Johnny Marr and Fender Unveil Limited Edition Jaguar Special Guitar

Johnny Marr joins forces with Fender to craft a stunning limited edition Jaguar Special guitar, blending classic vibes with modern innovation.

A Legendary Collaboration Returns

If you’ve ever admired Johnny Marr’s signature jangly sound, then you’ll be thrilled about his latest partnership with Fender. The iconic indie guitarist and the legendary guitar maker have come together once again to release a limited edition Jaguar Special guitar, painted with a sleek custom gloss nitrocellulose black lacquer finish. This beauty is both a nod to Marr’s original style and a fresh take that pushes the sonic boundaries of what a Jaguar can do.

The Specs That Make It Special

This Fender Limited-Edition Johnny Marr Signature Special Jaguar packs some serious mojo. It features custom-wound Kent Armstrong Johnny Marr single-coil lipstick pickups, giving it that unmistakable tone Marr fans adore. The guitar sports a Jaguar bridge paired with Mustang saddles and a vintage-style ‘floating tremolo’ tailpiece, all wired according to Marr’s personal setup—something that promises a unique playability and sound.

The neck is inspired by Marr’s own 1965 Jaguar, complete with a rosewood fingerboard, 22 vintage-style frets, and classic ivory dot inlays. This is a guitar built with love and precision, combining the best of vintage feel and modern functionality.

A Guitar That Defines a Sound

Marr, best known for his time with The Smiths, first teamed up with Fender in 2012 to create his original signature Jaguar, which quickly became one of Fender’s best-selling models. Reflecting on this latest iteration, Marr shared:

“The Jaguar has been central to my sound and style for nearly 15 years. With this new model, I wanted to create an instrument that feels classic but also pushes players to explore new tones and possibilities. Fender has once again brought that vision to life in a way that I didn’t think could be possible until now. From my work with The Cribs playing gritty in your face indie, to the cinematic soundscapes I crafted with Hans Zimmer, the Jaguar has been an incredible asset in helping me expand my sound, no matter the genre or the occasion.”

This quote perfectly captures the spirit behind the instrument—a tool of versatility and personal expression.

Max Gutnik, Fender’s Chief Product Officer, chimed in with praise for Marr’s influence:

“Johnny Marr is one of the most inventive guitarists of the last four decades. His distinctive style and tone have inspired generations of players. This new Signature Special Jaguar is a versatile, performance-ready twist on his classic instrument that delivers a captivating tone with great feel. We’re thrilled to share it with guitarists everywhere.”

Hear It Straight From the Legend

Want to see the Jaguar in action and hear from Johnny Marr himself? Check out this intimate Fender video where Marr dives into his inspiration and the guitar’s unique features:

Pricing and Availability

This limited edition Fender Jaguar Special is priced at $2,999 in the US and £2,949 in the UK. For guitar enthusiasts eager to snag one of these beauties, you can check out detailed specs and purchase info directly on Fender’s website.

Marr’s Guitars Carry More Than Just Strings

In 2023, Marr opened up about the almost mystical connection he feels with the guitars he's played over the decades. Discussing his book Marr’s Guitars, he shared how revisiting these instruments is like a “high school reunion” with his past self, evoking deep nostalgia and creative inspiration.

He also dropped a fascinating idea about the "spirit" or “chi” guitars carry from one musician to another:

“I once asked an acupuncturist in Los Angeles about chi, wondering if guitars had that life force. He explained that just like a house feels odd when no one's been in it, guitars carry energy from the music and moments they've witnessed. My Les Paul Custom still has Pretenders chi from Glastonbury, and my Smiths guitars hold the spirit of those records.”

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “the soul of an instrument,” doesn’t it?

Another Video Gem: Marr Talks Music and Guitars

For those curious about his solo work and guitar philosophy, here’s a second video featuring Marr discussing his solo best-of Spirit Power, his memoir Marr’s Guitars, and more:

Upcoming Manchester Homecoming

Fans should also mark their calendars! Last month, Marr announced his biggest-ever solo show to date, set for July 9 at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl—his hometown amphitheater. This concert promises to be a grand celebration coinciding with a “major year of exciting new activity” from the music legend. Tickets are already on sale for those ready to witness Marr’s magic live.

Wrapping It Up

Johnny Marr’s enduring relationship with the Fender Jaguar is no mere partnership; it’s a lifelong bond between artist and instrument. This limited edition Jaguar Special guitar honors that heritage while inviting players to push their own creative boundaries. Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan or a collector of iconic gear, this guitar is a testament to Marr’s influence and the timeless appeal of the Fender Jaguar.

What’s your favorite Johnny Marr guitar moment or riff? Share your thoughts below!

FAQ

• What makes the Johnny Marr Fender Jaguar Special unique?
  It features Marr’s personal wiring scheme, custom Kent Armstrong lipstick pickups, and a vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece, all inspired by his original 1965 Jaguar.
• How much does the limited edition Jaguar Special cost?
  The guitar is priced around $2,999 in the US and £2,949 in the UK.
• Is this the first signature Jaguar Marr has released?
  No, his first signature model came out in 2012 and became one of Fender’s best-selling signature guitars.
• Can I watch videos of Johnny Marr discussing this guitar?
  Yes, there are official Fender videos where Marr talks about the guitar and his creative process.
• Is Johnny Marr touring soon?
  Yes, he is slated for a major solo show at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl on July 9 next year.

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