Fender LTD AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW BLK

Fender LTD AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW BLK: Technical Deep Dive

The Fender LTD AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW BLK positions itself as a high-end instrument, clearly targeting serious players and collectors at a premium price point. Made in the USA, this limited edition model echoes the essence of a classic 1966 Jazzmaster but incorporates select modern appointments. The body uses American alder, finished in gloss black, anchored by vintage-style nickel and chrome hardware.

The neck, an outstanding AAA-grade flamed maple piece, sports the period-correct, distinctly rounded 1966 "C" profile. The rosewood fingerboard delivers not just a smooth tactile experience but also visual impact, thanks to pearloid block inlays. Fender opts for 21 medium jumbo frets for comfortable bending and solid intonation, with a standard Fender scale length of 25.5 inches. The fretboard radius sits at a modern-feeling 9.5 inches, ensuring effortless chord shapes while preserving vintage flavor.

Hardware choices are uncompromising. You'll find a pure vintage Jazzmaster tremolo featuring threaded steel saddles, paired with single line "Fender Deluxe" machine heads for stable tuning. The bone nut, 1.65 inches in width, supplements a setup configured for expressive lead playing and articulate rhythm work. A three-ply parchment pickguard rounds out the vintage aesthetic. Factory strings are Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel in.010-.046 gauge.

Electronics and Internal Circuits

Electronics are where this edition truly diverges from standard Jazzmasters. It is loaded with two Custom Shop Fat '60s Jazzmaster single coils, designed for higher output and enhanced punch while still retaining the characterful clarity typical of this model. The pickup layout is straightforward but flexible.

• Lead circuit: Global volume and tone knobs, managed via slide switches. The three-way toggle selects between neck, bridge, or both pickups.
• Rhythm circuit: Engaged with another slide switch, handing control over to thumbwheels that dictate the neck pickup's volume and tone, offering darker, jazz-focused voicing.

This dual-circuit arrangement agrees with the original Jazzmaster's intention: fast, on-the-fly sound shaping that fits both surf textures and broader indie/alternative genres.

Playability and Sound: Firsthand Impressions

Out of the case, the first impression is the neck's top-tier feel, smooth yet substantial. The medium jumbo frets accommodate both rhythm comping and intricate runs, while the modern fretboard radius keeps action low, minimizing fret buzz and promoting wide bends. The AAA flamed maple adds rigidity and aesthetics in equal measure. The weight is balanced, with the alder body offering familiar comfort on long sessions, whether seated or standing.

Plugged in, the Custom Shop Fat '60s pickups immediately distinguish this limited edition. There's a punch and fullness atypical of classic Jazzmasters, the bridge pickup bites with extra grit and output, sustaining feedback-laden leads if pushed, while the neck remains round but with more clarity on complex chords. The rhythm circuit really dials back brightness, ideal for jazz or ambient textures, and the thumbwheels allow subtle adjustments that genuinely affect how the guitar sits in a mix.

The tremolo system works as expected, delivering surf-style warble with solid return to pitch. Threaded saddles help minimize string slippage, while the machine heads perform smoothly under aggressive vibrato or tuning changes.

User Feedback: Pros and Cons From the Field

• High praise focuses on the "fat" output of the pickups and the extremely high build quality of the neck, with several users considering it on par with Fender's Custom Shop.
• Criticisms center around setup inconsistency: Some guitars shipped with no string action or truss rod adjustment, leading to buzzing and dead spots above the 17th fret. Several buyers noted that the potentiometers seemed misaligned, maxing out at midpoint rather than the standard range.
• Finish disappointment has been strongly noted in some cases. Reports mention the black gloss appearing "cloudy" or showing unpolished areas and scratches, which is unexpected at this price level. Transition zones around the body sometimes arrive poorly finished.
• Accessory complaints include a tweed hard case sometimes arriving with minor flaws in the tweed covering.

Value and Final Verdict

At $2,899, the Fender LTD AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW BLK sits among the most expensive U.S.-made Jazzmasters outside of the Custom Shop range. Its AAA flamed maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, and Custom Shop pickups justify much of the cost for enthusiasts. However, be prepared for the possibility of needing a full initial setup, and don't expect flawless finish quality in every case, even on a premium instrument. While the electronic flexibility and tonal range set it apart, attention to detail varies from piece to piece.

For experienced players wanting a 1966 Jazzmaster with more output and a neck built to stellar standards, this limited edition is a top contender, if you're willing to fine-tune or send it back should fit and finish disappoint.