (a hallmark of earlier Fender necks), a 3-ply pickguard (typically in white or tortoiseshell), and a ‘Spaghetti’ logo on the headstock. The finish and hardware are all vintage-style, which gives the guitar a beautiful aged look when it’s seen today in original condition.

Playability and Influence:

The 1963 Fender Jazzmaster was popularized by surf rock bands in the early 1960s, but over the decades it’s gained widespread appeal in other genres, including alternative rock, punk, and indie. The instrument’s relatively short scale length makes it a favorite among players who appreciate a smooth, relaxed feel, while its wide tonal range makes it incredibly versatile across genres.

Collectibility:

Due to its status as a key model from Fender’s Golden Age, a 1963 Fender Jazzmaster, particularly in original condition, is highly sought after by collectors and vintage guitar enthusiasts. Players and collectors alike appreciate it for both its sound and historical significance. Condition, originality, and the specific finish color can greatly affect its value on the vintage market.

Overall, the 1963 Fender Jazzmaster remains one of the most distinctive and cherished guitars ever made, offering players a unique playing experience, incredible tonal flexibility, and a rich piece of musical history.

Specifications:

Body:

• Solid alder body in 3-tone Sunburst

Neck:

• 1-piece maple-neck / C profile
• Rosewood veneer fretboard with 21 frets clay dot inlays
• Radius 7.25″
• Neck depth is 0.81″ at 1st fret / 0.96″ at 12th fret
• Nut width is 1.661” or 42.2 mm
• Scale length is 25 1/2″

Electronics:

• Pickups are original 2 standard white-covered Jazzmaster units dated to 1963
• Pickup Measurements = neck 7.60k / bridge 7.29k
• Tone potentiometer code “304-6101” (304 = Stackpole, 61 = 1961, 0 1= January of 1961)

Hardware:

• 6x Kluson Deluxe tuner
• Jazzmaster floating tremolo system, the bridge has individual adjustable saddles
• Original Tremolo arm
• Trem plate/pat. #2.972.923

Miscellaneous:

• Weight; 3650 kg / 8.050 lbs
• Including original brown case in excellent condition

All guitars are professionally inspected and set up, ensuring optimal playability and performance.

• Manufacturing date codes and interior pics are available per request: e-mail