Fender Jazzmaster vs. Fender Jaguar: Which One Suits You Best?

When the Fender Jazzmaster debuted in 1958, it was revolutionary in a number of ways, as we discussed in our Fender Jazzmaster Guide here on Riffs. The offset body, innovative lead/rhythm switch, new floating tremolo system and new wide-bobbin single-coil pickups all offered something fresh to the market in what Fender saw as their flagship electric guitar.

Similarly, when the Fender Jaguar was introduced in 1962, this new offset-body electric guitar was once again positioned as Fender's flagship. With a freshly patented pickup design, shorter scale, refined floating tailpiece design and chromed-out (can you say Southern California car culture?) control configuration, Fender was aiming squarely at the then-thriving surf rock culture.

Sadly, it seems, these instruments were both enough ahead of their time that it would be up to later generations of players, for the most part, to discover the depths of sonic possibility that lay beneath the similar but different facades of these two groundbreaking electric guitars. Those new players have made a space for these two revolutionary offsets in the pantheon of Fender's contributions to the evolution of the solidbody electric guitar.

This is not to say that both did not have their contemporary proponents. For example, two of the most iconic surf rock instrumentals, The Ventures’ "Walk, Don't Run" and "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen, prominently feature the then-new Fender Jaguar, and The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson was featured in early ads for that same guitar. But, by and large, they were different enough from what guitarists were used to that it was the rebels and experimentalists who would bring them to the fore.

Pictured: Vintage 1962 Fender Jaguar headstock

In this article, we're going to take a look at both instruments, and, despite some surface similarities, how their differences set them apart as two distinct, equally worthy branches of Fender's evolutionary tree.

Table of Contents

The History of the Fender Jazzmaster and Jaguar
A Quick Comparison of the Fender Jazzmaster and Fender Jaguar
What Are the Differences Between the Jazzmaster and Jaguar?
Jazzmaster vs. Jaguar by Artist
      What Artists Play Fender Jazzmasters?
      What Artists Play Fender Jaguars?
Are You Team Jazzmaster or Team Jaguar?

The History of the Fender Jazzmaster and Jaguar

While we spent some time with the history of the Jazzmaster in the article linked above, here's a quick recap to refresh your memory:

The Fender Jazzmaster, introduced in 1958, was originally conceived as Fender's premium offering aimed at jazz guitarists and was designed with input from Forrest White, Freddie Tavares, Don Randall, Bill Carson and, of course, Leo Fender himself. Despite its innovative features—including the first offset body design, a new floating tremolo system with a lock mechanism, a distinctive rhythm/lead circuit, and Fender's first rosewood fingerboard and large headstock—it failed to capture its intended market of traditional hollowbody jazz players. However, the guitar did find some unexpected success with the emerging surf music scene of the early 1960s. While it never achieved the mainstream popularity of the Stratocaster during its initial run, the Jazzmaster would later be embraced by punk, new wave and alternative musicians, cementing its place in guitar history.

The Fender Jaguar arose from the same desire to have a new flagship guitar that created the Jazzmaster four years earller. While it incorporated similar design features, there were some major changes that would make it a distinct entity in its own right. After the market success of its short-scale “student” guitars like the Musicmaster and DuoSonic, Don Randall, Fender's marketing guru and the man who was Fender's touchpoint for dealer feedback, realized that the comfort and somewhat slinkier feel of a short-scale guitar might appeal to more advanced players as well as to students. As a result, the Jaguar was given the same 24" scale, along with the addition of a 22nd fret—an addition which would eventually find its way to the Strat and the Tele.

Pictured: A bridge and mute on a vintage 1962 Fender Jaguar

The Jaguar would feature the same floating tremolo and rocking bridge as the Jazzmaster, but with the addition of an adjustable felt mute, as Fender thought that players would prefer that to manual palm-muting techniques. They didn't, and many early Jaguars had that feature removed by players who preferred the more subtle control of using their own hands rather than a mechanism that didn't allow for quick and easy adjustment of playing dynamics.

The big innovation, as with many Fender offerings over the years, lay in the creation of a new pickup system by Leo Fender. Unlike the "pancake-wound" wide-bobbin Jazzmaster pickups, the Jaguar returned to a more conventional, narrow bobbin, not too dissimilar from the existing Strat pickups. The big change, however, as is pointed out in the patent application and drawing (US Patent 3,236,930—pictured below) was the addition of a steel shield (aka "claw") that not only reduced the RFI/EMI (Radio Frequency Interference/Electromagnetic Interference) that unshielded single-coil pickups can be prone to, but it also focused and directed the magnetic field of the pickup, similar to the effect of the plate underneath the Telecaster's bridge pickup. The resulting tone is brighter and more cutting, even on the traditionally smoother neck pickup, than a single coil sans "claw" would be. It was certainly brighter and more focused in the upper-mid and high-frequency response than the warmer, rounder Jazzmaster pickups were.

Pictured: The original patent drawing for the Fender Jaguar pickups with steel "claw"

In an interesting bit of trivia, the Jaguar was also the basis for what is arguably Fender's first custom signature guitar—24 years before the Fender Custom Shop was founded. In 1964, Fender built a one-off black and gold Jaguar dubbed "Birdie" specifically for use in the movie Bye Bye Birdie. While it never became a production model, it's a fun bit of history that underscores how Fender's innovation extended beyond the standard catalog.

The Jaguar, alas, like the Jazzmaster before it, was not widely adopted in its early years, and it would have to wait for the punk, new wave and alternative scenes of the late 1970s and beyond to come into its own.

A Quick Comparison of the Fender Jazzmaster and Fender Jaguar

We'll start off with a quick, side-by-side comparison of the salient features of both of these offset beauties.

Feature	Fender Jazzmaster	Fender Jaguar
Scale Length	25.5” (standard Fender scale)	24” (shorter scale)
Number of Frets	21 frets (vintage), 22 frets (modern)	22 frets
Pickup Type(s)	Wide single-coil pickups	Shielded, bright single coils with metal claw
Switching System	3-way toggle switch + rhythm circuit	3-way slider switches + rhythm circuit
Tremolo System	Floating tremolo with lock button	Floating tremolo, slightly modified from Jazzmaster
Tone Characteristics	Warm, full, slightly scooped mids; rich sustain	Bright, percussive attack; shorter sustain, pronounced high end
Bridge Type	Floating bridge with rocking saddles	Floating bridge with mute mechanism (often removed)
Notable Players	Elvis Costello, J Mascis, Kevin Shields, Nels Cline, Robert Smith, Lindsay Jordan, Mami Sasazaki	Carl Wilson, Johnny Marr, Tom Verlaine, John Frusciante, Kurt Cobain, Graham Coxon, Billy Corgan, Courtney Barnett, Bilinda Butcher

What Are the Differences Between the Jazzmaster and Jaguar?

The chart is a great quick overview, but we think that a little deeper dive into the differences and what they might mean to you as a player is important. So, let's break that down a little more.

Scale Length

The Fender Jazzmaster features a 25.5” scale length, the standard for most Fender guitars, including the Stratocaster and Telecaster. This longer scale provides more string tension, giving the Jazzmaster a snappier feel, increased sustain and a slightly brighter response.

Pictured: A fretboard on a vintage 1960 Fender Jazzmaster

In contrast, the Fender Jaguar has a shorter 24” scale length, which reduces string tension. This leads to a looser, slinkier feel that makes bending notes easier and can add warmth to the tone. The shorter scale length also contributes to the Jaguar’s unique midrange character, making it a favorite among players who prefer a more compact playing experience.

Number of Frets

While vintage Jazzmasters came with 21 frets, many modern models feature 22 frets offering a slightly extended upper register. The additional fret can be helpful for lead players who like a bit more room at the top.

The Jaguar, on the other hand, has always come with 22 frets, aligning with its short-scale design. The slightly shorter neck makes upper-fret access easier, which some players find beneficial for soloing and intricate lead work.

Pickup Type(s) and Tonal Differences

The Jazzmaster is equipped with wide single-coil pickups, which have a unique tone compared to traditional Strat or Tele single coils. They produce a full, warm sound with slightly scooped mids, making them well-suited for surf rock, shoegaze and indie tones. The Jazzmaster’s pickups have more output than standard single coils, contributing to their rich harmonic depth.

Pictured: Pickups and switching system of a vintage 1962 Fender Jagaur

The Jaguar features shielded single-coil pickups with metal claws designed to reduce interference and provide a bright, percussive attack with a shorter sustain. Jaguars have a naturally chimey, cutting tone making them popular for punk, new wave and alternative rock styles. Some players swap out Jaguar pickups for higher-output versions or even humbuckers to increase warmth and sustain.

Switching System

One of the biggest functional differences between these two models lies in their switching systems.

• The Jazzmaster has a three-way toggle switch controls the pickups, along with a rhythm circuit that allows for a warmer, preset neck pickup tone, activated by a slide switch. This gives players a quick way to shift from a bright, cutting lead sound to a darker, jazzier rhythm tone.
• The Jaguar uses three individual slider switches for pickup selection and an additional high-pass filter switch that cuts bass frequencies, creating an even sharper tone. Like the Jazzmaster, it has a rhythm circuit, but its pickup switching system can be more complex and less intuitive for new users.

Notably, while Fender's vintage-spec'ed instruments, maintain the original Jazzmaster and Jaguar switching systems, many of their modern takes on the iconic offsets go with a more traditional control setup.

Tremolo System

Both guitars feature floating tremolo systems, but there are subtle differences between them.

• The Jazzmaster’s tremolo is considered smoother and more responsive, making it ideal for subtle vibrato and expressive bends. It includes a tremolo lock button, which helps stabilize tuning in case of a string break.
• The Jaguar’s tremolo is similar but positioned slightly closer to the bridge, which alters the string break angle. This contributes to a sharper attack and a slightly reduced sustain compared to the Jazzmaster.

Pictured: A closer look at the tremolo system of a vintage 1960 Fender Jazzmaster

Many players misunderstand Fender’s floating tremolo system, treating it like a Stratocaster’s synchronized trem. Proper adjustment—including setting the correct spring tension and using heavier gauge strings—can vastly improve stability and usability.

Bridge Type and Modifications

Both models use floating bridges, but the stock versions often have issues that lead many players to modify them.

• Jazzmaster & Jaguar stock bridge issues: The rocking bridge design can lead to string slippage and buzzing, particularly with lighter gauge strings. Many players swap out the stock bridge for a Mustang bridge, Mastery bridge or Staytrem bridge to improve stability and sustain.
• The Jaguar’s mute mechanism: Vintage Jaguars included a string mute which was designed to create a percussive, palm-muted effect. Most players removed it, and Fender has largely abandoned including it on modern reissues.

Tone Characteristics

Summing up their tonal personalities:

• Jazzmaster: Warmer, richer sound with pronounced lows and highs, slightly scooped mids and smooth sustain.
• Jaguar: Brighter, more percussive attack with enhanced treble response and a snappier, more immediate sound.

Pictured: The headstock of a vintage 1960 Fender Jazzmaster

As noted earlier, while Fender offers Jazzmasters and Jaguars made to vintage spec, many of their modern interpretations offer diversified pickup options, simplified switching and hardtail bridge options, for players seeking a contemporary vibe.

Jazzmaster vs. Jaguar by Artist

Given those differences, it's a small wonder that different players have gravitated toward one or the other, though a few have been known to play both. Here's a breakdown of how the two teams line up.

What Artists Play Fender Jazzmasters?

Elvis Costello – “Pump It Up”

Emerging from the British punk and new wave scenes in the late 1970s, Elvis Costello is renowned for his sharp songwriting and energetic performances. His 1978 hit “Pump It Up” features the biting tones of his Fender Jazzmaster, an instrument he chose for its distinctive sound and versatility.

Tom Verlaine (Television) – “Marquee Moon”

As the frontman of the band Television, Tom Verlaine was a key figure in the New York punk scene of the 1970s. The epic track “Marquee Moon” showcases his inventive guitar work on the Jazzmaster. Verlaine chose the Jazzmaster for its affordability at the time and grew to appreciate its unique tonal characteristics. He noted, “I think it was financial! In the ’70s, when guitars were still cheap, nobody wanted a Jazzmaster because they weren’t loud and didn’t stay in tune. In ’73/’74, you could buy a Jazzmaster for $150 easily. So that’s why I started playing it, because we didn’t have a lot of money, and they were cheap. And then I really got used to it. Plus, the vibrato arm on it is very nice.”

J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) – “Feel the Pain”

As the frontman of alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis is celebrated for his heavy use of distortion and melodic solos. His 1994 track “Feel the Pain” showcases the rich, full sound of the Jazzmaster. Mascis has expressed a deep affinity for the Jazzmaster, working with Fender to create a signature Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster. He has often expressed appreciation of its unique tonal qualities and how they complement his style.

Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) – “Only Shallow”

Pioneering the shoegaze genre, Kevin Shields is known for his innovative “glide guitar” technique, which involves manipulating the Jazzmaster’s tremolo while strumming to create a wavering pitch. This technique is prominently featured in “Only Shallow” from the 1991 album Loveless. Shields’ use of the Jazzmaster was instrumental in crafting the band’s signature sound.

Nels Cline (Wilco) – “Impossible Germany”

Joining the band Wilco in 2004, Nels Cline brought a new dimension to their sound with his virtuosic guitar work. The live performances of “Impossible Germany” highlight his expressive solos played on the Jazzmaster, an instrument he favors for its tonal range and responsiveness.

Robert Smith (The Cure) – “Just Like Heaven”

As the lead singer and guitarist of The Cure, Robert Smith’s ethereal and melancholic tones have been a defining feature of the band’s music. In tracks like “Just Like Heaven,” the shimmering sound of the Jazzmaster complements the song’s dreamy atmosphere. Smith chose the Jazzmaster for its unique sound and aesthetic appeal.

Thom Yorke (Radiohead) – “The National Anthem”

Frontman of the experimental rock band Radiohead, Thom Yorke has utilized the Jazzmaster to explore unconventional sounds. In “The National Anthem,” the guitar’s rich tones contribute to the track’s dense, layered arrangement. Yorke’s choice of the Jazzmaster aligns with his penchant for pushing musical boundaries.

Lindsey Jordan (Snail Mail) – “Pristine”

As the creative force behind Snail Mail, Lindsey Jordan has garnered acclaim for her introspective songwriting and emotive guitar work. In “Pristine,” the Jazzmaster’s warm, full sound underscores the song’s heartfelt lyrics. Jordan’s use of the Jazzmaster reflects her appreciation for its classic tone and playability.

Mami Sasazaki (Scandal) – “Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne”

Lead guitarist of the Japanese rock band Scandal, Mami Sasazaki brings energy and precision to her performances. In “Awanai Tsumori no, Genki de ne,” her Jazzmaster delivers crisp, articulate riffs. Sasazaki’s choice of the Jazzmaster aligns with her dynamic playing style and the band’s vibrant sound.

What Artists Play Fender Jaguars?

Johnny Marr (Modest Mouse) – “Dashboard”

While Marr is often associated with The Smiths, his journey with the Jaguar began in the 2000s when he played with Modest Mouse, and it became one of his primary guitars moving forward. The track “Dashboard” from their 2007 album We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank is a prime example. Marr’s distinctive guitar work on this song showcases the Jaguar’s unique tonal qualities, contributing to the track’s vibrant and dynamic sound. Marr’s enthusiastic adoption of the guitar led to Fender releasing the Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar in 2012, cementing his long-term association with the model. >his signature Jaguar.

John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) – “Under the Bridge”

Guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante is known for his melodic and expressive playing. In the video for “Under the Bridge,” Frusciante is prominently seen playing his Jaguar, highlighting its versatility across different musical styles.

Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) — Nevermind

If any single guitarist could be credited with pushing the Jaguar back into the public eye, it would probably be Cobain. Virtually every track on Nirvana’s seminal Nevermind album features the recognizeable tones of the Jag, and Cobain’s signature Jag-Stang would combine his love for two frequently overlooked Fenders.

Graham Coxon (Blur) – “Song 2”

As the lead guitarist of Blur, Graham Coxon played a significant role in shaping the Britpop sound of the 1990s. “Song 2” from Blur’s eponymous album features his distinctive riffs played on the Jaguar. Coxon has been associated with the Jaguar for its sharp, cutting tone that suits his dynamic playing.

John Squire (The Stone Roses) – “Waterfall”

John Squire, the lead guitarist of The Stone Roses, is renowned for his melodic and jangly guitar work that defined the Madchester sound of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His use of the Fender Jaguar contributed to the bright and shimmering tones evident in tracks like “She Bangs the Drums” and “Waterfall.” Squire’s playing showcased the Jaguar’s capacity for intricate, chiming melodies that became a hallmark of the band’s style.

Courtney Barnett – "Pedestrian at Best"

The Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist is known for her witty lyricism and deadpan vocal delivery. Barnett’s raw, garage rock-inspired playing often features the Fender Jaguar, which complements her jangly, punchy rhythm style. The Jaguar’s bright, cutting tone enhances the sharp, angular riffs in "Pedestrian at Best," a track that perfectly encapsulates her energetic and no-nonsense approach to rock.

Bilinda Butcher (My Bloody Valentine) – "Only Shallow"

As one half of My Bloody Valentine’s signature sound, Bilinda Butcher’s ethereal vocals and dreamy guitar work are foundational to the shoegaze movement. While Kevin Shields wielded the Jazzmaster for massive waves of distortion, Butcher’s Jaguar provided a sharper, chiming contrast that helped define their layered, textural sound. "Only Shallow" is a perfect example of this balance, with Butcher’s playing adding shimmering clarity to the sonic haze.

Are You Team Jazzmaster or Team Jaguar?

So, you’ve made it this far, and you’re still wondering, “Which one is right for me?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Playability and Feel

• If you’re used to standard Fender scale lengths (like a Strat or Tele) and want a snappy, familiar feel, the Jazzmaster will feel right at home.
• If you prefer a more compact playing experience, with easy bends and a slightly looser feel, the Jaguar’s shorter 24” scale might be your best friend.

Tonal Personality

• If you love warm, rich tones with a slightly scooped midrange and smooth sustain, the Jazzmaster has your back.
• If bright, percussive attack and a biting high end are more your thing, the Jaguar is calling your name.

Complexity vs. Simplicity

• The Jazzmaster has a more straightforward pickup switching system, making it easier to dial in your sound quickly.
• The Jaguar has a more intricate switching setup, but that means extra tonal flexibility—if you don’t mind the learning curve.

At the end of the day, the best way to decide is to try both. Find a Guitar Center near you and spend some time with each model. See which one feels like your guitar—it’ll tell you everything you need to know. Or, if you're just dreaming of the next guitar, check out our Jazzmaster and Jaguar collections online, then call up your personal Gear Adviser and let them help you figure out whether you're on Team Jazzmaster or Team Jaguar (or both—that's good too).