Fender Jazzmaster

[marc61]

My son is Jonesing for his dad to trade and /or sell stuff to get a Jazzmaster. His idols in Sonic Youth play them. Before I even entertain that notion, I want to learn some things about them.

I'm aware of the original production run. He's not getting one of those as they are way out of reach. Then it looks like they made them in Japan for a bit, and now they are made in Mexico. There also seems to be a few artist models. I assume they are made in Mexico too?

Any advice? information? or....can my kid borrow yours?

insights appreciated

[wj350]

Marc,

I sent you a PM with a couple links I wasn't sure were ok to post in the forum.

To my knowledge, there are four major categories of JMs--the original runs, the American Vintage Reissues (AVRI, still made, and American made), the Made/Crafted in Japan (MIJ/CIJ) models, and the new MIM Classic series. There are also a handful of special editions, and of course some Custom shop efforts.

I've owned two AVRIs, and a CIJ; I still have one AVRI. They're really nice guitars IMO. Aesthetically, the offset body shape on the JMs and Jaguars is very comfortable to play. Tonally, they are quite versatile, even at my sill level, capable of very warm tones to a brighter/surfish tone.

The AVRIs are pretty accurate repros, AFAIK. The big difference between the AVs and the Japanese models is in the finishes (lacquer for the AVs and poly for the Japanese), and of course the Japanese pickups and electronics. The quality of the Japanese Fenders is exceptional, though I did find the pickups a bit too bright; I replaced mine with USAF AV pickups. You can normally find used AVRIs below $1K, and used CIJs around $6-$800. Occasionally there are even better deals that pop up. The AVRI also come with a HSC, which is a bit more important than other guitars, as the JM won't fit in a standard Strat/Tele style case.

The MIM Classic series are easily among the best of their USA and Japanese sisters. The Classics take a few liberties with the traditional JM configuration, using a tune-o-matic-ish bridge, and of course imported electronics. The bridge is probably the biggest departure, and is Fender's attempt to respond to one of the more common critiques of the JMs and Jags. If not set up properly, with the right gauge strings (I use 10s or 11s), the bridge saddles on the AVRIs can rattle a bit. I think the MIM Classics are advertised around $930, but you should be able to get one discounted quite a bit from any of the usual suspects, especially with Labor Day sales coming up. I don't own one, but I do own two Classic Teles--and consider them exceptional instruments. Personally, I'd rate the MIM Classic Series Fenders at or above their USA Standard cousins.

Hope this helps!

Bill

[marc61]

Thanks Bill. That's great info...

my son is stuck on this model(which he's not getting), but I'd like to see him get a much less expensive one, and make it his own.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JazzMstLR

[collin]

Don't buy into the Fender "Artist" models hype.........while Lee Ranaldo is probably enjoying the royalty checks, I think I know Sonic Youth well enough to know that they would champion being yourself over playing some "replica" of what was a cheap modified guitar to them.....(the "Jazzblaster" is what Lee calls them....with the 70s Humbuckers). Same goes for the Thurston Moore and Elvis Costello JM's.

As far as Jazzmasters----while the vintage stuff is excellent and climbing prices, the AVRI are equally great guitars----the reissues are spec-perfect and top quality, and prices on used models are going down!

Japanese stuff used to be great, until they came out with the AVRIs, and the Japanese stuff looked and felt cheap. The Mexican JM's are expensive for what they are----they play well, but the electronics are cheap and they come modified with a Gibson style ToM bridge, instead of the original Fender spec bridge, cover, and mute pad. Plus the AVRI comes with a case.......I'd hate to spend over $1K on a Mexican Fender and it doesn't come with a nice G&G case....

[wj350]

my son is stuck on this model(which he's not getting), but I'd like to see him get a much less expensive one, and make it his own.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JazzMstLR

Yep, I remember when Fender introduced that guitar--I think they offer two models from the band? Biggest diffs are obviously the 'buckers and switch mods. Depending on how old your son is, and how "Label-Aware" he might be, you might take a look at Squier's Jagmaster--this is a really sweet little guitar. 24" scale (more Jaguar like than a JM, but similar offset bodies, dual humbucker, and a Strat-ish bridge/trem. If your son is really looking for humbuckers, this might actually be closer than a real JM.
Squier Jagmaster

BTW--Collin, the JM doesn't have a mute on its bridge--that's a Jaguar-only feature.

Bill

[JakeK]

I played this American Vintage Jazzmaster at IVG last month. Boy, did I have fun with it.

When used in the neck position, the sound was not only very Jazzy, but I felt I could nail some good blues tones with it. The bridge position was an opportunity to get some good heavy rock tones, and some good surf tones, too. The pickups sound similar to P-90s, which I guess show how many tones you can get with a Jazzmaster. If you can get past the unusual body shape, you're in for a good treat.

Another good Fender, and a seriously underated model. People should leave the Strats behind and pick one of these up.

For what it's worth, I think the Jazzmaster looks coolest in white.

[wj350]

I played this American Vintage Jazzmaster at IVG last month. Boy, did I have fun with it.

When used in the neck position, the sound was not only very Jazzy, but I felt I could nail some good blues tones with it. The bridge position was an opportunity to get some good heavy rock tones, and some good surf tones, too. The pickups sound similar to P-90s, which I guess show how many tones you can get with a Jazzmaster. If you can get past the unusual body shape, you're in for a good treat.

Another good Fender, and a seriously underated model. People should leave the Strats behind and pick one of these up.

For what it's worth, I think the Jazzmaster looks coolest in white.

I saw that guitar too Jake--very nice. Interestingly, when the JM was introduced, it was supposed to be Fender's flagship model. Then some guy named Hendrix made a big deal out of playing a Strat backwards and the poor JM faded away....

Marc, I had a ref to Int'l Vintage in my post above, but realized the guitar I was thinking of was a MIM Classic Jag, not a JM so I deleted it. The guy's name is Dave, give him a shout and see if he's got a Classic JM coming in, and what he can do on price--he'll deal, definitely beat the internet warehouses, and will ship anywhere. I bought my new Classic '72 Thinline from him on Sat (that's my new guitar about halfway down the inventory list).

Int'l Vintage Guitars

Bill

[sloop_john_b]

The pickups sound similar to P-90s, which I guess show how many tones you can get with a Jazzmaster.

Really? I never heard that at all. P-90's just can't touch the warmth or clarity that Jazzmasters have.

Marc, I doubt your son is super-picky, but the MIM and CIJ models demand pickup changes. The pickups that come stock in those bear little-to-no resemblance to "real" Jazzmaster pickups, construction-wise. They're essentially just cheap Strat pickups in Jazzmaster housing.

I picked up Jazzmaster # 4 this week, a '94 CIJ in Daphne Blue. It came with these Duncans in it and they sound fantastic. The pickups that Fender makes also sound great. FYI Marc, I got it for $780 on eBay, in a rare color w/ the Duncans. Not half bad - deals are there to be had.

Also, if your son is going to be strumming as abrasively as Lee and Thurston, a buzz stop and/or a Mustang bridge would probably be a wise investment.

Lots of pertinent info here: http://www.webrocker.de/jaguar/cms/

These are some of the most finicky guitars ever produced, but man do I love 'em.

[libratune]

This is a great thread! I am a Jazzmaster fanatic and they were the first model of guitar that I started collecting in earnest. I never understood the visual appeal of Strats (2/3 of the front is pickguard) but a lineup of custom colored (or even sunburst) '60s Jazzmasters is a delight to behold!

Bill, thanks for the excellent summary of what is currently available in the Jazzmaster varieties. Between you and John, I think you've got the right info down.

One other Jazzmaster option (more expensive, therefore less desirable for your son, Marc) is the "thin-skin" AVRI Jazzmaster runs that some Fender dealers carry -- Dave's Guitar Shop has a load of them, and Wildwood used to. The cool thing about these (once you get past the price) is that they have matching painted headstocks (which the "regular" AVRIs don't) and they are finished in a thinner coat of nitro lacquer.

Good luck with your search!

[sloop_john_b]

One other Jazzmaster option (more expensive, therefore less desirable for your son, Marc) is the "thin-skin" AVRI Jazzmaster runs that some Fender dealers carry -- Dave's Guitar Shop has a load of them, and Wildwood used to. The cool thing about these (once you get past the price) is that they have matching painted headstocks (which the "regular" AVRIs don't) and they are finished in a thinner coat of nitro lacquer.

Yes! I was sorely tempted by a Sonic Blue Thin Skin until this CIJ one came along. I'm a sucker for matching headstocks - I think pretty much everyone who's into offset Fenders is as well.

[wj350]

Ron, right, I forgot about the dealer ordered special runs! I think if I were going to buy another US model, I'd try to swing a Thinskin.

[collin]

One other Jazzmaster option (more expensive, therefore less desirable for your son, Marc) is the "thin-skin" AVRI Jazzmaster runs that some Fender dealers carry -- Dave's Guitar Shop has a load of them, and Wildwood used to. The cool thing about these (once you get past the price) is that they have matching painted headstocks (which the "regular" AVRIs don't) and they are finished in a thinner coat of nitro lacquer.

Yes! I was sorely tempted by a Sonic Blue Thin Skin until this CIJ one came along. I'm a sucker for matching headstocks - I think pretty much everyone who's into offset Fenders is as well.

Totally, you know it! Plus blocks and binding, and all the weird CBS stuff...

Jazzmasters are one of the best Fenders out there. The higher prices of vintage JM's is finally reflecting people's realizations that it's a tone machine that sounds like no other (plus, it's the next full-scale Fender available after strat/tele).

[collin]

but a lineup of custom colored (or even sunburst) '60s Jazzmasters is a delight to behold!

Alright Ron, you've thrown down the gauntlet-----let's see em!

[jch]

I'm thinking of getting MIJ 66 Jazzmaster big Block later in the year,
if i can spare some of my Gretsch fund that is!

I've never owned one of these before so don't really know how i'll get on with it long term.
I can't really tell from a half hour in a shop,but they do feel nice for that half hour !

[marc61]

The kid is aware of every toggle and switch that comes with these. A Squire wouldn't have him fooled for a nano-second. That said, he is content that the artist model may not be up to snuff, and takes Collin's word that Sonic Youth would respect him if he made a stock JM his.

I picked this(although I have to see if they can get another as I can't purchase till month's end), and he'll probably want to change the pickups and the bridge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

We have time. There's no urgency here other than the GAS for it.