Turn Your Guitar Into Cash
Introduction:
Dating a vintage Fender Jazzmaster accurately changes how you value and care for it. Fender’s original Jazzmaster ran from 1958 through the CBS purchase in January 1965 and into the 1966 transition years, and a handful of well-documented changes to the fingerboard, pickguard, and hardware let you place a Jazzmaster within that window precisely.
Step One: Find Your Serial Number
On a vintage Jazzmaster, the serial number is stamped into the neck plate, the metal plate on the back of the body where the neck bolts on. Fender also often penciled a date on the heel of the neck, hidden until the neck is removed; have a qualified technician check this if you want to confirm a date that way. Serial ranges overlap from year to year, so treat the serial as a guide and confirm the year with our Fender serial number lookup.
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Era
Fender used a shared neck-plate numbering system across models, so a Jazzmaster’s serial falls into the same ranges as Stratocasters and Telecasters from the same year.
Step Three: Verify with Physical Features
Serial numbers overlap enough on the Jazzmaster that physical features are essential for confirming the year. Different eras have distinct, well-documented details.
Step Four: Determine Value
After dating your Fender Jazzmaster, understanding its value depends on several factors:
Originality of the pickguard, pickups, tremolo, and neck
Whether the fingerboard is slab or veneer for its era
Overall condition, including headstock and neck repairs
Finish, since a genuine factory custom color is worth significantly more than standard sunburst
Market demand for that specific year and finish
Most Valuable Eras:
1958 to 1965 pre-CBS Jazzmasters, especially with a documented factory custom color
Early 1965 examples made just before the January CBS purchase
Slab-board examples from 1959 to mid-1962
Need Expert Help?
Dating a vintage Jazzmaster can be complex, especially around the mid-1962 board change and the 1965 to 1966 CBS transition. If you are uncertain about your guitar’s exact year, our team can help.
Whether you are looking to:
Get an accurate date for your Jazzmaster
Understand what your vintage Fender is worth
Sell your guitar to a passionate collector
Simply learn more about your instrument’s history
Contact us today for assistance with dating or valuing your Fender Jazzmaster!
Why Choose Us?
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.
Fast & Simple Process
No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Trusted Experts
Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.
What We Buy
Edgewater Guitars purchases instruments in all conditions, from mint collectibles to well-played vintage pieces. While we specialize in vintage and rare guitars, we buy quality instruments from all eras.
How it works
Selling your guitar is EASY
01
01
Tell Us About Your Guitar
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02
Get Your Free Valuation
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Get Paid
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Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions?
Can I sell my guitar without leaving home?
Absolutely. For high-value or rare instruments, we come to you anywhere in Ohio. For other guitars, you can submit photos online and receive a cash offer within hours.
Do you buy guitars in Ohio?
Yes — we buy guitars throughout Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown, Canton, and all surrounding areas. For valuable instruments we also travel to Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia.
What documentation do I need to sell my guitar?
No special documentation is required for most sales. For very valuable vintage instruments, any provenance or ownership history is helpful but not necessary. We handle all the paperwork to make selling easy.
Do you purchase other musical instruments?
While we specialize in guitars and amplifiers, we occasionally purchase other stringed instruments and related gear. Contact us with details of what you're selling.
How does your online appraisal process work?
Our online appraisal process is simple: submit clear photos of your instrument (front, back, headstock, serial number, and any damage), along with details about its history and condition. Our experts will evaluate the information and provide a fair market offer within 24-48 hours.
Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?
No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.
Selling Options
Multiple Ways To Sell
Sell Online
Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.
Sell By Phone
Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.
In-Person Evaluation
Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.
Whether you're selling a prized vintage instrument or simply clearing space, we make the process easy, fair, and rewarding.