Just in from the family of the original owner (photos included), this "L-series" 1965 Fender Jazzmaster was purchased new in Northern Ontario in 1966 and has resided in the province ever since. Having seen only light use over the last six decades, this mid-'60s Jazzmaster is a beautifully preserved example of a golden era Fender instrument.

1965 marked a major turning point for Fender with the sale of the company to Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in January of that year. The "Pre-CBS" days are widely considered to be the golden era of Fender, as many changes were implemented under CBS that most consider to have compromised the quality of Fender instruments.

Built in the early days of 1965, this Jazzmaster features all "pre-CBS" appointments, including an unbound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, Stratocaster-style control knobs, and an "L" series serial number. While technically being built after the sale of the company, many would consider this to be a "Pre-CBS" Fender Jazzmaster, thanks to its collection of earlier features.

An exceptionally clean example of a mid-'60s Fender guitar, this 1965 Jazzmaster presents beautifully with its stunning and largely unfaded three-tone-sunburst finish. While this guitar originated in Northern Ontario - an area of the country notorious for cold winter temperatures - the instrument's finish is almost entirely devoid of crazing. The body shows light playwear, including minor dents throughout. Small visible dents are present at the top's bass-side waist and arm bevel, along with surface level buckle rash on the back's bass-side lower bout. The neck finish is in very good condition overall, with only light wear on the treble side at the first position. A chip in the "Jazzmaster" text on the original headstock decal is the guitar's only notable cosmetic flaw.

Brought to us in entirely original condition, this 1965 Jazzmaster required some typical servicing to be in good working order. Our repair team refretted the neck and replaced the nut to ensure excellent playability. The guitar's bridge pickup was non-functional upon arrival at our shop and was subsequently sent to Tom Brantley to be rewound. All electronics and hardware remain original.

A current shop favourite, this '65 Jazzmaster is a fantastic-sounding vintage Fender. The pair of original pickups are truly remarkable, offering excellent articulation and definition supported by rich low-mids. There isn't a bad sound among the array of knobs and switches. The soft v-neck carve feels incredibly natural in the hand, and playability is excellent across the fingerboard.

All in all, this '65 Jazzmaster checks all the boxes in terms of playability, tone, and collectability.

Scale length of 25.5", nut width of 1-5.8", 1st fret depth of 0.798", and 12th fret depth of 0.967". Pickup DC values of 7.4K in the neck and 8.4K in the bridge. Weight of 8.0lbs

With original hardshell case and strap.