FENDER VENTURES LIMITED EDITION JAZZMASTER (JAP. MODELS, NO. 027-8200)

  • Fender Ventures Jazzmaster Electric Guitar
    Fender Ventures Jazzmaster Electric Guitar

Overview

Brand name: 

Product: 

  • electric guitars

Series name: 

Dates of manufacture: 

1996

The FENDER VENTURES LIMITED EDITION JAZZMASTER was a limited edition Fender Japan model that was only available in 1996.

Pickups were two single coils: a Seymour Duncan SJM-1N in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan SJM-1B in the bridge position. Controls were a single volume and tone, with a 3-way pickup selector
The body was a double cut-away Jazzmaster shaped and made from light ash. Pickguard was three ply white pearloid. The maple neck had a satin finish and a 22 fret rosewood fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays and white binding. The 1960's Fender B neck profile was available as an option. Scale length was 25.5 inches.

Finish was black transparent (black burst) with a matching black sunburst. The original recommended retail price was around $1300.

The Ventures Bob Bogle recalled discussions with Fender about his Jazzmaster model:

"When asked for our input on the Jazzmaster, we presented Fender with some changes that we had always wished for. There had always been a pickup switch mounted up high on the body for which we never had any use, so we had that removed. They also obliged when we asked for the volume and tone controls to be mounted further away from the strings. the pickups were Seymour Duncans special JM units designed to produce the tones of the original Jazzmaster"

Fender announced these Japanese made limited edition Ventures models in their glossy Frontline magazine, distributed to dealers. US dealers could only stock the guitars in complete sets (Stratocaster, Jazzmaster and Jazz bass). Several Ventures fans bought the entire sets for around $4275.

The Ventures promoted the guitars at the January 1996 NAMM show in Los Angeles, playing at Fenders fiftieth anniversary concert.

References:
Walk-Don't Run - The Story of the Ventures by Del Halterman

Specifications

Prices (2)

DatePriceConditionNameComments
1996$1100good
2017$2300goodjohn

Reviews (1)

FENDER VENTURES LIMITED EDITION JAZZMASTER (JAP. MODELS, NO. 027-8200) reviewed by Anonymous

4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
I got mine from Hawaii. the pickguard was mother of pearl and had became delaminated. haven't found a replacement yet. the front pickup is very strong and sounds really good by itself but the bridge pickup is sort of bland and the two pickup position doesn't inspire me. the guitar has a definite hum from something. it is shielded completely in the cavity. forget about product support from fender USA. they didn't make it and don't know squat about fender of Japan. I don't think the Ventures played this jazzmaster with the same guts. I suspect the one they played was hot rodded a little bit. The build is on a scale of one to ten a 12. things fit nicely and the finish is gorgeous. the gold is still sparkly. the neck feels good and the intonation is dead on. the floating tremolo probably needs setting up but is adequate. this will eventually be a collectors item so its a good investment. if you are a ventures nut like I am then you have arrived if you own one of these.

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Players (0)

13 Comments

I think so

There has to be a demand for these guitars: they are limited editions and the Ventures have a loyal fanbase, in both the USA and Japan. The Bluebook valuation for one in excellent condition is $900.

Looking for it!

If anybody wants to sell his ventures jazzmaster, please let me know!!

Ventures Jazzmaster

I have one that I might consider selling.  It is in excellent condition.

If you are still looking, you can contact me at [email protected]

HAVE ONE TO SELL!!!

1996 jazz bass fender guitar. the ventures limited edition

Ventures Strat 1996

I have one for sale, owned from new

Ventures Strat

Hi. Do you still have the Ventures Strat? If yes how much are you asking for it? I own a Jazzmaster and would like to have both guitars.

Thanks

Younger

... I have one i would sell its in super good shape too ...   [email protected]

Still avaiable?

Still avaiable?

Fender Ventures series guitars

I have all three. Never played -have been in my collection since 1996.  Recently autographed by the four remaining players.  Official documentation and pictures of the Ventures signing each guitar. Am interested in selling.