NGD: A Jaguar, at last.

For the last 3 or 4 years, I have been intending to get a Fender Jaguar.
A number of times, I have started looking out for various Jaguar models.
On the 'net and in shops, in my area.
But every time, I've ended up with another guitar.
I'm a big surf fan and see the Jag, as the archetypal surfing guitar.
I've owned Strats and Jazzmasters, the other, great surfers..
But I've been a little scared of taking the leap to this iconic offset.
I think it was the 24 inch scale and reputed setting up problems.
And those really bright, single-coils.

I'd seen a couple of particular Jags, in Promenade Music of Morecambe.
They'd been in stock a while and were at a very good price.
So I set out this morning, to check them out.
This is a seaside shop and it was a cool, sunny morning.
The surf was calm.
There were 2, Fender Special Edition Jaguar Thinlines, in stock.
One all Black, the other 3-tone Sunburst.
The first thing you notice, with these Thinlines, is just how good looking they are.
And, at closer inspection, just how well made and finished, they are.
With nicely bound body and neck and a reasonably traditional f-hole, they are a great variation on this iconic

design.
I'm not a fan of excessive, chrome, control plating.
But it's definitely part of the Jaguar look and looks very good with the Thinline.
I firstly picked up the sunburst model, my preferred colour.
It was set up really well.
Easy to play and very vibrant sounding, even acoustically.
Through the shop's Vox AC15, it really shone.
Strong and clear, yet with some warmth and loads of character.
Bright and single-coil, with good response to technique and expression.
The neck pickup particularly impressed me, with a lovely balance of warmth and sparkle.
Once we'd raised the height of the trem arm, I was very impressed with it's smoothness.
Responsive without the rattle I've come across, on other Jags and JMs.
I had a quick go on the black model but it wasn't set up, as well.

Well it's home now and sounds great through my Fender.
I may put slightly heavier strings on but it plays and sounds so well, I'm not so sure.
I'm not one for modding but if I were, I'd probably fit a Mustang bridge and locking tuners.
Probably won't though.
If it ain't broke...etc.






Specs:

Made in Japan

GENERAL
Model Name: Special Edition Jaguar® Thinline, Rosewood Fingerboard, 3-Color Sunburst
Series: Special Edition
Colour: 3-Colour Sunburst

BODY
Body Material: Ash Top and Back over Semi-Hollow Alder
Body Finish: Polyester
Body Shape: Jaguar®

NECK
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Polyester
Neck Shape: Modern "C"
Scale Length: 24" (610 mm)
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" (184.1 mm)
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Vintage-Style
String Nut: Bone
Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
Position Inlays: White Dot
ELECTRONICS
Bridge Pickup: Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jaguar
Neck Pickup: Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jaguar
Controls: Lead Circuit: Volume, Tone. Rhythm Circuit: Volume, Tone
Pickup Switching: 2-On/Off Slide Switches, One for Each Pickup
Pickup Configuration: SS

HARDWARE
Bridge: American Vintage Floating Tremolo with Tremolo Lock Button
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style
Pickguard: 3-Ply Black
Auxiliary Switching: 2-Position Tone Switch