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1966 Fender Jaguar – The CBS-Era Transition Model

The Fender Jaguar, introduced in 1962, was Fender’s top-of-the-line model at the time, positioned above the Strat and Tele. By 1966, Fender had been acquired by CBS (in 1965), and many subtle changes began to appear in that year.

Key Features of a 1966 Fender Jaguar

Body

• Wood: Alder (most common)

• Finish: 3-tone Sunburst was standard, but custom colors were available (e.g., Olympic White, Lake Placid Blue).

• Contour: Fully contoured offset body for comfort.

Electronics

• Pickups: Two single-coils with metal “claw” shielding rings for sharper response and reduced noise.

• Controls: Jaguar's famously complex wiring:

  • Upper rhythm circuit: Neck pickup only, with its own volume and tone roller knobs.

  • Lower lead circuit: 3-slider switches for pickup selection and bass cut (“strangle switch”).

• Output jack: Located on the lower bout.

Hardware

• Bridge: Floating bridge with threaded saddles and “tremolo lock” system.

• Tailpiece: Floating vibrato with tremolo arm and lock.

• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe (double-line), later replaced by F-style in late '66.

• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell celluloid (on sunburst models) — subject to shrinkage/cracking over time.

Neck

• Scale Length: 24" (short scale — unique to Jaguar among major Fender models).

• Fretboard: Rosewood (veneer), dot inlays.

• Nut Width: Typically 1.65" (B neck).

• Truss Rod Access: At the heel.

• Binding: Mid-1966 onward, necks featured white binding.

• Blocks: From late 1966, Fender added pearl block inlays (transition from dot markers).

Popular for:

• Surf rock

• Indie

• Shoegaze

• Post-punk

Historical Significance of 1966

• CBS had just taken over Fender (in January 1965), so this year marked a transitional period.

• Instruments from early 1966 still retained many pre-CBS build qualities.

• Later in the year, you’ll see more cost-cutting CBS features, such as:

  • Heavier bodies

  • Poly finishes replacing nitro

  • F-style tuners replacing Kluson

Because of this, 1966 Jaguars—especially early builds—are considered collectible transition-year instruments.

Fun Fact

Despite being Fender’s top-tier model in the 1960s, the Jaguar was largely discontinued by the late '70s due to declining popularity. It was resurrected in the '90s, partly due to its use by Kurt Cobain, Johnny Marr, and Sonic Youth — all of whom embraced vintage Jags.