1958 Fender Jazzmaster
The inaugural Jazzmaster — Fender's top-of-the-line model that became beloved by surf, indie, and alternative players rather than jazz musicians. Unique floating tremolo, rhythm/lead switching, and the warm, distinctive Jazzmaster pickup tone.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder (offset contour body — Fender's first offset design) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (slab) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Floating tremolo (independent of bridge — Jazzmaster-unique design) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 1,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two floating single-coil pickups (Jazzmaster-specific design — wider, shallower polepieces than Strat pickups). Rhythm/lead circuit switching. Floating tremolo system.
What Changed in 1958
First year of the Jazzmaster — intended as a high-end model above the Stratocaster. Floating tremolo, rhythm/lead circuit, and offset body were all innovations. Ironically, jazz musicians rejected it and it was embraced by surf and later alternative rock.
Notable Examples
Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Elvis Costello, J Mascis — the Jazzmaster became the alternative rock guitar.
Collector's Notes
Slab rosewood board 1958 Jazzmasters are rare. The floating tremolo mechanism needs to be complete and functional — parts are increasingly hard to find. The rhythm circuit (upper bout controls) should be functional.