1961 Fender Jazzmaster – Two-Owner – MINTY

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this exceptional 1961 Fender Jazzmaster.

Purchased new in 1961 at Portman's Music in Savannah, Georgia by a young Army private, this Jazzmaster was taken to Germany shortly thereafter when its original owner was stationed there. Upon his return to the United States in 1963, the guitar saw occasional use at home but spent the vast majority of its life carefully stored in a closet. In 2023, it was purchased directly from a relative of the original owner. The guitar has had just two owners from new.

Remarkably well preserved, this Jazzmaster exhibits exceptionally little wear for its age, with a vibrant 3-tone sunburst finish and an unusually clean overall appearance. The original neck carries a 10/61 date and the neck joint showed every indication of having remained undisturbed until its inspection for this listing.

In the interest of preservation, the original pickguard has not been removed. Given the guitar's documented two-owner provenance, exceptional condition, and overall originality, we have every reason to believe the components beneath the pickguard remain original as well. The pickguard has been left undisturbed to avoid the potential damage associated with removing an aged celluloid guard.

The guitar retains its original brown Tolex case, tremolo arm, bridge cover, hang tags, leather strap, and instrument cable.

Specifications

All components original

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Jazzmaster
• Year of manufacture: 1961
• Serial Number: 67312

Body

• Material: Alder
• Finish: Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 7lb 9oz

Neck

• Date: 10/61
• Material & Construction: Maple, bolt-on
• Fingerboard: Rosewood slab
• Profile shape: Medium C
• Radius: 7.25"
• Nut Width: 1.66"
• Depth: .80" (1st), .98" (12th)
• Inlays: Clay dots
• Frets: Original narrow guage
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe, single-line

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: Floating tremolo
• Pickguard: 3-ply tortoiseshell
• Knobs: Classic skirted (lead circuit); knurled thumbwheels (rhythm circuit)

Electronics

Because early celluloid tortoise-shell pickguards are known to shrink, we have not removed the 'guard from this Jazzmaster.

• Pickups: Jazzmaster single-coils
• Potentiometers: Presumed original, likely Stackpole
• Wiring: Presumed original cloth-bound
• Switch: Presumed original CRL 3-way

Condition: Minty

• Excellent+ cosmetic condition with well below-average wear and a vibrant 3-tone sunburst
• Excellent structural condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs
• Comes with original hardshell case, tremolo arm, bridge cover, leather strap, instrument cable, and hang tags