1. Product Overview
The Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster is a distinctive electric guitar designed for textural guitar work and atmospheric sounds. It features a gloss Oxblood finish, a four-ply red tortoiseshell pickguard, and unique control configurations. This instrument is built to deliver a wide range of creative rock music tones.
Key Features
- Oxblood finish with a four-ply red tortoiseshell pickguard and white "witch hat" knobs.
- Maple neck with a "C"-shaped profile and heel-end truss rod adjustment.
- 7.25"-radius bound rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets and pearloid block inlays.
- Dual tone circuits (lead, rhythm) with a two-way toggle switch on the upper horn.
- Brass-saddle Mustang bridge combined with a Jazzmaster tailpiece.
- Two American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups with three-way toggle switching.
- Vintage-style tuners.
- Includes a hard-shell case for protection and transport.
2. Components and Controls
Understanding the various components and controls of your Jazzmaster is essential for optimal performance and tone shaping.
Key Components
- Body: Alder body with an Oxblood gloss finish.
- Neck: Maple neck with a "C"-shaped profile, providing a comfortable playing experience.
- Fretboard: 7.25"-radius bound rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets and pearloid block inlays.
- Pickups: Two American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups, delivering classic Jazzmaster tones.
- Bridge: Brass-saddle Mustang bridge for stable intonation and sustain.
- Tailpiece: Traditional Jazzmaster tremolo tailpiece for vibrato effects.
- Tuners: Vintage-style tuners for reliable tuning stability.
Controls
- Three-Way Toggle Switch: Located on the lower horn, this switch selects between the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both.
- Master Volume and Tone Knobs: Standard volume and tone controls for the selected pickup(s).
- Dual Tone Circuits (Lead/Rhythm): The Jazzmaster features two distinct tone circuits. The lead circuit uses the standard volume and tone controls. The rhythm circuit, activated by a two-way toggle switch on the upper horn, engages a separate set of volume and tone controls, typically for a darker, warmer tone.
- Two-Way Toggle Switch (Upper Horn): This switch allows quick toggling between the lead and rhythm circuits.
3. Initial Setup
Unpacking
Your Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster comes securely packed in a hard-shell case. Carefully open the case and remove the guitar. Inspect the instrument for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping.
Tuning
Before playing, ensure your guitar is properly tuned. Use a reliable electronic tuner. The vintage-style tuners provide stable tuning. Turn the tuning pegs slowly to bring each string to its correct pitch (E-A-D-G-B-e from thickest to thinnest).
Action and Intonation
Your guitar is factory-set for optimal playability. However, environmental changes or personal preference may require adjustments to the string action (height above the fretboard) and intonation (accuracy of notes across the fretboard). If you notice fret buzz or notes sounding out of tune higher up the neck, a professional setup by a qualified guitar technician is recommended. The nut and fret ends may also benefit from professional attention for optimal playability.
4. Operation
Playing the Guitar
Connect your Jazzmaster to an amplifier using a standard instrument cable. Adjust the amplifier's settings to your desired tone. Experiment with different picking or strumming techniques to explore the guitar's sonic capabilities.
Using the Controls
- Pickup Selection: Use the three-way toggle switch to select the neck pickup for warmer, rounder tones, the bridge pickup for brighter, more aggressive tones, or both for a fuller sound.
- Volume and Tone: Adjust the master volume knob to control the overall output level. The master tone knob allows you to shape the treble response, from bright to mellow.
- Lead/Rhythm Circuit: Engage the rhythm circuit via the upper horn toggle switch for a distinct, often darker and warmer, tonal palette. Use the dedicated volume and tone controls for this circuit to fine-tune its sound. This feature is ideal for quick tonal shifts during performance.
- Tremolo System: The Jazzmaster's tremolo tailpiece allows for subtle vibrato effects. Gently depress the tremolo arm to lower the pitch of the strings.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will preserve your guitar's playability and appearance.
Cleaning
- Body: Wipe the body with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove fingerprints and sweat. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish.
- Fretboard: Periodically clean the fretboard to remove grime. For rosewood fretboards, apply a small amount of lemon oil or a dedicated fretboard conditioner to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Strings: Wipe down strings after playing to extend their life and maintain tone.
String Replacement
Replace strings regularly, typically every 1-3 months depending on usage, or when they sound dull or show signs of corrosion. Replace one string at a time to maintain neck tension. Use Nickel Steel strings, as specified for this model.
Storage
When not in use, store your guitar in its hard-shell case to protect it from dust, humidity fluctuations, and physical damage. Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Jazzmaster.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar won't stay in tune | New strings stretching, improper string winding, worn tuners, nut binding, bridge issues. | Stretch new strings thoroughly. Ensure strings are wound correctly on tuning posts. Check tuners for looseness or damage (e.g., stripped gearing). Lubricate nut slots. Ensure bridge saddles are secure. |
| Fret buzz | Low action, uneven frets, neck relief issues, worn frets. | Adjust string action at the bridge. Check neck relief and adjust truss rod if necessary. If frets are uneven or worn, a professional fret leveling or re-fret may be required. |
| No sound or weak signal | Cable issues, amplifier off, pickup selector switch position, faulty electronics. | Check instrument cable and amplifier connections. Ensure amplifier is on and volume is up. Verify pickup selector is in an active position. If problem persists, consult a qualified technician. |
| Fretboard appears dry or cracked | Low humidity, lack of conditioning. | Apply a small amount of lemon oil or a dedicated fretboard conditioner to the rosewood fretboard. Store the guitar in its case with a humidifier in dry environments. |
| High E string too close to edge of fretboard | Neck alignment. | While this can be a characteristic of some Jazzmasters, if it affects playability, a professional technician can assess and potentially adjust neck alignment. |
For complex issues or repairs, it is always recommended to consult a certified Fender service center or a professional guitar technician.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 0140070793 |
| Item Weight | 13 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 42 x 5 x 15 inches |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Neck Material Type | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Color Name | Oxblood |
| Scale Length | 25.5 inches |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | Combination (American Vintage '65 Jazzmaster single-coil) |
| String Material | Nickel Steel |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed (Brass-saddle Mustang bridge with Jazzmaster tailpiece) |
| Hand Orientation | Right |
8. Warranty and Support
Fender products are manufactured to high standards and come with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty information provided with your purchase for specific terms and conditions.
For technical assistance, service, or warranty claims, please contact Fender customer support or visit the official Fender website. You can find more information and contact details by visiting the Fender Store on Amazon.
