These new Fender Traditional Late 60s Jazzmaster are the latest 2023 exclusive models for the Japanese market. Each one is a take on the classic ‘blocks and binding’ style of the CBS-era late 1960s offset guitar models.
Traditional Late 60s Jazzmaster
Fender Japan has been super busy the last week or so. The new Traditional Late 60s Jazzmaster models are the newest offset models and are a modern recreation of the ‘blocks and binding’ late 1960s era Jazzmaster.
We have already seen the Junior Collection Jazzmaster and the ’60s Traditional Competition Stripe models, which included a Jazzmaster. Showing that the Japanese market loves a good offset guitar.
The late ’60s
The blocks and binding refer to the fret markers and bound necks, all of which are hallmarks of the late 1960s originals and a feature that carried on through into the 1970s.
Each of these new reissues features a gloss-finished basswood body and a U-shape maple neck, fitted with 21 vintage-style frets, and a 9.5-inch radius rosewood fretboard.
They are available in two great finishes, the classic 3-Color Sunburst and a cool-looking Ice Blue Metallic. The latter has a matching painted headstock.
Both versions come with a tortoiseshell pickguard and a set of Witch Hat control knobs, that are era correct.
Limited Run
These models are a limited run for 2023 and exclusive to the Japanese market. They come fitted with a set of Fender Vintage-Style Single-Coil Jazzmaster pickups and have the classic control layout, including the Rhythm Circuit on the top of the pickguard.
Hardware includes a traditional Jazzmaster six-saddle floating bridge and tremolo system. Perfect for smooth warbles and dives.
Blocks & Binding
I think both models look fantastic and I’m really hoping a few of them escape over into the EU and the USA.
Having owned an original 1969 Fender Jazzmaster myself in the past, I’m a huge fan of the blocks and binding aesthetic. If you own a Fender Jazzmaster and would like some tips on how to set them up, you may enjoy this article on how to set up a Jazzmaster trem system.
MSRP – ¥ 148,500 inc gig bag
