1965 Fender Jazzmaster - Pre-CBS Era / Transition Spec - Black Refinish
A genuine vintage Fender Jazzmaster from one of the most fascinating
moments in Fender's history. The neck heel is clearly stamped "4 SEP 65 B,"
confirming a September 1965 Jazzmaster neck with the rare and short-lived
transition specification: full white binding paired with pearl dot inlays
- a configuration produced only briefly between late 1965 and early 1966
before block inlays became standard.
The Fender "F" neck plate carries the serial 106800, placing this
instrument among the earliest F-plate Jazzmasters ever built. All
electronics are 100% original and fully functional, including the
original wide single-coil pickups, the lead/rhythm circuit, and the
original wiring harness. Pot codes date to the 48th week of 1966,
consistent with documented Fender assembly practice from this
transitional period.
The body was refinished in black at some point earlier in its life. The
original color underneath was Sunburst, confirmed through inspection of
the pickup and control cavities where the original finish remains
visible. While a refinish reduces collector value, it transforms this
guitar into an exceptional player-grade vintage instrument with all the
mojo, tone, and feel of a Pre-CBS Jazzmaster.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Brand: Fender
- Model: Jazzmaster
- Year: 1965 (neck dated September 1965)
- Country of Origin: USA (Fullerton, California)
- Serial Number: 106800 (F-plate)
- Neck Stamp: 4 SEP 65 B
- Body: Alder, refinished in black (originally Sunburst)
- Neck: Maple with veneer Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard
- Inlays: Pearl dots
- Binding: White neck binding (transition era spec)
- Nut Width: 1-5/8" (B width)
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Frets: 21, professionally refretted, 70-80% remaining
- Pickups: Two original Fender wide single coils
- Controls: Lead/Rhythm circuit, Volume, Tone, Pickup selector switch
- Bridge: Original Jazzmaster bridge with floating tremolo
- Tuners: Original Kluson single-line tuners
- Pickguard: 4-ply tortoise
- Weight: 3.5 kg (approx. 7.7 lbs)
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Very Good
- Body: Refinished in black, originally Sunburst. Some honest wear,
dings, and finish chipping consistent with a 60-year-old instrument.
- Neck: Straight, truss rod functional. Original finish on the neck.
- Frets: Professionally refretted, 70-80% remaining. Smooth and
comfortable to play.
- Hardware: Original Kluson tuners, bridge, and tremolo system. Some
tarnish on metal parts consistent with age - honest vintage patina.
- Electronics: 100% original and fully functional. All circuits, pots,
and switches operate correctly.
The guitar plays beautifully and delivers the unmistakable voice of a
mid-60s Jazzmaster - chimey, articulate, and full of vintage character.
== INCLUDED ==
- Hardshell case (YAMAHA)
== WHY THIS GUITAR ==
Pre-CBS and transition-era Jazzmasters with original parts and
functional electronics have become exceedingly difficult to find at
sensible prices. All-original sunburst examples now command $8,000 to
$12,000 or more. This refinished example offers the same tone, the
same playability, the same vintage Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and
the same rare dot-and-bound transition neck - all at a meaningful
discount from collector-grade pricing.
A genuine Pre-CBS Jazzmaster you can play without hesitation. Ready
for the stage, the studio, or the discerning collector who values tone
over finish-originality.
Questions are welcome - please feel free to message before purchase.
