Before I replace my Strat

[DanTheBluesMan]

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.

[OldStrummer]

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.

[blackonblack]

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.

[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.

[Offshore Angler]

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.

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

[blackonblack]

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.

[Telenator]

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.