The Fender Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar LTD is a $2,999 limited-edition guitar that takes everything unique about Marr’s decades-long relationship with the Jaguar and distills it into the most distinctive production offset Fender has ever made. Three Kent Armstrong lipstick single-coil pickups, a four-position blade switch, gloss nitrocellulose black lacquer, and a custom neck profile based on Marr’s own 1965 Jaguar — this isn’t a standard artist signature. It’s a genuinely different guitar that happens to wear a Fender headstock.
Johnny Marr has been synonymous with the Fender Jaguar since The Smiths, and his various Jaguar modifications over the decades have influenced how an entire generation of indie and alternative guitarists approach the instrument. The Signature Special takes his most radical customizations and makes them available to the public for the first time.
Bottom Line: The Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar is the most exotic production Jaguar Fender has ever made — three lipstick pickups, custom switching, nitro black lacquer, and a neck modeled after Marr’s 1965 Jag. At $2,999, it’s for the committed offset player who wants something truly unique.
What’s New on the Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar LTD
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder, gloss nitrocellulose lacquer black finish |
| Neck | Custom profile based on Marr’s 1965 Jaguar, maple with rosewood fingerboard, 22 vintage-style frets |
| Pickups | 3x Kent Armstrong Johnny Marr custom-wound lipstick single-coils (neck, middle, bridge) |
| Bridge | Jaguar bridge with Mustang saddles, floating tremolo tailpiece |
| Tuners | Vintage-style |
| Scale Length | 24″ |
| Frets | 22 vintage-style |
| Controls | Four-position blade switch, dual high-pass filters with series wiring option (upper-horn slide switches) |
| Finish | Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer black |
| Street Price | $2,999 |
The Kent Armstrong lipstick single-coil pickups are the most radical departure from standard Jaguar design. Lipstick pickups (named for their chrome tube housing that resembles a lipstick case) produce a distinctly different tone from traditional Jaguar pickups — brighter, more open, with a chimey high-end that’s been described as “Jaguar meets Danelectro.” With three of them in a row, Marr has created a tonal palette that no other Jaguar can replicate.
The switching system is equally unique. Instead of the standard Jaguar’s individual on/off switches and rhythm/lead circuit, the Special uses a four-position blade switch on the upper horn alongside dual high-pass filters that can be engaged via slide switches. There’s also a series wiring option that chains the pickups together for a fatter, humbucking-adjacent tone — a trick Marr has used live for years.
For another take on the Fender formula, check out the Fender American Professional Classic Jaguar.
The gloss nitro black lacquer finish is a statement. Nitro over a Jaguar body — with all its curves and offset angles — catches light differently than poly, creating a depth and warmth to the black that flat poly finishes can’t match. Over time, it will check and wear in ways that tell the story of every gig.
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Who Is the Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar For?
Indie rock, post-punk, and alternative players who worship at the altar of The Smiths, Electronic, and Marr’s solo work. This is a guitar for players who want the Jaguar’s 24″ scale and offset ergonomics with a tonal voice that’s completely different from any other Jaguar in production. The lipstick pickups and custom switching give it a personality that standard Jaguars simply don’t have.
At $2,999, this is a premium instrument. Competitors include the standard Johnny Marr Jaguar ($2,199, traditional Jaguar pickups), the Fender American Vintage II ’66 Jazzmaster ($2,449, vintage offset), and the Fender American Ultra II Jazzmaster ($2,299, modern offset). None of them offer lipstick pickups or the Marr-specific switching system.
For a competing option, the Squier Sonic Mustang 2026 targets a similar player at a comparable price point.
How Does It Compare to the Standard Johnny Marr Jaguar?
The standard JM Jaguar ($2,199) uses traditional Jaguar pickups with Marr’s signature four-position switching but without the lipstick pickups or the series wiring option. The Special ($2,999) gets nitro finish, lipstick pickups, and the expanded switching. The $800 premium buys you a fundamentally different-sounding instrument rather than just a cosmetic upgrade.
First Impressions and What Players Are Saying
Guitar World’s review praised the lipstick pickups as “far from limited in terms of potential use,” noting that the bright, open character works for everything from jangly indie to gritty garage rock. Offset guitar forums have been enthusiastic but divided on the price — $2,999 is steep for a production guitar, though the nitro finish and Kent Armstrong pickups justify the premium for committed buyers. The limited production has driven early demand, with some dealers reporting sold-out allocations.
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Pricing and Availability
Street price is $2,999. This is a limited-edition run — when current stock sells through, it’s gone. Available through authorized Fender dealers. Includes a hardshell case.
FAQ
Is the Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar worth $2,999?
For Marr fans and players who want a unique offset guitar with lipstick pickups and custom switching, it’s a one-of-a-kind instrument that nothing else replicates. The nitro finish, Kent Armstrong pickups, and limited availability make it a potential collector’s piece. If you just want a Marr-style Jaguar for gigging, the standard JM Jaguar at $2,199 is the more practical choice.
What pickups does the Johnny Marr Special Jaguar use?
Three Kent Armstrong Johnny Marr custom-wound lipstick single-coil pickups in bridge, middle, and neck positions. Lipstick pickups produce a brighter, more open tone than traditional Jaguar pickups, with a chimey high-end and unique harmonic character.
Players looking for something in a similar vein might also consider the Fender American Professional Classic Jazzmaster.
What’s the switching system on the Marr Special Jaguar?
A four-position blade switch handles pickup selection, while upper-horn slide switches control dual high-pass filters and a series wiring option. The series mode chains pickups together for a fatter, humbucking-like tone — a configuration Marr has used extensively in live performances.
Is the Marr Special Jaguar a limited edition?
Yes — this is a limited production run. Fender hasn’t announced specific numbers, but dealer allocations have been relatively small. Once current stock sells through, this model won’t be replenished. Buy now if you want one.
Where is the Johnny Marr Special Jaguar made?
Made in Corona, California, USA. Like all Johnny Marr signature Fender guitars, the Special Jaguar is a USA-made instrument with premium materials and construction.
The Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar is the kind of guitar that exists because one artist had a very specific vision and a manufacturer willing to execute it. Three lipstick pickups, series wiring, and nitro lacquer make it unlike any other Jaguar — or any other Fender — in the catalog. It’s not for everyone, and that’s exactly the point.