Wow, this makes me so glad. To quote Wayne's World: "We're not worthy!" Thank you for watching, subscribing and leaving this comment. Really. I'm in awe. Please give my regards to Danny.
Tim, I've been obsessed with your guitar since the 90s and tried for many years to get one. I had given up my search until a few years ago when I randomly found a thread on OSG explaining the story behind your mysterious guitar. I remember reading somewhere in that thread that you and Danny were fixing to start up the business again. I'm not sure what the status is, but I really hope you guys still have plans to do so. That guitar is the instrument of my dreams. I used to zoom in on many pictures trying to read who the manufacture was (back in the AOL days), and once I found out it was Mercury I went on a deep dive trying to find one but to no avail. After all these years, no other guitar is as beautiful to me and I hope one day to own one. I really hope you guys find the time and resources to build some soon. 🙏🏻🤞🏻
Those were the times. I used to own a '97 Vista Squier Jagmaster, Sonic Blue. Bought used for € 250,- I still regrett selling that one.... The Venus was considered odd back then (late 90's) and I recall they didn't sell all that well. at some occasions they were blown out at guitar stores a low prices... I remember seeing them pop up on the used market for little money (early 2000's) But I'm really happy they finally deserved their place in guitar history...
I love the "South Central Rain" lick. That sealed it for me. The Byrds were a nice touch, too. Great playing. Thanks for the informative and entertaining video!
Thanks so much, Mike! Really glad to see you pop in. I'm planning on mentioning the Demystifying the Jazzmaster articles in my next video and adding your tag, hope you're okay with that!
Solid video! It was nice to see such a good in-depth review and history lesson about the quirky and short-lived Squier Venus XII. Perhaps you could do the Elvis Costello Jazzmaster Signature next?
Thanks so much! I assure you that more Jazzmaster content is incoming. 😎 I've got more photos on my Instagram pagd @algeriet of the Silverburst Jazzmaster if that's the one you mean. Once again, thanks!
I paid $800 canadian for one in toronto in 1998, brought it back to the uk and got nobbled by customs and had to pay £200 import duty. I found the pickups too thin in the end and moved it on. It was black with the pearloid pickguard. Very cure...Part exchanged it for a lakewood acoustic.... I'm liking the videos!
And £200 in '98 was probably even more of a fortunate than it is today! Tip: next time pick it apart and stow it in your luggage. Thanks, I'll try and keep them coming!
Fantastic! Finally a decent TH-cam video of one of these. Although I don't think any of the ones Courtney plays live were the mercury ones (as I think you stated) since those were semi hollow and had cutouts. And the story, as Ive heard it was that the guys from Mercury presented the guitar to Kurt Cobain only to realize, embarrassingly, that they'd forgotten he was a southpaw. And then Courtney jumped in and said "I'll take it". Never heard anything about her paying for it or ordering any more, though it's possible. Somewhere on the offset guitars forum there was a reboot with the guys from Mercury and it looked very promising for a while until it just kind of lost steam and disappeared..
Thanks so much for your kind words! In the description I've included links, both to the exact thread you're referring to and another statement from Tim George. The guitars Courtney played live, that I also included pictures of, were indeed Mercury guitars. They all had the Mercury headstock and pickups. Any other Mercury style guitar that she played without that headstock shape had a Fender style peghead and were Fenders/Squiers. Once again thanks!
Darn those black ones look so killer with the matching headstock! I actually had a '78 330/12 and while I'd obviously go for the Ric, the Venus XII does the job more than well.
Glad you enjoyed it! Well the Custom Shop does, but I reckon the MIM version was born out of laziness because people had created that style of bridge over in the OSG forums for years. I've got solid intel that in the near future a USA reissue of the Electric XII will be released and then the bridge will become mass produced again. Until then it's getting ahold of an OG or a CS, in either way good luck!
Thanks buddy! Honestly to answer your question with one answer: Nothing out of the ordinary. Never had any issues with this guitar whatsoever actually. Other than that it took twice the time to restring and tune, haha!
Thanks, buddy! I haven't personally tried (or even seen) one but I reckon it's just as well made quality-wise. I actually tried stringing this guitar as a regular 6-string and it was great. The 6-string model will have a entirely different sound as it's got different pickups, and the tune o matic bridge will be different feeling too, absolutely.
I have one and its fucking amazing it has a really cool bridge it never gets out of tune haha mine didn’t came with the original pickups but for what i have read they’re great and in terms of the build it’s amazing
DSG? If so then yes! Custom ordered then it got stolen before it arrived to me only to be found in Romania. Here's the story: www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=116757
@@adrianseifi8209 sorry! Typo! Love his take on the marauder even more so than the custom shop. I wish I’d found DSG when he was still producing and I had the extra cash! I’m rocking a mim jm with some antiquity lls and a copper mastery setup. Also have another parts master I’m working on that looks similar to the cream and rosewood American jm as well! Keep up the content! Loved this video!
@@CultoftheMilkBird Last we spoke he was going to build guitars and make them available for sale when they're done, i.e. no custom orders. Still, maybe reach out to him and see if he can set you up with one? Copper Mastery looks so cool! I've in fact got Antiquity Its in my AV65 and Antiquity Is in the DSG. Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
The only thing that would have made this better if is you had a lavaliere mic for the spoken parts (which is most of the the video) - that would eliminate the echo and allow you to get a more consistent volume between playing & speaking parts.
This started out as a just-for-fun type of thing, but actually turned out to be more fun than I initially anticipated so I'm looking into different mics for future videos. Thanks for the feedback (and watching)!
Agreed, also, Squier just released their Paranormal Jazzmaster XII so clearly Fender have begun focusing more on XIIs, but I would only be interested in a genuine American Vintage style reissue. With that said, that they've even been making the XII string trees is a huge plus, let alone on a Squier. Anyway, check out Zamm Guitars on Instagram. They're working on offering proper XII bridges!
Jeremy from Kiwi Jr plays the same one. His is one of the best guitars I've ever played.
Excellent reporting and it's nice to see me and Danny being mentioned here. Love it. -Tim
Wow, this makes me so glad. To quote Wayne's World: "We're not worthy!"
Thank you for watching, subscribing and leaving this comment. Really. I'm in awe. Please give my regards to Danny.
Tim, I've been obsessed with your guitar since the 90s and tried for many years to get one. I had given up my search until a few years ago when I randomly found a thread on OSG explaining the story behind your mysterious guitar. I remember reading somewhere in that thread that you and Danny were fixing to start up the business again. I'm not sure what the status is, but I really hope you guys still have plans to do so. That guitar is the instrument of my dreams. I used to zoom in on many pictures trying to read who the manufacture was (back in the AOL days), and once I found out it was Mercury I went on a deep dive trying to find one but to no avail. After all these years, no other guitar is as beautiful to me and I hope one day to own one. I really hope you guys find the time and resources to build some soon. 🙏🏻🤞🏻
You know you’re in the right place when they’re wearing a dinosaur jr shirt and there’s a pile of Jazzmasters in the corner
Haha heck yes! I try and make it a point to always have something Dinosaur Jr related in my videos!
Those were the times. I used to own a '97 Vista Squier Jagmaster, Sonic Blue. Bought used for € 250,- I still regrett selling that one.... The Venus was considered odd back then (late 90's) and I recall they didn't sell all that well. at some occasions they were blown out at guitar stores a low prices... I remember seeing them pop up on the used market for little money (early 2000's) But I'm really happy they finally deserved their place in guitar history...
I reckon they're still considered odd, haha!
Woow. TH-cam algorithm really working very nice. Much love from Yugoslavia
Hahahaha Thank you, friend!
I love the "South Central Rain" lick. That sealed it for me. The Byrds were a nice touch, too. Great playing. Thanks for the informative and entertaining video!
Haha thanks, buddy. Happy you enjoyed it.
Great video! I dig the Venus and always wanted an original Mercury.
Thanks so much, Mike! Really glad to see you pop in. I'm planning on mentioning the Demystifying the Jazzmaster articles in my next video and adding your tag, hope you're okay with that!
Really cool. Thanks! Subscribed. Can’t wait until your next video 🔥
Thanks so much, appreciate it!
Super cool video mate.
Much appreciated mate! More to come post-procrastination.
Solid video! It was nice to see such a good in-depth review and history lesson about the quirky and short-lived Squier Venus XII.
Perhaps you could do the Elvis Costello Jazzmaster Signature next?
Thanks, buddy! Funny you should suggest that as I've been strongly considering doing it.
Good eye btw! Haha
@@adrianseifi3285 Do one for every JM in the background, I’d watch them all lol. That 60th Anniversary JM looks dope.
Excellent choice, it's one of my favorites.
Love the editing haha, good video
Can’t wait to see more
Thanks so much! I'm glad to hear my humour entertains others than myself. I assure you more is on its way. Thanks again.
Came for the Squier 12 string, stayed for the Dinosaur Jr intro.
Always stay for the Dino!
Cool video! I’m a Fender offset fan, and I found you on a Facebook post. Nice custom Jazzmaster too, I’d love to see a video of that as well.
Thanks so much! I assure you that more Jazzmaster content is incoming. 😎 I've got more photos on my Instagram pagd @algeriet of the Silverburst Jazzmaster if that's the one you mean.
Once again, thanks!
Great video! Bought a Venus XII last month and it’s a masterpiece!
Happy strumming!
Gr8 demo!
Your painting skills are great. 🌻 😋
I paid $800 canadian for one in toronto in 1998, brought it back to the uk and got nobbled by customs and had to pay £200 import duty. I found the pickups too thin in the end and moved it on. It was black with the pearloid pickguard. Very cure...Part exchanged it for a lakewood acoustic.... I'm liking the videos!
And £200 in '98 was probably even more of a fortunate than it is today! Tip: next time pick it apart and stow it in your luggage.
Thanks, I'll try and keep them coming!
Fantastic! Finally a decent TH-cam video of one of these. Although I don't think any of the ones Courtney plays live were the mercury ones (as I think you stated) since those were semi hollow and had cutouts.
And the story, as Ive heard it was that the guys from Mercury presented the guitar to Kurt Cobain only to realize, embarrassingly, that they'd forgotten he was a southpaw. And then Courtney jumped in and said "I'll take it". Never heard anything about her paying for it or ordering any more, though it's possible.
Somewhere on the offset guitars forum there was a reboot with the guys from Mercury and it looked very promising for a while until it just kind of lost steam and disappeared..
Thanks so much for your kind words! In the description I've included links, both to the exact thread you're referring to and another statement from Tim George.
The guitars Courtney played live, that I also included pictures of, were indeed Mercury guitars. They all had the Mercury headstock and pickups. Any other Mercury style guitar that she played without that headstock shape had a Fender style peghead and were Fenders/Squiers. Once again thanks!
Amazing info! Subscribed!
"When you control the mail you control information." /Newman
The views keep on coming in! Before 100 subs-squad right here!
Haha appreciate the love, bruv (that rhymed)
Good work buddy! Subbed’!
Thanks buddy! More to come.
instant sub my man! Offset-POWER 👌🏼♥️💅🏼
I loved my Venus XII (I had the black one) but it just didn’t “out Ric” by 620/12 so I let it go. I wouldn’t mind having it back.
Darn those black ones look so killer with the matching headstock! I actually had a '78 330/12 and while I'd obviously go for the Ric, the Venus XII does the job more than well.
I would absolutely kill for a surf green 6 string
Great video Adrian. I have searched the internet. No luck. Can you measure the width at the nut for me?
I was curious about what this model was. Saw it in a Fender book. Thanks
My pleasure, buddy!
Loved the REM riff! Do you know why Fender won't use the electric 12 bridge again?
Glad you enjoyed it! Well the Custom Shop does, but I reckon the MIM version was born out of laziness because people had created that style of bridge over in the OSG forums for years. I've got solid intel that in the near future a USA reissue of the Electric XII will be released and then the bridge will become mass produced again. Until then it's getting ahold of an OG or a CS, in either way good luck!
Nice review, thanks - do the single coils hum much? Does it stay in tune?
Thanks buddy! Honestly to answer your question with one answer: Nothing out of the ordinary. Never had any issues with this guitar whatsoever actually. Other than that it took twice the time to restring and tune, haha!
Nice vid man, is the 6 string venus as good as the 12 strings?
Thanks, buddy! I haven't personally tried (or even seen) one but I reckon it's just as well made quality-wise. I actually tried stringing this guitar as a regular 6-string and it was great. The 6-string model will have a entirely different sound as it's got different pickups, and the tune o matic bridge will be different feeling too, absolutely.
Build quality is the same, but the pickups and bridge are different. I've owned 2 of them.
I have one and its fucking amazing it has a really cool bridge it never gets out of tune haha mine didn’t came with the original pickups but for what i have read they’re great and in terms of the build it’s amazing
Hey it looks like we have a lot of the same taste in music and in guitars
Hey buddy, haha what can I say? You've got excellent taste!
@@adrianseifi8209 haha
Is that a bsg jazz in the background?
DSG? If so then yes!
Custom ordered then it got stolen before it arrived to me only to be found in Romania. Here's the story:
www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=116757
@@adrianseifi8209 sorry! Typo! Love his take on the marauder even more so than the custom shop. I wish I’d found DSG when he was still producing and I had the extra cash! I’m rocking a mim jm with some antiquity lls and a copper mastery setup. Also have another parts master I’m working on that looks similar to the cream and rosewood American jm as well! Keep up the content! Loved this video!
@@CultoftheMilkBird Last we spoke he was going to build guitars and make them available for sale when they're done, i.e. no custom orders. Still, maybe reach out to him and see if he can set you up with one? Copper Mastery looks so cool! I've in fact got Antiquity Its in my AV65 and Antiquity Is in the DSG. Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
@@adrianseifi8209 nice! I’ll hit him up when I have the funds!
I don't see the Johnny Marr Jaguar...
Haha sorry, last guitar I sold before I moved to Berlin. Sometimes I think about it.
That was your best one with the aluminium Tele :-(
@@jeanmadelaine1814 That Tele was beautiful!
The only thing that would have made this better if is you had a lavaliere mic for the spoken parts (which is most of the the video) - that would eliminate the echo and allow you to get a more consistent volume between playing & speaking parts.
This started out as a just-for-fun type of thing, but actually turned out to be more fun than I initially anticipated so I'm looking into different mics for future videos. Thanks for the feedback (and watching)!
Do you really live in Leipzig?
Lol yes, why?
I can't understand why no company offers a replica of the bridge. The modern bridge on the Alternate Reality XII looks so ugly
Agreed, also, Squier just released their Paranormal Jazzmaster XII so clearly Fender have begun focusing more on XIIs, but I would only be interested in a genuine American Vintage style reissue. With that said, that they've even been making the XII string trees is a huge plus, let alone on a Squier. Anyway, check out Zamm Guitars on Instagram. They're working on offering proper XII bridges!
@@adrianseifi8209 thank you very much!!!!!