This was a really special guitar that came through the shop last year: an early Fender Jaguar 1966 in custom color Lake Placid Blue. Although this Fender Jaguar was missing the original case, it was in spectacular condition with all original finish and parts. It showed no evidence of prior repair and required only light cleaning and set up. Fender Jaguar guitars were often misunderstood in the 1970s and 1980s but the right set up can make the Jaguar a phenomenal instrument.
Do you have a Fender Jaguar 1960s in Lake Placid Blue you'd like to sell? I owned this one a few years ago and have been looking to replace it since I sold it. If you're looking for a Fender guitar collector to buy your Fender Jaguar then you've come to the right place. You can reach out to me here to sell a Fender guitar.
Fender Jaguar Values
The value of a Fender Jaguar depends on the exact year, exact color, original parts, and condition. The Fender Jaguar came out in 1962 and values descend from that year. Fender Jaguars in the 1960s were offered in the standard Sunburst color but the values for custom colors like Lake Placid Blue are often higher than standard colors.
As with most things vintage, Fender Jaguars with original parts are often more valuable and priced higher than similar guitars with replaced parts. The condition of a Fender Jaguar guitar is often a subjective aspect so have a Fender guitar expert's opinion on the condition is important. If you're interested in learning more about what your Fender Jaguar might be worth then you can reach out to me here: sell a Fender guitar.
How to date a Fender Jaguar
Knowing how to date a Fender Jaguar guitar from the 1960s starts with the serial number but is better when using the neck and body build dates, potentiometer codes, and features. Fender serial numbers are not necessarily consecutive so they're not always the best way to date Fender guitars. Not only that, but the serial numbers are on a metal plate on the back of the guitar that is easily swapped using only a screwdriver.
In order to accurately date a Fender Jaguar guitar, it's best to use the neck and body build dates, the potentiometer codes, and the features as well. The neck heel ink stamp on a Fender Jaguar will tell you about when the neck build started. The potentiometer codes will tell you when those parts were made at their manufacture which is sometimes close to the end of the guitar build date. The features changed slowly through time so they need to match the other dates of the guitar.
If you're looking for a Fender guitar expert's help on how to date a Fender Jaguar then you can check this out: How to date a Fender Jaguar.
Fender Jaguar Guitar History
Fender's Jaguar model debuted in 1962 at the top of the electric guitar line, only four years after the Jazzmaster's introduction. It featured an offset body shape slightly modified from the Jazzmaster, 24" scale neck, two proprietary shielded pickups, individual on/off switches for each pickup as well as a bass cut switch, and a rhythm preset switch with its own volume and tone roller pots. It borrowed the Jazzmaster's player friendly smooth tremolo as well as the less than player friendly low break angle bridge style.
Electric guitar players in the mid 1960s began preferring a lighter string gauge (e = .010 instead of .012) and the offset guitars required a significant neck shim/setup in order to compensate for the lighter string gauge. Offset guitar sales slowed by the early 70s and the Jaguar was dropped from the price list in 1975. We're always looking to buy Fender Jaguar guitars. Do you have one you're looking for more information on or possibly to sell? I'd love to chat with you about it. You can reach out to me here to sell a Fender guitar.
