Fender - American Professional Classic Jaguar SS RW Faded Firemist Gold + Housse

When you pick up this Fender American Professional Classic Jaguar Faded Firemist Gold, a strange mixture of nostalgia and modern precision sets in. Its Modern C neck, carved from maple, guides you along unsurprisingly, like an old friend who's learned a thing or two since the last tour. There's nothing intrusive about it, just a constant suppleness. Each note finds its place, without straining or disturbing the neighbourhood.

As for the pickups, the Fender American Professional Classic Jaguar Faded Firemist Gold relies on a pair of Coastline '65s. Inspired by vintage models but not stuck in the past, they exude a pungent clarity and warmth bordering on sarcasm. Add to that a 3-position selector and a Strangle switch, and you're ready to navigate between retro bite and surgical subtlety. It's a bit like being offered a tight coffee, with the option of a double espresso for a nervous solo.

The look is no slouch either. The Faded Firemist Gold finish and nickel/chrome hardware are eye-catching, but the guitar doesn't make you look like a disco ball. The black plastic pots and antiqued selector tip complete the picture of self-assured elegance and a knowing wink. Fender clearly has an eye for detail... or a secret passion for accessories.

And on stage? The Jaguar is there. With its 610 mm scale, Medium Jumbo frets and Vintage-Style vibrato, it's an invitation to open attacks and accidental sweetness. The Mustang-style bridges stabilise your playing, even when the vibrato arm starts to get seriously agitated. Once you've held it in your hand, it never leaves. Tomorrow, it'll catch you if you slip up. That's a promise.