Fender American Performer Jazzmaster, Rosewood, Satin Lake Placid Blue

Fender American Performer Jazzmaster, Rosewood, Satin Lake Placid Blue Overview

The story of the Jazzmaster is a strange and unique rollercoaster ride of idiosyncrasy, unforeseen events, and alternative ideas. Aimed specifically at Jazz players, the Jazzmaster was designed to be Fender's top of the range guitar, but initial sales were disappointing and it wasn't until its adoption by 1960s Surf bands that the JM's fortunes began to rise. Notable NYC bands would later acquire Jazzmasters in the mid 1970s due to their (then) low resale value, and despite its initial run ending in 1980, it is here that we find the root of the Jazzmaster's late but continuing success, which has been further inspired by the many influential "alternative" and "indie" artists of the 1980s and 1990s who sung its praises. Always different, and always venturing somewhere unexpected, Fender's American Performer Jazzmaster is the latest incarnation of this elegant and unique instrument - an American made Jazzmaster at an accessible price.

Featuring a superbly contoured Alder body, this Jazzmaster feels as vibrant and comfortable as ever, and finished in Fender's Satin Lake Placid Blue polyurethane finish, it's more than ready for the rigours of the road. The satin finished Maple neck is just as impressive too, and has been sculpted to a “Modern C” profile, while the 9.5" radius Rosewood fingerboard features jumbo frets - making ease of accurate and expressive playing.

Noticeable changes are immediately evident however; the "Rhythm" circuit and its accompanying controls have been removed, while the three way pickup selector toggle switch has moved upwards to replace them, and most startling of all - a Strat style trem system has replaced the traditional synchronised floating tremolo. But please, Jazzmaster aficionados - don't feel the need to write in and complain! This new and simpler system works extremely well, and while the simpler electronics have streamlined the JM, the new hardware dispenses with many of the problems that can be associated with the traditional floating bridge and trem design.

Pickups are two YosemiteTM Jazzmaster Single-Coils; handcrafted in California, these pickups are specifically voiced for each model and each position to enable wide sonic versatility, which when combined with Fender's Greasebucket circuitry, allow for excellent tone shaping.

Features

Born in Corona, California, the elegant American Performer Jazzmaster delivers the exceptional tone and refined feel you expect from an authentic Fender—with new player-oriented features that make it even more inspiring to play.