2017 Fender American Professional "SONIC GREY" Jazzmaster + OHSC

2017 Fender American Professional Jazzmaster.
Made in USA.
Sonic Grey finish, Maple fretboard.
Everything factory original.

This Fender Jazzmaster is in mint condition. Less than 4 hours of play-mileage total. Plastic film still on pickguard.

Never been gigged or played outside. Played indoors only and kept inside the case when not played.

No cracks, no repairs, no modifications or anything of that sort. This guitar is all original just how it left the Fender factory.

The American Pro series basically blends some of the vintage Fender specs with slight modern twist... for easier comfort and overall smoother play. This includes a Modern "Deep C-shaped" neck profile, bigger sized frets for easier bending ability and chord grips and a modified bridge setup for better trem/whammy action.

Another big difference between this Am. Pro Jazzmaster versus a traditional Jazzmaster is that they removed the rhythm switches (usually located on the top) and instead replaced it with a 3-way toggle (rather than being on the bottom). This gives the guitar a much cleaner look and ease of play because the 1 Master Tone/Volume knobs can control everything. (Plus who really uses the rhythm switches anyways.... lol). A very similar vibe and setup to a Tele Deluxe or maybe even a Gibson LP.

Pickup tone quality is excellent. An unmistakably classic Jazzmaster tone (search up Chris Stapleton playing his Jazzmaster). But Fender did something unique building the pickups so on certain pickup configurations, you can almost get a blend of a Strat + Jazzmaster tone as well.

Fender released a couple of different color finishes for the Am Pro. Jazzmasters.. but I decided to purchase this Sonic Grey because I've never seen this particular colorway on a Fender ever. The Mystic Seafoam finish is also pretty nice IMO... but it's a bit "too much bling" for my taste.

Mix that with the maple neck and I personally thought it was a beautiful and well-done combination. This Sonic Grey finish is the type of color that will age very nicely with natural relic and play.

Overall, this is a very high quality electric guitar and classic Fender USA quality. These newer (post-2015 Fenders) are excellent quality in terms of tone and build from personal experience... some of the newer Gibsons have been questionable.. but Fender has been doing a good job with quality control.

Comes with:
- Fender Am. Pro Jazzmaster
- Original Whammy/Trem Bar
- Original Case Key
- Original Fender HSC
- Original Case Candy + Factory Paperwork
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Payment must be completed 48 hours upon purchase.

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The Fender Jazzmaster is a classic electric guitar introduced by Fender in 1958. Originally designed for jazz musicians, it quickly gained popularity among surf rock players in the 1960s and later became a favorite among alternative, indie, and experimental musicians. Its unique design, tonal versatility, and distinct features make it one of Fender's most iconic models.

Key Features of the Fender Jazzmaster

1. Body and Construction

• Body Shape: The Jazzmaster features an offset-waist body design, which was intended to provide comfort for players while seated. This ergonomic shape has become a hallmark of the model.
• Materials: The body is typically made from alder, known for its balanced tone, or ash in some limited editions, which adds brightness and sustain.
• Finish: Available in a variety of finishes, from vintage sunbursts to modern solid colors and metallics.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: Most Jazzmasters have a maple neck, which provides stability and a bright tonal response.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is usually made of rosewood or maple, depending on the model, offering smooth playability and warmth in tone.
• Scale Length: The Jazzmaster features Fender's standard 25.5-inch scale length, which contributes to its bright, snappy sound.
• Neck Profile: Early models had a "C"-shaped neck profile, though modern Jazzmasters come in various profiles to suit different playing preferences.

3. Pickups

• Wide Single-Coil Pickups: The Jazzmaster is equipped with unique wide, flat single-coil pickups that produce a warmer, fuller sound compared to the sharper tone of Stratocaster or Telecaster pickups. These pickups are versatile, handling everything from clean tones to overdriven sounds with ease.
• Tonal Versatility: The pickups are ideal for clean, jazzy tones but also excel in creating warm, rich overdrives and experimental textures.

4. Electronics

• Dual Circuit Design: One of the Jazzmaster's defining features is its dual-circuit design:
  • Lead Circuit: Offers a traditional tone and volume control for general use.
  • Rhythm Circuit: Activated via a switch, this circuit provides a darker, bass-heavy tone with its own volume and tone controls, perfect for mellow jazz or rhythm parts.
• Controls: Includes separate knobs for master volume and tone, along with switches for pickup selection and circuit activation.

5. Bridge and Tremolo System

• Floating Tremolo System: The Jazzmaster features a floating tremolo with a lock button, offering smooth pitch bending and vibrato effects. This system is prized for its expressive capabilities.
• Bridge: Early models had a unique bridge design prone to string slipping, but modern iterations often include improved bridges like the Tune-o-Matic or Mustang-style for better stability.

6. Hardware

• Tuners: Typically equipped with vintage-style tuners or modern locking tuners for reliable tuning stability.
• String Configuration: The Jazzmaster is usually strung with heavier gauge strings, which complement its offset body and tremolo system for a fuller sound.

Sound and Tonal Characteristics

The Jazzmaster is known for its warm, mellow tones and its ability to handle a wide range of genres. Its tonal characteristics include:

• Warm and Rich: The wide single-coil pickups produce a sound that is warmer than a Stratocaster but retains clarity and definition.
• Versatile: Capable of clean, jazzy tones, surf rock twang, and gritty, overdriven textures.
• Experimental Edge: The unique electronics and tremolo system make it a favorite for players seeking unconventional sounds.

Famous Players

The Jazzmaster has been embraced by numerous iconic musicians across genres, including:

• Surf Rock Era: Dick Dale and The Ventures helped popularize the Jazzmaster in the 1960s.
• Alternative and Indie: Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, and J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. are known for their use of the Jazzmaster.
• Modern Players: Nels Cline (Wilco), Jim Root (Slipknot), and Elvis Costello.

Modern Variants

Fender offers several versions of the Jazzmaster to cater to different player preferences:

1. American Vintage/Original Series: Faithful recreations of the original 1958 model with vintage specs.
2. Player Series: Affordable, versatile models with modern updates.
3. American Professional II: Combines classic Jazzmaster features with modern playability improvements.
4. Custom Artist Models: Signature models from artists like J Mascis and Troy Van Leeuwen.
5. Squier Jazzmaster: Budget-friendly versions under Fender's Squier brand.

Who Is the Jazzmaster For?

• Jazz and Surf Rock Enthusiasts: Originally designed for jazz, the guitar's tone and features make it perfect for surf rock as well.
• Experimental and Alternative Players: Its unique tonal range and tremolo system are ideal for creating atmospheric and unconventional sounds.
• Indie and Rock Musicians: The Jazzmaster's versatility makes it a favorite among indie and rock players.

Conclusion

The Fender Jazzmaster is a versatile, iconic guitar with a rich history and a sound that has shaped multiple genres. Its unique design, tonal versatility, and experimental potential make it a favorite among musicians seeking something beyond the traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster. Whether you're into jazz, surf, alternative, or indie rock, the Jazzmaster offers a distinct playing experience and sound.