What pickups are used in the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS?

The guitar is equipped with two DiMarzio humbuckers. These are designed to provide the high-output, powerful sound associated with Nirvana's music.

What does 'NOS' stand for in this model?

NOS stands for 'New Old Stock.' It indicates that the guitar is built to vintage specifications but finished to look like a brand-new instrument rather than an artificially aged or 'relic' model.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

In the UK market, the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS typically retails for approximately GBP 1599.

How does this model differ from a standard 1960s Jaguar?

The main differences are the electronics and hardware. Instead of single-coil pickups and two control knobs, it has dual humbuckers, a three-knob layout, and a toggle switch for pickup selection.

Is this guitar suitable for genres other than grunge?

Yes, while designed for the 'sludgy' sound of Nirvana, the DiMarzio pickups and Jaguar circuitry make it versatile enough for classic rock, punk, and even high-gain indie styles.

What is the body finish of this specific model?

This specific model features a traditional 3-Tone Sunburst finish, replicating the aesthetic of Kurt Cobain's original 1965 guitar.

What famous artists are associated with this gear?

While primarily associated with Kurt Cobain, this gear is also noted as being used by Mick Jagger.

Is the neck of the Kurt Cobain Jaguar comfortable for small hands?

Yes, Jaguars traditionally have a shorter 24-inch scale length, which reduces string tension and makes the frets slightly closer together, often described as an 'exceptional experience' for playability.

Does this guitar come with a hard case?

Fender typically includes a hardcase with signature models of this price range, though checking current retailer listings is recommended for specific used or new stock bundles.

How does the sound compare to a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Cobain Jaguar is much darker and heavier sounding due to its humbuckers and mahogany-style output, whereas the American Professional II Stratocaster typically offers a thinner, brighter single-coil 'quack' and snap.

Does it have the original Jaguar lead/rhythm circuit switches?

Yes, the guitar retains the classic upper-bout rhythm circuit switches, allowing for the preset dark tones traditional to the Jaguar design.

Which bridge system does the Kurt Cobain Jaguar use?

It uses an Adjusto-Matic bridge with a vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece and a tremolo lock button, offering better stability than the original 1960s threaded-saddle bridges.

Gear article

Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS 3-Tone Sunburst

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS is a signature electric guitar meticulously crafted to match the specifications of the modified 1965 Jaguar used by the Nirvana frontman. It features a distinct dual-humbucker configuration and a New Old Stock (NOS) finish, designed to replicate the feel and sound of the instrument that defined the grunge movement.

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Background and History

The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS was developed as a tribute to one of the most influential instruments in alternative rock history. Based on the 1965 Jaguar that Cobain purchased in 1991 and used throughout the rise of Nirvana, this model adheres to the unique modifications found on the original. Unlike the 'Road Worn' version which mimics decades of use, the NOS (New Old Stock) variant provides the same technical specifications but with a clean, factory-fresh appearance in a classic 3-Tone Sunburst finish.

Technical Features and Design

This guitar is built to the specific 'blueprints' of Cobain's original instrument. Key technical appointments include:

Electronics: A departure from standard Jaguar single-coils, this model is equipped with two DiMarzio humbucking pickups (traditionally a DP103 PAF Anniversary in the neck and a DP100 Super Distortion in the bridge).
Controls: The traditional Jaguar lead/rhythm circuit is maintained, but the guitar features a unique three-knob layout (Volume-Volume-Tone) rather than the standard two-knob configuration.
Bridge: It typically features an Adjusto-Matic bridge for improved tuning stability compared to vintage floating bridges.
Aesthetics: The 3-Tone Sunburst finish is paired with a specific headstock shape and branding consistent with the 1960s Fender era.

Sonic Character

The primary characteristic of the Kurt Cobain Jaguar is its ability to produce 'sludgy, powerful destruction.' While standard Jaguars are known for their bright, percussive chime, the humbucker-equipped Cobain model offers a high-output, mid-forward growl. This makes it exceptionally suited for high-gain amplification, providing the thick distortion and sustain necessary for grunge and heavy alternative rock while retaining enough clarity for clean melodic passages.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is primarily aimed at fans of the Seattle grunge sound and players who prefer the short-scale comfort of a Jaguar (24 inches) but require the power of humbuckers.

In comparison to other signature models, it offers a more aggressive tonal palette than the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster. While it lacks the sheer minimalism of the Fender Jim Root Telecaster, it provides more classic 'offset' versatility. For those seeking a similar aesthetic at a lower price point, the Squier Mini Stratocaster offers a vastly different entry-level experience, whereas this Jaguar sits firmly in the professional-grade category alongside instruments like the American Professional II series or Gibson's Les Paul Standard 50s.

Artists who play it

Mick Jagger
Singer

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS?: The guitar is equipped with two DiMarzio humbuckers. These are designed to provide the high-output, powerful sound associated with Nirvana's music.
What does 'NOS' stand for in this model?: NOS stands for 'New Old Stock.' It indicates that the guitar is built to vintage specifications but finished to look like a brand-new instrument rather than an artificially aged or 'relic' model.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: In the UK market, the Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS typically retails for approximately GBP 1599.
How does this model differ from a standard 1960s Jaguar?: The main differences are the electronics and hardware. Instead of single-coil pickups and two control knobs, it has dual humbuckers, a three-knob layout, and a toggle switch for pickup selection.
Is this guitar suitable for genres other than grunge?: Yes, while designed for the 'sludgy' sound of Nirvana, the DiMarzio pickups and Jaguar circuitry make it versatile enough for classic rock, punk, and even high-gain indie styles.
What is the body finish of this specific model?: This specific model features a traditional 3-Tone Sunburst finish, replicating the aesthetic of Kurt Cobain's original 1965 guitar.
What famous artists are associated with this gear?: While primarily associated with Kurt Cobain, this gear is also noted as being used by Mick Jagger.
Is the neck of the Kurt Cobain Jaguar comfortable for small hands?: Yes, Jaguars traditionally have a shorter 24-inch scale length, which reduces string tension and makes the frets slightly closer together, often described as an 'exceptional experience' for playability.
Does this guitar come with a hard case?: Fender typically includes a hardcase with signature models of this price range, though checking current retailer listings is recommended for specific used or new stock bundles.
How does the sound compare to a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Cobain Jaguar is much darker and heavier sounding due to its humbuckers and mahogany-style output, whereas the American Professional II Stratocaster typically offers a thinner, brighter single-coil 'quack' and snap.
Does it have the original Jaguar lead/rhythm circuit switches?: Yes, the guitar retains the classic upper-bout rhythm circuit switches, allowing for the preset dark tones traditional to the Jaguar design.
Which bridge system does the Kurt Cobain Jaguar use?: It uses an Adjusto-Matic bridge with a vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece and a tremolo lock button, offering better stability than the original 1960s threaded-saddle bridges.