Post by TBird on Sept 12, 2020 16:46:53 GMT -5
For some reason (maybe this forum?), the idea that I needed a Jazzmaster popped into my mind. I had one in 2007, a Fender Japan model. I was a good guitar, but it didn't sound like the JM Bob Bogle of the Ventures used early on. Put American JM pickups in but I didn't really hear a big difference, so that guitar went away.
Online I saw a couple current models of interest: the Vintera and the American Professional, so I went to GC. They had the Professional, but not the Vintera, and the Squier J Mascis model (not that I know who he is). I always like the look of the Squier with the Olympic white and gold anodized pickguard. The Pro was OW with the anodized pickguard. Cool! The Squier has the original rhythm circuit, while the Pro does not. Plugging each into a Fender HRD clean channel, I compared the sound of each. To my surprise, they sounded so alike to my ancient ears, I couldn't tell them apart. The Pro sold for $1750 while the Squier was priced at $500. So I bought the Squier. The demo model was damaged, so they sent me a new one from the warehouse.
I've had it two days, and I will say I'm pleased with the guitar. Fit and finish are flawless. The neck is a bit chunkier than I prefer, but not by much. The neck finish is satin and feels good. The neck color is not they typical Fender vintage color, but more gold toned, maybe to compliment the gold pickguard. Right out of the box, the setup was very good. Haven't felt the need to adjust anything at this point. Through my systems, the pickups sounded good too. I'm glad I have the option of that rhythm circuit, even if it doesn't get used much. It is said that the pickups are P90's. I don't have a vintage JM to compare it to, or a P90 equipped guitar either, so I can't say how authentic the tones are. But they sound good to me. Maybe someday, I'll upgrade to Duncan or Lollar JM pickups, but I remember that replacing the Japanese pickups with American versions didn't do much for me, so I'll wait on that. Now, let me go play Walk Don't Run!
Online I saw a couple current models of interest: the Vintera and the American Professional, so I went to GC. They had the Professional, but not the Vintera, and the Squier J Mascis model (not that I know who he is). I always like the look of the Squier with the Olympic white and gold anodized pickguard. The Pro was OW with the anodized pickguard. Cool! The Squier has the original rhythm circuit, while the Pro does not. Plugging each into a Fender HRD clean channel, I compared the sound of each. To my surprise, they sounded so alike to my ancient ears, I couldn't tell them apart. The Pro sold for $1750 while the Squier was priced at $500. So I bought the Squier. The demo model was damaged, so they sent me a new one from the warehouse.
I've had it two days, and I will say I'm pleased with the guitar. Fit and finish are flawless. The neck is a bit chunkier than I prefer, but not by much. The neck finish is satin and feels good. The neck color is not they typical Fender vintage color, but more gold toned, maybe to compliment the gold pickguard. Right out of the box, the setup was very good. Haven't felt the need to adjust anything at this point. Through my systems, the pickups sounded good too. I'm glad I have the option of that rhythm circuit, even if it doesn't get used much. It is said that the pickups are P90's. I don't have a vintage JM to compare it to, or a P90 equipped guitar either, so I can't say how authentic the tones are. But they sound good to me. Maybe someday, I'll upgrade to Duncan or Lollar JM pickups, but I remember that replacing the Japanese pickups with American versions didn't do much for me, so I'll wait on that. Now, let me go play Walk Don't Run!
