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I have never liked the tone of my Japanese Jaguar Reissue. I got it in 91′ as an early graduation gift fom my dad. I wanted it because Mark Arm from Mudhoney played one, and at the time he was who I wanted to be. So my dad bought it for me.
As I played it through the years I struggled with its tone. Trying different amp settings, strings and whatnot to help beef it up. Nothing I tried worked. So as I built my collection with American made Fenders, I played my Jag less and less.
I recently pulled it out of its case and rediscovered how cool it really was. I wanted to play it again but knew I was going to have to do something about its tone. So I invested in American Vintage Reissue Jagaur Pickups. I also switched out the Japanese pots to American made CTS 500k pots and installed an American made input jack. I had it all hand wired with cloth wire like the originals in hopes it would be close to an American one.
Let me tell you, this is a totally different guitar. It sounds amazing! It actually has tone I can control, and sounds sweet clean or dirty. I am a total believer that if you are questioning buying an American or Japanese reissue…. pony up and buy the American one. It is well worth it.
Glad it worked out well for you Tonas, it’s be a shame to have a jaguar and not use it. When I have enough money it’ll probably be the next guitar I buy, then that’ll be it I think.
"SonicD " wrote:i recon this goes for the jazzmaster as well?Yeah same Japanese electronics. The thing with the Jazzmasters is that the American ones the pickups are wound outwards giving it its tone. The Japanese version looks like the American ones but the pickups are wound up, not out giving it a more Stratocaster type sound than a Jazzmaster. The pickups from Japan are also not wax potted, giving them a notorious trebley sound that can’t be avoided. Most of this info is on the Internet, there are some really good Jaguar, and Jazzmaster pages out there.
So you think buying a new American Jazzmaster is a good idea instead of buying a Vintage one?
I just think if you are looking for sound and not a collectable Vintage guitar this is the way to go. Vintage Jazzmaster prices are crazy.
Well I was always saving for an American jazzmaster but I thought if I could get the cash I may as well get a vintage one because they’re only gonna keep going up in value.
"Stormy320 " wrote:So you think buying a new American Jazzmaster is a good idea instead of buying a Vintage one?I don’t think it matters whether its vintage or new, just that its American made. The electronics are much better than the Japanese ones.
Keep your eyes open for a used American made one. But if you’re on a budget, there’s no shame in turning Japanese. I have a 66 MIJ Jazz RI that is a better guitar than the 66 I have. The old pre 65 ones (actually pre 62) are really magic. Feeling like old baseball gloves, broken in and just perfect. They are getting expensive but still are an outstanding vintage value. As long as it isn’t boogered, a vintage Jazz will appreciate well. refins are a great option too. Old wood without the price premium.
chesnut hill guitars in philly is a great place to look for Jags and Jazzmsters of all ages."Stormy320 " wrote:Ughh…what’s a "av" jazzmaster?AV stands for American Vintage
Thats what the new ones are called American Vintage Reissues
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