Fender Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic mashes a Jazzmaster with a Firebird!

05 Feb 2021 by Jef |

5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Fender Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster · Source: Fender

Previous Next

Fender adds another chapter to its Parallel Universe II story: the Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster! Slated for release at the beginning of March, this new offset model features three chrome covered Seymour Duncan SM-1N and SM-3B Mini-Humbuckers. It’s a meld of different styles that may prove enticing for fans of offsets also partial to a Firebird-style guitar…

Fender Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster

Looking like a cross between a Jazzmaster and a Gibson Firebird, the new Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster is the latest in Fender’s series of hybrid guitars that never existed. This model has a custom three-piece body made of a mahogany core and two chambered ash wings, so it should have a pretty unique sound. It is finished in a three tone sunburst gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which suits it nicely. The maple neck is a satin nitro lacquered and comes with a 9.5” radius and with 22 medium jumbo frets on a nice rosewood fingerboard.

Fender Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster

Triple Humbuckers

Contrasting to the warm, transparent finish is a set of chrome-covered Seymour Duncan SM-1N and SM-3B Mini-Humbuckers. Decidedly a Firebird look, I think. These are wired via a five-way switch with a single volume and tone control. That’s a nice, simple layout that gives you interesting pickup combinations.

Fender Parallel Universe II Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster rear

Hardware

Other hardware includes an American Pro Jazzmaster bridge and classic offset vibrato tailpiece, plus a set of Fender’s ClassicGear tuners. Overall, this model looks like it has solid specifications. If you like offsets and Firebirds, then you’ll want to give this one a closer look. The Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster should start appearing at dealers towards the end of February and at the beginning of March, so keep your eyes peeled. Check the full specifications on the official product page below.

RRP: €2149 /$1999 incl. deluxe hard case