Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
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This fender american professional ii jazzmaster review focuses on the left-handed model finished in Dark Night. It is a solidbody electric guitar built for players who need a mirrored setup. The instrument is defined by two key specs: an alder body and a rosewood fretboard. These materials shape the tone and feel. You get six strings and two single-coil pickups for classic Jazzmaster sound. The specs list a weight of 14 pounds and dimensions of 43 inches in length. This guide breaks down what these numbers mean for your playing.
What stands out
- Left-handed orientation for mirrored play
- Alder solidbody construction
- Rosewood fretboard material
- Two single-coil pickups
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this guitar if you are a left-handed player seeking a traditional Jazzmaster layout. The alder body offers a balanced tone, while the rosewood fretboard provides a smooth playing surface. The two single-coil pickups deliver clear, bright sounds suitable for various genres. If you prefer a standard six-string electric with a classic aesthetic, this model fits your needs. The specific dimensions and weight help you gauge comfort and balance during long sessions.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you play right-handed, as this unit is strictly left-handed. The rosewood fretboard requires specific maintenance compared to maple or synthetic options. If you prefer humbuckers for higher output or noise cancellation, the two single-coil pickups may not meet your needs. The 14-pound weight might be heavy for some players during extended use. Additionally, the classic Jazzmaster tremolo system requires a learning curve if you are new to vibrato techniques.
Verdict: This left-handed Jazzmaster offers classic specs for players who need a mirrored setup. The alder body and rosewood fretboard provide a familiar tone and feel.
Key specs explained for this model
Body Type: Solidbody
This guitar has no hollow chambers inside the body. You get a focused, stable tone with less feedback at high volumes. It is ideal for players who need consistent sound in loud environments. Compare this to semi-hollow or hollow-body guitars, which offer more resonance but can be prone to unwanted howling when you play with heavy gain or distortion.
Body Material: Alder
Alder is a lightweight wood known for its balanced tonal response. It provides clear highs and solid lows without being too bright or too dark. This makes it versatile for many music styles. When shopping, compare alder to mahogany, which is warmer, or ash, which is brighter. Alder offers a neutral canvas for your pickups to shine.
Hand Orientation: Left-handed
This instrument is strung and set up specifically for left-handed players. You hold the neck in your right hand and strum with your left. This mirrors the standard right-handed configuration. If you are left-handed, this saves you from restringing a standard guitar. It ensures the controls and output jack are in the correct positions for your playing style.
Pickup Configuration: 2 Single-coil Pickups
This setup includes two single-coil pickups, typical for a Jazzmaster. Single-coils deliver a bright, crisp, and articulate sound with strong attack. They are great for clean tones and cutting through a mix. Compare these to humbuckers, which are louder and warmer but less detailed. You get classic versatility here, suitable for surf, indie, and jazz styles.
Design and build details
The listing describes a solidbody construction using an alder body. Alder is a standard tonewood for Fender instruments, known for offering a balanced frequency response. This material choice supports the guitar’s role as a versatile electric instrument. The body is paired with a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood typically provides a smooth playing surface and warm tonal characteristics. You get a six-string layout configured for left-handed players. This specific orientation mirrors the standard right-handed setup, allowing you to play comfortably without relearning string positions.
According to the listing, the instrument measures 43 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 6 inches in height. These dimensions define the physical footprint of the guitar. The total weight is listed as 14 pounds. This mass affects how the instrument feels when worn with a strap or rested on a lap. Heavier bodies can offer increased sustain but may cause fatigue during long sessions. The finish is identified as Dark Night. This color option applies to the body and headstock, giving the instrument a uniform, dark aesthetic. The combination of these physical specs creates a specific playing experience focused on stability and ergonomic fit for left-handed musicians.
Setup and Everyday Use Guide
This left-handed model requires specific handling during setup. The mirrored hardware orientation means you must adjust the tremolo system and string tree for left-handed play. The rosewood fretboard needs conditioning to maintain its finish. You should apply a suitable fretboard oil to keep the wood from drying out. Regular maintenance ensures the frets remain smooth for bending notes. The alder body provides a stable platform for tuning. Its solid construction minimizes unwanted resonance during aggressive playing. You can expect consistent intonation across the six strings. The two single-coil pickups offer clear tone separation. This configuration works well with standard amplifier inputs. You will find the Dark Night finish durable for daily gigs. The instrument weighs fourteen pounds. This mass affects how the guitar rests on your lap or strap. The width of eighteen inches impacts reach for chord shapes. Players with smaller hands may need to adjust their position. The length of forty-three inches determines the overall balance. You should check the neck relief after string changes. The tremolo bridge allows for pitch modulation. You can use it for subtle vibrato or dive bombs. The rosewood surface offers a smooth feel under your fretting hand. This material does not require the same upkeep as maple. You can wipe it down with a dry cloth after use. The solidbody design reduces feedback issues at high volumes. This makes it suitable for live performance settings. You can connect it directly to effects pedals. The standard six-string layout fits most chord charts. You do not need special tablature for this configuration.
Before You Buy This Guitar
Owning this left-handed Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster requires specific accessories. You need a strap lock system that fits the standard strap buttons on the body. Since it is a solidbody instrument, you must connect it to an amplifier or audio interface to produce sound. Check your existing effects pedals for compatibility with the output jack location. The rosewood fretboard demands regular conditioning to prevent drying out. Use a clean, lint-free cloth and a dedicated fretboard conditioner. Avoid products containing silicon or wax. Store the guitar in a case when not in use to protect the Dark Night finish. This model fits into the broader Electric Guitars category as a specialized tool for left-handed players. It complements other options by offering a mirrored layout without compromising on standard tonal characteristics. Ensure your playing style matches the jazzmaster’s distinct bridge and pickup configuration. Proper maintenance will keep the rosewood in good condition for years.
Check before you buy
- Verify your amplifier has a standard quarter-inch input jack.
- Confirm you have left-handed strap locks available.
- Purchase a suitable rosewood fretboard conditioner.
- Check if your case fits the 43-inch length.
The product at a glance
Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed
Best for: left-handed players wanting classic specs
- Body Material
- Alder
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration
- 2 Single-coil Pickups
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Hand Orientation
- Left-handed
- Body Type
- Solidbody
View on Amazon: Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed Affiliate link
This left-handed solidbody electric guitar features an alder body and a rosewood fretboard. It includes two single-coil pickups for classic tone. The instrument measures 43 inches in length and weighs 14 pounds. It is designed for players who prefer left-handed orientation. The Dark Night finish complements the hardware. It suits those seeking traditional Jazzmaster specifications.
Pros
- Left-handed configuration
- Alder body construction
- Rosewood fretboard
- Two single-coil pickups
Cons
- 14-pound weight
- Left-handed only
- No bridge pickup mentioned
Good fit if
- You play left-handed
- You want a solidbody electric guitar
- You prefer single-coil pickups
Skip if
- You are right-handed
- You need a double-cutaway body
- You want a lighter instrument
Verdict: Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-handed is a solid choice for left-handed players seeking traditional specs. It offers standard alder and rosewood construction with single-coil tone.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Alder |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | 2 Single-coil Pickups |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Hand Orientation | Left-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Dimensions | 43 × 18 × 6 inches |
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Color | Dark NIght |
| Model | 0113980761 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster heavy?
Yes, this model weighs 14 pounds. That is a substantial weight for an electric guitar. You may feel the load during long sessions. The solid alder body contributes to this mass. Consider using a supportive strap to manage the weight comfortably.
What wood is used for the fretboard?
The fretboard is made of rosewood. This material is common on Fender instruments for its smooth feel. It requires periodic conditioning to stay in good shape. The dark finish helps hide wear marks. Rosewood offers a warm tone that complements the single-coil pickups.
Does this guitar come in a left-handed version?
Yes, this specific model is built for left-handed players. It features a mirrored setup for proper string order. You get the classic Jazzmaster layout but oriented for your dominant hand. This ensures natural playing mechanics without needing to restring a right-handed instrument.
What color is the Dark Night finish?
Dark Night is a deep, dark finish applied to the body. It gives the guitar a sleek, professional appearance. The color contrasts with the hardware and fretboard. This finish is part of the American Professional II series aesthetic. It helps hide minor scuffs during regular use.
How long is the Fender Jazzmaster?
The total length of this instrument is 43 inches. This standard scale length provides proper string tension. It allows for comfortable fretting across the neck. The length also affects the overall balance of the guitar. You should check strap placement to ensure it sits well.
What type of body construction does it have?
It has a solidbody construction. There are no hollow chambers inside the body. This design reduces feedback at high volumes. It provides a focused and stable tone. The solid alder wood adds weight and durability. This makes it suitable for stage performance and recording.