What is the scale length of the Vintera II '60s Jaguar?

The guitar features a 24-inch short scale length. This is shorter than the standard 25.5-inch Fender scale, resulting in lower string tension and a softer feel.

What type of wood is used for the body?

The body is made of alder. This is a classic tonewood choice for Fender, known for its balanced resonance and punchy low-end response.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features an authentic mid-'60s "C" neck profile. This design is intended to provide a familiar and comfortable vintage-style grip for the player.

Does this guitar have a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes, it is equipped with a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard. This period-correct construction follows the curvature of the 7.25" radius neck.

What pickups are installed in the Vintera II '60s Jaguar?

The guitar is loaded with a pair of vintage-style mid-'60s Jaguar single-coil pickups. These are voiced to produce sparkling cleans and a sharp, cutting bite.

What is the function of the 'strangle' switch?

The 'strangle' switch is a bass-cut filter. When engaged, it removes lower frequencies to create a more articulate, thin, and percussive tone.

Does the tremolo system have a lock button?

Yes, it features a floating tremolo with a classic lock button. This button can be used to prevent the bridge from moving, which is useful if a string breaks.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 7.25-inch radius. This is a traditional vintage specification that is more curved than modern 9.5-inch or 12-inch radii.

What colour finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model comes in a classic 3-Color Sunburst finish. It is paired with a vintage-style pickguard to complete the mid-60s aesthetic.

How does the rhythm circuit work?

The rhythm circuit is activated by a slide switch on the upper horn. It selects the neck pickup only and uses separate thumbwheel volume and tone controls for a darker sound.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While its short scale makes it comfortable to play, the complex switching and vintage radius may require a learning curve. It is generally positioned as a mid-to-high-tier instrument for enthusiasts.

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

The Jaguar has a shorter scale (24") and more complex switching compared to the 25.5" scale and standard 5-way switch of the Stratocaster. The Jaguar offers a more idiosyncratic, offset feel.

Gear article

Fender Vintera II '60s Jaguar

The Fender Vintera II '60s Jaguar is a vintage-inspired electric guitar that replicates the specifications and aesthetic of the mid-1960s offset classic. It features a traditional alder body, a short-scale maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and period-correct electronics including a specialized lead/rhythm circuit.

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History and Background

The Fender Jaguar was originally introduced in 1962 as the company's top-of-the-line model, designed to appeal to surf guitarists and professional players with its sophisticated electronics and shorter scale length. The Vintera II series aims to recapture the specific appointments of the mid-1960s era, providing an accessible alternative to vintage originals or high-end Custom Shop recreations. This model focuses on period-correct details such as the round-laminated rosewood fingerboard and the 7.25" radius, which were hallmarks of mid-60s Fender production.

Design and Construction

This model is constructed with an alder body, known for providing a balanced tonal foundation with punchy lows and clear mids. The maple neck features a mid-'60s "C" profile, intended to offer a comfortable, vintage-style grip. A notable feature is the 24" short scale length, which reduces string tension and creates a 'slinkier' feel, making bends and complex chords easier to execute. The fingerboard is made of round-laminated rosewood, a construction method where the wood is curved to match the radius of the neck, enhancing stability and tonal response.

Electronics and Hardware

The Vintera II '60s Jaguar is equipped with two vintage-style mid-'60s single-coil pickups, designed to deliver the sharp attack and cutting bite associated with the original models. The guitar retains the complex Jaguar switching system, which includes:

Lead/Rhythm Circuit: A top-mounted slide switch that toggles between two distinct sets of volume and tone controls.
Bass-Cut "Strangle" Switch: A switch that filters out low frequencies for a thinner, more percussive sound.
Floating Tremolo: A vintage-style bridge and tailpiece with a lock button, allowing for smooth pitch modulation.

Tone and Character

The tonal character of the Vintera II Jaguar is defined by its tight, articulate response and sparkling cleans. The single-coil pickups produce a high-end chime that cuts through a mix, while the alder body ensures there is enough substance in the lower frequencies. The inclusion of the 'strangle' switch allows players to achieve a very thin, trebly sound that is ideal for surf music or percussive rhythm playing. In the rhythm circuit mode, the neck pickup provides a warmer, darker tone suitable for jazz or mellow textures.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Fender catalogue, the Vintera II sits between the entry-level Squier models and the American-made professional series. Compared to the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster, the Jaguar is a full-sized professional instrument with a vastly more complex electronics suite. Unlike the Fender Jim Root Telecaster or Eric Clapton Stratocaster, which feature modern playability tweaks like larger frets or active electronics, the Vintera II adheres strictly to vintage 7.25" radii and traditional wiring. For those seeking the specific Kurt Cobain Jaguar aesthetic, this model provides the base 3-Color Sunburst look but lacks the humbucking pickups and modified controls of the Cobain signature model.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the Vintera II '60s Jaguar?: The guitar features a 24-inch short scale length. This is shorter than the standard 25.5-inch Fender scale, resulting in lower string tension and a softer feel.
What type of wood is used for the body?: The body is made of alder. This is a classic tonewood choice for Fender, known for its balanced resonance and punchy low-end response.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features an authentic mid-'60s "C" neck profile. This design is intended to provide a familiar and comfortable vintage-style grip for the player.
Does this guitar have a rosewood fingerboard?: Yes, it is equipped with a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard. This period-correct construction follows the curvature of the 7.25" radius neck.
What pickups are installed in the Vintera II '60s Jaguar?: The guitar is loaded with a pair of vintage-style mid-'60s Jaguar single-coil pickups. These are voiced to produce sparkling cleans and a sharp, cutting bite.
What is the function of the 'strangle' switch?: The 'strangle' switch is a bass-cut filter. When engaged, it removes lower frequencies to create a more articulate, thin, and percussive tone.
Does the tremolo system have a lock button?: Yes, it features a floating tremolo with a classic lock button. This button can be used to prevent the bridge from moving, which is useful if a string breaks.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 7.25-inch radius. This is a traditional vintage specification that is more curved than modern 9.5-inch or 12-inch radii.
What colour finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model comes in a classic 3-Color Sunburst finish. It is paired with a vintage-style pickguard to complete the mid-60s aesthetic.
How does the rhythm circuit work?: The rhythm circuit is activated by a slide switch on the upper horn. It selects the neck pickup only and uses separate thumbwheel volume and tone controls for a darker sound.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While its short scale makes it comfortable to play, the complex switching and vintage radius may require a learning curve. It is generally positioned as a mid-to-high-tier instrument for enthusiasts.
How does it compare to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Jaguar has a shorter scale (24") and more complex switching compared to the 25.5" scale and standard 5-way switch of the Stratocaster. The Jaguar offers a more idiosyncratic, offset feel.