Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jaguar RW LPB

Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jaguar RW LPB review

The Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jaguar RW LPB is a Japan-made, short-scale electric guitar with the familiar Jaguar layout and two distinct control circuits. Its specification sheet lists a basswood body, a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and a Lake Placid Blue finish. A parchment-colored three-ply pickguard and white pearloid block inlays give it a period-oriented appearance. The reported price is 1,466, and the model has been listed as available since May 2026.

The guitar uses a 610 mm (24-inch) scale and a U-shaped neck, with a 241 mm (9.5-inch) fingerboard radius and a 40 mm nut width. Its 22 vintage-style frets suit the traditional Jaguar format. The short scale is a meaningful part of the playing feel, although the supplied feedback does not describe how the neck or fretwork felt in use. The listed body material is inconsistent: one entry says linden, while the detailed specification says basswood. Those names can refer to the same wood category, but the listing does not resolve the discrepancy.

Two circuits, two sets of controls

Two vintage-style Jaguar single-coil pickups provide the guitar's pickup configuration. The upper-horn slide switch selects between the lead and rhythm circuits. In the lead position, master volume and master tone controls govern the instrument. Switching to the rhythm circuit brings a pair of thumbwheel controls into use for the neck pickup's volume and tone. Separate on/off toggle switches control each pickup.

This arrangement gives the Jaguar more control options than a basic volume-and-tone layout, but it also takes a little familiarity. Players moving between circuits should learn the positions of the upper-horn switch, pickup toggles, and thumbwheels before a performance. The specifications describe the control functions, but provide no measured output or tonal comparison. The owner feedback calls the guitar versatile and distinctive, which supports its appeal as an instrument with more than one usable control setup, but does not establish how it performs across particular styles or amplifiers.

Bridge and setup are the main concern

The most significant practical issue in the supplied field report is the bridge adjustment. The guitar has an adjustable six-saddle, vintage-style bridge paired with a floating tremolo. The reviewer said the saddles arrived badly adjusted, with their screws positioned incorrectly for intonation and their height set low enough to cause fret buzz. They reported spending a long time correcting the setup.

That is a specific complaint about the condition of the reviewed guitar, not proof that every example leaves the factory or retailer in the same state. Still, it matters for a buyer. A floating tremolo and individually adjustable saddles require accurate setup, and a poorly adjusted instrument can be frustrating straight out of the case. Check for clean fretting, stable tuning, and correct intonation across the neck when the guitar arrives. If you are not comfortable making those adjustments, ask the seller about inspection and setup before purchase.

The complaint is especially pointed because the owner considered the setup unacceptable for a Fender and requested compensation. Their overall impression remained positive about the instrument's character and versatility, but the bridge problem clearly affected the experience. That contrast is useful: the design and feature set appealed to the player, while the delivered setup fell short of expectations.

What comes in the package

The guitar includes a gig bag, but no hard case. It is fitted with nickel-plated steel strings in.009,.042 gauge, Fender vintage-style tuning machines with an "F" stamp, and nickel/chrome hardware. These details reinforce the traditional specification, while the tremolo and dual-circuit controls provide the main functional distinctions.

For buyers drawn to the Jaguar format, this model offers a short scale, two single-coil pickups, the characteristic circuit switching, and a floating tremolo in a Lake Placid Blue finish. Its strongest caution is straightforward: verify the bridge setup rather than assuming the guitar will be ready to play immediately. The available field report praises the instrument's individuality and range, but flags substantial saddle and intonation work on the example received.

Verdict: The Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jaguar RW LPB has a compelling vintage-oriented specification and an unusually flexible control layout. The reported setup fault is serious enough to warrant an arrival inspection and a clear conversation with the seller. The listing identifies the guitar as made in Japan and priced at 1,466, but the supplied information does not state a currency.