What body wood is used in the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster?

The guitar is constructed with an alder body, which is a classic tonewood known for its balanced and clear resonance. This wood choice is consistent with Fender's historical production methods.

What kind of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with authentic 50s single-coil Jazzmaster pickups. These are designed to deliver the timeless, wide-frequency sonics associated with the earliest Jazzmaster models.

How does the rhythm circuit work on this guitar?

The rhythm circuit is controlled by a slide switch on the upper horn and features two thumbwheels. These allow the player to set a separate volume and tone for the neck pickup, enabling quick switching between distinct sounds.

What bridge system does the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster use?

It features a 6-saddle vintage-style adjustable bridge combined with a 'floating' tremolo tailpiece. This setup is a hallmark of the Jazzmaster design, allowing for smooth vibrato effects.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features a sleek polyester finish in a 'Desert Sand' colour. This finish provides a durable protective layer while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.

What fingerboard material is used?

The guitar features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is highly regarded for its smooth feel and its ability to add a touch of warmth to the instrument's overall tone.

What is the typical price for the Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster?

The typical price for this model is approximately £999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

Is the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster suitable for modern music styles?

Yes, Fender describes it as blending 'vintage charm with contemporary versatility.' While its roots are in the 1950s, its unique electronics make it highly adaptable for modern creative genres.

How does this model differ from a standard Stratocaster?

Unlike a Stratocaster, the Jazzmaster uses larger, flatter single-coil pickups and a unique dual-circuit wiring system. It also features an offset body shape and a floating tremolo system rather than a synchronized tremolo.

What controls are available in the lead circuit?

The lead circuit features a master volume control and a master tone control. These allow the player to adjust the output and brightness of the pickups when the upper slide switch is in the 'down' position.

Does this guitar come with a case?

The provided facts do not specify included accessories like a case or gig bag. Typically, Fender Vintera series guitars include a deluxe gig bag, but you should verify this with the retailer.

How does the Vintera II compare to a Squier Jazzmaster?

The Vintera II is a higher-tier instrument featuring premium materials like alder and rosewood, and more historically accurate 50s-spec hardware and pickups compared to the budget-friendly Squier alternatives.

Gear article

Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster RW Desert Sand

The Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster RW is a vintage-inspired electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic qualities of the late 1950s. Featuring an alder body, 50s-spec single-coil pickups, and the traditional dual-circuit electronics, it represents a period-correct approach to one of Fender's most iconic offset designs.

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Overview

The Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster is a mid-tier instrument that balances historical accuracy with modern manufacturing consistency. It is constructed with a solid alder body, a choice wood for Fender instruments known for its balanced tonal response. The guitar is finished in a sleek polyester Desert Sand, providing a durable and classic aesthetic reminiscent of the 1950s era. It incorporates a rosewood (RW) fingerboard, a detail that many players associate with the warmer tonal characteristics of vintage Jazzmasters.

Electronics and Circuitry

The instrument features the signature dual-circuit electronics that defined the original Jazzmaster.

Lead Circuit: Controlled by a master volume and master tone, this circuit allows for the full range of the bridge and neck pickups.
Rhythm Circuit: Activated by a slide switch on the upper horn, this circuit engages the neck pickup only and provides two thumbwheel controls for independent volume and tone adjustments, typically offering a darker, mellower sound.

The pickups are vintage-style 50s single-coil units designed to capture the wide, mellow, yet articulate tone that distinguishes the Jazzmaster from the thinner sound of a Stratocaster or the twang of a Telecaster.

Hardware and Playability

Hardware on the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster remains faithful to the original design. It includes a 6-saddle vintage-style adjustable bridge paired with the famous 'floating' tremolo tailpiece. This system is essential for the subtle vibrato effects used in surf, indie, and alternative rock. The configuration allows for nuanced pitch manipulation while maintaining the distinct string tension profile of the long-scale offset body.

Target Audience

This guitar is primarily suited for musicians seeking 'vintage charm' and 'contemporary versatility'. Its sound profile makes it a 'dream come true' for those who value the classic 1950s Fender palette. While it is versatile enough for various genres, it is particularly favoured by players in surf rock, shoegaze, and alternative music who require the specific functionality of the rhythm circuit and the floating tremolo system.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned at approximately £999, the Vintera II sits between the entry-level Squier models, such as the Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster, and the high-end American Professional II series or Custom Shop offerings. Compared to contemporary designs like the Jim Root Telecaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Vintera II Jazzmaster offers a more traditional, era-specific playing experience rather than modernised ergonomic features.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster?: The guitar is constructed with an alder body, which is a classic tonewood known for its balanced and clear resonance. This wood choice is consistent with Fender's historical production methods.
What kind of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with authentic 50s single-coil Jazzmaster pickups. These are designed to deliver the timeless, wide-frequency sonics associated with the earliest Jazzmaster models.
How does the rhythm circuit work on this guitar?: The rhythm circuit is controlled by a slide switch on the upper horn and features two thumbwheels. These allow the player to set a separate volume and tone for the neck pickup, enabling quick switching between distinct sounds.
What bridge system does the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster use?: It features a 6-saddle vintage-style adjustable bridge combined with a 'floating' tremolo tailpiece. This setup is a hallmark of the Jazzmaster design, allowing for smooth vibrato effects.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features a sleek polyester finish in a 'Desert Sand' colour. This finish provides a durable protective layer while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.
What fingerboard material is used?: The guitar features a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is highly regarded for its smooth feel and its ability to add a touch of warmth to the instrument's overall tone.
What is the typical price for the Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster?: The typical price for this model is approximately £999. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
Is the Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster suitable for modern music styles?: Yes, Fender describes it as blending 'vintage charm with contemporary versatility.' While its roots are in the 1950s, its unique electronics make it highly adaptable for modern creative genres.
How does this model differ from a standard Stratocaster?: Unlike a Stratocaster, the Jazzmaster uses larger, flatter single-coil pickups and a unique dual-circuit wiring system. It also features an offset body shape and a floating tremolo system rather than a synchronized tremolo.
What controls are available in the lead circuit?: The lead circuit features a master volume control and a master tone control. These allow the player to adjust the output and brightness of the pickups when the upper slide switch is in the 'down' position.
Does this guitar come with a case?: The provided facts do not specify included accessories like a case or gig bag. Typically, Fender Vintera series guitars include a deluxe gig bag, but you should verify this with the retailer.
How does the Vintera II compare to a Squier Jazzmaster?: The Vintera II is a higher-tier instrument featuring premium materials like alder and rosewood, and more historically accurate 50s-spec hardware and pickups compared to the budget-friendly Squier alternatives.