Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster

Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster review

The Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster pairs familiar offset-guitar design with details that set it apart from a standard Jazzmaster. Its most useful feature is the separate rhythm and lead circuits, selected by a metal toggle switch. Add two American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster pickups, a floating tremolo, and a bridge fitted with Mustang saddles, and the result is an instrument built for a broad range of playing styles.

The listed price is 1,590, and a hard case is included. Fender introduced the model in March 2014. Its core construction uses an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The neck has a C profile, a 648 mm scale length, and a 42 mm nut width. There are 21 vintage-style frets, plus white pearloid block inlays and fingerboard binding.

Two circuits, distinct voices

The lead circuit follows the familiar Jazzmaster layout. It allows the player to select the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or both, with dedicated volume and tone controls. Reports describe the bridge pickup as bright, clear, and twangy, while the neck pickup offers a fuller, darker sound. The middle position is noted for its clear response and suitability for clean rhythms.

The rhythm circuit operates the neck pickup through two thumbwheel controls, one for volume and one for tone. A metal toggle switches between the circuits. Players who have used traditional Jazzmasters may appreciate this larger, easier-to-find switch in place of the small plastic slider found on many versions.

That separation makes it practical to set a darker rhythm sound in advance, then switch to a brighter lead setting without adjusting several knobs mid-song. One owner also found that turning the volume of one circuit all the way down creates a useful kill-switch effect when switching between circuits. The full range takes some time to learn, but it gives the guitar more tonal options than its two pickups alone might suggest.

Bridge and tremolo in use

The bridge combines a Jazzmaster design with Mustang saddles. Players praise its stability once it has been adjusted properly, and several report that the guitar holds its tuning during ordinary tremolo use. The longer string length between the bridge and tremolo also lets players produce extra overtones by plucking behind the bridge, a sound associated with some post-punk and experimental guitar styles.

There are qualifications. Some owners find the bridge fiddly to adjust, and one reports that the tremolo arm can fall out during playing. The available feedback does not suggest that every player will encounter this, but it is worth checking the arm's fit and the bridge setup. Reports on string position at the edge of the fingerboard also vary, so players should assess their own instrument rather than assume every example behaves the same way.

Playability and finish

The C-shaped maple neck receives strong praise from players who prefer a slimmer, comfortable feel. Its vintage-style frets suit chord work and general rock playing, though this profile and fret style may not be the first choice for players who favor a very wide neck or oversized frets. At 648 mm, the scale matches the standard long scale used on many Fender guitars.

The finish is commonly described by owners as Oxblood, a deep red that can look almost black in dimmer light. The supplied specification also lists black, so buyers should confirm the finish with the seller before ordering. The block inlays, bound fingerboard, matching headstock mentioned by owners, and cream-colored control knobs give the guitar a distinctive period-inspired appearance.

Setup deserves attention

Quality and setup reports are mixed. Many owners describe excellent sound, solid construction, and a guitar that plays well straight from its case. Others report high string action, a dry fingerboard, sharp fret ends, fret buzz, or a neck that needed adjustment. One player also needed work at the nut. These are not universal findings, but they occur often enough in the feedback to make a careful inspection sensible, especially at this price.

Before keeping the instrument, check the action across the neck, fret ends, tuning stability, tremolo arm, and saddle adjustment. Some reported issues were resolved with basic setup work, while others required a technician. Buyers who do not make their own adjustments may want to budget for a professional setup.

Verdict

The Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster has a compelling combination of flexible circuits, clear vintage-style pickup tones, and a distinctive bridge and tremolo layout. It can cover bright clean parts, thicker neck-pickup sounds, and driven rock tones, with the rhythm circuit adding a darker option at the flick of a switch. Its visual details and included hard case strengthen the package.

Setup consistency is the main reservation. A well-adjusted example can be an expressive and versatile working guitar, but reports of high action and fretwork problems mean it is worth checking carefully on arrival. Players who want Jazzmaster character and are willing to verify or improve the setup have plenty to explore here.