What is the primary purpose of the Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate?

The primary purpose is to mute the guitar strings by limiting their vibrations and sustain. This creates a percussive sound with a high degree of attack, useful for specific musical styles or soloing.

How does the mute plate attach to the guitar?

It is attached to the body of the Fender Jaguar using the included mounting hardware. It sits in the space between the bridge pickup and the bridge itself.

Which guitar models are compatible with this part?

It is specifically designed for the Fender Jaguar, particularly models following the American Vintage 62 specifications. It may not fit other models like the Kurt Cobain Jaguar or Stratocaster variants without modification.

Does the mute plate affect the sustain of the instrument?

Yes, its main function is to reduce sustain. By pressing a dampening material against the strings, it stops them from ringing out, resulting in a 'deadened' or thumpy tone.

Is the mounting hardware included with the plate?

Yes, the product includes the necessary mounting hardware required for installation on the guitar body. This ensures the plate can be properly secured and operated.

What kind of sound does this accessory produce?

It produces a unique, short-decay sound full of attack. This is often described as a 'new dimension' for soloing musicians who want a different texture than standard open strings.

How much does the Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate cost?

The typical price range for this hardware component is approximately £17.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and shipping costs.

Can this mute be toggled on and off during a performance?

Yes, the physical design of the plate allows the player to engage or disengage the muting effect with ease. This makes it a versatile tool for changing sounds mid-performance.

Is this part suitable for a Squier Mini Stratocaster?

No, this is a specialized part for the Fender Jaguar. Small-scale guitars like the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster do not have the routing or bridge setup to accommodate this specific mute plate.

Are there any famous artists associated with Fender gear mentioned in this context?

Artists such as Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield are noted users of Fender-related gear. While they may use different models, they are associated with the brand's diverse range of electric instruments.

How does this compare to palm muting?

While palm muting is done with the player's hand, the mute plate provides a consistent, mechanical dampening across all strings simultaneously. This frees up the picking hand for different techniques while maintaining the muted effect.

What is included in the manufacturer's description of the product?

Fender describes it as a great accessory for adding a unique sound and limiting vibrations for a performance full of attack. They highlight it as a perfect part for soloing musicians looking for a new tonal dimension.

Gear article

Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate

The Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate is a specialized bridge accessory designed to dampen string vibrations on Fender Jaguar electric guitars. It allows players to manually engage a felt or foam strip against the strings to significantly reduce sustain and emphasise percussive attack.

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Overview

The Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate is a period-correct reproduction part designed for the Fender Jaguar. This mechanical device is installed between the bridge and the bridge pickup, allowing the guitarist to toggle a muting mechanism on or off. It is primarily used to provide the 'thumpy' and short-decay tones characteristic of early 1960s surf and rock and roll music.

Mechanical Function and Installation

The mute plate operates via a spring-loaded lever system. When the plate is engaged, a strip of dampening material (usually foam or felt) is pressed against the underside of the strings. This physically limits the amplitude of string vibrations. The unit comes with the necessary mounting hardware to attach it directly to the body of a compatible Jaguar. It is designed to work in tandem with the vintage-style floating tremolo and bridge assembly.

Tonal Characteristics

By limiting sustain and vibrations, the mute plate transforms the Jaguar's natural chime into a sound defined by sharp attack and immediate decay. This adds a rhythmic, percussive dimension to the instrument's output. It is particularly effective for soloing musicians who require a distinct tonal shift for specific passages, providing a sound that differs significantly from standard palm muting.

Player Suitability and Comparisons

This accessory is ideal for purists and vintage enthusiasts looking to restore an American Vintage 62 Jaguar to its original specifications. While modern players like James Hetfield or the late Falco are associated with a variety of high-performance gear, this specific hardware remains a staple for those seeking the idiosyncratic 'plunk' of the 60s.

In comparison to other Fender models like the Jim Root Telecaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster, which focus on modern sustain and resonance, the Jaguar mute plate represents a traditional approach to tone shaping that prioritises controlled decay over ringing notes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate?: The primary purpose is to mute the guitar strings by limiting their vibrations and sustain. This creates a percussive sound with a high degree of attack, useful for specific musical styles or soloing.
How does the mute plate attach to the guitar?: It is attached to the body of the Fender Jaguar using the included mounting hardware. It sits in the space between the bridge pickup and the bridge itself.
Which guitar models are compatible with this part?: It is specifically designed for the Fender Jaguar, particularly models following the American Vintage 62 specifications. It may not fit other models like the Kurt Cobain Jaguar or Stratocaster variants without modification.
Does the mute plate affect the sustain of the instrument?: Yes, its main function is to reduce sustain. By pressing a dampening material against the strings, it stops them from ringing out, resulting in a 'deadened' or thumpy tone.
Is the mounting hardware included with the plate?: Yes, the product includes the necessary mounting hardware required for installation on the guitar body. This ensures the plate can be properly secured and operated.
What kind of sound does this accessory produce?: It produces a unique, short-decay sound full of attack. This is often described as a 'new dimension' for soloing musicians who want a different texture than standard open strings.
How much does the Fender American Vintage 62 Jaguar Mute Plate cost?: The typical price range for this hardware component is approximately £17.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and shipping costs.
Can this mute be toggled on and off during a performance?: Yes, the physical design of the plate allows the player to engage or disengage the muting effect with ease. This makes it a versatile tool for changing sounds mid-performance.
Is this part suitable for a Squier Mini Stratocaster?: No, this is a specialized part for the Fender Jaguar. Small-scale guitars like the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster do not have the routing or bridge setup to accommodate this specific mute plate.
Are there any famous artists associated with Fender gear mentioned in this context?: Artists such as Sting, Falco, and James Hetfield are noted users of Fender-related gear. While they may use different models, they are associated with the brand's diverse range of electric instruments.
How does this compare to palm muting?: While palm muting is done with the player's hand, the mute plate provides a consistent, mechanical dampening across all strings simultaneously. This frees up the picking hand for different techniques while maintaining the muted effect.
What is included in the manufacturer's description of the product?: Fender describes it as a great accessory for adding a unique sound and limiting vibrations for a performance full of attack. They highlight it as a perfect part for soloing musicians looking for a new tonal dimension.