Offset Guitars: The Complete Guide for guitarists

There’s no denying it: offset guitars are some of the coolest and quirkiest instruments out there. Their unique body shapes, jangly tones, and uncut indie appeal have rightly earned them cult status, especially amongst guitarists who want something a little different from the usual Stratocaster or Les Paul.

In the very simplest terms, an offset guitar is any guitar that features an asymmetrical body shape, typically one that’s slanted or staggered at the waist. Clearly, this design gives guitars a distinctive, non-traditional appearance, but the offset style isn’t just for quirky looks – it can also improve playing comfort, especially when seated.

Originally introduced by Fender in the late 1950s, offset guitars have been lovingly embraced by players in just about every genre, from surf rock pioneers to modern alternative icons. Most players perhaps associate offsets with Fender and Gibson, who got the ball rolling with their Jazzmaster (1958) and Firebird (1963) models respectively. But today, the style has been adopted and reworked by tonnes of guitar brands, all bringing their own take to the table.

In this guide, we’ll examine exactly what an offset guitar is and take a look at all the key offset guitar models, starting with Fender’s most iconic designs before delving into some of the more adventurous offerings from brands like Reverend, Sire, Ibanez and more.

What is it that sets offset guitars apart from the norm? Here’s a quick look at the key characteristics of offset guitars:

• Asymmetrical body shape: Slanted or staggered waist contours for improved comfort when seated or standing.
• Unique tremolo systems: Offset models like the Jazzmaster and Jaguar feature floating tremolos that offer subtle pitch modulation.
• Rhythm/lead circuits: Found on some Fender models, these dual circuits allow players to switch between preset tone and volume settings.
• Shorter scale lengths: Models like the Jaguar and Mustang have 24" scale lengths, making them easier for smaller hands and faster playing.
• Distinctive tones: From chiming cleans to gritty growls, offsets are famous for their jangly and expressive voices.
• Alternative appeal: Offset guitars are often the weapon of choice for guitarists looking to break from tradition. Over the years, they’ve been a popular pick in surf, punk, grunge, shoegaze, and indie rock.

Introduced in 1958, the Jazzmaster was Fender’s attempt to lure jazz players away from the hollow-body archtops that dominated the day. That mission didn't quite succeed, but the exciting new offset guitar would go on to find favour with surf musicians in the ’60s, punk players in the ’70s, and alternative artists like Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) and J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.)  in the decades that followed.

The core of the Jazzmaster was the wide single-coil pickups (often mistaken for humbuckers), a unique floating tremolo system, and a rhythm/lead circuit that adds extra tone variety. Jazzmasters have a 25.5" scale length and often feature vintage-style neck profiles with a 7.25" or 9.5" radius. Despite their extended history, modern players continue to love them for their smooth feel, articulate tone, and distinctive looks.

Jazzmaster key features

• The ‘first’ offset, with a trailblazing body shape
• ‘Soapbar’ single coil pickups
• Proprietary 6-saddle floating bridge
• Unique dual-circuit switching: ‘rhythm’ and ‘lead’
• Additional controls for dual-circuit tones
• Attractive multi-ply pickguard that mirrored the body shape

Released in 1962, the Fender Jaguar was meant to be a high-end upgrade to the Jazzmaster. The original target audience was the surf rockers and session musicians, but the Jaguar really kicked off in the ‘90s, when Kurt Cobain wielded his heavily modded, humbucker-equipped ’65 model in the grunge scene that would go on to influence the landscape of alternative rock music.

At a 24” scale length, the Jaguar’s shorter scale than the Jazzmaster makes it easier for many guitarists to play fast riffs and transition between chords that bit quicker. It also uses narrower single-coil pickups than the Jazzmaster, lending it a brighter, choppier tone. But like its sibling, it features a floating tremolo and a rhythm/lead circuit. While some players might initially be phased by the slightly more complex controls, many grow a fondness for the Jaguar’s unique voice and offbeat vibes.

Jaguar key features

• Shorter 24” scale length
• Dual single coil pickups (usually!)
• The same dual circuit switching as the Jazzmaster
• Three additional switches for extra pickup controls
• Pickguard combines multi-ply plastic and chrome plating

The Fender Mustang first launched in 1964 as a student guitar. As such, it first gained traction with budget-conscious players before later being revived by grunge-era legends like Kurt Cobain. Just like the Jaguar, the Mustang has a short 24" scale, with a simple switching system, and a distinctive offset shape.

Unlike the Jazzmaster and Jaguar, the Mustang uses a simpler dynamic vibrato system and usually comes with two single-coil pickups wired in series or parallel. This different pickup configuration results in a snappy, slightly gritty tone that’s just perfect for punk, garage rock, and lo-fi indie. As a result, the Mustang has remained relevant over the years, becoming a go-to for players who prefer comfort, simplicity, and a bit of attitude!

Mustang key features

• Shorter 24” scale length
• Light, compact body with subtler curves than the Jazz/Jag
• Simple accessible circuitry
• Dual single coil pickups
• Originally had a dynamic vibrato bridge for a more direct response

Squier are known for producing affordable versions of Fender’s most popular models. Nowadays, they offer their own varieties, including the affordable Bullet lineup, the cutting-edge Contemporary series and the vintage-inspired Classic Vibe.

Squier’s offsets include all the usual suspects: Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Mustang, plus a handful of models that Fender only ever release in limited edition runs. Such guitars include the Duo-Sonic, which was originally designed as a student guitar back in 1956 with a short scale length, taking the prior Musicmaster shape and adding an extra single-coil pickup. There’s also the Starcaster – the only semi-hollow offset either Fender or Squier make. These larger bodies that debuted in the seventies contain humbucker pickups for a thicker, rounder tone loved by the likes of Tom DeLonge of Blink-182. Let’s include the Bass VI while we're at it, a 30-inch scale length six-string bass guitar tuned an octave down from a traditional guitar.

Squier Offset key features

• Affordable versions of the popular Jazzmaster, Jaguar and Mustang
• A mix of modern and vintage-inspired designs
• Alternative models not usually found in the Fender range like the Bass VI, Duo-Sonic and Starcaster

Fender may have invented the offset but many other brands have experimented with this groovy guitar style. Many other brands have thrown their hat into the ring, offering their own take on the offset template. From vintage throwbacks to high-performance modern machines, here’s our pick of the best alternative offset guitar models out there.

Known for their unique styling and modern reliability, Reverend’s offset guitars include the Jetstream, Double Agent, and Buckshot. These models typically feature a desirable wood used to make classic guitar bodies called korina, locking tuners, and versatile pickup configurations. They’re a favourite among alt-rock and indie artists. 

Sire’s Larry Carlton models like the J5 and J3 are eye-catching offsets inspired by their classic counterparts. Sire guitars boast incredible necks, which make them some of the best feeling midrange-priced guitars around. That's all down to a combination of rolled fretboard edges making them feel lightly played in, and gorgeously smooth roasted maple necks that also travel extremely well in keeping intonation and tuning. Top these massive benefits off with vintage-inspired JM pickups and premium hardware like locking tuners for tuning stability, and you've got excellent feeling and sounding modern instruments on your hands.

Ibanez are of course best known for their shredders, but the Japanese powerhouse also makes offset-style models in the popular Talman and AZES ranges. These instruments merge retro body shapes with contemporary specs, making them a perfect pick for genre-blending players. 

The PRS S2 Vela is a standout example of how Paul Reed Smith applies its premium design vocabulary to offset guitars. While not a traditional offset in the Fender mould per se, the Vela does feature a very distinctive asymmetrical double-cutaway body, merging that retro-inspired offset look with PRS’s renowned build quality.