Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Discussion of newer designs, copies and reissue offset-waist instruments.
Post Reply
User avatar
ejendres
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 76
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:14 am

Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by ejendres » Thu May 20, 2021 6:43 am

Anyone know what Jaguars were available in 1989, an old catalog or something would be cool. Trying to see what models were being sold at that point and what colors were availible.

User avatar
Ceylon
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 3280
Joined: Sun Jan 02, 2011 8:27 am
Location: Middle of the Baltic Sea

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Ceylon » Thu May 20, 2021 6:53 am

I think you'd be limited to Japanese ones, 60s reissues. The original US-run had ended although I think they sold them until 1982 or thereabouts, and the American Vintage-line didn't include offsets by then, if I'm not mistaken.

The Japanese stuff is excellent quality though, and the earlier the better according to many, so an 1989 MIJ should be a great guitar at a not yet exorbinant price, if you can manage to find one. Serial number for 1989-1990 was in the I+6 digits-range, if this guitar is any indication.
Science Friction burns my fingers
Electricity still lingers

User avatar
LVC
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 1933
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 12:38 pm
Location: France

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by LVC » Thu May 20, 2021 11:51 am

Ceylon wrote:
Thu May 20, 2021 6:53 am
I think you'd be limited to Japanese ones, 60s reissues. The original US-run had ended although I think they sold them until 1982 or thereabouts, and the American Vintage-line didn't include offsets by then, if I'm not mistaken.

The Japanese stuff is excellent quality though, and the earlier the better according to many, so an 1989 MIJ should be a great guitar at a not yet exorbinant price, if you can manage to find one. Serial number for 1989-1990 was in the I+6 digits-range, if this guitar is any indication.
This.

Fender Japan serial numbers for 1989 should be:
H + 6 digits (1988-1989)
I + 6 digits (1989-1990)
J + 6 digits (1989-1990)
Create art, not content

User avatar
Embenny
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 10363
Joined: Tue May 24, 2016 5:07 am

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Embenny » Thu May 20, 2021 12:20 pm

I went through this same process when I wanted a birth year ('86) Jag.

Because the serial numbers are nonspecific to year and cover a range, the only way to be sure is to take the neck off and check for the pencil mark, but I found that the few 80's offsets on the market were typically from sellers who weren't interested in that.

Also, 80's MIJ offsets were already asking stupid prices by the time I was searching, and I'm sure it's worse now. I was seeing $2000 asking prices a couple years ago. I did see one Mustang around $1500 but the seller didn't want to confirm the date on the neck on that one either.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.

User avatar
Caddy65
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 147
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2012 2:45 am
Location: NW Indiana

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Caddy65 » Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:05 pm

If anyone ever spots a birth year Jag for me please PM me.
Birth year…1947. Good luck with that one!

User avatar
Embenny
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 10363
Joined: Tue May 24, 2016 5:07 am

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Embenny » Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:17 pm

Caddy65 wrote:
Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:05 pm
If anyone ever spots a birth year Jag for me please PM me.
Birth year…1947. Good luck with that one!
I found one for you but you may not like the price.

It'll set you back $33k and I don't want to know how much shipping might cost.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.

User avatar
Caddy65
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 147
Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2012 2:45 am
Location: NW Indiana

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Caddy65 » Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:10 pm

ejendres wrote:
Thu May 20, 2021 6:43 am
Anyone know what Jaguars were available in 1989, an old catalog or something would be cool. Trying to see what models were being sold at that point and what colors were availible.
You have much better chance than I would considering they weren’t made until 15 years after I was born in 1947.

User avatar
JSett
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 8803
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:33 pm
Location: Old Hampshire, Old England

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by JSett » Thu Nov 04, 2021 2:10 am

I wanted a birth year Jazzmaster. 1982. They made 1 - and it was for a retiring Fender employee. Ah well.

Guess I'll have to buy a 1982 Fender Bullet :D
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?

User avatar
JSett
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 8803
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:33 pm
Location: Old Hampshire, Old England

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by JSett » Thu Nov 04, 2021 3:13 am

mbene085 wrote:
Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:17 pm
Caddy65 wrote:
Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:05 pm
If anyone ever spots a birth year Jag for me please PM me.
Birth year…1947. Good luck with that one!
I found one for you but you may not like the price.

It'll set you back $33k and I don't want to know how much shipping might cost.
Those cars are pure *Pimp*

I don't think it's possible to roll around in one of those and not instantly command respect.
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?

User avatar
Downsman
PAT. # 2.972.923
PAT. # 2.972.923
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2015 2:19 am

Re: Thinking about trying to track down a birthyear Jaguar

Post by Downsman » Thu Nov 04, 2021 5:52 am

I had the same idea for a birth year Jaguar, and was born in 1965. After looking at vintage prices, I now have an American Vintage 65 on my wall instead. Close enough :)

Post Reply