Offset Inspection

Here is the proof, if needed, that the classic offset has gone mainstream – six guitars modelled after the Jazzmaster/Jaguar’s distinctive outline. Surf’s up!

SILVERTONE 1478 £349

Yet another brand reissued from the glorious past of the electric guitar, Silvertone’s budget guitars – at budget prices – might not gel with the customshop boutique lovers out there, but they make for funky additions to anyone’s collection. The 1478 (originally made by Harmony) appeared back in 1963, one of many that was influenced by the offset Jazzmaster/Jaguar body back in the day. www.silvertoneclassic.com

K-LINE SAN BERNARDINO SONIC BLUE W/ BIGSBY £1,999

Some would call them copyists, but K-Line’s mix ’n’ match ethos offers guitars such as this J-style, with Klein Firebird-style pickups (there are options) and a Bigsby. But there’s also the Texola that mixes up an offset body with a Telecaster: “Shoreliners and flatlanders unite!” they say. K-Line models are available in the UK via Coda Music. www.k-lineguitars.com

FANO STANDARD JM6 APPROX £1,999

As its Standard name suggests, this is a ‘what you see is what you get’ version of Fano’s more option-led and distressed Alt De Factor range. Twin humbuckers and a tune-o-matic/stud tailpiece bridge reflect its more rock/less ‘surf’ intention, but with tidy pricing for a quality USA piece and large colour choice, it’s one to try for sure. www.fanoguitars.com

SUHR CLASSIC JM PRO £TBA

With the Jazzmaster’s outline as a starting point, this is an intelligent reinterpretation of the offset. Options abound from the Gotoh 510 Strat-style vibrato or a recessed Tone Pros tune-o-matic bridge with strings through the body, plus a choice of hum-free S90 pickups or two Suhr SSV humbucking pickups. Bundle in all the other prolevel features and this is definitely the one to try. www.suhr.com

JAMES TRUSSART STEELMASTER ANTIQUE SILVER GATOR £4,499

The master of metal and weathered finishes, James Trussart always impresses with his creations. The Steel-Master uses a recessed metal top on a chambered wood body and comes with Arcane pickups and Mastery bridge. This example is from Guitar-Guitar, but like all Trussart’s creations, there are plenty of options available. www.jamestrussart.com

GUILD NEWARK ST S-200 T-BIRD £749

It’s not a Jazzmaster, you shout! No, but the wonky yet hugely attractive shape from the 60s is well replicated in this modern Korean-made reissue. Why’s it here? It was one of many designs that borrowed the dual rhythm/lead circuit idea and this repro also uses a pretty funky Hagstrom vibrato like the originals. Muddy liked it, too! http://guildguitars.com