Jazzmasters: MIJ vs AVRI

singlepup · Post by **singlepup** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 2:35 am

dots wrote:my avri [jaguar] feels better and has a better fit&finish compared to my japanese hh jag which i love.

This got me thinking about Jazzmasters. Who has owned both MIJ and AVRI? How do they stack up outside of the obvious points of comparison (pups, electronics)? Basically I'm wondering if AVRI is a clear preference for forum JM players, especially considering high prices of late.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 2:46 am

Aside from the obvious (finish, pickups, hardware) the AVRI guitar has nice rolled fretboard edges. It's wonderfully comfortable to play.

singlepup · Post by **singlepup** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 6:42 am

Comfort is definitely key. Something good to keep in mind.

HNB · Post by **HNB** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:14 pm

I might have had lemon experiences, but the AVRI's I have played in stores were unimpressive... and I wanted them to be awesome like people say they are. My Japanese guitars (Mustangs, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Telecasters, P Basses, etc) have all been excellent to me. Maybe I just prefer that style neck and that is what makes it for me?

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:35 pm

I thought the CIJ and AVRI Jags were fairly close in terms of quality, and that there wasn't much in it. However, the CIJ Jazzmasters don't hold together nearly so well for me; maybe it's because of the lower string tension or something, but I've never played one I've liked.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 5:28 pm

I've had 3 CIJ Jazzmasters in the past, 2 I had for about 4 or 5 years and 1 I still have and love - it's my favourite guitar as opposed to my American Tele and Strat. It sounds, feels and plays brilliantly - although I cannot compare it too an AVRI though as i've never played one, so my comments may be pretty useless. Just adding my 2 pence worth.

Concretebadger · Post by **Concretebadger** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 6:14 pm

Heh...bloody good question!

I've not played an AVRI either, but a CIJ JM's tailpiece isn't as good - the spacing between the strings is narrower so they don't run parallel between the bridge and trem. Not as significant an issue as the fitting of the arm in the socket so you might want to replace it for that reason alone.

I'll definitely try out one of those '65 AVRIs to see if there is a difference though, and report back here when I do. Considering how a pickup swap, new trem and replacement pots can make a CIJ *theoretically* as good as an AVRI for half the price, I'm extremely interested in what the differences are.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:36 pm

Concretebadger wrote: Considering how a pickup swap, new trem and replacement pots can make a CIJ *theoretically* as good as an AVRI for half the price

Not really, because you'll still have the thick plasticy poly finish on the body and neck. That, more than anything else (well, maybe the pickups) made me upgrade to the AVRI.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 5:18 am

I played a Black 62 AVRI Jazzmaster the other day and the neck felt thicker than usual but sounded and played fantastic. AVRI pickups sounded really good. An Olympic White JM with red tort or anodized gold scratch plate is kinda a dream guitar.

I am holding out so I can finish my Jazzmaster project guitar.

Post by **dots** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 5:37 am

jm's are going to be something i explore more thoroughly in '13 (including my dotsmaster). i've been comfortable in my shorterscale rut the last eight years or so, but considering how much i adore p90-style pickups these days, i feel kinda embarrassed not having much to add about jazzmaster advice and experience.

i'll watch this thread with interest.

mastermorya · Post by **mastermorya** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:54 am

Love my '08 AVRI JM. Love it. I have bridge problems though and eventually will get a mastery. Never played a MIJ JM, though. The VM doesn't come close to the AVRI. I played a MIJ Jag today, I really, really liked it, maybe it was set up better than the AVRI JM's I've played but it was really, really nice. Significantly nicer than the VM Jag I just got. Sadface.