Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar WPL

Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar WPL review

The Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar WPL is a Japanese-made, vintage-inspired Jaguar with a 24-inch scale, two single-coil pickups, and the model's distinctive dual-circuit control layout. It has a white pearl finish, gold hardware, and an included gig bag. Listed at $1,444, it sits at a price where finish quality and a dependable setup matter as much as the familiar Jaguar sound.

One owner came to the guitar with high expectations after a positive experience with a traditional 1970s Mustang. The Jaguar exceeded those expectations, arriving with a setup that was comfortable straight out of the box. That report is worth noting because the owner described a good factory setup as unusual among Fender offset guitars. Individual guitars can vary, but this sample reportedly had no rattling or unwanted string noise and was ready to play without immediate adjustment.

Construction and playing feel

The body is basswood, finished in White Pearl, with a three-ply white pickguard. The owner described the finish as subtly metallic in the right light and more striking in person than in product photos. The guitar has a bolt-on maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays. Its U-shaped neck profile, 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, and 40 mm nut width give the specification sheet a clear, practical outline, although feel is personal and cannot be settled by measurements alone.

There are 22 vintage-style frets, and the owner found them polished, with no sharp edges. The reported factory string action was easy to play. Together, those observations point to careful fret finishing and a strong initial setup on the reviewed instrument. They do not guarantee that every example will arrive identically, so players who buy at a distance should still inspect the guitar and make any adjustments needed for their preferred string gauge or playing style.

The 610 mm scale is one of the Jaguar's defining practical details. It is shorter than a 25.5-inch scale, and the guitar ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.009 to.042 gauges. Players moving from a longer-scale instrument may notice the change in string feel. The reported setup worked well for its owner, but anyone planning to use heavier strings or lower tunings should expect to check the setup rather than assume the factory settings will suit every configuration.

Jaguar pickups and switching

Two vintage-style Jaguar single-coil pickups provide the core sound. The owner heard the expected Jaguar character, with a broad treble response, rounded lows, and an open, lively quality. They also described the response as harmonically rich and the equalization as balanced across the available positions. Those are subjective listening impressions, not measured results, but they suggest a guitar that can retain definition without making the low end feel thin.

The controls offer more options than a basic pickup selector and master tone arrangement. In the lead circuit, two volume controls and a master tone control are active. Sliding the circuit switch upward selects the rhythm circuit, which uses two thumbwheel controls for the neck pickup's volume and tone. Separate on/off slide switches control each pickup. Players who have not used a Jaguar before may need some time to learn the layout, but the independent switching and two circuits allow changes in sound and output from the guitar itself.

Tremolo, hardware, and included bag

The bridge is an adjustable, six-saddle vintage-style tremolo design with a floating tailpiece. Fender also fits vintage-style machine heads and gold hardware. The supplied information confirms the tremolo is included, but it does not provide performance measurements or detailed stability testing. Players who use the arm heavily should evaluate tuning behavior on their own instrument and have the bridge adjusted to suit their preferred setup.

A gig bag is included, while a hard case is not. That distinction matters at this price: the bag provides a way to carry the guitar, but players who need more protection for frequent travel may want to budget for a separate hard case. The guitar has been available since May 2025, and its item number is 617708.

Verdict

The Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Jaguar WPL makes a strong case through its careful fretwork, comfortable reported factory setup, distinctive switching, and convincing Jaguar tones. The owner's account of the White Pearl finish and balanced sound adds useful context to the specifications, while remaining one player's experience rather than a promise about every guitar. At $1,444, it is a considered purchase, especially for players who want the Jaguar's short scale and two-circuit controls. The included gig bag is useful, though the lack of a hard case may matter to touring or frequent-travel players. For Jaguar fans looking for a Japanese-made model with vintage-style details, this one merits a hands-on trial.