Few artists have impacted music culture as profoundly and rapidly as Kurt Cobain. Emerging in the early 1990s, Nirvana, fronted by Cobain, became a voice for a generation. Their blend of raw, heavy sounds, punk rock energy, and melodic songwriting catapulted grunge and alternative rock into the mainstream, captivating millions worldwide. While Cobain played various Fender guitars, his Fender Jaguar and Mustang guitars became icons, particularly after their appearance in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video and during the “Nevermind” tour.
Driven by his innovative spirit, Kurt Cobain envisioned a guitar that merged his favorite aspects of both the Jaguar and Mustang. This vision materialized as the Jag-Stang guitar, brought to life through a collaboration with the Fender Custom Shop in 1993. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nirvana’s groundbreaking “Nevermind” album, the Jag-Stang remains a testament to Cobain’s unique musical preferences and enduring influence.
This signature guitar is built for the powerful, punchy tones Cobain favored. The alder body provides a resonant foundation, ideal for driving power chords. The 24″ short-scale neck is a key feature, reducing string tension and enhancing playability, especially for players with smaller hands or those who prefer easier bending. The 7.25″ radius rosewood fingerboard, coupled with a maple neck, delivers a comfortable, vintage feel, minimizing hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
To capture Cobain’s signature sound, the Jag-Stang is equipped with a vintage-style single-coil pickup in the neck position and a custom humbucking pickup in the bridge. This combination offers a versatile tonal palette, capable of both crisp, articulate cleans and thick, powerful overdrive. Adding to its sonic flexibility, Mustang slider switches provide access to four distinct settings, allowing players to explore in-phase and out-of-phase tones, further expanding the guitar’s sonic capabilities. The Jag-Stang guitar is more than just a recreation; it’s an instrument designed to inspire creativity and capture the raw energy of a generation-defining artist.
