Sure, the headstock doesn't match the old refinished body and some of the hardware and plastics are replaced, but that doesn't change the fact that this 1963 Fender Jaguar can deliver top-level playability and tone without the "blue chip" pricetag.

It comes as no surprise that some of the best sounding and playing vintage electrics that also score high on the vibe chart tend to be of the player-grade variety. We've recently had a great track record of simply superb guitars that check these boxes; case in point - this beauty!

In what we'd qualify as a mid/late 1963 Fender Jaguar, this short-scale offset combines some really cool pre-CBS features with the utilitarian modifications that kept great sounding guitars like this performing at a high level.

For starters, dig the neck on this guitar! With an August '63 neck stamp, this Jaguar neck sports an Olympic White headstock that would've only been paired with a matching Olympic White body finish. The Brazilian Rosewood 'boarded neck has a fantastic medium C carve and still maintains its original frets.

The body is a bit of a mystery, showing off more of a mid-60s 3-tone Sunburst that was likely an old refin due to finish identified in original nail holes and various lacquered areas in the cavities that lack originality. Still, it fits with the narrative of a 60s Jaguar, keeping its wonderful celluloid tortoiseshell pickguard and pickups.

The original single coil pickups have nice balanced output between the neck and bridge positions, with nice sparkle and clarity. Although much of the internal wiring has been replaced, it still functions just as it should, providing great tonal flexibility these are known for. The original Stackpole 1 Meg pots work great as well.

Guitars like this reminds us that it's all about the playing experience, and this Jaguar is a seasoned pro through and through.