1962 Fender Jaguar, Sunburst

From the listing

Seller's description

Superb first year example of Leo Fenders range topping design from 1962 in a perfect three-tone Sunburst with just the right amount of wear. The Jaguar, released in 1962 as Fender’s all new top of the range instrument is described in the 1962 Catalog as “The Jaguar, Fender’s newest addition to their line of fine electric instruments, presents a new and exiting concept in the field of solid body guitars.” In design it borrowed some cue’s from the Jazzmaster, Fender’s previous range topping six string release. The offset body shape, separate bridge and vibrato and dual circuits (lead and rhythm) electronics were all featured on the Jazzmaster, the Jaguar added to this with a new 22 fret, shorter scale 24” neck and added switching to the dual-circuit electronics. The Jaguar was also the first instrument to be offered with different nut widths available. It enjoyed mild popularity on its introduction and found favour amongst the popular Surf guitar scene but despite its features could never quite emerge from the Stratocaster and Telecasters shadows. The Jaguar would enjoy a 13-year run before CBS-era Fender discontinued it in 1975 before being resurrected by Fender Japan in the mid-eighties from where the guitar has become a staple of the Fender line up. This fantastic example dates from the debut year of 1962 and has many of the features that make Pre-CBS Fenders so desirable to players and collectors alike. The three-tone sunburst is bright and glossy with a strong band of red evident on the front and back. There is minimal fading under the pickguard and control covers. Nail holes are present and free from paint, the neck pocket is fully painted as was the method at this period with butterflying of the finish to the neck and neck plate. The five-digit serial number puts the guitar into the ’62 range. The 1 AUG 62B neck stamp is still present and legible. Only the very earliest of Jaguars would feature a ‘Slab’ fingerboard. Being an August neck this guitar is one of th