What is the primary purpose of the Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster?

It is a hybrid guitar designed to provide both acoustic and electric guitar tones in a single instrument. It is particularly useful for performers who need to switch between these styles quickly during a live set.

What materials are used for the body and top?

The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and a fully chambered nyatoh body. This combination ensures acoustic resonance while maintaining a lightweight profile typical of electric guitars.

What pickup system does this Jazzmaster use?

It utilizes a dual-pickup system consisting of a Fender Acoustasonic Shawbucker and a Fishman under-saddle transducer. These work together to produce a variety of magnetic and piezo-based sounds.

How does the 'Aged Natural' finish look?

The Aged Natural finish provides a warm, vintage-inspired appearance that shows off the grain of the Sitka spruce top. It is designed to look like a classic wood instrument that has matured over time.

Is the fingerboard made of synthetic material?

No, this model features a traditional rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is selected for its smooth feel and its ability to add sustain and tonal clarity to the instrument.

What is the price range for this model?

The Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster in Aged Natural typically retails for approximately GBP 549. This makes it an accessible option within the broader Acoustasonic series.

Does the guitar have ergonomic body features?

Yes, it includes integrated forearm and back contours. These design elements are specifically intended to make the guitar more comfortable to hold against the body for extended periods.

Can it produce high-gain electric tones?

Yes, the inclusion of the Shawbucker magnetic pickup allows the guitar to handle electric-style gain and overdrive. This distinguishes it from standard acoustic-electric guitars.

How does it compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?

The American Professional II Stratocaster is a dedicated solid-body electric guitar with three single-coil pickups. The Acoustasonic Jazzmaster offers a chambered body and acoustic voicing which the Stratocaster does not provide.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its smooth playability and versatile sounds make it a great tool for any player. However, beginners may find simpler models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster more straightforward to start with.

Does the bridge material impact the sound?

The rosewood bridge is designed to transfer string vibration efficiently to the spruce top. This choice enhances the vibrant and full-bodied acoustic character of the notes.

What makes the Shawbucker pickup special for this model?

The Acoustasonic Shawbucker is specifically voiced for this hybrid platform. It ensures that when you switch to electric mode, the output is powerful and retains the character expected from a Jazzmaster.

Gear article

Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster Aged Natural

The Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster is a hybrid guitar designed to bridge the gap between acoustic resonance and electric performance. Featuring a chambered nyatoh body and a solid Sitka spruce top, it utilizes a dual-pickup system to provide a versatile range of tones suitable for both studio and stage environments.

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Background and Design

The Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster represents Fender's continued innovation in the hybrid guitar market. Drawing on the iconic offset silhouette originally introduced in 1958, this model is built for modern players who require the ability to toggle between acoustic and electric textures without changing instruments. The 'Aged Natural' finish offers a classic aesthetic that complements the organic wood choices used in its construction.

Construction and Materials

The instrument features a solid Sitka spruce top, a wood prized for its responsiveness and wide dynamic range. This is paired with a fully chambered nyatoh body, which provides the necessary resonance for acoustic voicing while remaining lightweight. For enhanced player comfort, the body includes integrated forearm and back contours, reducing fatigue during long playing sessions. The neck is complemented by a rosewood fingerboard and matching bridge, materials chosen for their contribution to sustain and tonal clarity.

Electronics and Sound Character

The core of the Jazzmaster's versatility lies in its dual-pickup configuration. It features a magnetic Acoustasonic Shawbucker designed for electric growl and power, alongside a Fishman under-saddle transducer intended to capture the nuanced vibrations of the spruce top. This system allows for smooth transitions between various voices, ranging from traditional acoustic warmth to high-gain electric sounds. The result is a vibrant, full-bodied tone that retains clarity across the frequency spectrum.

Market Comparison and Alternatives

Within the Fender lineup, the Acoustasonic Standard sits alongside specialized electric models such as the Kurt Cobain Jaguar or the American Professional II Stratocaster. While those instruments offer pure electric performance, the Acoustasonic provides a utility that traditional electrics lack. Compared to high-end Gibson Les Paul Standard models or Custom Shop Telecasters, the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster is a more hybrid-focused tool, prioritizing tonal diversity and ergonomic modern features over vintage-spec purism.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster?: It is a hybrid guitar designed to provide both acoustic and electric guitar tones in a single instrument. It is particularly useful for performers who need to switch between these styles quickly during a live set.
What materials are used for the body and top?: The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and a fully chambered nyatoh body. This combination ensures acoustic resonance while maintaining a lightweight profile typical of electric guitars.
What pickup system does this Jazzmaster use?: It utilizes a dual-pickup system consisting of a Fender Acoustasonic Shawbucker and a Fishman under-saddle transducer. These work together to produce a variety of magnetic and piezo-based sounds.
How does the 'Aged Natural' finish look?: The Aged Natural finish provides a warm, vintage-inspired appearance that shows off the grain of the Sitka spruce top. It is designed to look like a classic wood instrument that has matured over time.
Is the fingerboard made of synthetic material?: No, this model features a traditional rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is selected for its smooth feel and its ability to add sustain and tonal clarity to the instrument.
What is the price range for this model?: The Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster in Aged Natural typically retails for approximately GBP 549. This makes it an accessible option within the broader Acoustasonic series.
Does the guitar have ergonomic body features?: Yes, it includes integrated forearm and back contours. These design elements are specifically intended to make the guitar more comfortable to hold against the body for extended periods.
Can it produce high-gain electric tones?: Yes, the inclusion of the Shawbucker magnetic pickup allows the guitar to handle electric-style gain and overdrive. This distinguishes it from standard acoustic-electric guitars.
How does it compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?: The American Professional II Stratocaster is a dedicated solid-body electric guitar with three single-coil pickups. The Acoustasonic Jazzmaster offers a chambered body and acoustic voicing which the Stratocaster does not provide.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its smooth playability and versatile sounds make it a great tool for any player. However, beginners may find simpler models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster more straightforward to start with.
Does the bridge material impact the sound?: The rosewood bridge is designed to transfer string vibration efficiently to the spruce top. This choice enhances the vibrant and full-bodied acoustic character of the notes.
What makes the Shawbucker pickup special for this model?: The Acoustasonic Shawbucker is specifically voiced for this hybrid platform. It ensures that when you switch to electric mode, the output is powerful and retains the character expected from a Jazzmaster.