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1959 Fender Jazzmaster: The Dawn of an Offset Revolution
Why the 1959 Jazzmaster Matters
The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar innovation—the second production year of Leo Fender's most ambitious instrument design to date. Released in 1958 at a premium price point of $329, the Jazzmaster was explicitly marketed as Fender's top-of-the-line model. This flagship instrument was Fender's first offset-waist guitar, featuring a revolutionary floating tremolo system and versatile electronics that would later influence countless guitarists across multiple genres.
What makes 1959 special:
Early production examples with premium materials and exceptional build quality
Hand-wound pickups with unique tonal characteristics
1959 was the specific transitional year between gold anodized aluminum pickguards and tortoiseshell celluloid
Pristine examples of the original offset body design
Built during the pre-CBS era when Leo Fender still owned and oversaw production
The 1959 Sunburst finish has distinct characteristics with purple-black outer edges fading to red then yellow in the center
The foundation of what would become an iconic alternative that continued in production until 1980
Historical Context: Fender's Bold Move Beyond the Stratocaster
In 1959, Fender Musical Instruments was riding high on the success of the Telecaster and Stratocaster, but Leo Fender wasn't content to rest on his laurels. The Jazzmaster emerged as his response to Gibson's dominance in the jazz market, featuring revolutionary innovations:
A completely new offset body design engineered for playing comfort while seated
An innovative "floating" tremolo and bridge system with a separate tailpiece and a locking on/off switch specifically designed to maintain tuning if a string broke
A rhythm circuit allowing players to quickly switch between two distinct tonal settings
Newly designed wide, flat "soapbar" pickups to compete with Gibson's warmer jazz tones
The first mass-produced guitar to feature independent tone and volume controls for each pickup
Despite its name and marketing toward jazz musicians, the Jazzmaster never quite captured the jazz market as intended. However, early adoption by influential jazz players including George Benson, Kenny Burrell, and Wes Montgomery helped establish its credibility. Instrumental bands like the Ventures and the Fireballs further cemented the Jazzmaster's place in guitar history during this era.
What Fender couldn't have predicted was how this "jazz market failure" would later become one of their most beloved models among surf, indie, and alternative guitarists in subsequent decades.
The 1959 Jazzmaster was built at Fender's original factory at 1700 East Valencia Drive in Fullerton, California. This facility was small by modern standards, with much of the craftsmanship done by hand—a key factor in the exceptional quality of these early instruments.
How to Identify a Genuine 1959 Jazzmaster
Serial Numbers
1959 Jazzmasters typically have serial numbers ranging from approximately 30000 to 40000, stamped on the neck plate. However, serial numbers alone aren't definitive—always cross-reference with other dating features.
Neck Date
The most reliable identifier is the pencil-written neck date on the heel of the neck (visible when removed from the body). 1959 necks are typically marked with notations like "2-59" through "12-59" indicating month and year.
Potentiometer Codes
1959 Jazzmasters used Stackpole potentiometers with codes that can be decoded:
First three digits (304) = Stackpole manufacturer code
Next digits (59) = Year of manufacture
Last digits = Week of manufacture
Key Visual Identifiers
Pickguard: Early 1959 models featured gold anodized aluminum pickguards, transitioning to tortoiseshell celluloid pickguards in late 1959.
Neck Binding: None (unlike the later bound Jazzmaster necks)
Logo: "Spaghetti" style Fender logo with "Jazzmaster" underneath in black
Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood with clay dot inlays
Pickup Covers: White ABS plastic with no exposed pole pieces
Knobs: White "Strat-style" knobs for the lead circuit and thumbwheels for the rhythm circuit
Custom Color Identification
Custom color 1959 Jazzmasters often have:
Original undercoat visible in chips or in cavities (typically Desert Sand)
More vibrant, less ambered appearance than resprays
Original lacquer checking patterns that differ from refinishes
Consistent color aging throughout cavity areas and under hardware
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body: Alder (most common) or ash (some blonde finishes)
Neck: One-piece maple with Brazilian rosewood fretboard
Neck Profile: Medium "C" shape, slightly fuller than later CBS-era necks
Nut Width: 1-5/8" (42mm)
Neck Dimensions: 42mm at nut, 52mm at 12th fret; neck depth 19mm at first fret, 23.5mm at 12th fret
String Spacing: 36mm at nut, 56mm at bridge
Scale Length: 25.5" (the standard Fender scale)
Fretboard Radius: 7.25"
Number of Frets: 21 (vintage narrow)
Pickup DC Resistance: Approximately 8.0-8.4K ohms (bridge) and 7.6-8.0K ohms (neck)
Weight: Typically 8.1 lbs (3.66kg), though this varies slightly by example
Bridge: "Floating" tremolo system with Jazzmaster-specific bridge
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe single-line
Tonal Characteristics
The 1959 Jazzmaster offers a sonic palette that stands apart from its Fender siblings:
Pickups: The wide, flat single-coil "soapbar" pickups deliver a warmer, less aggressive tone than Stratocaster pickups
Hum-Cancelling Properties: The pickups are actually mirrored (coil winding and polarity), so when played together, they produce a hum-cancelling effect
Shielding: Features brass-shielded cavities and an aluminum-covered pickguard specifically because the wide single-coils are very sensitive to hum and circuit noise
Bass Response: Enhanced low-end response compared to Stratocasters and Telecasters
Rhythm Circuit: Engaging the rhythm circuit activates the neck pickup with dedicated tone and volume controls, producing a darker, jazzier tone
Lead Circuit: The standard circuit offers traditional Fender clarity with added warmth
Resonance: The offset body design and floating bridge system create distinctive acoustic properties with complex upper harmonics
These unique tonal characteristics made the Jazzmaster less successful with jazz musicians (who continued to prefer Gibson hollow-bodies) but would later become prized in surf music, and decades later, in shoegaze, indie rock, and alternative music genres with notable players including Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, Carl Wilson, and even Jimi Hendrix at various points in their careers.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1959 Jazzmaster, watch for:
Bridge Issues: The original bridge design is prone to string slippage and buzzing, leading many players to replace it with Mustang bridges or aftermarket options
Tremolo Modifications: Many players have modified the tremolo to lock it in place or replaced it entirely
Pickguard Replacements: The gold anodized pickguards often tarnished or were replaced with later tortoiseshell versions
Neck Repairs: Check for headstock breaks, particularly near the truss rod adjustment
Electronics Modifications: Original wiring harnesses were often modified to simplify the controls or add a Gibson-style switching arrangement
Refinishes: Many Jazzmasters were refinished, particularly in the 1960s-1970s when vintage value was not yet established
Authentication Tip: Original 1959 electronics feature cloth-covered wire with a distinct braided shielding and carbon composition resistors—details often overlooked in restorations.
Why Players & Collectors Value the 1959 Jazzmaster
Beyond its collector value, the 1959 Jazzmaster remains coveted for:
Playability: The offset body contours make it extraordinarily comfortable to play seated
Tonal Versatility: The dual-circuit design offers more sonic options than other vintage Fenders
Visual Distinction: The flowing offset curves and unique control layout make it an artistic statement
Historical Significance: The earliest examples of what would become one of Fender's most influential designs
Investment Potential: Early pre-CBS Jazzmasters continue to appreciate as their influence on modern music grows
Selling Your 1959 Jazzmaster
If you own a 1959 Jazzmaster (or any vintage Fender instrument), Edgewater Guitars offers:
Premium Valuations: Typically 30-40% higher than local guitar shops that may not understand the model's true market value
Immediate Cash Offers: No waiting for consignment sales or auctions
Free Authentication: Our experts can help verify originality and condition
Zero-Hassle Process: We handle all logistics, even for high-value instruments
Specialized Knowledge: Our team understands the nuances that make early Jazzmasters particularly valuable
Ready to sell your vintage Jazzmaster? Get your free valuation or call us directly at (440) 219-3607.
Related Resources
Dive deeper into vintage Fender knowledge with our free resources:
Recently Purchased: 1959 Jazzmaster Success Story
We recently acquired this all-original 1959 Jazzmaster in Sunburst with gold anodized pickguard from a collector in Detroit. After authenticating the instrument, we made an immediate cash offer that exceeded the seller's expectations by more than $4,000 compared to quotes from local vintage dealers.
"I'd had the guitar for over 25 years and was hesitant to sell, but Edgewater's knowledge about the instrument and transparent valuation process made me comfortable. Their offer was substantially better than two local shops, and the entire transaction was completed within 48 hours." — Richard M., Detroit
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the 1959 Jazzmaster
The 1959 Fender Jazzmaster represents a fascinating moment in guitar history—a bold design that initially missed its intended market but went on to become one of the most influential electric guitars ever created. Its unique offset body, innovative tremolo system, and distinctive pickups would influence countless players and guitar designers in the decades that followed.
Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. We travel to you for high-value instruments like the 1959 Jazzmaster. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation valuation.
This guide was prepared by the vintage guitar specialists at Edgewater Guitars, drawing on decades of experience authenticating, appraising, and purchasing fine vintage instruments.
