Gear article
Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster RW 3-Color Sunburst
The Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster RW in 3-Color Sunburst is a premium electric guitar that combines the traditional offset aesthetic with modern playability enhancements. Featuring Coastline 65 single-coil pickups and a Greasebucket tone circuit, it is designed to offer the character of an iconic offset while maintaining clarity and intonation for contemporary performance.
Overview and Construction
The Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster features a classic alder body, which provides a balanced and lively foundation for the instrument's tonal profile. It is finished in a traditional 3-Color Sunburst, maintaining the visual heritage of the original 1950s designs. The guitar utilizes a 25.5" scale length to ensure string tension remains taut and responsive, which is essential for the Jazzmaster's unique vibrato system.
The neck is crafted from maple with a satin finish, shaped to a 'Modern C' profile intended for comfort during long playing sessions. It is topped with a rosewood fingerboard that incorporates a 9.5" radius and 22 medium jumbo frets, facilitating easier string bends and precise intonation compared to vintage-spec instruments.
Electronics and Sound Character
This model is equipped with Coastline 65 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups. These electronics are voiced to deliver an airy top end, 'piano-like' lows, and articulate mids that allow the guitar to remain distinct within a full band mix.
A notable technical feature is the inclusion of the Greasebucket tone circuit. Unlike standard tone controls that can make the sound 'muddy' or 'woolly' when rolled back, the Greasebucket circuit allows the player to reduce high frequencies while maintaining low-end definition. This ensures that clean tones remain transparent and overdriven sounds stay articulate even when the treble is attenuated.
Hardware and Playability
The guitar retains the classic Jazzmaster floating tremolo system, allowing for the subtle pitch modulation associated with the model's history. The combination of the modern radius and medium jumbo frets provides a more contemporary playing experience than 'reissue' style models, catering to players who require reliable performance for technical lead work as well as rhythm.
Target Audience and Comparison
The American Professional Classic Jazzmaster is suited for players who appreciate the offset aesthetic but require modern reliability and tonal flexibility. It has been adopted by artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green.
Compared to other Fender offerings, such as the Kurt Cobain Jaguar or the American Professional II Stratocaster, this Jazzmaster provides a specific 'airy' single-coil response. While the Jim Root Telecaster or Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 offer heavier or more mid-focused outputs, this model focuses on clarity and balanced frequency response.
Artists who play it
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical price for this Jazzmaster model?
- The Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster RW 3-Color Sunburst typically retails for approximately GBP 1460.
- What body wood is used in this instrument?
- The guitar features an alder body, which is selected for its balanced and lively tonal characteristics.
- What type of pickups are installed?
- It is equipped with Coastline 65 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups designed for airy highs and articulate mids.
- What is the function of the Greasebucket tone circuit?
- The Greasebucket circuit allows players to roll off high frequencies without adding bass or making the sound 'woolly,' preserving definition.
- What neck profile does this guitar have?
- It features a satin-finished maple neck with a Modern 'C' profile, designed for ergonomic comfort during long sessions.
- What is the fingerboard radius?
- The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, which is more modern than vintage 7.25-inch radii, allowing for easier bends.
- How many frets does this Jazzmaster have?
- The guitar is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a modern playing feel and good intonation.
- What is the scale length of this model?
- The scale length is 25.5 inches (648 mm), which is standard for Fender Jazzmasters and provides a taut string response.
- What type of bridge and tremolo system is used?
- It features a classic floating tremolo paired with a Jazzmaster bridge, consistent with the traditional offset design.
- Which notable artists are associated with this gear?
- This guitar is used by artists including Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green.
- How does the sound compare to a Stratocaster?
- While both use single coils, this Jazzmaster's Coastline 65 pickups provide 'piano-like' lows and a more airy top end compared to the punchier mids of a Stratocaster.
- Does this guitar include a rhythm circuit?
- This American Professional version focuses on a streamlined control layout with the Greasebucket circuit rather than the complex traditional upper-bout rhythm circuit.