Fender Custom Shop 1963 Jazzmaster Heavy Relic Desert Sunset Truetone Color Set

Designed expressly for jazzers (but adopted by surfers) and introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster combined refined looks with a warm, mellifluous voice and new tremolo system. It evolved over the years, but the 1963 model has become a favorite for many - that's what we went for with this Custom Shop recreation, but with a few twists for modern players.

The two-piece alder body sports the iconic offset curves designed for guitarists who usually played seated, and also wears a Heavy Relic lacquer finish, giving it the look and feel of a guitar that’s endured serious use over decades, but stood the test of time and only got cooler with age.   The Custom Shop really went to town on this one, creating a great example of what a Heavy Relic should be.  We were honestly blown away when we opened the case for the first time - not only did they nail it, the result was even more stunning than we expected.  Due to how Desert Sunset is created, this guitar ended up looking like a color over color finish treatment.  It's simply unreal.  The guitar has the appearance of a vintage Jazzmaster that was played heavily over the years, worn in, and looking better than ever, in a color that you'll never otherwise see.

This '63 Jazzmaster is a testament to the Fender Custom Shop's ability to pull off vintage recreations with modern playability.  It has a two-piece select alder body that is lightweight, a rock solid quartersawn maple neck with a '62 Jazzmaster neck shape, dark rosewood fretboard, and all of the correct vintage hardware.   We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.

 

One thing that really stands out is the  RSD J-Bridge for better stability, with brass saddles for extra warmth.  Most players would agree that this bridge that the Custom Shop developed is a remarkable improvement over the old school Jazzmaster bridge.  We love it so much that we put it on almost every Custom Shop Jazzmaster we do.  

For the pickups, we kept it real, going with the base model Custom Shop Jazzmaster pickup set.  These recreate the sound of a classic 60's Jazzmaster, using Alnico 5 magnets and a vintage stagger, with strong output and a nice, even response across the tonal spectrum.   Tied together with ultra-flexible, vintage-style Jazzmaster wiring—including the famous “lead/rhythm” circuit, complete with thumbwheel controls—the vintage styled Jazzmaster single-coil pickups sound mellow and fat; the model’s calling card.  But don't be mistaken, this guitar can definitely rock, as plenty of players have shown with Jazzmasters.

Other features include vintage tuning machines, bone nut and 3-ply Parchment pickguard. Also includes a Custom Shop hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is a special Jazzmaster, as part of a Truetone-exclusive color set in Desert Sunset.  Come to Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to have it shipped to your home.