There are various guitarists who need a Fender that appears to be like classic however performs extra fashionable. To string that needle, the American Skilled Basic collection goals to offer gamers what they need – old-school finishes and appointments, however with modern tweaks. Amongst them are a Jazzmaster and Jaguar.

Heroes of Fender’s offset-body revolution of the late Fifties and early ’60s, each maintain conventional appearances however simplify the controls; there aren’t any thumbwheels and the Jag will get only one on/off swap. The Jazzmaster has a standard alder physique, 25.5″ scale, one-piece pickguard, and floating Mustang-style vibrato bridge with trem-lock. Tweaks embody a Fashionable C-shaped maple neck that’s full and quick, and rosewood board with 9.5″ radius and 22 frets. The pickups are Shoreline ’65 Jazzmaster, which have stronger output than classic spec, and ClassicGear tuners for fast string modifications. One other mod is the passive Greasebucket tone circuit, which offers mud-free readability and preserves bass frequencies if you roll off treble.

The American Skilled Basic Jaguar has related specs, however a 24″ scale and three-piece pickguard array, together with Shoreline ’65 Jaguar pickups and a “strangle swap” to chop bass for a treble-only assault.

In hand, each are enjoyable, quick-playing planks with a fuller neck carve and loads of tone, chew, and fret-bending ease. The one debit is the Jaguar’s overt girth, which logs in round 9 kilos – within the territory of a ’70s Les Paul Customized. Chiropractors, take word.

Total, although, the American Skilled Classics supply what lots of gamers need – classic vibe with fashionable delicate tweaks and closer-to-earth costs. Positive, its nonetheless actual cash, however if you happen to love pre-CBS finishes, these enjoyable Fenders will get you there. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s February 2026 subject. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.