If you’re in the market for a reliable guitar pickup with a touch of elegance and sophistication, a Jaguar pickup may be your ideal choice. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the 5 best Jag pickups on the market today so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the perfect one.
#1. Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Jaguar Pickup Set
For those who are interested in the best Jaguar pickups, we think you should try out the Fender Pure Vintage ‘65 Jaguar Pick Up Set. It is a legendary Jazzmaster pickup that gives you that vintage Jazzmaster tone. The build quality is amazing and in our opinion, it is a very good bang for the buck.
Best Jaguar Pickups
- #1. Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Jaguar Pickup Set
- #2. Seymour Duncan SJAG-3b Jaguar Bridge
- #3. Fender V-Mod Jaguar Pickups
- #4. Seymour Duncan SJAG-2b Jaguar Bridge Pickup
- #5. Seymour Duncan SJAG-3n Jaguar Pickups
What is a Jaguar Pickup Set – Fender jaguar pickups explained
If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably heard of the Jaguar pickup set. It’s a unique setup that has been popularized by Fender’s Jaguar model, and it is known for producing a distinctive sound that many guitarists love.
The Jaguar pickup set consists of two single coil pickups, one located near the bridge and another closer to the neck. These pickups work together to create a unique tone that is often described as bright and clear with a bit of bite. The bridge pickup is great for playing lead lines and provides an extra edge to your sound, while the neck pickup produces warm tones perfect for rhythm playing.
What sets apart the jaguar pickup from other single-coil setups is its distinct sound signature. When combined with the guitar’s unique switching system, players can achieve an array of different sounds ranging from clean rhythms to screaming leads.
Difference between a Stratocaster and a Jaguar pickup
While both are popular among musicians, they differ in their sound characteristics, design, and functionality. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two types of pickups.
One major difference between Stratocaster and Jaguar pickups is the placement of their magnets. Stratocaster pickups have three single-coil magnets that are placed in the neck, middle, and bridge positions. On the other hand, Jaguar pickups use two coils with offset pole pieces to create a unique jag sound. This gives Jaguars a more unique sounding tone than Strats.
Another key difference is how they handle mid-range frequencies. The Stratocaster sounds much brighter than the Jaguar which has a form of a darker tone.
How do Jaguar pickups work
The Jaguar is a popular electric guitar that has been used by musicians in various genres, including rock, jazz, and blues. One of the unique features of the Jaguar is its pickup configuration.
Originally, the Jaguar has two circuits: lead and rhythm. The lead circuit allows for the activation of both pickups simultaneously by using a slider switch located near the upper horn of the guitar. This feature provides a unique tonal option as it combines both pickups to produce a fuller sound.
Note that each pickup on the Jaguar has its own set of controls allowing for customized tone-shaping options. The neck pickup can be adjusted with its own volume and tone knobs while the bridge pickup can be adjusted with its own volume knob and high-pass filter switch commonly referred to as “strangle” or “mud.
Should I buy a fender jaguar?
If you’re an avid guitar player, then you know that the Fender Jaguar has been a popular model for decades. Fans of vintage correct guitars and jag players alike have long debated whether or not buying a Fender Jaguar is worth it. Those who do decide to purchase one are rewarded with a versatile instrument that can handle anything from surf rock to heavy punk.
One of the most sought-after versions of the Fender Jaguar is the Johnny Marr Jag. It’s easy to see why so many guitarists lust after this model; its unique features include custom jag pickups and switching options, making it different than any other guitar on the market. Plus, Marr himself chose these components specifically for his signature sound, so you know that they’re top-notch.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to buy a Fender Jaguar comes down to your personal preferences as a player. But we like to recommend getting a Jaguar because you can hear a big difference in the tone when compared to other guitars.
Will jaguar pickup fit strat
When it comes to guitar pickups, the Fender Stratocaster is one of the most popular models on the market. Known for its bright, clear tone and versatile sound, many guitar players love the Stratocaster’s pickups. However, some players may be wondering if they can swap out their Strat pickups for those from a Jaguar guitar.
The answer to this question is not a straightforward yes or no. While technically it is possible to install Jaguar pickups in a Stratocaster, there are some important factors to consider. One of the main differences between Jaguar and Stratocaster pickups is their physical size and shape. Jaguar pickups are wider and have rounded corners compared to the rectangular shape of Stratocaster pickups. This means that fitting Jaguar pickups into a Stratocaster may require some modification or adjustment of the pickguard or mounting screws. But in some cases, these would fit easily.
#1. Fender Pure Vintage 65 Jaguar Pickup Set
When it comes to the best jaguar pickups, we highly recommend that you try out the Fender Pure Vintage ‘65 Jaguar Pickup Set. It does an absolutely amazing job delivering nice warm vintage-style tones with its enamel-coated magnet wire. Also, it has Alnico 5 magnets which add more focus and enhanced dynamics.
Overall, the construction is on par with Fender standards and it is definitely quality craftsmanship at work. The jaguar pickup includes a period-correct cloth wire and fiber bobbin construction.
If you want a brilliant vintage Fender single-coil that is chimney and tangy, you should seriously give these a try. And read other reviews too if you’re not convinced.
Fender jaguar pickups 62 vs 65
Fender Jaguar pickups are some of the most iconic elements of this guitar model. They have been around for decades, and guitar enthusiasts worldwide appreciate the unique sound they produce. However, there are two main versions to choose from: the 62 and 65 models. Understanding the differences between these two versions can help any guitarist make an informed decision when purchasing a Fender Jaguar.
The 62 Fender Jaguar pickups were original equipment in early models of this guitar, while the 65 version is a reissue intended to bring back that classic sound. The main difference between these two versions is how they handle feedback. The 62 model tends to generate more noticeable feedback at high volumes, which can be desirable for some musicians looking for that raw, unfiltered sound. On the other hand, the 65 models were designed with noise-canceling features that allow them to maintain clarity even at higher volumes.
Overall, the 65 is an upgrade to the 62 pickup version. Both are amazing guitars. Comparing them is difficult. But, the essence is that the 65 has a chunkier neck with binding. It also has a more pronounced taper. The 65 finish is a little bit more elegant than the 62. Note that the pickups are cleaner sounding too and they come with a great hifi tone. Now onto the 62 version. When comparing the dimensions, we can notice that the 62 has a slightly thinner neck. But the pickups have more oomph type of sound. And they have some really nice grit to their tone.
Finally, nothing can go wrong with either. If you can only afford one, then choose your favorite neck.
#2. Seymour Duncan SJAG-3b Jaguar Bridge
Next up, we have the Seymour Duncan SJAG-3b Jaguar Bridge, which is one of the best pickups for jaguar if you want a nice balance between high-end sparkle and low-end punch.
One of the main reasons people get this jaguar pick up is because it uses a custom overwound coil that produces a very fat low end that sounds like a P90 soapbar pickup.
Additionally, you have extra articulation and focus and a nice treble response, which is pretty in line with Jaguar standards. And there’s plenty of extra magnetism with its large diameter poles.
Also, just keep in mind that it is meant to be mounted without a claw, and just pair it with an SD quarter-pound neck for high-output setups.
#3. Fender V-Mod Jaguar Pickups (not always available)
The Fender V-Mod Jaguar Pickups are some of the best fender jaguar pickups we have ever seen if you are chasing quality as well as affordability.
This is a set of two single-coil Jaguar pickups that produce this beautiful high-output, vintage-informed tone with lots of mid-range punch and definition.
We think for the price, the build quality is amazing and these pickups are definitely made to last for a long time, often beating out the competition in the same price range.
And it is nice to know that installation is quite easy and simple and with these, it will surely bring your sound to the next level.
#4. Seymour Duncan SJAG-2b Jaguar Bridge Pickup
Another legendary Jaguar Pick Up is the SJAG-2B, which definitely deserves a mention and makes it on our top 5 list. Unfortunately, with this one, the cover and claw are not included.
If you want that fat, hot-rodded bridge tone, we think this is one of your better options out there. The SJAG-2B is an overwound true single-coil Jaguar pickup that gives you more midrange and cut.
So it is less of a vintage-style pickup that produces solos that scream and chords that slice through. It is nice to know that it is a drop-in replacement for standard Fender Jaguar pickups. And it is always nice to know that Fender built these with hand-ground Alnico 5 rod magnets, a custom coil wind, and also wax plotted to make it pretty squeal free.
#5. Seymour Duncan SJAG-3n Jaguar Pickups
Finally, we have the Seymour Duncan SJAG-3n Jaguar Pickup, which is a very nice high-output quarter-pound jaguar neck pickup.
Many people like it because not only does it give you a very powerful bottom end, but also it has the right amount of high end to balance it all off.
Needless to say, this pickup uses a custom overwound coil to produce that fat low end. We also like it because it has that extra articulation and focus that is a trademark of Jaguar.
In the end, you can’t really go wrong with any of the choices that we put on this list. It all comes down to personal preference so we urge you to try them all out.
Final words on the best jaguar pickups
There are a variety of different Jaguar pickups available to find the ideal tone for any instrument. The Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Jaguar Pickup Set is a great choice for those seeking classic and authentic vintage jaguar sounds. For more modern tones, the Seymour Duncan SJAG-3b Jaguar Bridge and Fender V-Mod Jaguar Pickups are excellent options.
Nevertheless, the five pickups discussed in this article can help any guitarist find the sound they desire.
References
https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickups/guitars/other-guitars/jaguar-pickups
https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/jaguar-controls-past-and-present-what-you-need-to-know
