1961 Fender Jazzmaster
The 1961 Jazzmaster — pre-CBS offset with floating tremolo and unique pickup voicing. The guitar of surf, indie, and alternative rock.
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 Wood | Alder (offset contour body) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (slab) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Floating tremolo with separate bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 3,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Jazzmaster single-coil pickups (wider, shallower than Strat). Rhythm/lead circuit switching.
What Changed in 1961
Late slab-board era. The Ventures popularizing Jazzmaster in surf.
Collector's Notes
Pre-CBS Jazzmasters are increasingly collected. Floating tremolo must be complete. Custom colors command huge premiums.