Fender drops Sherwood Green Metallic into the American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster for 2025, and it might be the most beautiful guitar in the entire AV II catalog. At $2,449, this is the first time the series has offered an offset in a proper metallic custom color — and for the Jazzmaster faithful who’ve been buying Squiers and modding them for years, this is a serious upgrade path. The 1966 spec puts it right in the sweet spot of Jazzmaster evolution, after the design matured but before CBS cost-cutting took hold.
The Jazzmaster was Fender’s flagship guitar when it launched in 1958 — positioned above the Stratocaster in both price and prestige. By 1966, it had found its audience among surf guitarists and jazz players, though its eventual adoption by alternative rock and shoegaze musicians was still decades away.
Bottom Line: The American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster in Sherwood Green Metallic is a dream guitar for offset enthusiasts — authentic ’60s construction, proper rhythm/lead circuit switching, and one of the best finishes Fender has ever sprayed on a Jazzmaster.
What’s New on the American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Premium alder, nitrocellulose lacquer finish |
| Neck | 1966 C-shape maple, 7.25″ radius, round-lam rosewood fingerboard, vintage tall frets |
| Pickups | Pure Vintage ’66 Jazzmaster (neck and bridge) |
| Bridge | Pure Vintage Jazzmaster “Floating” Tremolo with threaded steel barrel saddles |
| Tuners | Pure Vintage Single-Line “Fender Deluxe” |
| Scale Length | 25.5″ |
| Frets | 21 vintage tall |
| Nut | Bone, 1.650″ |
| Controls | Volume, tone (lead circuit); volume, tone thumbwheels (rhythm circuit); 3-way toggle, rhythm/lead slide switch |
| Binding | White neck binding with pearl block inlays |
| Finish Options | Sherwood Green Metallic (new), 3-Color Sunburst |
| Street Price | $2,449 |
The Sherwood Green Metallic finish is the headliner, and it doesn’t disappoint. Under nitrocellulose lacquer, this deep green metallic shifts dramatically in different lighting — from forest green under warm stage lights to an almost teal shade in daylight. The matching painted headstock seals the deal. This is the kind of finish that makes people stop mid-conversation at a gig to ask what you’re playing.
The ’66 spec includes the full Jazzmaster control layout with separate rhythm and lead circuits. The rhythm circuit (engaged by the slide switch near the neck) uses its own volume and tone thumbwheels, rolling off treble for a darker, jazzier tone. The lead circuit gives you a standard volume, tone, and 3-way pickup selector. It’s an unusual system that confuses some players initially, but once you learn to use the rhythm circuit for clean passages and kick over to the lead circuit for drive, it becomes second nature.
The Pure Vintage ’66 Jazzmaster pickups are wider and flatter than Strat or Tele pickups, producing a warmer, rounder tone with less twang. They’re not humbuckers — they’re still single-coils — but they sound distinctly different from any other Fender single-coil. Think thick, chimey cleans and a unique midrange bark when pushed into overdrive.
If you’re exploring the Fender lineup, the Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster is also worth a look.
Who Is the American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster For?
Indie rock, shoegaze, surf, and post-punk players — this is your guitar. The Jazzmaster’s wider pickups and floating tremolo system produce a sound that’s fundamentally different from a Strat or Tele, with more low-end warmth and a tremolo that produces a subtle, wavering vibrato rather than the Strat’s dramatic pitch bends. My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, and Radiohead have all leaned heavily on Jazzmasters for exactly these qualities.
Jazz players shouldn’t overlook it either — the rhythm circuit was literally designed for jazz. With the tone rolled off and the rhythm circuit engaged, you get a warm, dark tone that sits beautifully behind a vocalist or horn section.
The main competitors are the Fender Player II Jazzmaster ($899, Mexican-made, modern specs), the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Jazzmaster ($449, affordable vintage-style), and the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster (now replaced by the American Professional Classic, ~$1,499). The AV II is the only one with nitro finish, period-correct pickups, and the full vintage bridge system.
For another take on the Fender formula, check out the Fender Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar LTD.
How Does It Compare to the Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster?
The American Professional Classic Jazzmaster ($1,499) and the AV II ’66 ($2,449) represent two philosophies. The APC uses new Coastline pickups and a modern Adjusto-Matic bridge — which solves the Jazzmaster’s notorious string-popping-out-of-saddles problem but changes the feel and sustain. The AV II ’66 keeps the original floating tremolo with threaded barrel saddles, which is more authentic but requires heavier strings (11s minimum recommended) to stay seated.
The $950 price difference buys you nitro finish, Pure Vintage pickups, bone nut, and vintage-correct construction. Whether that’s worth it depends on how much you value authenticity over practicality. The APC is the better gigging guitar; the AV II is the better museum piece that also gigs.
First Impressions and What Players Are Saying
The offset guitar community (OffsetGuitars.com) has been enthusiastic about the Sherwood Green finish, with several players posting detailed NGD (New Guitar Day) threads. Common praise points include the neck binding quality, the resonance of the nitro finish, and the quality of the Pure Vintage pickups. The most frequent criticism is the vintage bridge — some players immediately swap it for a Mastery or Staytrem bridge to eliminate saddle buzz, which purists consider sacrilege.
Several players have noted that the Sherwood Green examples seem to vary slightly in shade from batch to batch, which is typical of metallic nitro finishes. If you’re particular about the exact shade, try to see one in person before buying online.
For a competing option, the Squier Sonic Mustang 2026 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
Pricing and Availability
The Sherwood Green Metallic is priced at $2,449, same as the existing 3-Color Sunburst. Available through authorized Fender dealers. The Sherwood Green is a standard catalog color (not limited), so it should remain available for the foreseeable future. Includes a vintage-style tweed hardshell case.
FAQ
Is the Fender American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster worth it?
If you want the most authentic vintage Jazzmaster experience currently in production, yes. The nitro finish, Pure Vintage pickups, and period-correct floating tremolo deliver a playing experience that modern Jazzmasters simply can’t replicate. The Sherwood Green Metallic finish is stunning. The only reservation is the vintage bridge, which some players find frustrating.
What’s the difference between the AV II 1966 Jazzmaster and the American Professional Classic Jazzmaster?
The AV II ’66 uses Pure Vintage ’66 pickups, a vintage floating tremolo bridge, nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and 7.25″ radius. The American Professional Classic uses Coastline pickups, an Adjusto-Matic bridge, poly finish, and 9.5″ radius. The AV II is more authentic; the APC is more practical and $950 less.
What pickups does the American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster use?
Pure Vintage ’66 Jazzmaster pickups in both neck and bridge positions. These are wider and flatter than Strat pickups, producing a warmer, rounder single-coil tone with more low-end presence. They’re wired to the Jazzmaster’s signature dual rhythm/lead circuit system.
The PRS SE Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash Limited Edition is a strong alternative from a rival brand.
Does the AV II 1966 Jazzmaster have the vintage floating tremolo?
Yes. It uses the period-correct Jazzmaster “floating” tremolo system with an adjustable bridge and threaded steel barrel saddles. For best results, use 11-gauge or heavier strings to keep them seated in the saddles. Some players upgrade to aftermarket bridges like Mastery or Staytrem for improved string stability.
Where is the American Vintage II 1966 Jazzmaster made?
Made in Corona, California, USA. The American Vintage II series represents Fender’s premium USA-made vintage reissue line, using period-correct construction methods and premium materials throughout.
If this model catches your eye, the Fender American Professional Classic Jaguar is also worth checking out.
The Sherwood Green AV II ’66 Jazzmaster is the guitar that offset fans have been asking Fender to make for years. It’s authentic, it’s gorgeous, and it sounds like no other guitar in the Fender catalog. Buy it if you love Jazzmasters. Skip it if vintage bridges make you nervous — the American Professional Classic solves that problem for a grand less.