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Post subject: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:24 pm
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I recently purchased a Fender Jaguar guitar from the Freddie Tavares family, the same Freddie Tavares who worked at the Fender Guitar Co., and the person instrumental in the design of the Stratocaster guitar. I purchased the guitar from his son Fred Tavares.

While tuning the guitar two of the strings broke so I changed the strings with a set of strings I found in the case. There were two sets of strings one package was marked "Experimental" and dated 1980. I chose the other set also dated 1980 but not experimental. While replacing the strings I removed the neck from the body and found that the neck was dated as follows: 1 2 61 and the numbers are written in pencil at the base of the neck. The serial number of the guitar on the back plate is: 67529. I inspected all of the pots and those were dated 1961 also. I know the production Jaguar guitars were introduced in 1962. I believe what I have is a 1 of 1 Jaguar prototype guitar.

There are two notables about the guitar. One is that between the bridge and the tremolo plate is a chrome block screwed into the body and the strings run under the block to the back of the tremolo plate. It looks like it could be a buzz stop, but I am not sure. The second notable is that there is a screw missing on the pick guard between the neck and the bridge pickups. The body was never drilled for the screw and also the RF shield plate, under the pick guard, protrudes into the hole space of the pick guard. The RF shielding is not notched for screw clearance. The head stock decal is intact and the head stock has the original tuners which work perfectly.

There is lots of imperfections in the finish, scuffs, scratches, and a few dings, although nothing serious. The neck is super straight, little fret wear and the neck has clay markers. Once I changed the strings and tuned it, I found that I had a real treasure. It plays amazing and sounds so good with the dual circuits. My guitar friends have played it and love it, I have had several offers to purchase it.

In speaking with Freddie's son he did verify that this Jaguar guitar was part of his fathers guitar collection and can recall Eric Clapton visiting his father at his home in Anahiem CA and playing this guitar. Eric made a few visits to Freddie because Eric needed work on his Stratocaster guitar, he trusted him to optimize the sound of his Stratocaster. They became pretty good friends also. I also obtained a very generous amount of original memo's, blueprints news articles on Freddie Tavares, and other documents that were in his fathers collection. I feel blessed to own such a great one of a kind Fender guitar.

If anyone out there can help with more information about this guitar I would greatly appreciate the information. Thank you.

Regards,

Arnie Isherwood
San Clemente, CA.


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:07 am
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Can you post pics of this instrument, Arnie?

I think we'd all love to see it, including the other Tavares artifacts.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:30 am
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Hi Arjay,

I am new to this website and posting pictures. I should be able to post pictures of the 61 Jaguar and some documents on Thursday, Sept 27th.

Arnie


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 12:37 am
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I'm eager to see it, Arnie -- thanks!

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 10:24 pm
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Do you know how cruel it is to come to a forum with rabid Fender fans, claim to have a Fender prototype from the 60's, say you're going to post pics, and then leave us hanging like a lonely woman after a one-night-stand?

C'mon, Arnie! :wink:


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 10:50 am
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We've read that before...

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 11:04 am
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If the gentleman gives me permission, I will post the pics on his behalf.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 4:55 pm
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Hello,
Yes Arjay, you have permission to post the pictures of the 61 Jaguar
Arnie


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:30 pm
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(on behalf of Arnie......)

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 9:42 pm
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Some of the best guitar porn I've had the pleasure to see in a while, thanks Arnie and Arjay! 8)


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:13 am
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Very interesting
Do you know if the buzz stop was originaly installed or has it been retrofitted later ?
Thanks

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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 2:47 am
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Nice. Thanks for sharing.


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 8:51 am
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I believe the buzz stop was installed during R&D at the factory to elimiate buzz. There are surface scratches on the buzz stop consistent to wear patterns on the rest of the chrome plates.

Arnie


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 5:06 pm
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I'll bet M.E. and the boys would love to get a look at that one. :D

It could still be '62 thinking that they started assembling a collection of parts in late '61.

It would be cool to get a reading on those pickups. From what I understand, the original '62s had pickups that were much hotter than those on the Strat. If Freddie took care of this well, and I'm sure he did, this would be a prime example for any kinds of CS replications.

Very sweet guitar. I am jealous. :mrgreen:

Art


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Post subject: Re: 1961 Fender Jaguar Guitar (Prototype)
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:40 pm
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A technician at the Guitar Center store put a value of $8000.00 on my early 1961 Jaguar guitar. He indicated that the Guitar Center owner is very interested in early Fender guitars. I still think it could be worth more, the next stop is the Fender museum in Corona. Getting more information on this guitar would be helpful in determining its true value.

Arnie


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