The Fender Jaguar: A Short History

TrueFire courses and all access memberships available here:
Enter promo code "FIVEWATT25" to save 25%

For five watt world short history bundle and HX Stomp presets

T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and tumblers

To make a donation to support the channel click here:

Get regular updates on what's happening at the channel on Instagram:

This is the final of the four original designs from Fender. Released in 1962, like the Jazzmaster before it, it wouldn't see success in it's initial release but would find it many years later in the hands of another generation.

Thanks in advance for all the support. I've added the sponsorship with Truefire with the hope of cutting mid-roll ads that are interrupting the video. I can imagine a better partner than a company that does lessons. Here's hoping it works out and the videos can just keep coming.

Best, Keith

***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.

[RickBeato]

I can’t believe I don’t own a Jaguar. The reissues look great. Thanks Hypes!!

[SirWilliamTambourine]

all I want for Christmas is "The Fender Mustang: a Short History"

[NewHopeAudio]

One small correction: Johnny Marr did not begin playing Jaguars until his time with Modest Mouse.

[honkytonkinson]

Leo Fender - not a musician, arguably not an artist, and someone who created the most iconic solid body guitars which are beautiful and timeless, and who made as big an impact on the sound of music in the 20th century as anyone else: Little Richard, Elvis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson. And, he looks he could have been my grandpa! Amazing guy!

[Tubescreamer]

I'm still waiting for Rickenbackers.

[clicheguevara]

The original model Cobain Jag is a _surprisingly_ versatile and unique guitar. I don't often use it live anymore because it's signed by Dave Grohl, but I use it in the studio all the time.
Being a 90s kid and Nirvana fan, and although I mainly use Fender offsets, I had promised myself that I wouldn't buy a product designed to cash in on Kurt's 20th death anniversary.
I held out for over a year, but after I played a few I had to have one. They sound SO good.

[williammills]

I'm a Les Paul guy. But Leo did alot of great things with the instrument and amplifier in a very short time.

[deangoritz]

I wish this rundown would have been out in the late 90s. I'm guilty of being a Cobain fan boy and purchased a Japan Jag sunburst. I never wrapped my head around all the knobs and switches and traded it for an SG. Thanks again for the content Keith

[tanguyblanchardtv]

I own a Japanese Jaguar. Never letting go of that thing, it plays like a dream

[Maxxeine]

Finally the Jag is getting the five watt world treatment! Been waiting for this video for a long time.

[trainsurfer]

Rowland S Howard (of The Birthday Party & many other fantastic groups) exclusively used a '66 Jaguar throughout his career, it was absolutely key to his incredibly unique sound.

[Bord-pmhi]

I’m from Mexico and i can say that both Jaguar and Mustang guitars are a symbol for the indie rock scene. They truly are a reflection of a player’s need to sound and look different. Youthful guitar models that are anchored to the past but still moving forward to the future; people over here really like them because they’re legendary but still bold and different. When the vintera series jaguars came out, they were virtually sold out everywhere. I had to wait a year to actually find one in a store.

[elsienova]

Japan is in love with the jaguar and jazzmaster, and you can see how to this day, their music is still influenced by the 50s and 60s pop. Surf like guitars, slightly distorted basses with harsh and slick playing, poetic lyrics that fuel the tones of the instruments. The ugly dark atmosphere of the modern age never really touched Japan's music scene. Rock is still popular and endorsed, being in a band is still a hobby that can be seen as tradition, instruments are affordable, yet made with a distinct care, even the factory medium priced models, and the popular of anime showcasing bands with a surf or punk like noise are things that define the modern idea of making a band. We may joke around, but it's really weird how the modern tribute to youngsters playing jaguars and jazzmasters in their garage, playing away sweet melodic chimes to romantic tunes, are found in Japan, and in their ever bright and positive media.

[cherrypickerguitars]

I have a 1996 Squier “Jagmaster “. It’s my go to rock and roll guitar - my LP Jr. killer! 24’ scale with a Fender Japan Jag body, a US made Jag neck with a rosewood slab, a Strat style trem block - this is all stock stuff! I removed the “mush buckers “ it shipped with and did some very minor routing and fit it with Golden Age P90’s .
This guitar plays and sounds like a $2500 axe - I’ve got less than $600 in it!
Peace

[beav]

Damnit Keith. Now you got me shopping on reverb for a new guitar!

[barryleslie]

I bought a Classic Vibe Jaguar at the start of the UK lockdown. It really made me smile at such an awful time. It was beautifully set up and I can't believe the range of tones that can be had from this instrument. I also find the necks on them lovely to play on as well

[h.p.brownsaucecraft]

Just a correction, Marr never played a Jag during the Smiths era. He didn’t really start playing them until Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse lent him his during Marr’s tenure in the band.

[finboyYYC]

Shame he didn’t mention Johnny Marr helping develop the staytrem bridge and collet for trem arm. Johnny also didn’t start musing jags until his time with modest mouse.

[ucielmedina]

I think even the briefest Roland S. Howard mention would have been appropriate during the post-punk segment. Also, as mentioned elsewhere in the comments, Johnny Marr never used a Jag in the Smiths. That came much more recently in his career.

[music_works]

As a kid I saw Modest Mouse play their song "Dashboard" on SNL. Their guitarist at the time was Johnny Marr, and I saw his Jag and thought it was the coolest electric guitar I'd ever seen. A few years later I ended up with a 62' reissue as a birthday present, and its only in the decade after that I've come to learn more about what makes it so special. Truly a great and unique instrument. It's like having a mixing board for a guitar!