(Due to space considerations, the following article appeared in "abbreviated" form on page 31 in the Fender Frontline 2001 catalog. We now present the article in its entirety.)

Great Recorded Moments in Jazzmaster and Jaguar History
by Brian McDonald

The Jazzmaster and Jaguar were initially introduced to the Fender line in the latter part of 1957 and 1962 respectively, and were designed to help Fender compete in the high-end jazz-type electric guitar market. Morphing the tone of the big-box jazz guitar with the comfort of the Stratocaster and Telecaster was the crux of their efforts. A general misconception was that these two models were mere oddities in the Fender line, but there was no denying that both were extremely versatile and offered a plethora of tones as of a result of their innovative wiring schemes.

Although these instruments sold well for Fender, neither model was embraced by the musicians they'd been created for, nor dominated the jazz scene as Fender had anticipated. Ironically, they would prove to play an influential role in an assortment of other styles -- and on a variety of seminal recordings.

What follows is an annotated list of some of the recordings by a varied pool of guitarists and bands. This is in no way an exhaustive list, or a "Best of," rather, this list is designed to provide you with a peek into the versatility of these two instruments.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Bob Bogle / The Ventures
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Instrumental Rock
	Essential Listening:	"Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O"

One of the most notable rock instrumental combos, the Ventures, released a number of hits throughout the 1960's. The Tacoma, Washington band formed by Bob Bogle and Don Wilson are responsible for such the classics as the #2 hit Walk-Don't Run and the #4 hit Hawaii Five-O. Walk Don't Run continues to be a 'must-know' riff for young rockers. The Ventures can still be seen on tour all over the world.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Carl Wilson / The Beach Boys
	Instrument:	Jaguar and Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Surf
	Essential Listening:	Anything from the 60's

With a career that began in 1961, the Beach Boys were initially famed as the premier surf band and within 5 years had grown to be America's preeminent pop act. The Wilson brothers (Brian, Carl, and Dennis) along with cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine are responsible for recording some of the most amazing vocal harmonies in rock history. In addition to the excellent vocals, each of their early albums were first rate in terms of production quality, tone, and composition.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Elvis Costello
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	New Wave
	Essential Listening:	My Aim is True

Any record collection wouldn't be complete without a copy of Elvis Costello's critically acclaimed 1977 debut My Aim Is True. The record is widely regarded the finest example of the eclectic composers brilliant songwriting. When My Aim Is True was released, his pugnacious cynical lyrics and intense passion drew attraction from the new wave and punk movement. The fluid guitar work is simply the icing on the cake.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Tom Verlaine / Television
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Punk
	Essential Listening:	Marquee Moon

Television surfaced in the New York punk scene in the early 70's. Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd and their unique and innovative approach to punk rock lead and rhythm guitar are highly regarded for their pioneering approach. The Television approach to punk guitar was influential throughout the '70s and '80s. The 1977 marked the release of Marquee Moon, Televisions debut album. The record was packed with stunning compositions, ground breaking material, and the aforementioned notable guitar work.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Thurston Moore / Sonic Youth
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Indie Rock
	Essential Listening:	Daydream Nation

Sonic Youth's 1988 double album Daydream Nation is generally spoken of as their best work. The album is a conglomerate of punk rock aggression, slinky jams, and over-driven amps spewing white noise. Thurstons deconstructive guitar style would eventually influence a generation of alternative rockers.

	Guitarist / Artist:	J Mascis / Dinosaur Jr.
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Alternative Rock
	Essential Listening:	Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain" (from Mike Watt's Ball Hog or Tug Boat?)

Late 1980s alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr was an amalgamation of hard core punk, classic rock, and loud guitars. J Mascis' wall of amps are as legendary as his songwriting and guitar work. Although his best work is with Dinosaur Jr., a listen to the 12 minute jam on Funkadelic's Maggot Brain from Mike Watt's wrestling record Ball Hog or Tugboat? reveals J's guitar work at it's finest.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Kurt Cobain / Nirvana
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Grunge
	Essential Listening:	Nevermind

Formed in 1987, Nirvana, a band that mixed metal, punk, post-punk and indie-rock, would eventually revolutionize a somewhat stale music scene. Their 1991 release, Nevermind, is typically found in most top ten lists of greatest rock records of all time. Although Kurt felt the production was "too slick" on Nevermind, it's considered a standard for excellence and attempts to duplicate it's tones and impact will not likely cease in the near future. Kurt's guitar tone on Nevermind is simply amazing.

	Guitarist / Artist:	John Frusciante / solo & Red Hot Chili Peppers
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Avant Garde / Experimental (solo), Funk Rock (RHCP)
	Essential Listening:	Niandra LaDes and Usually Just a T-Shirt (solo), "Under the Bridge" (Blood Sugar Sex Magik), and "All Around the World" (Californication)

Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante was one of the most amazing guitarists to develop in the 1990's. Although his professional career began in 1988, his technical skills and psychedelic funk style fully developed in 1991 with the Peppers release Blood Sugar Sex Magic. Shortly after the release of BSSM, John left the Peppers and embarked on a solo career. In 1994 he released Niandra LaDes and Usually Just a T-Shirt, an astonishing collection of home recordings. These dark songs written while he was completely reclusive express everything from his affection for heroin to his relationship with the Peppers. John's guitar weaving on Niandra is the probably the most original since 1969's Trout Mask Replica. His most recent work on the Peppers Californication is highly praised as well.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Ben Watt / Everything But the Girl
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Electronica Pop
	Essential Listening:	Amplified Heart

Formed in the 1980's, Everything But The Girl experienced moderate success in England's jazz pop scene. However, it wasn't until 1994 when Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt teamed with trance innovators Massive Attack on the album Protection that the band really blossomed into what they would eventually be known for: eclectic pop. Amplified Heart was their turning point. Their guitar tones are striking as are the lyrics, passion, and vibe of this record. Ben's health brought him to the brink of death just prior to working on this record, and the emotional impact on his writing is evident.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Chad Taylor / Live
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Alternative Rock
	Essential Listening:	"Lakini's Juice" from Secret Samadhi

Formed in the early 1980's in the town of York, Pennsylvania, Live slowly gathered enough momentum to eventually pack North American arenas by the mid 90's. In 1994 they released Throwing Copper, which featured the hit singles Selling the Drama, I Alone, Lightning Crashes. Their 1997 release Secret Samadhi failed to share the same commercial success; however, the band never sounded better. Chad Taylor's guitar work is notable, and he has a knack for dialing in some amazing tones.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Scott Hill / Fu Manchu
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Metal
	Essential Listening:	King of the Road

Southern California's Fu Manchu have been the purveyors of some of the most intense 1970's style psychedelic hard rock throughout 1990's and into the new millenium. They have equally established themselves as top notch live band and as recording artists. Guitarist/vocalist Scott Hill is distinguished in the retro hard rock genre for his inspiring guitar work and over-driven ferocious tone. Their high velocity riffing is most evident on In Search Of, Action Is Go, and their fifth and most recent full-release King of the Road.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Nels Cline / Mike Watt
	Instrument:	Jaguar
	Genre:	Punk
	Essential Listening:	Contemplating the Engine Room

As a graduate of the aforementioned Television's approach to punk rock guitar, Nels Cline brings us full circle. Nels is not only claim to an amazing technique; additionally, he is also known for creating a massive range of tones. In the summer of 1997 Nels teamed up with Mike Watt and Stephan Hodges to record the first ever Punk Rock Opera: Contemplating the Engine Room. Nels work on Contemplating the Engine Room is nothing short of absolute brilliance.

	Guitarist / Artist:	Greg Camp / Smashmouth
	Instrument:	Jazzmaster
	Genre:	Modern Rock
	Essential Listening:	Astro Lounge

Combining 1950's retro, surf, and old school punk, with the sophistication of a garage band, Smashmouth had no trouble breaking though the scene with their 1997 hit Walking On The Sun. The band has since steadily gained commercial success. Greg Camp's ultra-simplistic yet highly catchy guitar playing is a perfect counter point to Steve Harwell's provocative lyrics.

Special thanks to Tom Wheeler for his input regarding The Ventures and The Beach Boys.