Fender Jaguar Guitars

Typical Jaguar switching is very similar to Jazzmaster switching. A rhythm and lead switch selects 2 different circuits. With the rhythm circuit engaged, you'll only be using the neck pickup. With the lead circuit engaged, you can switch between both pickups. The 3-way switch is replaced with a set of 3 individual switches. The first switch is a mid-cut, which squeezes mid frequencies of both pickups. The second and third are on/off switches for the bridge and neck pickups respectively. This lets you use the circuit switch as a sort of killswitch.

There are 3 main differences between Jaguars and Jazzmasters. A Jaguar usually has either single-coils or humbuckers, while Jazzmaster will commonly feature soapbar-style single-coil pickups. Jaguar switching is also usually slightly different, offering a mid-cut switch and individual on/off switches for both pickups. Finally, a Jaguar commonly has a 24" scale length compared to a Jazzmaster's 25.5".

The Fender Jaguar traditionally has 2 single-coil pickups in the bridge and neck positions. Some varieties also feature humbuckers to offer a fatter sound.

Both the Fender Jaguar and Mustang are short-scale guitars, often with a 24" scale length. Their body shapes are slightly different, with the Mustang featuring slightly more subtle curves. Both guitars feature single-coil pickups and on/off pickup switches, though the Mustang doesn't have a pickup selector.

Squier make great affordable/beginner-friendly guitars based on genuine Fender designs, including the Jaguar. The company is owned by Fender, and they use different materials and components, and manufacture overseas - this makes them more affordable.