What is the body material of the Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster?

The guitar is constructed with an alder body, a wood known for its balanced tone and strong midrange presence.

What type of fingerboard does this model use?

It uses a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, which is period-correct for the mid-1960s Fender era.

What is the neck profile of this Jazzmaster?

The guitar features a mid '60s 'C' neck profile, designed to provide a comfortable and familiar vintage feel.

Does this guitar have a modern or vintage fingerboard radius?

This model features a vintage 7.25" fingerboard radius, which is more curved than modern 9.5" or 12" radii.

What is the purpose of the rhythm circuit on this guitar?

The rhythm circuit, located on the upper bout, allows the player to switch to a preset darker, warmer sound using independent volume and tone thumbwheels.

What kind of bridge and tremolo system does it use?

It features a classic Fender floating tremolo system and a vintage-style bridge, which are essential for the Jazzmaster's characteristic vibrato effects.

What finish options are available for this specific model?

This specific model comes in a Sonic Blue finish, complemented by a Mint Green pickguard.

How does the sound of this Jazzmaster differ from a Stratocaster?

While both use single-coils, the Jazzmaster's pickups are wider and flatter, producing a 'woodier' midrange and a more percussive attack compared to a standard Stratocaster.

Is the hardware period-correct?

Yes, the Vintera III series uses period-correct hardware to maintain the look and feel of the original mid-1960s instruments.

What is the typical price range for the Vintera III Jazzmaster?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 1099, placing it in Fender's mid-to-high tier of Mexican-made instruments.

How does this compare to the Squier Mini Stratocaster?

The Vintera III Jazzmaster is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument with complex electronics and premium woods, whereas the Squier Mini Stratocaster is a reduced-scale budget guitar for beginners.

Gear article

Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster RW

The Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster RW is a vintage-inspired electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetic and tonal characteristics of the offset models from the mid-1960s. It features a traditional alder body, a rosewood fingerboard with period-correct radius, and authentic single-coil electronics.

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History and Background

The Fender Vintera series was developed to offer players vintage-spec instruments without the high cost of Custom Shop or true vintage acquisitions. The Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster specifically targets the transition era of the mid-1960s, a time when the Jazzmaster had moved from its early '50s origins into a refined instrument popular with surf rock and experimental musicians. This model replaces earlier vintage-style iterations, focusing on period-correct hardware and finishes such as the iconic Sonic Blue.

Design and Construction

The guitar is built around an alder body, providing a balanced tonal foundation. The maple neck features a mid '60s 'C' profile, designed to offer a comfortable grip for a variety of playing styles. A key historical detail is the round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, which follows the curve of the neck more closely than older slab styles. The fingerboard maintains a vintage-correct 7.25" radius, which is traditionally favoured for chordal work and comfortable rhythm playing.

Electronics and Hardware

At the heart of the instrument are two vintage-style mid '60s Jazzmaster single-coil pickups. These are paired with the classic Jazzmaster 'rhythm circuit,' a separate set of controls located on the upper horn that allows for a preset darker, warmer tone. The hardware includes a floating tremolo system, synonymous with the expressive pitch modulation found in surf and alternative rock, and period-correct tuning machines.

Tonal Character

The Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster is characterised by a bright, jangly sparkle with a distinct woody midrange. The single-coil pickups provide significant clarity and 'punch,' ensuring that even with the warmer rhythm circuit engaged, the guitar retains its definition. It is particularly noted for its ability to produce both thin, percussive sounds and deep, resonant textures depending on the circuit and pickup selection.

Intended User and Comparisons

This guitar is primarily suited for players seeking a vintage playing experience at a mid-market price point. While modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster feature more modern radii and bridges, the Vintera III appeals to purists who value the specific quirks of the 7.25" radius and the floating bridge. Compared to the Kurt Cobain Jaguar or Jim Root Telecaster, this model offers a more traditional, lower-output sound suited to indie, surf, and alternative genres rather than high-gain metal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of the Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster?: The guitar is constructed with an alder body, a wood known for its balanced tone and strong midrange presence.
What type of fingerboard does this model use?: It uses a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, which is period-correct for the mid-1960s Fender era.
What is the neck profile of this Jazzmaster?: The guitar features a mid '60s 'C' neck profile, designed to provide a comfortable and familiar vintage feel.
Does this guitar have a modern or vintage fingerboard radius?: This model features a vintage 7.25" fingerboard radius, which is more curved than modern 9.5" or 12" radii.
What pickups are installed in the Vintera III Mid '60s Jazzmaster?: It is equipped with a pair of vintage-style mid '60s Jazzmaster single-coil pickups designed for bright, jangly tones.
What is the purpose of the rhythm circuit on this guitar?: The rhythm circuit, located on the upper bout, allows the player to switch to a preset darker, warmer sound using independent volume and tone thumbwheels.
What kind of bridge and tremolo system does it use?: It features a classic Fender floating tremolo system and a vintage-style bridge, which are essential for the Jazzmaster's characteristic vibrato effects.
What finish options are available for this specific model?: This specific model comes in a Sonic Blue finish, complemented by a Mint Green pickguard.
How does the sound of this Jazzmaster differ from a Stratocaster?: While both use single-coils, the Jazzmaster's pickups are wider and flatter, producing a 'woodier' midrange and a more percussive attack compared to a standard Stratocaster.
Is the hardware period-correct?: Yes, the Vintera III series uses period-correct hardware to maintain the look and feel of the original mid-1960s instruments.
What is the typical price range for the Vintera III Jazzmaster?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 1099, placing it in Fender's mid-to-high tier of Mexican-made instruments.
How does this compare to the Squier Mini Stratocaster?: The Vintera III Jazzmaster is a full-scale, professional-grade instrument with complex electronics and premium woods, whereas the Squier Mini Stratocaster is a reduced-scale budget guitar for beginners.