The origins of the Fender Jazzmaster, from surf supremo to alternative hero

Fender Jazzmaster
1984 Anniversary Jazzmaster in Sonic Blue (Image credit: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation)

As Fender roared through the mid-1950s, the company made a concerted effort to move its image upmarket while expanding the lineup with new models. 

The covers of the 1955 and 1956 catalogs were notably more stylish than those of previous years, but the PR endeavors of Don Randall and the team at Fender Sales improved exponentially before the end of the decade with the help of a creative and keen-eyed young advertising agent. 

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