Fender - American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster RW Sherwood Green Metallic + Etui

If Fender had imagined this Jazzmaster for jazz guitarists, it ultimately found its audience elsewhere. From 60s surf music to the tortured riffs of indie rock, it has won over adventurous musicians ready to decode its language. Its asymmetrical body, as futuristic as it is comfortable, has established itself as an underground icon, while allowing forays into country and post-punk. Suffice to say that it does not lack resources, and even less personality.

The 1966 neck is distinguished by its "C" profile, neither too thin nor too massive, but perfectly balanced to alternate between plated chords and airy solos. The laminated rosewood fingerboard, with its pearloid Block inlays and white binding, adds a touch of elegance to the whole. Its tall vintage frets make it easy to play while preserving that old-school feeling that purists love. An invitation to let your fingers run wild and be surprised by its responsiveness.

Under the hood, the Pure Vintage '66 pickups distill delicately warm and dynamic tones, with that very particular grain specific to vintage Jazzmasters. The Rhythm and Lead circuits allow you to explore varied textures, from discreet velvet to incisive attacks, depending on how you attack the strings. A sonic universe full of nuances, capable of going from a hushed atmosphere to a piercing meow in the blink of an eye.

The floating vibrato, faithful to the original design, is as characterful as it is expressive. Its subtle touch requires a touch of finesse, but once tamed, it becomes an asset to color each note with an inimitable touch. As for the Pure Vintage hardware, it ensures foolproof stability, while reinforcing the retro aesthetic of the instrument. Because style matters too.