Up for sale, a 1963 Fender Jaguar in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original blonde tolex hardshell case. This original Pre-CBS Jaguar retains the original Lake Placid Blue nitro lacquer finish on the headstock face, with an older body-only refinish in a similar shade of Lake Placid. Produced in the second year of Jaguar production, this Pre-CBS Fender sports many of this model's earliest features, with an unbound Brazilian rosewood fretboard, clay dot fretboard inlay, and a pair of flat pole piece black bobbin pickups.

In terms of tone and feel, this Jaguar is simply a joy to play and a classic example of the guitar that was Fender's top-tier instrument in '63. The original pickups have the twang, chime, and cut for which these single coils are known, and in output they're virtually identical to a Strat pickup, albeit with the metal "claw" surrounds that both focus the magnetic field of the pickups and reduce unwanted hum. The flat pole piece design is also unique to Jags produced from 1962-63, yielding a fatter, fuller sound than later iterations. The myriad of switching options and 1Meg potentiometers ensure that the Jaguar can cover much more range than a Strat, while still covering the traditional Fender single coil territory. In the Lead Circuit (hexagonal control plate), the "strangle" switch cuts low end and can make for great tic-tac tones. The Rhythm Circuit on the guitar's bass side horn introduces a set of darker tonalities exclusive to the neck pickup, with a richness and low end girth that fills things out nicely and is great for driving a tube amp or your favorite fuzz box. Weighing 8lbs 1oz and balancing well on a strap, this Jaguar has a bold, textured acoustic tone that rings out with great authority. We've professionally setup this guitar here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, where we specialize in Fender Offset instruments, and the guitar is dialed in with fresh roundwound 11-49 strings and low action.

The maple neck features a C-shaped profile carve which is slender at the nut, with an appreciable increase in overall heft and shoulder further up the fretboard. The neck shape is the perfect middle ground between many of the more slender profile carves from 1962 and the overtly round shapes seen sporadically in 1963, measuring .805" deep at the 1st fret and .960" at the 12th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard has clay dot inlay and the original slender fretwire which shows moderate wear favoring the plain strings on frets 1-5, with wear extending and growing fainter beneath the plain strings until fret 12.  The neck is straight with a responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod, and the truss rod nut is flush with the neck heel, having needed sparingly little adjustment in the last half century. The nut measures 1 5/8" in width, upgraded to a hand-carved piece of bone for optimal note clarity and sustain. The headstock face retains the original Lake Placid Blue nitro lacquer finish and Jaguar waterslide decal. The original Kluson Deluxe single line tuning machines are also intact, still functioning as intended with clean plating. The neck heel retains the original July, 1963 date stamp.

On the body, all of the electronics work as they should, with a pair of original black bobbin pickups. Both pickups retain their original covers and claws, with stock windings on both coils. The harness is completely stock as well, with Stackpole pots in the Lead Circuit that date to the 9th week of '63. All of the hardware is original save for the flip-up mute assembly, and the chrome control plates, L-prefix neck plate and vibrato unit have bright chrome plating. One of the best vibrato units ever designed, this Jaguar can execute everything from very subtle warbles and shakes at the end of notes, all the way to deeper dives that jump back to the original pitch with ease. The vintage-spec mint green wide bevel pickguard is a modern replacement furnished by FenderParts.

The gloss lacquer Lake Placid Blue body refinish was done long ago, with natural playwear down to the vintage-correct white primer coat. There is prominent lacquer checking on the back, and cosmetic wear is predominantly concentrated on the back lower bout body edge, with some additional case rub down to the bare alder on the treble-side body edge. An extra strap button mounting hole is also present on the body just north of the neck plate. The original nitro lacquer gloss on the neck profile is nigh-flawless, with light palm wear through the finish on the profile shoulders from frets 1-8.

The original blonde tolex hardshell case with black leather ends is included. The case retains its original black leather handle and two functional latches (the third latch hinge has been removed and is present in the case pocket.

***We are dealers for the Mastery M1 bridge which can be installed on this guitar for an additional charge***

Check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar," and please let us know if we can answer any questions!

Shipping in the continental USA will be $250, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Two-Day Air. Overnight shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We happily ship WORLDWIDE.

International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.

We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!