1962 Fender Jaguar

The 1962 Jaguar — Fender's most complex offset design. Short scale, chrome control plates, individual pickup switching. The guitar Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr brought back to prominence.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$8,400$12,000
Very Good
$4,800$8,400
Good
$2,400$4,800
Fair
$1,200$2,400

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodAlder (offset contour body)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardBrazilian Rosewood
Scale Length24.000"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigSS
BridgeFloating tremolo with separate bridge (similar to Jazzmaster)
TunersKluson Deluxe
Finish OptionsSunburst, Custom colors
Est. Production2,500

Pickups & Electronics

Two Jaguar single-coil pickups with individual on/off and tone switches. Mute pad. Short 24-inch scale.

What Changed in 1962

First year of the Jaguar — Fender's most feature-rich guitar. Short scale, individual pickup switches, mute pad, chrome control plates.

Notable Examples

Kurt Cobain, Johnny Marr, John Frusciante — the Jaguar defines alternative guitar tone.

Collector's Notes

Pre-CBS Jaguars are premium. Chrome control plates should be original. Mute pad foam often needs replacement.