Where is the American Performer Jazzmaster manufactured?

The American Performer series, including this Jazzmaster model, is manufactured at Fender's factory in Corona, California, USA.

What type of pickups are used in this model?

It features Yosemite single-coil Jazzmaster pickups, which are specifically voiced for each position to provide high output and clarity.

What is unique about the Satin Lake Placid Blue finish?

This finish offers a matte, non-reflective appearance and a smooth tactile feel compared to traditional high-gloss metallic finishes.

What tuning machines are installed on this guitar?

The guitar uses Fender ClassicGear tuning machines, which offer a vintage look but feature a modern 18:1 gear ratio for better stability.

Does this model feature the traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit?

No, the American Performer Jazzmaster simplifies the controls to a master volume, master tone, and a three-way toggle switch for ease of use.

What size are the frets on the American Performer Jazzmaster?

This model is equipped with jumbo frets, which are taller and wider than standard frets to make string bending easier.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The typical price range for the Fender American Performer Jazzmaster in this specification is approximately GBP 1299.

Is the bridge a hardtail or a vibrato system?

It features a traditional Jazzmaster floating tremolo/vibrato tailpiece and bridge system.

How does the Yosemite pickup differ from standard Fender pickups?

Yosemite pickups are designed with flat-staggered pole pieces and are specifically voiced to produce versatile, musically useful sounds for each specific instrument type.

Who is the target audience for this guitar?

It is designed for musicians of all skill levels who seek a professional-grade, US-made instrument with a blend of vintage style and modern features.

How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II series?

The American Performer is generally more affordable and features different electronics and finishes, while the American Professional II often includes V-Mod pickups and different neck profiles.

Can this guitar handle high-gain music styles?

While the Yosemite single-coils are versatile, they maintain a traditional single-coil character; players seeking extreme high gain might compare it to the Jim Root Telecaster which is built for that purpose.

Gear article

Fender American Performer Jazzmaster Satin Lake Placid Blue

The Fender American Performer Jazzmaster in Satin Lake Placid Blue is a high-quality electric guitar manufactured in the United States, designed to balance vintage aesthetics with modern playability. It features a unique Satin Lake Placid Blue finish and is equipped with Yosemite single-coil pickups and jumbo frets.

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Overview

The Fender American Performer Jazzmaster serves as an entry point into American-made Fender instruments, offering professional-grade features for musicians across various skill levels. This specific model is distinguished by its Satin Lake Placid Blue finish, providing a non-reflective, modern aesthetic compared to traditional gloss nitrocellulose or polyurethane finishes. The design retains the iconic offset waist body shape that has defined the Jazzmaster since its introduction in 1958.

Pickups and Electronics

A primary technical feature of the American Performer series is the Yosemite pickup set. These single-coil pickups are voiced specifically for each instrument and position, utilizing flat-staggered pole pieces to increase output while maintaining the clarity associated with Fender single-coils. The electronics are governed by a master volume and a master tone control, simplifying the traditionally complex Jazzmaster lead/rhythm circuit layout to provide a more direct user experience for contemporary players.

Hardware and Playability

The guitar is equipped with ClassicGear tuning machines, which combine a vintage aesthetic with a modern 18:1 gear ratio for enhanced tuning precision. The neck features jumbo frets, which facilitate easier string bending and a lighter touch. The bridge system adheres to the traditional Jazzmaster vibrato tailpiece, allowing for the subtle pitch modulation characteristic of the model's history in surf and indie rock.

Sound Character

The combination of Yosemite pickups and the Jazzmaster's large coil surface area results in a versatile tonal palette. The sound is described as musically useful across various genres, offering a blend of percussive attack and rich overtones. The specific voicing of the Yosemite pickups ensures that the bridge remains punchy without becoming overly harsh, while the neck position provides the warmth necessary for jazz or blues applications.

Market Comparisons

Within the Fender catalogue, this model occupies a space between the Mexican-made Player series and the more expensive American Professional II series. Compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster or the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, the Jazzmaster offers a distinct offset feel and a different resonant character due to its bridge design. It provides a more traditional offset experience than the Jim Root Telecaster, which is geared toward high-gain performance, while remaining more accessible than Custom Shop offerings like the '61 Telecaster Relic.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the American Performer Jazzmaster manufactured?: The American Performer series, including this Jazzmaster model, is manufactured at Fender's factory in Corona, California, USA.
What type of pickups are used in this model?: It features Yosemite single-coil Jazzmaster pickups, which are specifically voiced for each position to provide high output and clarity.
What is unique about the Satin Lake Placid Blue finish?: This finish offers a matte, non-reflective appearance and a smooth tactile feel compared to traditional high-gloss metallic finishes.
What tuning machines are installed on this guitar?: The guitar uses Fender ClassicGear tuning machines, which offer a vintage look but feature a modern 18:1 gear ratio for better stability.
Does this model feature the traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit?: No, the American Performer Jazzmaster simplifies the controls to a master volume, master tone, and a three-way toggle switch for ease of use.
What size are the frets on the American Performer Jazzmaster?: This model is equipped with jumbo frets, which are taller and wider than standard frets to make string bending easier.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for the Fender American Performer Jazzmaster in this specification is approximately GBP 1299.
Is the bridge a hardtail or a vibrato system?: It features a traditional Jazzmaster floating tremolo/vibrato tailpiece and bridge system.
How does the Yosemite pickup differ from standard Fender pickups?: Yosemite pickups are designed with flat-staggered pole pieces and are specifically voiced to produce versatile, musically useful sounds for each specific instrument type.
Who is the target audience for this guitar?: It is designed for musicians of all skill levels who seek a professional-grade, US-made instrument with a blend of vintage style and modern features.
How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II series?: The American Performer is generally more affordable and features different electronics and finishes, while the American Professional II often includes V-Mod pickups and different neck profiles.
Can this guitar handle high-gain music styles?: While the Yosemite single-coils are versatile, they maintain a traditional single-coil character; players seeking extreme high gain might compare it to the Jim Root Telecaster which is built for that purpose.