Before I replace my Strat

what does a Jazzmaster bring to the table? My very limited experience with them and I'll be honest, there was a time when I wouldn't know a Jazzmaster from a Jaguar, is one of a guitar that sounds very plinky and doesn't have that singing sustain that Strats can have.

When I say very limited, I mean as in like less than double digits of minutes. I'm not sure if I've even touched one in the last 40 years or so.

I have been listening to a lot of not-classic rock lately, by bands that seemed to make a point of eschewing the 'big' names: Les Paul, Strat, Tele, other gibsons with humbuckers and P-90s. Lots of offsets, and Jazzmasters seem to lead the pack.

I know this forum doesn't get a whole lot of traffic but I thought I'd throw this out there and see what kind of answers I get.

I once thought about adding a Jazzmaster, or a Mustang to my collection. Two different guitars, I know. And I didn't get either.

The Jazzmaster runs from around $450 to over $2700, which is as much as a Strat costs, with fewer pickups and less in the way of tone control. The deal killer for me was the 7.25" radius neck. I know some electric guitar players like rounded necks, but I always have trouble keeping the strings in place during bends. They are cool looking, however, and have the nice, big headstock which is color-matched.

Sorry, but I can't tell you my impression on how one plays, as I've had less time playing one (none) than you.

They sound totally different. The JMs pinging tone is from bad geometry for its bridge most of the time (not enough break angle on strings less that 12s). Mastery offers a solution.

I would NEVER give up a Strat for a JM. The Jag is a totally different beast as the pups and wiring are months apart from a JM.

Do NOT replace your Strat with a JM, you augment your collection.

And I wasn't trying to be negative on the JM, but it's just not a replacement for a Strat. I own a JM and it will probably get 3 songs each set over the weekend.

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Originally Posted by blackonblack

And I wasn't trying to be negative on the JM, but it's just not a replacement for a Strat. I own a JM and it will probably get 3 songs each set over the weekend.

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Man, I can't think of a single time I would need to put down a Stratocaster to pick up a JM, much less drag it to a show for three songs.

You can do just about anything with a Strat but a JM is pretty much a one-trick-pony, i.e., I can make a Strat do the JM thing but I can't make a JM sound like a Strat.

As for the OP, you're not gigging or playing out so it's perfectly fine for you to play whatever makes you happy. I will say that I find a JM is bit too unwieldy for me to enjoy. I'd say buy a used Mexican one and if it rings your bell upgrade to a US one later although I doubt there is any discernable difference between a Mexican JM that's been well sorted and a US one.


Chuck

Actually , just go with a Squire Classic Vibe. Most of them play better than the MX.
I?m 90% sure I?m talking a Tele to the gigs. Since I put a 4 way switch in my CS 60s, it?s a beast and a lady. It?s quickly becoming my fav.

Just remember. You're the only one who cares if you're playing a Strat or a JM. Well, you and a small handful of musicians, maybe.
Buy the guitar that you find allows you to most easily express yourself in music. The rest will follow.