Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster - Electric Guitar
The pure essence of offset sound, reconstructed with surgical historical precision.
This Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster isn't just a reissue; it's a journey back in time. Featuring a select alder body, a 1966 "C" shaped neck with binding, and Pure Vintage '66 pickups, it delivers the distinctive "clank" and harmonic depth that defined surf rock and indie music. An exceptional instrument for the discerning musician who refuses to compromise on vintage tone.
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The Authority of Offset: Why the 1966 Jazzmaster is Essential
For the serious guitarist, the 1966 Jazzmaster represents the aesthetic and functional pinnacle of the early CBS era. Where modern models attempt to simplify the electronics, the American Vintage II embraces the complexity that defines this instrument. The independent Lead/Rhythm circuit is not a gimmick: it's your secret weapon for switching from a smooth, jazzy rhythm to a razor-sharp lead with a single click of a switch. Its 7.25" radius fingerboard and Vintage Tall frets correct the "choking" problem of older models while maintaining authentic comfort for complex chords.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Finish
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Body material | Alder |
| Body finish | Glossy Nitrocellulose Varnish (Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer) |
| Body shape | Jazzmaster® Offset |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Handle profile | 1966 "C" |
| Handle construction | Standard 4-bolt with "F" logo |
| Handle finish | Glossy Nitrocellulose Varnish |
| Key material | Bound Round-Laminated Rosewood |
| Radius of the key | 7.25" (184.1 mm) |
| Number of frets | 21 |
| Fret size | Vintage Tall |
| Key markers | Pearloid Blocks |
| Touchdown net | White (White Binding) |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.650" (42 mm) |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Bridge Microphone | Pure Vintage '66 Single-Coil Jazzmaster® |
| Micro Neck | Pure Vintage '66 Single-Coil Jazzmaster® |
| Configuration | SS |
| Lead Selector | Toggle 3 positions: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck |
| Rhythm Circuit | Slide switch (up): 2 thumbwheel potentiometers (volume/tone) for the neck pickup |
| Easel | Pure Vintage Jazzmaster with threaded steel barrel saddles |
| Tailpiece | Floating Tremolo with locking button and push-in arm |
| Mechanics | Pure Vintage Single Line "Fender Deluxe" |
| Deck hardware | Nickel/Chrome |
| Buttons | "Witch Hat" Whites |
Comparative Analysis: The High-End Offsets Market
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, Gearspace and Piano World.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis (Strengths / Weaknesses) | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster | Modern / Professional | + Panorama bridge, 9.5" radius", satin neck. - Less vintage character, more compressed V-Mod II pickups. | Available here |
| Fender Vintera II 60s JM | Mid-range | + Affordable vintage look. - Polyester finish (not Nitro), pickups less defined than the Pure Vintage. | Available here |
| Squier Classic Vibe 60s JM | Entry-level | + Unbeatable value for money. - Basic electronics, less resonant woods, often requires a bridge upgrade. | Available here |
| Nashguitars JM-63 | Shop / Relic | + Exceptional playability, Lollar pickups. - Higher price, imposed "worn" aesthetic, not an exact historical reissue. | Product not listed |
| Heritage H-525 | Jazz / Hollowbody | + Handcrafted construction in Kalamazoo. - Completely different format, no vibrato offset system. | Product not listed |
| Fender Custom Shop '62 JM | Ultra-Luxury | + AAA wood selection, ultra-detailed finishes. - Prohibitively expensive for many, specs often very close to the AV II. | Available here |
| Reverend Jetstream 390 | Modern Alternative | + Superior tuning stability (graphite nut). - P-90 sound different from the wide Jazzmaster sound, non-traditional aesthetic. | Product not listed |
| Bilt Revelator | Custom Shop | + Unique design, effects integration possible. - Long order lead times, uncertain resale value. | Product not listed |
| Fender Am. Vintage II '61 Strat | Classic | + Iconic crystalline sound. - Less electronic versatility, not the same "airy" sustain as the Offset. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Jazzmaster | Standard | + Humbucker pickups (on some versions), simplified bridge. - Betrayal of the original concept for some purists. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Launched in 1958 as Fender's flagship model, the Jazzmaster was designed to appeal to jazz musicians. It was in 1966 that the model received its most iconic visual updates: the addition of fretboard binding and pearloid blocks , marking the luxurious aesthetic of the CBS era. The American Vintage II 1966 captures this precise moment when the Jazzmaster became a visual icon, just before the design was simplified in the 1970s.
Cultural References & Artists
The favorite equipment of those who shape sound:
Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) - Loveless (1991) : Utilisation intensive du vibrato pour l'effet "glide guitar".
Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) - Daydream Nation (1988) : Accordages expérimentaux et bruits percutants.
J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) - You're Living All Over Me (1987) : Leads saturés et utilisation du circuit rhythm pour des textures fuzz.
Robert Smith (The Cure) - Three Imaginary Boys (1979) : Sons clairs et chorusés typiques de la New Wave.
Tom Verlaine (Television) - Marquee Moon (1977) : Précision chirurgicale et clarté harmonique.
Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True (1977) : L'image même du songwriter indé avec sa Jazzmaster.
Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) - Humbug (2009) : Transition vers un son plus sombre et texturé.
Nels Cline (Wilco) - Sky Blue Sky (2007) : Maîtrise totale du feedback et de l'expressivité.
Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) - Tournées mondiales : Utilisation de modèles '66 pour leur stabilité.
Ric Ocasek (The Cars) - The Cars (1978) : Accents pop avec une attaque précise.
Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo) - Divers albums : Mur de son et textures improvisées.
Chris Stapleton - Performances Live : Prouve que la Jazzmaster excelle aussi dans le Country/Soul.
Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - OK Computer (1997) : Pour des textures éthérées.
Grant Nicholas (Feeder) - Echo Park (2001) : Puissance Rock alternative.
Troy Van Leeuwen (QOTSA) - Lullabies to Paralyze (2005) : Sombre, riche et élégant.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the advantage of a 7.25" touch radius?
This more rounded radius follows the natural curve of the hand, greatly facilitating chord playing and barre chords. To prevent note muting during bends, Fender has equipped this model with Vintage Tall frets, offering the best of both worlds: classic feel and modern performance.
Are the Pure Vintage '66 pickups sensitive to background noise?
Like all authentic single-coil pickups, they can pick up RF interference. However, the wide, flat "pancake" design of the Jazzmaster coils offers a broader frequency response. At Garage à Musique , we recommend using high-quality shielded cables to minimize any potential ground loops .
What are the thumbwheels on top for?
They activate the "Rhythm" circuit. This circuit uses a different capacitor for a darker, woodier sound, ideal for jazz or for taming an aggressive fuzz pedal. It's like having two distinct tone presets at your fingertips.
Does the floating vibrato hold the tuning?
Yes, if it's adjusted by an expert. The system is designed to work with the original threaded bridge saddles. The key lies in minimizing friction at the bone nut. Our technicians at Garage à Musique ensure that each unit is optimized for exceptional stability.
What is the difference between Nitrocellulose varnish and Polyurethane varnish?
Nitrocellulose is a thin varnish that allows the wood to "breathe" and vibrate more freely. Over time, it develops a unique patina, unlike the rigid plastic of poly, which increases the instrument's collectability.
Is this Jazzmaster suitable for metal?
While surprising, its clean input gain and definition allow for sculpting highly saturated tones with a precision that humbuckers lack. Jim Root (Slipknot) even popularized this body for extreme metal genres.
Is the handle very large (1966 C profile)?
It's a very comfortable medium-thin profile. It doesn't have the heaviness of the "U" sleeves of the 50s, which reduces fatigue during long sessions.
Why does the trestle have threaded bridges?
The threads allow for millimeter-precise adjustment of string spacing, ensuring perfect alignment above the pickup pole pieces for balanced gain output.
Is the included case of good quality?
Absolutely. It comes with a black "Vintage-Style" hard case with an orange interior, offering maximum protection against shocks and humidity variations, crucial to Quebec's climate.
Why buy my Fender from Garage à Musique?
As a local authority, we conduct a rigorous inspection on every instrument. Buying from us means supporting passionate expertise here in Canada, while benefiting from after-sales service that truly understands the soul of vintage instruments.
The Authority of Offset: Why the 1966 Jazzmaster is Essential
For the serious guitarist, the 1966 Jazzmaster represents the aesthetic and functional pinnacle of the early CBS era. Where modern models attempt to simplify the electronics, the American Vintage II embraces the complexity that defines this instrument. The independent Lead/Rhythm circuit is not a gimmick: it's your secret weapon for switching from a smooth, jazzy rhythm to a razor-sharp lead with a single click of a switch. Its 7.25" radius fingerboard and Vintage Tall frets correct the "choking" problem of older models while maintaining authentic comfort for complex chords.
Full Technical Specifications
Body & Finish
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Body material | Alder |
| Body finish | Glossy Nitrocellulose Varnish (Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer) |
| Body shape | Jazzmaster® Offset |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Handle material | Maple |
| Handle profile | 1966 "C" |
| Handle construction | Standard 4-bolt with "F" logo |
| Handle finish | Glossy Nitrocellulose Varnish |
| Key material | Bound Round-Laminated Rosewood |
| Radius of the key | 7.25" (184.1 mm) |
| Number of frets | 21 |
| Fret size | Vintage Tall |
| Key markers | Pearloid Blocks |
| Touchdown net | White (White Binding) |
| Nut | Bone |
| Nut width | 1.650" (42 mm) |
| Tuning fork | 25.5" (648 mm) |
Electronics & Marine Hardware
| Characteristic | Technical Details |
| Bridge Microphone | Pure Vintage '66 Single-Coil Jazzmaster® |
| Micro Neck | Pure Vintage '66 Single-Coil Jazzmaster® |
| Configuration | SS |
| Lead Selector | Toggle 3 positions: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck |
| Rhythm Circuit | Slide switch (up): 2 thumbwheel potentiometers (volume/tone) for the neck pickup |
| Easel | Pure Vintage Jazzmaster with threaded steel barrel saddles |
| Tailpiece | Floating Tremolo with locking button and push-in arm |
| Mechanics | Pure Vintage Single Line "Fender Deluxe" |
| Deck hardware | Nickel/Chrome |
| Buttons | "Witch Hat" Whites |
Comparative Analysis: The High-End Offsets Market
Based on consensus from Sound on Sound, Gearspace and Piano World.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis (Strengths / Weaknesses) | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender American Pro II Jazzmaster | Modern / Professional | + Panorama bridge, 9.5" radius", satin neck. - Less vintage character, more compressed V-Mod II pickups. | Available here |
| Fender Vintera II 60s JM | Mid-range | + Affordable vintage look. - Polyester finish (not Nitro), pickups less defined than the Pure Vintage. | Available here |
| Squier Classic Vibe 60s JM | Entry-level | + Unbeatable value for money. - Basic electronics, less resonant woods, often requires a bridge upgrade. | Available here |
| Nashguitars JM-63 | Shop / Relic | + Exceptional playability, Lollar pickups. - Higher price, imposed "worn" aesthetic, not an exact historical reissue. | Product not listed |
| Heritage H-525 | Jazz / Hollowbody | + Handcrafted construction in Kalamazoo. - Completely different format, no vibrato offset system. | Product not listed |
| Fender Custom Shop '62 JM | Ultra-Luxury | + AAA wood selection, ultra-detailed finishes. - Prohibitively expensive for many, specs often very close to the AV II. | Available here |
| Reverend Jetstream 390 | Modern Alternative | + Superior tuning stability (graphite nut). - P-90 sound different from the wide Jazzmaster sound, non-traditional aesthetic. | Product not listed |
| Bilt Revelator | Custom Shop | + Unique design, effects integration possible. - Long order lead times, uncertain resale value. | Product not listed |
| Fender Am. Vintage II '61 Strat | Classic | + Iconic crystalline sound. - Less electronic versatility, not the same "airy" sustain as the Offset. | Available here |
| Fender Player II Jazzmaster | Standard | + Humbucker pickups (on some versions), simplified bridge. - Betrayal of the original concept for some purists. | Available here |
History & Evolution
Launched in 1958 as Fender's flagship model, the Jazzmaster was designed to appeal to jazz musicians. It was in 1966 that the model received its most iconic visual updates: the addition of fretboard binding and pearloid blocks , marking the luxurious aesthetic of the CBS era. The American Vintage II 1966 captures this precise moment when the Jazzmaster became a visual icon, just before the design was simplified in the 1970s.
Cultural References & Artists
The favorite equipment of those who shape sound:
Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) - Loveless (1991) : Utilisation intensive du vibrato pour l'effet "glide guitar".
Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) - Daydream Nation (1988) : Accordages expérimentaux et bruits percutants.
J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) - You're Living All Over Me (1987) : Leads saturés et utilisation du circuit rhythm pour des textures fuzz.
Robert Smith (The Cure) - Three Imaginary Boys (1979) : Sons clairs et chorusés typiques de la New Wave.
Tom Verlaine (Television) - Marquee Moon (1977) : Précision chirurgicale et clarté harmonique.
Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True (1977) : L'image même du songwriter indé avec sa Jazzmaster.
Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) - Humbug (2009) : Transition vers un son plus sombre et texturé.
Nels Cline (Wilco) - Sky Blue Sky (2007) : Maîtrise totale du feedback et de l'expressivité.
Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) - Tournées mondiales : Utilisation de modèles '66 pour leur stabilité.
Ric Ocasek (The Cars) - The Cars (1978) : Accents pop avec une attaque précise.
Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo) - Divers albums : Mur de son et textures improvisées.
Chris Stapleton - Performances Live : Prouve que la Jazzmaster excelle aussi dans le Country/Soul.
Thom Yorke (Radiohead) - OK Computer (1997) : Pour des textures éthérées.
Grant Nicholas (Feeder) - Echo Park (2001) : Puissance Rock alternative.
Troy Van Leeuwen (QOTSA) - Lullabies to Paralyze (2005) : Sombre, riche et élégant.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the advantage of a 7.25" touch radius?
This more rounded radius follows the natural curve of the hand, greatly facilitating chord playing and barre chords. To prevent note muting during bends, Fender has equipped this model with Vintage Tall frets, offering the best of both worlds: classic feel and modern performance.
Are the Pure Vintage '66 pickups sensitive to background noise?
Like all authentic single-coil pickups, they can pick up RF interference. However, the wide, flat "pancake" design of the Jazzmaster coils offers a broader frequency response. At Garage à Musique , we recommend using high-quality shielded cables to minimize any potential ground loops .
What are the thumbwheels on top for?
They activate the "Rhythm" circuit. This circuit uses a different capacitor for a darker, woodier sound, ideal for jazz or for taming an aggressive fuzz pedal. It's like having two distinct tone presets at your fingertips.
Does the floating vibrato hold the tuning?
Yes, if it's adjusted by an expert. The system is designed to work with the original threaded bridge saddles. The key lies in minimizing friction at the bone nut. Our technicians at Garage à Musique ensure that each unit is optimized for exceptional stability.
What is the difference between Nitrocellulose varnish and Polyurethane varnish?
Nitrocellulose is a thin varnish that allows the wood to "breathe" and vibrate more freely. Over time, it develops a unique patina, unlike the rigid plastic of poly, which increases the instrument's collectability.
Is this Jazzmaster suitable for metal?
While surprising, its clean input gain and definition allow for sculpting highly saturated tones with a precision that humbuckers lack. Jim Root (Slipknot) even popularized this body for extreme metal genres.
Is the handle very large (1966 C profile)?
It's a very comfortable medium-thin profile. It doesn't have the heaviness of the "U" sleeves of the 50s, which reduces fatigue during long sessions.
Why does the trestle have threaded bridges?
The threads allow for millimeter-precise adjustment of string spacing, ensuring perfect alignment above the pickup pole pieces for balanced gain output.
Is the included case of good quality?
Absolutely. It comes with a black "Vintage-Style" hard case with an orange interior, offering maximum protection against shocks and humidity variations, crucial to Quebec's climate.
Why buy my Fender from Garage à Musique?
As a local authority, we conduct a rigorous inspection on every instrument. Buying from us means supporting passionate expertise here in Canada, while benefiting from after-sales service that truly understands the soul of vintage instruments.