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Why I LOVE the Johnny Marr Jaguar

Totally Wired Guitars

14,708 views

The Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar might just be my favorite modern Jag, and in this video I break down why I LOVE it — covering its history, unique wiring, Staytrem-esque hardware, Bare Knuckle pickups, finish quirks, neck profile, and the pros/cons that set it apart from other Jaguars in 2025. Whether you’re a Jaguar fan, a Marr devotee, or just curious if this one’s worth it, here’s the full deep dive.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:48 Johnny Marr Jaguar overview
1:09 History & background
2:11 Control layout & switching
4:11 Series position & tone
4:52 Body & neck details
6:21 Hardware & bridge design
8:11 Pickups & sound
11:26 Finish & resonance
13:11 Neck profile feel
15:29 Hardware thoughts
16:56 Limited colors & variants
18:29 Finish quirks & neck stickiness
20:03 Early-run spacing issue
21:30 Routing differences
22:01 Is it worth it?
23:08 Why I kept mine
24:04 Final thoughts
25:40 Playing outro

Featured in the video: (Affiliate links)

Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar: https://amzn.to/3UUDHO4

'65 Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue: https://amzn.to/41crUze

'65 Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue: https://amzn.to/4hpcfSk

Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box: https://amzn.to/49eNsgs

UAFX 1176 Compressor / Limiter Pedal: https://amzn.to/479PoHY

Electro Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man Pedal: https://amzn.to/4fh9D8X

Electro Harmonix Soul Food Pedal: https://amzn.to/3Jr16nH

Fender Professional Series 10 ft Guitar Cables: https://amzn.to/42G5QxD

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Featured (Non-Affiliate Links)

Trap Door Electronics - Dot Dot Doom: https://www.trapdoorelectronics.com/p...

Gabriel Tenorio String Company Silk Wrapped Artist Series JG50 Jaguar Strings: https://www.thegts.co/jazzmaster-jagu...

Have a question about offset guitars or need a setup, mod or custom build? Email me: totallywiredguitars@gmail.com

20 Comments

@totallywiredguitars Creator 1 year ago Pinned

I know some purists will disagree, but… THIS is my favorite modern Jaguar ever. What’s YOUR pick?

@genol9679 8 months ago (edited)

I have an early 2012 model. I had to have it refinished. Not only was it flaking, the finish started turning black where my arm rested. I ended up getting a mastery bridge and changed to a Graphtech nut to address the string spacing issue. I also struggled with the low output and almost never used the other positions, but I got an Xotic RC Booster and use that as an always on when I want to play the bridge position for more aggressive sounds, and it sounds tighter/more focused than the in series position.

@Lord_Sandwich_00 1 month ago

gotta have it!! ❤

@BB-pi2wd 10 months ago

I own a 2007 Thin Skin Jaguar, a 100% original pre-CBS 1963, and my Johnny Marr Jag.

I HAVE owned several Japanese models, an original 1965, a few AVRI models, and an American Original..

Of course everybody gawks at my ‘63. But if I am being totally honest, my Johnny Marr is my #1. It is easily the best Jag I’ve ever owned. Feels perfect, sounds perfect. If a Fender Jaguar is your thing, there has never been a more spot-on perfect Jaguar ever produced.

@johndickson8405 6 months ago

I’m lucky to have purchased one in Lake Placid blue and I recently got a white one and got a custom Spitfire tortoise shell guard for it. They really are the most amazing jaguars ever! The body was modeled after his favorite 63 Jaguar and the neck after his favorite 65 Jaguar. He really put a lot of care and love into this guitar. I love your cosmic sparkle and if they ever do a run of them, I am definitely getting one. Resistance is futile!

@AlexG-ok1zc 1 year ago

I wish they made them available in more colors. Would buy immediately if other options were available. Comet sparkle is my favorite

@Robottorobots 1 year ago

It’s beautiful, but holy crap the retail price in Canada is $3779.99 CAD ($2746.83 USD)! I’ll have to remain satisfied with my Squier VM for now. I would like Fender to make the Staytrem style stuff available for purchase as separates.

@TomoFujitaMusic 8 months ago

I love this Jaguar! I just got it!

@tidepoolbay 1 year ago

I bought one when they were first released. Very nice Jaguar! Peace & Love! WooF!!🐶🐶

@edson720 1 year ago

I’ve got 3 JMJags, my KO is an early first year production 2012. Definitely had the high e string spacing issue. But also pickups sound markedly different than my other ones. A bit sweeter hi freq tone than my other 2. Have each one set up differently to justify to myself owning 3. And I regret having sold my LPB 😂 Had a mastery on one and on two at one point , but currently prefer the original staytrem bridge on them. They’re amazing guitars.

@TheFlutecart 9 months ago

I much prefer the idea of blending in the phase and series tones, rather than switching them on 100%. Of course this option is old school via Dan Armstrong's blending circuit, "A More Versatile Strat" mod from the 70's magazine article. The diagram can be interpreted into the Jag wiring with some creative thought. No wonder Marr and you like the series option, Jag pups always sound thin to me, I'd pick different pickups for my custom Jaguar too. Looks like a perfect home for at least one P-Rails to me. The "Purists" can blow it out of something. Offsets were made to Mod.

@irvininigo2461 1 year ago

You’re absolutely right. My red one is my favorite electric guitar. Can’t wait to see and hear what the three lipstick version ones do.

@lunamatic9775 1 year ago

I'm not into signature guitars, but this WILL be mine one day.

@Drjackdempsey9644 4 months ago

I played my friends JMJ and didn’t really like it. Then the other day I played one at GC and it was AMAZING. That gold sparkle is to die for ❤❤❤❤

@rooneye 5 months ago (edited)

I saw him talking about the making of it. Its AMAZING what he's done. There's SOO many tones you can get out of it. Its WAY improved over a normal Jag. I've never liked the shape though.

@mozzfan714 1 year ago

Got a nice deal open box mint (unused) KO two months now. So many sounds and I’m playing cleaner.
Looks xtra cool, my only offset.
But it’s kinda heavy

@ottolohr 1 year ago

When I saw this in Sparkle Gold finish; I got a little mad because I recently got a JM Jag and thought they just released a new color. Love sparkly offsets.. Another enjoyable episode.