1960s
THE RICH TONE MODEL GUIDE
1960s Fender Jazzmasters: original offset character
An original 1960s Jazzmaster offers a connection to one of Fender’s most distinctive eras. The offset body, wide single-coil pickups and floating vibrato helped the model move from its jazz ambitions into the sound of surf music.
The offset original
Introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster was Fender’s first offset-waist guitar. Its body balance and floating vibrato give it a character of its own.
Two voices at your fingertips
The lead circuit offers pickup selection with master volume and tone. The rhythm circuit provides a darker neck-pickup voice through separate roller controls.
A period with real variety
Early- and later-1960s Jazzmasters reflect evolving details in fingerboards, logos, inlays and finishes. Those period differences are part of the pleasure of exploring vintage Fender instruments.
From surf to a lasting favourite
The Jazzmaster became closely associated with surf music in the early 1960s. CBS acquired Fender in January 1965, making pre-CBS and CBS-era instruments distinct chapters in the model’s history. Original production continued beyond the decade, until 1980.
The appeal of an original
Vintage examples bring together period design, historical character and the individuality of instruments made decades ago. The early-1960s guitars represented in Rich Tone’s archive show why this is such an interesting category for players and collectors alike.
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Your questions answered
When was the Jazzmaster introduced?
Fender introduced it in 1958. The 1960s saw it develop a particularly strong identity in surf music.
What does pre-CBS mean?
It refers to Fender’s period before the company was acquired by CBS in January 1965. It is a widely used historical distinction for vintage Fender instruments.
How does an original differ from a reissue?
An original 1960s Jazzmaster was manufactured in that decade. Reissue ranges recreate selected period features in a later instrument, offering another way to enjoy the design.