Some might deem Johnny Marr the guitarist “Lord of the Jaguar’s” and we would say that we agree with them. His influence in guitar work and songwriting in pop and rock music has paved the way for so many of us merely attempt to follow in his footsteps. Though he did not latch on to Fender Jaguar’s until midway through his career, we are sure glad he did.
The Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar is a culmination of vintage and modern design. Taking some of the best ideas from multiple eras, this guitar’s playability and versatility is astonishing. To start with the vintage features, we have a custom neck profile that Fender based on Marr’s ’65 Jaguar from his personal collection. A bit more on the chunky “C” side than other guitars from this place in time, it fits perfectly with the rounder, period correct 7.25” fingerboard radius for flawless chord formation and sweeping single notes. A gloss nitro coat allows the guitar to breathe, age, and shine brilliantly with its Metallic KO finish. Its vintage-style tremolo system not only is a classic look, but a texture tool that’s ready to be engaged whenever you need it. And this brings us to where vintage meets modern.
The tremolo arm is slightly taller than what you would find on a true vintage Jag, or its current reissues. When Johnny wants easier access to trem, Johnny gets it. Additionally, a nylon sleeve insert prevents the pesky arm swing that often gets in our own way. A modified Jaguar bridge system with Mustang saddles enhances tuning stability and setting intonation. As far as electronics go, traditional Jaguar guitars can be a bit daunting to some. Marr’s is a bit simpler and extremely useful. Two custom Johnny Marr Bare Knuckle pickups are controlled by a 4-way switch, offering typical Jag sounds, but also providing series and parallel options. If straying from the norm scares you, don’t give up just yet. The upper horn features a universal “bright” switch to keep within tradition, and has a second switch specific to the series/parallel wiring.
This collaboration between artist and guitar manufacturer sets a highly respected industry standard. Pulling inspiration from the past, combining them with applications of the present, the Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar has and will continue to make its mark in the world of guitars long into the future.
Shop more Fender Electric Guitars:
- Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition ’63 Jaguar Journeyman Relic Electric Guitar, Aged Burgundy Mist Metallic
- Fender Gold Foil Jazzmaster Electric Guitar, Ebony Fingerboard, Candy Apple Burst
- Fender Gold Foil Jazzmaster Electric Guitar, Ebony Fingerboard, Shoreline Gold
- 1966 Fender Jaguar Electric Guitar, 3 Color Sunburst, wOHSC & Parker Body Guard – Vintage
- Custom neck profile based on Johnny Marr’s ’65 Jaguar
- Two custom-wound Bare Knuckle Johnny Marr pickups
- 24″ scale length
- Unique wiring capabilities featuring series/parallel options, 2 separate bright switches
- Jaguar bridge with Mustang saddles
- Taller tremolo arm with nylon insert to prevent swinging