So many Jazzmaster flavors. What's your favorite?

[aen]

F IT.

[kypdurron]

I have two Jaguars; a '66 with a 7.25" radius and the CP with the 9.5". They're both great guitars and feel fantastic to play, and in my opinion the difference between the necks is definitely exaggerated by people for whatever reason; corksniffing, puritanical venom, elitism?

Pick it up and play it yourself - don't let someone on the internet tell you it's not right.

If I suggested something like this, it was of course due to my feel after having played both, not to talk someone out of something. I also don't like Gibsons for the same reason. The CP neck is thinner and faster than most Gibson necks, but still ... I can play it, but it's not home.

And I (that means: me) also did not get along with a Schaller Bridge on my Jazzmaster because of the radius difference. It can be set up playable, but it requires rather high action, more than I would accept on a 1,5 k guitar. That's why I asked.

[Fran]

I fixed up a CIJ Jazzy this week for a friend, it looked nice but it was a bit shitty to be honest. Two frets had lifted and a lot of the fret ends had sharp edges. In fact, it was shocking considering they are over £500 new.
The two i owned were quite nice by comparison.

[hotrodperlmutter]

No Mascis? Eff this poll.

[Thomas]

I fixed up a CIJ Jazzy this week for a friend, it looked nice but it was a bit shitty to be honest. Two frets had lifted and a lot of the fret ends had sharp edges. In fact, it was shocking considering they are over £500 new.
The two i owned were quite nice by comparison.

Was it a recent one? The ones I've had a go on weren't too hot either. I'd still buy one of the old ones over any of the current reissues any day of the week, especially at a good 2nd hand price.

I used to be anti any raduis that wasn't 7.25" but Mike's right, it depends on the radius/neck profile combo.

[serfx]

no option for the mascis jazzmaster or the elvis jazzmaster. (the elvis one is now discontinued )

[Fran]

I fixed up a CIJ Jazzy this week for a friend, it looked nice but it was a bit shitty to be honest. Two frets had lifted and a lot of the fret ends had sharp edges. In fact, it was shocking considering they are over £500 new.
The two i owned were quite nice by comparison.

Was it a recent one? The ones I've had a go on weren't too hot either. I'd still buy one of the old ones over any of the current reissues any day of the week, especially at a good 2nd hand price.

Not sure.

[Aeon]

I have played every model of the Jazzmaster that you listed, and also the Mascis. My take on them:

True vintage: great, but pricey. Sometimes you can find one that somebody refinished or replaced some parts on it and get it for a decent price, but you're still going to expect to pay over $2000. Depends on a lot of factors. Myself? I would rather spend $2000 on getting a Jazzmaster made to my specifications via USACG and other part suppliers.

'62 AVRIs: The one I am most familiar with since I own one. Very very close to the three vintage ones that I've played in terms of sound and feel. (EXCEPT for the necks, since the AVRI's still have new condition glossy necks without a broken in feel. But since they are true nitro finished, my assumption is that they will eventually age and break-in like the originals did.) I got mine for $1250. I would NOT pay the $1800 or whatever it is they're asking for them now. A much more economical option would be to build one yourself. I replaced the bridge on mine with a Mastery, though the original was certainly serviceable. Not a necessary upgrade but something to consider if you don't like tweaking the intonation/height all the time.

also, the Costello is essentially the same as an AVRI with a different body finish

Thurston: Awesome. Love it. And for buying new, this seems to be the best price/quality ratio.

Ranaldo: Also good, but you have to realize this isn't going to get you a typical JM sound since it has humbuckers.

Mascis: Not really a fan of the neck. The pickups probably could be replaced. Otherwise, just as good as a CIJ, but the main factor with this one is if you like the color or not.

CIJ: These are okay. But after upgrades are taken into account, you might be better off just going for the AVRI or CP instead. If you can find one for like $500 or so, this may be your best option.

CP: The pickups are quite a bit different, and the trem feel is not quite the same as the other models. These are okay, and have been popping up used for a good price lately.

I voted for the 'AVRI in your poll, because you can often find people selling them used for around $1200, which I think is a fair price for the quality of guitar you'd be getting.

here's my shitty demo:
[youtube][/youtube]

[izodiak]

The RigasJazz orchestra /dont know the precise name/ (wich is quite large and I like the nice style they play) has a guitarist with this AVRI Jazzmaster, and I really like the sounds he gets.

[Mike]

But since they are true nitro finished, my assumption is that they will eventually age and break-in like the originals did.)

I believe only the colour coat is nitro, so they still have a bigass poly clearcoat.

A thinskin maybe would age, I think an AVRI will not.

[othomas2]

But since they are true nitro finished, my assumption is that they will eventually age and break-in like the originals did.)

I believe only the colour coat is nitro, so they still have a bigass poly clearcoat.

A thinskin maybe would age, I think an AVRI will not.

I heard the same... as it wears it'll look newer.

I know a few livid people who have heard this news, boasting that soundwise... that their nitros fender is way better than poly.... 0ops.

[Aeon]

But since they are true nitro finished, my assumption is that they will eventually age and break-in like the originals did.)

I believe only the colour coat is nitro, so they still have a bigass poly clearcoat.

A thinskin maybe would age, I think an AVRI will not.

I was talking specifically about the neck, which does not have a poly undercoat. The body, yeah, but the neck doesn't.

[Armchair Bronco]

I have played every model of the Jazzmaster that you listed, and also the Mascis. My take on them:

[SNIP]

Thurston: Awesome. Love it. And for buying new, this seems to be the best price/quality ratio.

[SNIP]

Great feedback. And nice demo. I agree with all of your points. As noted, I think the Thurston Sig is expensive, but it may be a better value than the '64 Reissue. Plus, I love the modern Adjusto-Matic bridge on my CP Jag HH so I'd probably want to get this on a Jazzmaster, too. I also really like the green nitro color on the Thurston guitar.

Signature guitars command a premium, but the Thurston Jazzmaster is more versatile than the only other Signature guitar that's caught my fancy: the Malcolm Young Signature Gretsch, which is even more expensive.

Now I just gotta find a Thurston JM that I can play somewhere. That'll be a tall order.

[fiveways]

I just got this:



team built custom shop, closet classic relicing, 9.5 radius, 6130 frets, satin neck.

AWESOME.

[Mike]

Fucking hell, you got the Custom Shop to make you a Jazzmaster?

Fantastic.

[fiveways]

Fucking hell, you got the Custom Shop to make you a Jazzmaster?

Fantastic.

They will make them for anyone. Team or master built. Originally i wanted it with a tune-o-matic, block inlays and bound like a '66 but that would make it master built so i just went with a team.

Yeah, they do Jaguars and Jazzmasters. Bass VI as well. They will do mustangs and cyclones but i think they HAVE to be master built [meaning built by a single guy]. They cost a lot.

[Mike]

Well, that's still awesome. It's nice when you hear about regular people saving up and getting them (or are you a Rock Star? I only know you as jcyphe's gear savvy mate with a bed full o' awesome pedals), rather than just chicken-pickers getting horrible Teles.

[jcyphe]

He just aim'd me this and I asked him to post it here. It's another cool flavor and I thought you guys might appreciate seeing it.

Everybody beat him up to post more here!

[Mike]

Totally.

I know tons of guys would love to hear your thoughts on the pedals you have played

[hotrodperlmutter]

fucking georgious