1959 Fender Jazzmaster
The 1959 Jazzmaster is the beginning of Fender's offset era — slab rosewood fingerboard, dual circuit system, and the floating tremolo that would define the model. Initially marketed to jazz players, the Jazzmaster became beloved by surf and later indie/alternative players.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1959 Fender Jazzmaster. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (slab board) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Floating tremolo with 'Jazzmaster' vibrato unit |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-line |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom Colors |
| Est. Production | 2,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Jazzmaster single-coil pickups — wider and flatter than Strat pickups, designed for a warmer jazz tone. Unique floating tremolo and separate rhythm/lead circuits.
What Changed in 1959
First full year of the Jazzmaster. The guitar was Fender's top-of-the-line model — offset waist body, dual circuits, and the floating tremolo were revolutionary.
Notable Examples
Elvis Costello, Thurston Moore, J Mascis, and Kevin Shields all made the Jazzmaster iconic in alternative music.
Collector's Notes
The floating tremolo bridge is often missing, replaced, or damaged — original complete hardware is essential. The dual-circuit system is unique; verify both circuits function correctly.
How to Authenticate a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster
Check the serial number on the neck plate (or headstock for later models). Fender serial numbers were not strictly sequential — the neck date stamp (penciled on heel) and body date stamp (neck pocket) are more reliable for precise dating. The neck date stamp (penciled on the heel, visible when the neck is removed) is the single most reliable dating method for Fender guitars. Body dates in the neck pocket or under the pickguard corroborate. Pot codes should read 304 (Stackpole) or 140 (CTS) followed by date codes from 1958-1959. Pots should predate the guitar by no more than 12-18 months. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer — under UV/blacklight, original nitro fluoresces differently than modern polyester or polyurethane. Nitro finishes check (develop fine cracks) and wear naturally. Refinished guitars often have a too-perfect look. Slab-cut rosewood fingerboard (thicker rosewood) — this is a key identifier. Slab boards are flat on the bottom where they meet the neck. Pre-CBS Fender (before January 1965 acquisition). Spaghetti logo on headstock. Cloth wiring throughout. Three-way switch (five-way not available until mid-1970s). Kluson tuners. Offset body with two distinctive wide single-coil pickups. Floating tremolo system. Rhythm circuit with roller controls. Verify all switches and circuits are original. Check for replaced tuners (original Kluson Deluxe single-line should be present), refrets, body routing modifications, and any filled screw holes. Original custom color finishes are verified by examining color in pickup cavities and under the pickguard. Original case adds provenance value.