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Freddy V-C wrote:These are all lovely looking!

Other than the brown one, which you've mentioned is in standard, what tunings do you use?

The 64 is in D#D#A#D#GG, the VM is in EGDGED, the JMJM is in CGDGBB. I've also got a Tele in CGCCCG and a Jag in EG#EG#EG#. I've tried a couple of other tunings but they haven't stuck.

Noisy Cat wrote:Judging by the wider string spacing, it looks like the sunburst Squier VMJM has an American tailpiece – yet a standard non-locking Squier trem plate...

The Staytrem bridge is narrower than the standard bridge string spacing (55mm v 52mm) so it may be that it makes the trem look less narrow.

finboy wrote:Great collection, curious on your opinion of mastery vs staytrem

I've been using the Staytrems for longer - the brown JM had one until I got the Mastery last week.

But so far, the Staytrems are way easier to set up, both bridges get rid of the majority of the standard style bridges foibles. The Mastery is better for behind the bridge stuff - it is clearer, and the Mastery seems to transfer more string vibration to the body. I probably like the Mastery a little better, but the Staytrem is nearly as good for half the price.

FWIW the only standard offset bridge I've used that has been any good at all is the vintage on on the 64.

NickD wrote:

Noisy Cat wrote:Judging by the wider string spacing, it looks like the sunburst Squier VMJM has an American tailpiece – yet a standard non-locking Squier trem plate...

The Staytrem bridge is narrower than the standard bridge string spacing (55mm v 52mm) so it may be that it makes the trem look less narrow.

No, nothing to do with the spacing at the bridge (I too have a VMJM with a Staytrem bridge). Look at the outer E-strings in relation to the screws just above the tailpiece.

USA spacing:


CIJ spacing (and Squiers have the same – look at your JMJM for example):


Just an observation!

Noisy Cat wrote:

NickD wrote:

Noisy Cat wrote:Judging by the wider string spacing, it looks like the sunburst Squier VMJM has an American tailpiece – yet a standard non-locking Squier trem plate...

The Staytrem bridge is narrower than the standard bridge string spacing (55mm v 52mm) so it may be that it makes the trem look less narrow.

No, nothing to do with the spacing at the bridge (I too have a VMJM with a Staytrem bridge). Look at the outer E-strings in relation to the screws just above the tailpiece.

USA spacing:

CIJ spacing (and Squiers have the same – look at your JMJM for example):

Just an observation!

With that in mind, I just checked - the JMJM, the trem on the brown JM (from a VM Squier) and the CIJ trem on my Jag are all about 52mm, the 64, VMJM and my Squier Bass VI are all 55mm. The two Squiers were bought at the same time.

Not sure what that means though.

Cracking collection Nick!...and perfect perfect colour choices...the vintage has my win...and yeh hows the Staytrem/Mastery debate? Very tempted for a staytrem for the vm mustang i got...have even thought about making my own..a kind of bastard of all styles

Added 6 more - some Gibson style stuff mainly.

I was dreading you doing these... That white one especially was the bollocks. Have since decided, though, that I only like P90s when they're pickguard mounted. They're just too hairy-chested for me when they're body mounted.

That Tokai is super beautiful

I'm so glad the old Ibanez found a good home. She looks like she's been in the wars but the playability's superb, and the pickups are hotter than YOUR MUM.

And yeah...that Tokai is really damned nice. Another one of those under-appreciated MIJ brands that make some really nice stuff.

I think even at the £500 they go for in perfect condition the Ibanez Artists are cheap, I've played Gibsons of that era and they were no better I want to fill in the missing piece of maple, but that will mean refinishing the top. If I go ahead it will become a goldtop.

Tim - they are both in a good home, neither are going anywhere. The Tokai especially gets a lot of play, probably the second most used after the brown JM.

Love that artist yoke.

Curious how you are getting along with the SG? The vintage versions are out of my price range and I've heard some of the recent versions were crap. I'd love to get one- any recommendations on year for a solid player under $800?

The SG is great, I like big necks on my 24.75 scale guitars, and it is fairly chunky, and build quality is good. I'm not sure what year mine is, mid 2000s I think. I've had other SGs before, but never quite gelled with them - I'd definitely try a special out, and they are good value as well.

I got a 2005 faded special recently and it's great, impeccable fretjob and nice rosewood. They didn't get crap until Gibson started selling them for even cheaper in like 2008-ish. If you want an even safer bet, the pre-2002 Fadeds with crescent moon inlays and ebony boards are invariably swiggity if they aren't beat up (though I never actually liked those inlays).

Awesome collection man.

I've been really wanting a Jazzmaster lately and I'm trying to decide between a J Mascis Signature or a Squier VM.

Which do you guys prefer?

and how are the pickups in each?

I've got that same epi les paul! I can't bring myself to sell it as it was the first real guitar I bought myself when I got back into guitars after highschool. It is NOT light, but I found out it has a maple cap with maple veneer overtop, I thought it was photoflame based on the price point but apparently not.

94CIJMustang wrote:Awesome collection man.

I've been really wanting a Jazzmaster lately and I'm trying to decide between a J Mascis Signature or a Squier VM.

Which do you guys prefer?

and how are the pickups in each?

the j mascis jazzmaster is nice because the neck is smooth satin, but the trem is moved up like the CP jazzmasters, so in terms of play it'll feel like those, pickups were pretty good.

i bought a sonic blue VM jazzmaster and i love it to bits, amazing guitar, pickups are awesome in it too. traditional tremolo placement too if that's important to you. (that's what sold me on it, i own a CP jaguar and the trem placement just doesn't feel right)

I have a VM Jazzmaster and my former bandmate has a J Mascis. I've played the Mascis a bit at rehearsal and in guitar shops.

I really love the Mascis and wish I owned one. Will probably buy one within the next year. Satin neck feels great. Has medium jumbo frets, if you like those. Pickups are a bit darker than those on the VM in my opinion. They have more emphasis on the midrange. Somewhat similar to a P90. I think they sound terrific. Also, the TOM bridge is nice and makes the guitar very stable.

That said, I like my VM quite a bit and won't be parting with it. The pickups do have that traditional JM feel. They are bright and chimey like they should be. They are a tad shrill but can be tamed with some EQ adjustment. I got rid of the stock bridge and added a Staytrem. Huge improvement! The neck is fairly slim whereas the Mascis neck is a bit more chunky.

I hate to say it as a proud VM owner, but you'll probably be more happy with the Mascis "out of the box." That being said, the VM is a great guitar and a more traditional Jazzmaster. If you like playing Jazzmasters, you may want both. I sure do.

Sorry for thread-jack; please continue with Gibson style lurve!

Loads more added to the first post. That's the lot (for the moment!)