This Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster in Sonic Blue delivers the distinctive offset styling, wide single-coil response and floating vibrato that made the Jazzmaster a favourite with indie, alternative, surf and experimental guitarists.

This particular guitar has been modified with a tortoiseshell pickguard replacing the original white pickguard, while the traditional upper rhythm circuit has been removed. The remaining lead circuit provides the straightforward volume, tone and 3-way pickup switching needed for the guitar's main neck, bridge and combined pickup sounds.

Presented in Good Condition, it shows noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with previous use while remaining a characterful player's Jazzmaster. No case is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Squier
Series	Vintage Modified
Model	Jazzmaster
Finish	Sonic Blue
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition
Body	Basswood
Pickup Configuration	SS
Pickguard	Tortoiseshell – Replacement
Rhythm Circuit	Removed
Main Controls	Volume, Tone & 3-Way Pickup Selector
Bridge	Vintage-Style Floating Vibrato
Included	Guitar Only – No Case
Main Appeal	Affordable offset with genuine Jazzmaster-style pickups and vibrato
Best For	Indie, alternative, surf, garage, shoegaze and experimental music

Condition Overview

Good Condition – Modified

This Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster is presented in Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Good Condition means the guitar shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains functional as a playable instrument.

This guitar has also undergone two notable modifications from its original factory specification:

• The original white pickguard has been replaced with a tortoiseshell pickguard
• The original upper rhythm circuit has been removed

These alterations should be considered part of the guitar's current specification.

What's Included?

✔ Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Sonic Blue

✘ No Case Included
✘ Original Pickguard Not Included
✘ Rhythm Circuit Components Not Included
✘ No Tremolo Arm Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Modification Overview

Tortoiseshell Pickguard

The Sonic Blue Vintage Modified Jazzmaster was originally produced with a white pickguard.

This guitar now features a tortoiseshell replacement pickguard, giving the Sonic Blue finish a noticeably different appearance and a more traditional offset-style colour combination.

Rhythm Circuit Removed

A factory-standard Vintage Modified Jazzmaster includes Fender's traditional dual-circuit layout.

The upper section normally provides a dedicated neck-pickup rhythm circuit with separate thumbwheel volume and tone controls.

On this guitar, that rhythm circuit has been removed.

The guitar therefore operates through its main lead circuit rather than offering the additional darker rhythm setting found on a standard Jazzmaster.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Squier Jazzmaster has been assessed for general operation and playability.

Checks include:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way pickup selector
• Main volume control
• Main tone control
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Fingerboard
• Frets
• Tuning machines
• Bridge
• Floating vibrato
• General hardware
• General playability

The removal of the rhythm circuit is clearly identified as a modification rather than being represented as standard factory specification.

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Vibrato operation
• Hardware
• General playing feel

Jazzmaster-style floating bridges and vibrato systems can be particularly sensitive to string gauge and setup, so the preferred setup may vary according to the player's technique and string choice.

What Makes The Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special?

The Vintage Modified Jazzmaster became popular because it offered a remarkably authentic version of Fender's offset formula at an accessible price. Unlike many Jazzmaster-shaped guitars that use conventional humbuckers or Strat-style tremolos, this model came with proper wide-format Jazzmaster single coils, a floating bridge and the traditional offset vibrato layout.

This example has been simplified electronically through the removal of the rhythm circuit, leaving the main pickup sounds more immediately accessible. Combined with the replacement tortoiseshell pickguard, it has developed its own identity while retaining the fundamental construction and sound of the Vintage Modified platform.

Key Features & Benefits

Jazzmaster-Style Single-Coil Pickups

The Vintage Modified model was factory-equipped with Duncan Designed JM-101 Jazzmaster single coils.

Unlike narrow Stratocaster pickups, Jazzmaster pickups use a wider, flatter coil format that contributes to their broad, clear and open response.

Basswood Body

The offset body is constructed from basswood, keeping the instrument relatively straightforward while preserving the large Jazzmaster body shape and comfortable contours.

Maple C-Shape Neck

A maple neck with a familiar C profile provides an accessible feel suitable for both chord work and lead playing.

9.5" Fingerboard Radius

The 9.5" radius is flatter than the 7.25" radius associated with many vintage Fender offsets, giving the guitar a more forgiving feel for string bending and contemporary playing.

21 Medium-Jumbo Frets

Medium-jumbo fretwire provides a more substantial playing surface than strict vintage-style frets.

Floating Vibrato

The vintage-style offset vibrato system allows smooth pitch movement and the distinctive subtle shimmer closely associated with Jazzmasters and Jaguars.

Current Control Layout

With the original rhythm circuit removed, this guitar uses the main lead controls:

• Master Volume
• Master Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

The selector provides:

1. Bridge pickup
2. Bridge + neck pickups
3. Neck pickup

This makes the electronics simpler than a standard Jazzmaster while retaining its three core pickup sounds.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Vintage Modified Jazzmaster vs Classic Vibe Jazzmaster

The later Classic Vibe series takes a somewhat more vintage-focused approach to styling and specification. The Vintage Modified model uses its own Duncan Designed pickup set and 9.5" radius, giving it a slightly more contemporary playing feel.

Jazzmaster vs Stratocaster

A Stratocaster generally sounds tighter and more focused, while a Jazzmaster's wider pickups provide a broader, more open response. The offset vibrato also behaves very differently from a conventional Stratocaster tremolo.

Modified Jazzmaster vs Standard Jazzmaster

A standard Jazzmaster includes separate lead and rhythm circuits. With the rhythm circuit removed, this guitar offers a simpler control layout but loses the darker neck-pickup preset associated with the traditional design.

Who Is It For?

Indie guitarists – The Jazzmaster has become one of the defining guitars of indie and alternative music.

Shoegaze players – Floating vibrato and broad single-coil tones work particularly well with reverb, fuzz and delay.

Alternative musicians – The distinctive offset response provides an excellent foundation for unconventional effects rigs.

Surf players – Bright pickups and smooth vibrato naturally suit traditional surf-style guitar work.

Players who prefer simpler controls – Removal of the rhythm circuit means there is less switching to navigate than on a standard Jazzmaster.

Mod-friendly guitarists – Vintage Modified offsets have long been popular platforms for further pickup, bridge and electronics experimentation.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Indie
• Alternative
• Shoegaze
• Surf
• Garage rock
• Punk
• Psychedelic rock
• Post-rock
• Dream pop
• Grunge
• Experimental music
• Ambient guitar
• Studio recording
• Pedal-heavy rigs
• Live performance

Why Choose A Jazzmaster?

A Jazzmaster feels and responds very differently from more conventional Fender-style guitars.

Its wide single-coil pickups provide excellent clarity but with a broader tonal footprint than typical Stratocaster pickups, while the floating vibrato allows subtle pitch movement without requiring the bridge design used on a Strat.

The large offset body also sits comfortably against the player when seated, making the format particularly appealing for songwriting and studio work.

For players who use fuzz, delay, reverb and modulation heavily, a Jazzmaster can provide an especially effective starting point.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Squier
Series	Vintage Modified
Model	Jazzmaster
Finish	Sonic Blue
Body Shape	Jazzmaster
Body Material	Basswood
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Profile	C Shape
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241mm
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Nut Width	1.650" / 42mm
Position Inlays	Dot
Pickup Configuration	SS
Factory Neck Pickup	Duncan Designed JM-101N Jazzmaster Single Coil
Factory Bridge Pickup	Duncan Designed JM-101B Jazzmaster Single Coil
Pickup Magnets	Alnico 5
Current Controls	Main Volume, Main Tone
Pickup Switching	3-Way Toggle
Factory Rhythm Circuit	Removed
Bridge	6-Saddle Vintage-Style Adjustable Bridge
Vibrato	Non-Locking Floating Offset Vibrato
Tuning Machines	Vintage-Style
Current Pickguard	Tortoiseshell Replacement
Factory Sonic Blue Pickguard	White
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Included	No Case
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good Condition

Fingerboard Specification Note

Vintage Modified Jazzmasters were produced across several years.

Earlier examples used rosewood fingerboards, while later production transitioned to Indian laurel.

Without a serial number or production year, no unsupported claim is made regarding the precise fingerboard material on this individual guitar.

Pickup Specification Note

The factory specification for the Vintage Modified Jazzmaster uses:

• Duncan Designed JM-101N neck pickup
• Duncan Designed JM-101B bridge pickup

No pickup modification has been identified for this individual guitar, but the description does not make an unsupported claim regarding component originality beyond the known factory specification.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Jazzmaster-style pickups and remaining lead electronics are passive.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 4/5

This Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster in Sonic Blue is an appealing player's offset with a couple of significant but straightforward modifications.

The tortoiseshell pickguard gives it a strong visual contrast against the Sonic Blue body, while removal of the rhythm circuit simplifies the controls to the main volume, tone and pickup selector.

It is worth emphasising that the missing rhythm circuit means this guitar does not offer every sound or control option found on an original-spec Vintage Modified Jazzmaster.

Presented in Good Condition and with no case included, it makes particular sense for an indie, alternative, shoegaze or experimental player who values the core Jazzmaster sound and vibrato system over strict factory originality.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Modified guitars should be described as individual instruments rather than simply copied from factory specification.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, with significant alterations clearly identified so the next owner understands exactly what they are buying.

On this Jazzmaster, both the replacement tortoiseshell pickguard and removed rhythm circuit are disclosed prominently.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Fender, Squier and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Modifications clearly disclosed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Squier.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Squier Jazzmaster in?

It is presented in Good Condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear while remaining a playable instrument.

Is the tortoiseshell pickguard original?

No. The tortoiseshell pickguard is a replacement.

What colour pickguard did the Sonic Blue model originally have?

The Sonic Blue Vintage Modified Jazzmaster was originally supplied with a white pickguard.

Has the electronics system been modified?

Yes. The upper rhythm circuit has been removed.

What does the Jazzmaster rhythm circuit normally do?

The original rhythm circuit provides a separate neck-pickup-only setting with its own volume and tone controls and a darker overall sound.

Can I still use both pickups?

Yes. The remaining main circuit provides neck, bridge and combined neck-and-bridge pickup settings through the 3-way selector.

What controls remain?

The guitar uses the main volume, tone and 3-way pickup selector.

What pickups were these guitars originally fitted with?

The factory specification uses Duncan Designed JM-101N and JM-101B Jazzmaster single-coil pickups.

Are Jazzmaster pickups the same as P-90s?

No. Although both use wide pickup covers, Jazzmaster pickups have a different internal construction and tonal response from P-90s.

What body wood does it use?

The Vintage Modified Jazzmaster uses a basswood body.

What is the neck shape?

It has a C-shaped maple neck.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The radius is 9.5".

How many frets does it have?

It has 21 medium-jumbo frets.

Does it have a floating vibrato?

Yes. It uses a vintage-style non-locking floating Jazzmaster vibrato system.

Is it suitable for shoegaze?

Yes. Jazzmasters are particularly popular for shoegaze thanks to their wide single-coil response, floating vibrato and ability to work well with fuzz, reverb and delay.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are passive.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case is included.

Are the original rhythm-circuit parts included?

No rhythm-circuit components have been listed as included.

Can the rhythm circuit potentially be restored?

Potentially, yes, although the required parts and any wiring work would need to be assessed by a qualified guitar technician.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for this guitar if you would like to see the modifications and hear the current pickup switching before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.