The most obvious difference between the Jazzmaster and the Fender guitars that preceded it was the body shape . This shape was quite noticeably asymmetrical , and the body was a bit longer and larger than the Tele or the Strat , with an offset waist for comfort , and a stunted lower horn designed to enhance upper fretboard access . As previously mentioned , the curious shape of the Jazzmaster initially came about because of Leo Fender ’ s desire to attract top-shelf East Coast jazzers , who typically preferred to play sitting down . Thus , he took great pains to give the Jazzmaster a body shape that was naturally conforming to the body of a seated guitarist . As luck would have it , the offset shape also made it look really cool , and even kind of wild and dangerous .
The distinctive offset shape would go on to be a defining and highly influential characteristic of Fender ’ s new flagship guitar , ultimately inspiring the creation of countless other asymmetrical instruments ( including the Jazzmaster ’ s younger , runt-ish sibling , the Jaguar ) by both Fender and other manufacturers . Over the years , players looking for something a bit more badass and unorthodox than a Strat , Tele , or Les Paul have frequently found themselves drawn first to the Jazzmaster ’ s unusual shape and lower second-hand cost , only discovering its one-of-a-kind voice and cleverly engineered musical functions afterwards . Today the offset waist of a Jazzmaster or Jag is practically synonymous with subversiveness and counterculture cool , a trait which has been exploited by artists and luthiers alike attempting to manufacture some of that intangible hipness and mojo .
The most obvious difference between the Jazzmaster and the Fender guitars that preceded it was the body shape . This shape was quite noticeably asymmetrical , and the body was a bit longer and larger than the Tele or the Strat , with an offset waist for comfort , and a stunted lower horn designed to enhance upper fretboard access . As previously mentioned , the curious shape of the Jazzmaster initially came about because of Leo Fender ’ s desire to attract top-shelf East Coast jazzers , who typically preferred to play sitting down . Thus , he took great pains to give the Jazzmaster a body shape that was naturally conforming to the body of a seated guitarist . As luck would have it , the offset shape also made it look really cool , and even kind of wild and dangerous .
The distinctive offset shape would go on to be a defining and highly influential characteristic of Fender ’ s new flagship guitar , ultimately inspiring the creation of countless other asymmetrical instruments ( including the Jazzmaster ’ s younger , runt-ish sibling , the Jaguar ) by both Fender and other manufacturers . Over the years , players looking for something a bit more badass and unorthodox than a Strat , Tele , or Les Paul have frequently found themselves drawn first to the Jazzmaster ’ s unusual shape and lower second-hand cost , only discovering its one-of-a-kind voice and cleverly engineered musical functions afterwards . Today the offset waist of a Jazzmaster or Jag is practically synonymous with subversiveness and counterculture cool , a trait which has been exploited by artists and luthiers alike attempting to manufacture some of that intangible hipness and mojo .