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I suppose one consideration is whether you view this as an investment rather than simply buying your personal Excalibur. Obviously vintage guitars, particuarly outstanding examples, could be considered a good investment should you ever wish to sell it in the future. Personally though if I were doing that it wouldn't be a guitar I'd play all the time which doesn't sound like what you're after.

Are you buying this in part as an investment to sell in the future or are you under the impression that an original unaltered vintage Jazzmaster will sound and play better than another that isn't?

If you're dropping that much coin into a guitar (even if it ends up being only several thousand) that you want to be "the one", I'd even go so far as to say don't limit yourself to a Jazzmaster, to a Fender, or to one guitar even , because you can practically buy whatever you want for that money. In taking up guitar playing/collecting as a new hobby you've entered a massive world where as others have said, some things in your price range only make sense to collectors, and not players. What drew you to a vintage Jazzmaster as a guitar in the first place? Is it something you've played much before, or something one of your favorite players uses a lot? Anyway, all I'm saying is that unless your goal is to have a 100% authentic pre-CBS Jazzmaster for collector reasons, my advice would be to have fun with your search, play a ton of different guitars, and maybe cap your spending a bit so you're not so worried about getting ripped off. A more worn in or non-original guitar can be much easier to play casually without paranoia of adding another scratch or ding anywhere, which for me at least drastically affects how much I enjoy a guitar.

This is just me but I would definitely NOT buy an expensive guitar blindly online...I think for me even if the guitar was nice, if it wasn't the best damn player I've ever owned I would always wonder if I could have found a better example if I had looked for one in a brick and mortar that I could have tried out first. I don't know if I would fly across the country looking for one either, just because after I spent the money on a ticket I think I might feel a little sense of urgency even if it's a guitar I might otherwise pass on or think about for a bit, especially if it's not the first one I've flown to look at.

Also, again repeating what others have said, take a portion of your new found guitar money and put it into a nice amp, something a great guitar is pretty much worthless without.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Nick wrote:Are you buying this in part as an investment to sell in the future or are you under the impression that an original unaltered vintage Jazzmaster will sound and play better than another that isn't?

If you're dropping that much coin into a guitar (even if it ends up being only several thousand) that you want to be "the one", I'd even go so far as to say don't limit yourself to a Jazzmaster, to a Fender, or to one guitar even , because you can practically buy whatever you want for that money. In taking up guitar playing/collecting as a new hobby you've entered a massive world where as others have said, some things in your price range only make sense to collectors, and not players. What drew you to a vintage Jazzmaster as a guitar in the first place? Is it something you've played much before, or something one of your favorite players uses a lot? Anyway, all I'm saying is that unless your goal is to have a 100% authentic pre-CBS Jazzmaster for collector reasons, my advice would be to have fun with your search, play a ton of different guitars, and maybe cap your spending a bit so you're not so worried about getting ripped off. A more worn in or non-original guitar can be much easier to play casually without paranoia of adding another scratch or ding anywhere, which for me at least drastically affects how much I enjoy a guitar.

This is just me but I would definitely NOT buy an expensive guitar blindly online...I think for me even if the guitar was nice, if it wasn't the best damn player I've ever owned I would always wonder if I could have found a better example if I had looked for one in a brick and mortar that I could have tried out first. I don't know if I would fly across the country looking for one either, just because after I spent the money on a ticket I think I might feel a little sense of urgency even if it's a guitar I might otherwise pass on or think about for a bit, especially if it's not the first one I've flown to look at.

Also, again repeating what others have said, take a portion of your new found guitar money and put it into a nice amp, something a great guitar is pretty much worthless without.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

I was thinking it would not so much be an investment but a guitar with a great history and soul to it. Also the thought of it not losing to much value overtime was nice. I have never looked at toys as an investment. I always except to lose money and then when I do I am not surprised. I have a 62 AVRI that I picked up last month. I have completely fallen in love with the guitar I cannot stop playing it. So I was thinking a true vintage version would be amazing but like some here have stated not all vintage guitars are all there cracked up to be. I am really into the idea of the custom shop it just seems to me it would be a very cool process to go to a dealer and pick my specs.

As for flying out I would make it a weekend away with the wife to go enjoy and explore a new city. I understand what your saying, the minute you buy the ticket you may feel invested in the guitar already. It seems like every time I list something for sale on Craigslist if the person drives over 50 miles to look at 95% of the time they buy it because they have already put so much energy into looking at it they feel invested already.

I have already bought a few nice amps since September I picked up a Vox 50th anniversary 15 watt amp (smoking deal from my brother in law). I also grabbed a Fender Quad reverb that stays were it sits because it is way to heavy for me to move. Then I bought an Egnater Rebel 30 head and a 1x12 cabinet, it is great for recording into pro tools because of the line out. Basically I have been on a bender buying guitar stuff trying to keep occupied and excited over something. Now that life is settling in and getting more normal I think this purchase will be last major guitar purchase for a long time. So not only do I not want to get ripped off but I want to make sure that I am getting a guitar that I cannot stop myself from playing every time I see it.

To answer another persons question or statement as to not limiting myself to one guitar or brand. I have been into Fender guitars my entire life. I have already bought and sold an SG that I thought I would enjoy playing, it just was not the guitar for me. After going through many guitars I have narrowed it down to a Jazzmaster.

You guys have been very helpful thank you very much.

Nobody could fault you for any of that. Be careful it doesn't take over you HOEL LIFE!

I think that's a nice chunk to play with and you could have plenty left over. Do the research and see how the models changed over the years and what you prefer. That's part of the fun, really. The purchase can actually be pretty bloodless sometimes--blink and it's over.

I also think Jazzmasters are clearly a superior design in many ways and are unlikely to ever tank in value. Old doesn't make it a better player, but if you have the itch, nothing else will shake it.

Me? I am someday hoping to get a 63 (birth year) sunburst with plenty of damage to it. I could love that. I have barely missed like 5 JM deals this year. I didn't realize until after the fact that they were so nested on my brain. I am going to ditch several to try to come up with half that figure.

DGNR8 wrote:Nobody could fault you for any of that. Be careful it doesn't take over you HOEL LIFE!

I think that's a nice chunk to play with and you could have plenty left over. Do the research and see how the models changed over the years and what you prefer. That's part of the fun, really. The purchase can actually be pretty bloodless sometimes--blink and it's over.

I also think Jazzmasters are clearly a superior design in many ways and are unlikely to ever tank in value. Old doesn't make it a better player, but if you have the itch, nothing else will shake it.

Me? I am someday hoping to get a 63 (birth year) sunburst with plenty of damage to it. I could love that. I have barely missed like 5 JM deals this year. I didn't realize until after the fact that they were so nested on my brain. I am going to ditch several to try to come up with half that figure.

The more I research what I am trying to do I am realizing I could get away with spending way less than my original spending limit, if I end up getting a 62. I am going to look for a guitar that plays and sounds amazing. I am not going to focus on it being all original or in pristine condition, I am buying the guitar to play it not hang it on the wall and look at it.

I am still really excited about the custom shop idea. I was looking on Ebay for custom shop Jazzmasters and I came across this one.



Holy smokes I would kill to own a guitar of that caliber. The only con of having a guitar made at the custom shop for me is not being able to play it before I decide if it is the right guitar. I am going to a dealer here in Orange County Monday to talk with them about what the cost would be and what options are available. After talking with them I think I will have a pretty good idea of what direction I am going. I completely understand when you say the purchase can be uneventful. I want to enjoy this process and take my time to research all my avenues.

For me, the cons of buying a custom shop one far outweigh the pros. As you said, you won't be able to try before you buy. Imagine the long-running nightmare saga if they fuck it up somehow but don't want to admit they're fallible. Okay, you said you don't want to sell it later, but the fact remains that it'll drop in value overnight unlike a vintage one, which will probably increase.

If you want a custom colour, buy the cheapest, best-playing post-'66 one you can find (for the blocks & binding, assuming you want those), have it refinished in your colour of choice and save yourself a lot of $$$.

If you've previously tinkered with motorbikes you won't need me to tell you that putting something together yourself just the way you want it to be is a lot more satisfying than buying something shiny and new off the showroom floor. Bite the bullet, buy up vintage parts and build yourself a Partsmaster that's uniquely yours.

As has already been said, for that money you can basically get whatever you want Jazzmaster-wise. If you have a lust for vintage, nothing will sate it, it's just one of these things. They won't depreciate provided you don't do anything silly, and even though a lot of the fuss about vintage Fenders is mojo bullshit for lawyers, there's a definite vibe about good ones that no reissue will replicate. If I were you I'd just shop around and take my time. Go to the guitar show, play what they have, built up a bit of knowledge about what you like. Don't be too precious about specific years or be taken in by "pre CBS" (mostly) nonsense. don't be afraid to haggle.

Having said that, I usually just see something I want on eBay, buy it, and if I don't like it, sell it on. If you're careful and have done your research, there's not much to be afraid of.

I have already thought about buying up vintage parts to build my own Jazzmaster. I just built a non vintage mustang up. Although I did come out with an awesome one of a kind guitar, when I was done I ended up spending a little more than you would for you average Mustang. It was a fun process but I think this time I am buying a complete guitar. As for blocks and binding it would be like icing on the cake but like I said I am buying this guitar to play not hang on the wall. So if it plays amazing that is all that counts. Even with spending a lifetime around Motorbikes I have zero mechanical skills. Everyone always said if I so much as tried to air up my own tires stand back because it was going to be a show. I gave it the college effort when it came to wiring up the Mustang I just built. I got it working but not properly I had to take it to a friend who is a genius at wiring guitars. I watched him straighten my mess out but I still do not have a real good grasp on wiring and soldering.

I am still going to research the custom shop. The idea has really caught my interest. I realize the minute I take possession of the guitar I will lose money but hey I have to admit have a guitar made at the Fender factory that no one else has does sound pretty cool. But the fact that a vintage will not tank in value does have some appeal.

Stewart, I am going to wait until after the Dallas show to do anything the only Jazzmasters I have ever played were the reissues I played while on the hunt for the one I bought. Who knows I may play a few Vintage ones and be completely over it. I have also used the same attitude when buying stuff online. I bought an SG sight unseen off the internet and did not like the guitar at all. I sold it for the same amount a week later. I also bought a Jaguar recently that did not have the right feel to it and I sold it 2 days later to a buddy for the same amount I paid. But I am learning about what I am looking for with each guitar I buy and sell. I bought the Jaguar because it had Blocks and Binding and I was completely into how it looked. But it to me it played like crap, to my buddy it is the best guitar in the world.

I am really thankful for your responses just chatting about the options are completely entertaining and that is what this is all about, enjoying the process!!

The reason I brought up other makes and models is basically because my philosophy with buying guitars (and I understand it's not for everyone), is that because each guitar is a unique piece of wood with its own history, I tend to find cool guitars at local shops and decide to buy them on a case by case basis based on my first impressions. It's kind of like falling in love...I wouldn't buy a mail order bride, or adopt a pet without meeting it first, so it kind of makes sense that I always feel a bit empty when I buy a guitar without playing it first (even when it was the Rickenbacker 330 I had always wanted). For me the "ultimate guitar" is more in the relationship I have with it, how it inspires my playing and projects what I want out of it. My own personal "ultimate guitar" is a beat up and modified 1968 Ovation Tornado- a model that I never knew existed until I found it at a shop. I love the guitar so much and have considered buying another in better, original condition, but the more I thought about it, I think having two of the same would confuse my senses, and unless I got to play it first, I think I would still be partial to my first, making the purchase a moot point.

I understand the appeal of a Fender Custom Shop guitar, it's almost magical when you think about it, but the fact remains that when it's delivered, you're stuck with whatever it is that they built...it would still feel like a blind date to me.


But all this is just me, you're entitled to shop how you want to . If you're after a special guitar, I'm sure it'll be a fun experience no matter how you go about it.

Moved as requested.

Pens wrote:Moved as requested.

Thanks!!!

Nick wrote:The reason I brought up other makes and models is basically because my philosophy with buying guitars (and I understand it's not for everyone), is that because each guitar is a unique piece of wood with its own history, I tend to find cool guitars at local shops and decide to buy them on a case by case basis based on my first impressions. It's kind of like falling in love...I wouldn't buy a mail order bride, or adopt a pet without meeting it first, so it kind of makes sense that I always feel a bit empty when I buy a guitar without playing it first (even when it was the Rickenbacker 330 I had always wanted). For me the "ultimate guitar" is more in the relationship I have with it, how it inspires my playing and projects what I want out of it. My own personal "ultimate guitar" is a beat up and modified 1968 Ovation Tornado- a model that I never knew existed until I found it at a shop. I love the guitar so much and have considered buying another in better, original condition, but the more I thought about it, I think having two of the same would confuse my senses, and unless I got to play it first, I think I would still be partial to my first, making the purchase a moot point.

I understand the appeal of a Fender Custom Shop guitar, it's almost magical when you think about it, but the fact remains that when it's delivered, you're stuck with whatever it is that they built...it would still feel like a blind date to me.


But all this is just me, you're entitled to shop how you want to . If you're after a special guitar, I'm sure it'll be a fun experience no matter how you go about it.

I am picking up on what your laying down!!! This thread has been pretty cool so far. The reason for my long winded opening post was to explain that this purchase is a lot more than just running out and buying a guitar. I am completely looking at this as an opportunity to enjoy the process of finding my personal favorite guitar. I am not completely committed to one brand. In fact my favorite guitar of all time was a Carvin DC200 I owned back in the late 80's I kick myself all the time for ever selling it. But times were tough and I had to survive so it had to go. If I found a DC200 locally I would give that some serious thought and go check it out. But for now I am on the hunt for a Jazzmaster but I am going to play a bunch of guitars at the Dallas show next month.

In other news I just received a deposit on one of my bikes and if the deal goes through I will have some money to put towards a guitar. I found a 1965 Jazzmaster on the internet that is within driving distance from me. The ad says the guitar is all original and listed for what seems like a great price. I would throw the link up here for some opinions but I do not know if that is allowed on this forum or not.

Posting links to craigslist ads and auctions is OK if you're looking for opinions....I think some people choose not to post links if they're thinking of buying something in case attention is brought to it and someone else snatches it up before them, but given the vintage collector market you're shopping in I don't think you would have that problem here.

Nick wrote:Posting links to craigslist ads and auctions is OK if you're looking for opinions....I think some people choose not to post links if they're thinking of buying something in case attention is brought to it and someone else snatches it up before them, but given the vintage collector market you're shopping in I don't think you would have that problem here.

Cool, If you are in the mood for some funny stuff read both ads. The only one I would go look at is the red 65 but the ad for that one makes sense if you read the ad for the 62 first. I have no idea what a fair price would be for the 65. If someone here sees the ad and buys I would be happy for them.

Craigslist

65 Jazzmaster

If the 65 is around next weekend and I have time I may go down and look at it.

I think $3600 is a fair price for a 65. Looks to be in pretty good condition, too.

What's really cool about that guitar is that the neck is dated 4 Jan 65, one day after the CBS sale was finalized. So, while the guitar is not technically pre-CBS, it's safe to say it was completed before CBS took over operations. Could be the same quality as your dream 62 at a fraction of the price.

Also, it's kind of like a piece of Fender history. First transition period Jazzmaster.

Where are you located? An hour from Corona but also striking distance from SD? There is a large SoCal presence on this board. I'm a former LA/SD guy myself.

Yeah the seller of the $5k one seems to be under the impression that if you refinish a guitar so it's a more desirable/rarer colour it ups the value. By that reckoning, all vintage Jazzmasters would be Shoreline Gold or something and 3-tone sunburst ones would then be most sought-after. Then von Neumann's catastrophe of infinite regress would set in and the bottom would fall out of the vintage guitar market.

I'd be surprised if the stereo switching is a custom shop option rather than a home mod, but I'm no expert. I'd go and try the red one, for sure. Hard to tell if it's candy apple or Dakota red from the pics, but I think the CAR ones tend to have matching headstocks.

Looks CAR to me, but my eyes are horrible.

singlepickup24 wrote:I think $3600 is a fair price for a 65. Looks to be in pretty good condition, too.

What's really cool about that guitar is that the neck is dated 4 Jan 65, one day after the CBS sale was finalized. So, while the guitar is not technically pre-CBS, it's safe to say it was completed before CBS took over operations. Could be the same quality as your dream 62 at a fraction of the price.

Also, it's kind of like a piece of Fender history. First transition period Jazzmaster.

The 4 is the neck code, not the day it was made on.

Ah fuck. Well, forget the 4. Still a transition JM likely built according to Pre-CBS standards.

4 = death in Chinese, anyway.