Fender AV II 66 JAZZMASTER RW WT3TB

Fender AV II 66 JAZZMASTER RW WT3TB review

The Fender AV II 66 JAZZMASTER RW WT3TB is a factory-made American Jazzmaster built around the look and layout of a 1966 model. It pairs an alder body with a maple neck and round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, finished in glossy three-color sunburst. Pearloid block inlays and a four-ply tortoiseshell pickguard give it the period styling that draws many players to this version.

Available since November 2022, the guitar was listed at $2,259 in the supplied product information. It comes with a black, vintage-style hard case with orange lining. There is no gig bag included, and the listed item number is 548582.

Build, neck, and setup

The neck has a 1966 C profile, a 648 mm scale, a 184 mm fingerboard radius, and a 42 mm bone nut. Its 21 vintage-tall frets suit the traditional feel without the unusually tall fretwire some players find out of place on a vintage-style instrument. Owners describe the neck as stable and the guitar as solidly assembled, with a resonant body and a comfortable playing feel.

The compact radius and neck shape are worth considering before buying. Players who prefer a flatter fingerboard or a slim, fast neck for wide bends and rapid lead playing may find this profile less accommodating. One owner specifically noted that it was not their choice for shredding, while appreciating the traditional feel and expressive response.

The finish is gloss nitrocellulose lacquer over polyurethane. Owners praised its feel and the warmth of the sunburst, while also noting that the delicate topcoat can show small scratches. Color can vary in person; one player found the lighter amber and yellow areas especially attractive. The amber-toned neck may not satisfy someone seeking a strict visual copy of a particular vintage example.

Pickups and controls

Two Pure Vintage '66 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups provide the core sound. The lead circuit uses a three-way selector with master volume and master tone controls. A slide switch engages the rhythm circuit, which routes the neck pickup through separate thumbwheel volume and tone controls. This gives the guitar distinct control layouts for switching between lead and darker rhythm sounds.

Player impressions of the pickups differ. Several describe them as open, full of harmonics, and rich in sustain. The neck pickup received especially strong praise, and owners reported good results with clean tones, light crunch, and distortion. Another player found the stock pickups somewhat weak and planned to replace them. That split makes a personal audition useful, particularly if high output is a priority. The supplied feedback suggests these pickups favor clarity and character over sheer level.

Tremolo and hardware

The Pure Vintage Jazzmaster tremolo is fitted with steel threaded saddles. Owners generally liked its expressive feel and reported that it could stay in tune when properly set up. One player called the bridge the instrument's weak point, mainly because restringing is less convenient. Another reported tuning trouble with the original tremolo setup, then improved stability after replacing it with an aftermarket bridge and lowering the string height. Those modifications are individual experiences, not necessary changes for every guitar.

The guitar also has Pure Vintage single-line Fender Deluxe tuning machines, nickel-and-chrome hardware, and Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel strings in.010,.046 gauge. As with any vibrato-equipped guitar, tuning stability depends on setup, string installation, and playing style, so check these details during a hands-on trial.

Verdict

The AV II 66 JAZZMASTER RW WT3TB makes a strong case for players who want the Jazzmaster's traditional switching, distinctive tremolo, and 1960s-inspired appearance in a current production instrument. Its neck, finish, and pickup response drew enthusiastic comments from owners, while the control layout offers more range than a basic volume-and-tone setup.

There are practical qualifications. The vintage-radius neck will not suit every hand, the lacquer needs care, and the bridge can make string changes less straightforward. Pickup output is also a matter of taste. At $2,259, it is a substantial purchase, so inspect the finish and setup, try both circuits, and test the tremolo before deciding. For a player who likes the feel and sound of a traditional Jazzmaster, the combination of construction, styling, and responsive tone is compelling.