1962 Fender Jaguar - Dakota Red

Serial Number 73776

The Jaguar debuted in 1962 as Fender's top electric guitar model. It had an off-set body shape continuing the look of 1958’s Jazzmaster, along with new features, such as a 24” scale 22 fret neck, and tall narrow pickups with metal surround to decrease noise. The shorter scale and high output pickups were meant to attract guitarists used to Gibsons.  Other novel elements included were On/Off switches for both pickups and tone circuits, a lead rhythm selector switch, separate volume and tone controls for both lead and rhythm, and a foam string mute attached to the bridge. While Jaguars never became accepted by Gibson players, they did briefly become the guitar of choice for Surf guitarists of the mid ‘60s. After being discontinued in 1975, Jaguars eventually found a niche in the hands of players of alternative rock.