Maybe i’m a weirdo, but i also prefer the sound, in this video. I bought one and replaced the pups/electronics and the tuners. But i didn’t hate the stock pups at all.
Rhythm circuit + fuzz = bliss. And middle position plus strangle is a great sound I use often. Also, I'm here for all the Jag content you care to post. 👍🏼
Nice one! Mine needed a setup… and it was so inexpensive to buy, i had them throw some nicer tuners on it at the same time. Now it plays like a dream. (I don’t mind the Laurel, i know some people aren’t fond of it but i’m fine with it)
I would take the player II simply because the sharper break angle from the tremolo / tail piece and the bridge. I truly believe that helps with string slippage and tuning issues with these guitars.
Loved the demos and the guitars! I'm waiting for my CV Jag to come for christmas, so I'm really excited to get into the surf rock sound. Keep up the good work!
I would not buy any Jag that didn’t have the rhythm circuit & strangle. It’s not a Jaguar if it doesn’t have the Jaguar electronics. If you ask me. Which of course nobody did. 😂
I’m into that trick where you turn the rhythm circuit down all the way and use the switch to cut the signal in and out. (For example, listen to ‘Slow Down’ from Blur’s first album.) Any Jag that can’t do that trick, i’m not having it 🙃
Owning the American Original Jag - it’s the one that I wanted because of the closest to correct vintage specs and nitro finish- really for me the feeling of poly finishes are more of a deal breaker than the lack of the rhythm circuit ❤ love your channel ❤
@@WilliamFeryll I have an AO Jazzmaster & love it. I’ve had it for 6 years & the finish is aging beautifully with daily playing. Really wish I’d picked up the Jag when they were available. Now that I’m in the market for one the prices on the AO’s used are crazy. Tbh the used prices on all the vintage correct Jags have gone way up. At this point I’m thinking about a Marr as it’s the only non-Custom Shop with a nitro finish available. I know some people say they don’t care about nitro vs. poly but I greatly prefer nitro. I own both & have some great poly finished guitars, but it they just don’t age & feel as good as the nitro instruments do after they’re played in.
Great video! This is the kind of video where you really shine, imho. Really great! My 2 cents: With clean sounds at 18:55 I prefer the Squier for Bridge and Middle but the Fender for Neck. When you added reverb at 19:45 my neck pickup preference levelled, and the other two remained also in favour of the Squier. Having the rhythm section adds more points to the Squier yet again. I never cared for the strangle switch but 28:45 blew my mind and that definitely adds even more point to the Squier, although it's not a deal breaker for me, as you mentioned. I'm not a "twanger" and I think that with overdrives and distortions I will be more at home with the Squier (albeit a bit of a closed, dusty one haha)
I have a MIJ Fender from 94, I still had to do mods back then. Easiest cure for the bridge is thicker strings, my bridge would also self adjust soon as you looked at it wrong! So I put a mustang bridge on it. After market parts were almost non existent back then , when I bought it I asked myself why squire didn't make them! And all these years later so much choice to buy and mod. It was only Seymour Duncan that made after market pickups back then as the originals were so microphonic. Dunno if that is the case with the Squiers? Great video 👍.
I love my CV Jag so much. It's my favorite guitar I've ever played. Usually do the bridge for lead parts. Can't wait to build my own custom Jag one day when I have the money. 😌 Also, Ryan, the volume and tone for the rhythm circuit aren't the same as the lead circuit. It looks like you were only using the lead volume and tone knobs when you were switching.
Please open up the Player II and investigate why the Player II is brighter and clearer - what is the pot values compared to the Squier AND your MIJ - I want this clarity on my regular Jag - and if I can get it by changing pot values - would be great - but perhaps it's also the Pickups in the Player II? If someone else can say something - please do! Great review - please compare with your MIJ also!
It's the pickups. Classic Vibes just don't get to the same chime and clarity as the Player series pickups. I have eperiences this with the CV/Player tele, CV/Player Jag, and CV/Vintera Jazzmaster. I don't notice it if I pick up the Squier first, but when I pick up Fender first and go to the CV, I can immediately find myself trying to figure out where the clarity went. My solution when I'm playing a CV is to turn on my compressor pedal and it really kicks the clarity up.
I think the strangle switch is actually super helpful on the CV regarding the bridge pickup. It gives you both worlds: beefier hotter sound, or twangier (with the switch engaged)
No contest. The cheaper guitar that practically does more is the better guitar. I'm spending a premium on... what? The rosewood neck? The Player II line is just not worth the money if we're talking about the Jaguars or Mustangs. You're better off getting a good guitar from Fender Japan or getting a Squier instead of perpetuating Fender's domestic market strategy of simplifying everything in order to capture the "never played" market.
I can say, I'm not a huge fan of Laurel, so I might try to find a Rosewood neck. Laurel can drink a whole can of moisturizer and still be dry as the Sahara.
You should do a 60’s and 70’s comparison. I’m curious if the cv 60’s and 70’s have the same pickups. I have the 60’s and LOVE it. Granted I did swap out the trem for the avri (which was a must), sanded the neck, and did some fret work to get the feel I like. But that doesn’t affect the tone. I was thinking about swapping for the 62 neck and 65 bridge and doing the Johnny marr wiring without the blade switch but I am happy with the stock pickups. For a squier I find that surprising, all my other squiers have been swapped.
I thought you were going to pick the Squire. It has character. I sounds like a Jag. The Player sounded like a bland blend between a guitar going through an amp and a direct DI feed to me. Clean, Clear and ... that's it.
Great description. It sounds like a DI. Or a danelectro with lipsticks, more poinky, sterile, compressed. It sounded like that in all other demos I watched.
Thank you for verifying the claw orientation on the Squier Jaguar….mine has that same issue and I wasn’t sure if that orientation was correct and others were incorrect or vice versa.
Squier all day for me. And the money saved, I can do some mods to address any little issues I find a long the way. Love to see you shoot out ever available Jag from Fender/Squier and see what you think is the best and best for the money, Ryan.
Depending on what you were playing and what effects you had on, my opinion on which on I think sounded best kept changing. The more rhythm and chord stuff I think sounded better on the Squier, but the Fender sounded for single note and solo-ey stuff. Both seem equally capable instruments. I think to really make a decision I'd need to get my hands on them in person and see which one feels better to play.
My CV Jaguar is my favorite guitar. It's the first guitar where I just knew. The rhythm circuit is amazing, it's my happy place , and so yes, for me I'd take the CV every time. I prefer the fuller fatter warmer tones, bought mine for $350, switched up strings to 11-49s. My trem unit has no issues at all, overall the guitar needed a little set up and the fretboard was dry. I like the pups. I'll probably upgrade the mustang bridge in the future. It's not that the new Jag sounds bad, I just already have what I need from the CV.
One advantage of being a Lefty player is not getting caught up in these heated "what's a true Jag" or whatever threads. I'll never get to play them anyway. Im just here for the playing, the drip, and the laughs. Cheers, Ryan!
@@two50ne77 Ive seen that thang. Though I appreciate it being available for us Lefties, it looks like something Bart Simpson drew. Id rather have a Mustang.
I have a classic player Jaguar and some says that isn't a true Jaguar, I can easely imagine their faces when the Player II came out ahah !! Great video !
I have a Classic Player Jaguar HH. I love the humbuckers and the blend wheels (between humbucker and single coil) which gives a very wide array of sounds. I really like the in between HH and single coil sounds. I did put a Mastery bridge on, but the enforcer pickups are very cool.
Hey, Ryan! Haven't been on here in a while because good life changes. Both guitars are so usable. I prefer the Fender tones, but the Squier has so many different tones. Would be cool to do an upgrade parts compatibility video! You rock, bro!
Well,that was fun! I play acoustic guitar mostly (like 99%). But you have me wanting to pop open some dusty cases. Great video! I think I finally get it.
I have the Squier CV Jag in surf green. Replaced the wiring (1meg pots), pickups (custom ‘65 winds), pick guard (mint green), trem (Fender), and tuners (vintage locking). Added a mute and switched the bridge to a Mustang bridge. It’s my favorite guitar… and I have a Gibson Firebird 😂. The luthier who did all my upgrades said it plays and sounds better than some custom shop rigs he’s worked on. IMHO if it doesn’t have the two circuits then it’s not a Jaguar.
The Squier pickups sound like a singer who pushes his voice harder, louder but more stress in his voice. The Player 2, in contrast, sounds like a singer singing in a more relaxed and in control fashion, less conpressed.
I definitely prefer the traditional controls on the Squier (both functionally and aesthetically). I don't think the fact that you can get close to the rhythm circuit sound with the tone controls is the point. You can find tune both rhythm and lead tones and then go between them with the flick of the switch. But I also agree with you that the Player 2 pickups sounded better. Maybe the best for me would be to get the Squier and then upgrade the pickups, but if the feel of playing it isn't as good then you're kinda screwed, unless maybe you go to significantly in price to a USA model.
Definitely prefer the Squier sound, features, and looks. I think the Player's trem system relocation was wise but what's odd is they kept the standard trem arm which makes it reach the lower "horn" of the guitar body 😅
Thank you for comparing these guitars for us, so that we do not have to do this ourselves👍 And now add the vintera II 70’s , or fender American professional , or one of the other fender versions with lead/rhythm switching into the mix? Apart from that, the low end of the fretboard is on the Player II version a few inches farther away somehow, it’s clear to see what i mean when you hold both guitars next to each other
Great video Ryan, thanks. I know I'm in the minority, but I like the look and the sound of the Player II Jaguar from everything I've seen on youtube so far. I also admit I have niche tastes and no need to project them as being right for anyone else. I think it's great that there's enough variety of models out there, that there's something for almost every taste. I used to have a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar, with the classic 60s looks, and it was beautiful and sounded great, but I never used the rhythm circuit or strangle switch. I can see why they exist, but also why they're kind of redundant for modern players. I think it's great Fender is offering a model with the kind of functional bridge mods a lot of players shell out for on their vintage style offsets too. I think the general consensus is the CV is more for "retro" rock players and the Player II is more for modern indie types, but I play surf, rockabilly, garage rock and similar styles, and I personally really like using stripped down rat rod type guitars. If money were no object though, I'd still get the vintage style ones too, because they're pretty
I love the Squier CV neck with binding and block inlays. I also love the Player II with the new pick-ups and relocated trem. How great Fender isn't afraid to make changes to iconic guitars. Now I want to mod a Player II by installing a CV neck. Hope that will work. Of all the reviewers 60 cycle was the only one that noticed the tremolo was relocated closer to the bridge.
It makes sense you chose the Player2 over the CV since you already have the MIJ Jag. I just find it strange that Fender would take away the rhythm & strange switches. Features that are so much a part of the Jaguar history. I really liked that green sparkle Jag-Stang you had in another video. Such a great little surf guitar.
I like the Squire . You can change the pickups . I like the way the Squire looks and how it gets dark. Players are okay… but too much is left out . ❤ could you play some jazz on it too? Also have a shoot out with the Japan made guitar…
I bought a limited edition CV silver sparkle Jag direct from Fender during a Black Friday sale. I loved how it looked, but the strings from bridge to the Tremolo were offset by an 1/8 of an inch. I returned it but i miss it because it was gorgeous.
I have a 2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster in Sonic Blue that became an even better guitar after I put a Mustang bridge on it. I tried their Sea Foam Green Jaguar, but I didn't like it. It was in Amsterdam. Maybe it didn't get a proper setup.
@@gingerbeer914 @gingerbeer914 I also changed for the mustang bridge, but tbh it was not a BIG problem without it. I also put metal knobs and a white pickguard... It is a sunburst... I will play the jazzmaster when I get the opportunity
@@TheApsodist different types / countries of rosewood, different qualities, different batches. The squier VM rosewood was not the same as the one you have on the avri for example.
I want the CV body with the Player II neck. I’m personally not into the bound neck and block inlay thing on Fenders. Dots and no binding all day for me with Fenders. Plus, I’m not afraid to admit that I will always prefer “Fender” on the headstock if I had a choice. CV’s are amazing, and saying Squier is totally fine. But you had a choice, I can’t imagine not wanting Fender on the headstock. So I say mix and match!
CV jag all day long. I own two and upgraded them. Awesome guitars. That player on the other hand isnt my cub of tea. I played one recently and hated the vibrato being closer to the bridge
I'm guessing the reason the Squier pickups seem to have less high end than the Fenders is that they have more winds. More winds (all other things being equal) gives a hotter output but attenuates more of the high frequencies within the coil (much as one would with a longer cable run). Of course, it could also have to do with magnet types/strengths, guitar materials, or even pickup height (a lower pickup in general will have a lower volume and accentuated high end), though I assume you've checked that.
I swapped the pau ferro neck on my vintera 60's modified hh jaguar with a player ii jaguar rosewood neck I ordered on eBay, and it changed the acoustic tone of it drastically, it sounds much brighter and closer to what I think a jaguar should sound like! Also, it feels much better in the hand Prior to that, I had swapped the original tom/Aom bridge with a traditional jaguar bridge. It brought it closer to what a jaguar should sound like but nowhere near as much as the neck swap. I'm trying to find a way to install a piezo, maybe a middle pickup, and a behind the bridge pickup, I currently have a midi pickup right before the bridge pickup for crazy synth stuff
The fender 100% sounds better. Squier has muddy pickups that sound nice solo but those tones won't work as well in the context of a live band or recording. I'm sure behind a bunch of distortion that wouldn't matter, and you can probably EQ it as well.
I don’t own a Jaguar but I do own a Jazzmaster Pro 2 and I can confirm all the switches and buttons give you hundreds of tones and options that you are unlikely to use and increase the amount of things that can go wrong with the electrics on a daily basis.
I’d much rather have the squier with the phase switches but I’d love to have the modern jag too. Those squires are amazing guitars though. Not just for the price. They’re just great instruments. Same with the squire mustangs!
the chrome is iconic on a jaguar, that’s why the player ii looks weird or incomplete. I would be cool to add a chrome plate on the horn section just for looks.
The one w/more chrome. Obviously. :). I do dig the Surf Green, but I also think a sunburst Jag looks a lot better than a sunburst Jazzmaster. So I wouldn't turn it down either. The CME Blue Sparkle would be pretty kickass too. I also like the block inlays more on the CV than the dots
Been thinking about getting a shorter scale Fender for a while. Without the Rhythm circuit I just don't really get the point of the new Jag. 2 strat pickups in an offset body. Feel like I'm better saving a bit of cash and going for the Mustang.
G'day Ryan, Thanks for a great video. It's a very imformative video, and I wanted to answer your question - Where am I? What do I think? Firstly, I'm not subscribed. Now I am. Secondly, I have 1 Squier, 1 Player, and 3 MIJ Fenders. Thirdly, I do want to get a Jaguar, and a Jazzmaster, since I don't have any yet. Most importantly, I find it very interesting that you seem to like your Japanese Jaguar. This is not surprising, since I know that Japanese Squiers & Fenders are great, great guitars. But it is a huge problem, which comes up every time I've bought a Fender recently. It's such a huge problem here in Australia that if you go to a store, & tell them that you have a Japanese Fender, they give in, don't bother showing the Mexican or American models, & just take you straight to the other MIJ guitars. So, since I prefer vintage style guitars, I would be inclined to get the Classic Vibe model, & try it out. If I like it, I'd trade it in on a MIJ Traditional model. However, I am getting to the age where buying, trying, then trading up is a waste of time, so I would skip both Classis Vibe & Player II models, & go straight for the MIJ Traditional. I would try all of the available models, but I would still end up with the MIJ version. Unless.... if Fender Japan starts making a Heritage 50's Jaguar. If that happens, I could be in real trouble. Once again, thanks for a great video. Keep up the good work Andrew
In my opinion, it’s always a bad sign when you keep reaching for the tone knob because you keep thinking it might not be up all the way. You can always darken a bright guitar, but there’s no making a dark/dull pickup magically have more attack and top end. I would imagine replacing the pickups in the classic vibe would level it up.
I’m in the “6 guitars” crowd. I don’t have a burning desire for a Jaguar (I’d probably have to let go of my Jazzmaster to make room), but I will say the Johnny Marr Jag caught my eye. That would be where I set my sights if I wanted a Jaguar. And for me, the magic of the JM & Jag rhythm circuit aren’t the tones themselves, but rather, the versatility of being able to switch from one sound to another at the flip of a switch. I can have the rhythm circuit set to an edge-of-breakup lead sound, and then the lead circuit doing something completely different (or even set one of the circuits as a killswitch), and I can switch between them with just the one switch. With the Player II Jag, at the very least I would be fiddling with the two knobs to do something similar, but quite likely the two sounds would be two knobs and a switch movement away (not to mention, the option for a killswitch is gone). That means I would probably find one sound on the P2 that would work for whatever I’m doing and stick with that. At that point, so much of the versatility of the JM/Jag is gone that the guitar loses most of its identity to me. So yeah, while they might be marvellous instruments, I would have no interest in a P2 Jag.
The Johnny Marr Jaguar isn't a normal Jaguar. Jazzmaster and Jaguar are not similar in sound, and if ya can, own a classic version of both, they really should sit, correct form, next to each other.
I prefer the Squire. I think it has more mids and will work better in a band mix. The thinner, clearer sound of the Player II sounds good too, but it's the kind of sound that is easier to lose in the band.
@@paulburton5150 If you want to reduce the chance for string buzz, you can also increase the string tension on the bridge by using 11s instead of 10s. After all, it's a short scale guitar.
@@madalinilie3190 mine didn't. It was pretty shallow and the low E rattled a little against the screw on trem unit. Not a major issue but a small shim sorted it
I've never owned a Jag, but always wanted one. Now I'm conflicted which one to get. Would be interesting to see how it takes variety of the distortion and overdrive pedals. I also get why would Fender get rid of the bunch of parts that most of the players never use, these are just economics of mass production.
I like Jags, but ended up buying a Player 2 Jazzmaster, as I used to have a '62 jazz master years back, plus some newer versions later on. Fender addressed some problem things for me anyway..the string angle was too shallow across the bridge in the normal JMs, and moving the trem unit forward, increased the string tension over the bridge which is a plus, they also put Mustang saddles in there. They got rid of the rhythm controls, which I never used in any Jazzmaster, and wished they were not there in the first place. BUT the trem arm now extends too long as result of the trem unit move towards the bridge, and I will shorten the arm eventually. The Player 2s are top value guitars.
The price for the squier is unbeatable..probably the quality is similar....but for me the cv would be too much complicated, that is why I prefer Telecasters :D
I have a player Jag in Tidepool Blue, my wife has the CV Jag in limited edition Gold Sparkle. Her CV cost £429 new, my Player cost £499 "ex-display" (but looked/felt brand new. Surplus stock?). The electrics, block inlays, and matching painted headstock are cooler on the CV. I actually prefer the sound of the CV pickups too - they're brighter. The Player is heavier, feels a bit more solid and has a nicer feeling neck. I wouldn't swap it for a CV, but if I had to pay RRP £700-ish for the Player, I'd pass and get the CV in a standard colour for just £379. The Player feel's like a somewhat better quality instrument, but it isn't worth TWICE the price. Only buy the Player if you can get one at a VERY good price.
I wish you'd have used the tone and volume control on the rhythm cicuit during your comparison. When you rolled the tone down halfway on the regular circuit you did get pretty much there on both guitars, but the RC gets much darker. It would have been fun to see if you could have got the same ultra dark RC sounds on the regular circuits. Anyway, really enjoyed the video!
I can hear the output difference but the Squier also sounds brighter and fuller to me. Personally I set my amps up to suit the guitar I'm using, so I'll get the tone I want from anything. I'd buy a Jaguar because of the features it has so it'd be the Squier.
@@danapplebee4408 Thanks, I know how to make it happen on my Squier, I was just highlighting that you can’t do it on the Fender Player Jag with no separate rhythm circuit. 👍
I'd like to see you do that mod video of the Player2. Dooo eeet! Drop in a proper pickguard, hex plate and 5 way switch, do the in series and out of phase wire job, and drop in the upper chrome plate as a blank (or fake Marr's upper switches for the $2,550.00 look). Has anyone done that with a P2 Jag? It might be unique content. Might turn out really cool too.
@@60CycleHumcast Holy moly, now I really want this Jag. I was looking to replace my CV50s Tele controls since the stock knobs died. I just discovered the Free-Way 3B3-01, 3 position blade switch like the Tele, but clicks sideways for another banks of 3 more postions. The lower bank of 3 positions delivers the familiar neck/both/bridge pickup combinations just as normal - but the upper bank configures the two pickups: in series; in series reverse phase; in parallel reverse phase, thereby providing every possible tonal combination from a two pickup guitar. Then I remembered this review of the P2 Jag. Pretty dang cool.
I would say the build quality (wood/fit/finish) and the components (hardware/electronics) are definitely better on the player ii, but the controls configuration is inaccurate to a true Jaguar (same goes for the Jazzmaster). If you want accurate from the getgo, get a squier. If you want build quality, get the player ii, and if you are at all DIY savvy, you can always add the vintage accurate components after the fact (or hire a tech to do it if you aren't good with tools). That's definitely what I plan to do with the jazzmaster eventually (already have a classic vibe jaguar, and I have the maximum number of guitars I can currently store on my rack, with two pending DIY projects waiting to be completed before I get anything else.)
Objectively speaking (in terms of value, if you prefer), Classic Vibe. Last I checked the CV line, they're still under 500 which right now is actually pretty good. Something players tend to not think about certain factors understandably. Biggest one that gets overlooked is school is starting soon, so there's a higher chance your kid will get injured or sick real bad, so you might wanna hold off on the expensive Fender. That being said, I'd like to think the Fender would be able to handle more "abuse" so to speak.
To me it sounds like the only question is what label do I want on the headstock. They both look and sound great. Heck the Squier says Fender too so what's the real difference? Either way the Jaguar is a great guitar no matter what configuration you choose.
The CV certainly looks cooler
Agreed
Maybe i’m a weirdo, but i also prefer the sound, in this video. I bought one and replaced the pups/electronics and the tuners. But i didn’t hate the stock pups at all.
and sounds cooler!
Absolutely. Looks are important when it comes to electric guitars. The Fender is too dull looking.
@@TheTwangKingsI like the black on white. I have a black on baby blue mustang on the way at the moment lol
Rhythm circuit + fuzz = bliss.
And middle position plus strangle is a great sound I use often.
Also, I'm here for all the Jag content you care to post. 👍🏼
Love a good jag-off
@@sethp8947 lmao
My CV Squire Jag was absolutely perfect out of the box. I’m still amazed. Purchased directly from Fender.
Nice one! Mine needed a setup… and it was so inexpensive to buy, i had them throw some nicer tuners on it at the same time. Now it plays like a dream. (I don’t mind the Laurel, i know some people aren’t fond of it but i’m fine with it)
Must be nice, mine needed a clean up on the frets, a bit too scrapey, then got a setup and after that it plays and sounds nice
@Michael-ec6mg Mine needed fret leveling and setup, but the store took care of it. Plays great, never even goes out of tune.
Well now I want the Squier Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar with 3-Tone Sunburst after seeing this! love the video!
American musical supply… 12 month payment plan with no credit check
A few small upgrades and you will not be disappointed.
@@ubermac85 I can attest to that
Such a fun guitar.
@@Releasethebats123 I like AMS and when I am employed again I will look there. Thanks
Great job. You put a lot of effort into this comparison. I really enjoyed the presentation!
I would take the player II simply because the sharper break angle from the tremolo / tail piece and the bridge. I truly believe that helps with string slippage and tuning issues with these guitars.
It's nothing that cannot be fixed with a little time on the CV.
I wish they could offer a matching headstock. I think I prefer the classic vibe. Great presentation. 👍
It would be fun to compare the player 2 to the new squier affinity jaguar. Only difference would be the shape of pickup and slant of pickup switch
Loved the demos and the guitars! I'm waiting for my CV Jag to come for christmas, so I'm really excited to get into the surf rock sound. Keep up the good work!
Excellent comparison. Very didactic. Thank you. Greetings from Peru!! 🎸👍
I prefer the CV Jag’ sound, and I do run directly into an amplifier, so the strangle appeals to me
I would not buy any Jag that didn’t have the rhythm circuit & strangle. It’s not a Jaguar if it doesn’t have the Jaguar electronics. If you ask me. Which of course nobody did. 😂
I’m into that trick where you turn the rhythm circuit down all the way and use the switch to cut the signal in and out. (For example, listen to ‘Slow Down’ from Blur’s first album.) Any Jag that can’t do that trick, i’m not having it 🙃
I like strangle switches so much, I've added them to two of my guitars and neither of them are Jags.
Owning the American Original Jag - it’s the one that I wanted because of the closest to correct vintage specs and nitro finish- really for me the feeling of poly finishes are more of a deal breaker than the lack of the rhythm circuit ❤ love your channel ❤
@@WilliamFeryll I have an AO Jazzmaster & love it. I’ve had it for 6 years & the finish is aging beautifully with daily playing. Really wish I’d picked up the Jag when they were available. Now that I’m in the market for one the prices on the AO’s used are crazy. Tbh the used prices on all the vintage correct Jags have gone way up. At this point I’m thinking about a Marr as it’s the only non-Custom Shop with a nitro finish available.
I know some people say they don’t care about nitro vs. poly but I greatly prefer nitro. I own both & have some great poly finished guitars, but it they just don’t age & feel as good as the nitro instruments do after they’re played in.
I LOVE the classic vibe series from Squier.. But Im loving the sound of that Fender better
Squier haters gonna eat their words year after year
At this point there’s prolly more player2 haters
Great video! This is the kind of video where you really shine, imho. Really great! My 2 cents: With clean sounds at 18:55 I prefer the Squier for Bridge and Middle but the Fender for Neck. When you added reverb at 19:45 my neck pickup preference levelled, and the other two remained also in favour of the Squier. Having the rhythm section adds more points to the Squier yet again. I never cared for the strangle switch but 28:45 blew my mind and that definitely adds even more point to the Squier, although it's not a deal breaker for me, as you mentioned. I'm not a "twanger" and I think that with overdrives and distortions I will be more at home with the Squier (albeit a bit of a closed, dusty one haha)
Can't say I didn't see this video coming a mile away, i literally checked for it the past week.
Love all the switches on the Squier CV. Really like that old look.
greatly prefer the sound of the white jag, greatly prefer the looks of the squier
I would have loved to have heard the japan jag in the comparison also but great video! I learned a lot.
I swear the CV sounds better
I have a MIJ Fender from 94, I still had to do mods back then. Easiest cure for the bridge is thicker strings, my bridge would also self adjust soon as you looked at it wrong! So I put a mustang bridge on it. After market parts were almost non existent back then , when I bought it I asked myself why squire didn't make them! And all these years later so much choice to buy and mod. It was only Seymour Duncan that made after market pickups back then as the originals were so microphonic. Dunno if that is the case with the Squiers? Great video 👍.
Excelente comparacion. Muy didactica. Gracias. Saludos desde Peru!! 🎸👍
I love my CV Jag so much. It's my favorite guitar I've ever played. Usually do the bridge for lead parts. Can't wait to build my own custom Jag one day when I have the money. 😌 Also, Ryan, the volume and tone for the rhythm circuit aren't the same as the lead circuit. It looks like you were only using the lead volume and tone knobs when you were switching.
Please open up the Player II and investigate why the Player II is brighter and clearer - what is the pot values compared to the Squier AND your MIJ - I want this clarity on my regular Jag - and if I can get it by changing pot values - would be great - but perhaps it's also the Pickups in the Player II?
If someone else can say something - please do!
Great review - please compare with your MIJ also!
It's the pickups. Classic Vibes just don't get to the same chime and clarity as the Player series pickups. I have eperiences this with the CV/Player tele, CV/Player Jag, and CV/Vintera Jazzmaster. I don't notice it if I pick up the Squier first, but when I pick up Fender first and go to the CV, I can immediately find myself trying to figure out where the clarity went. My solution when I'm playing a CV is to turn on my compressor pedal and it really kicks the clarity up.
Change the pots up. That’s the one thing every CV needs.
I think the strangle switch is actually super helpful on the CV regarding the bridge pickup. It gives you both worlds: beefier hotter sound, or twangier (with the switch engaged)
No contest. The cheaper guitar that practically does more is the better guitar. I'm spending a premium on... what? The rosewood neck? The Player II line is just not worth the money if we're talking about the Jaguars or Mustangs. You're better off getting a good guitar from Fender Japan or getting a Squier instead of perpetuating Fender's domestic market strategy of simplifying everything in order to capture the "never played" market.
the squier vintage modified jaguar has a rosewood neck lol, i think all of the vintage modified guitars have
@@mistopraro666 yeah but there are many types of rosewood and the one on the squier VM was not very nice.
The premium is on better playing and sounding instrument, and more solid / gig worthy.
I can say, I'm not a huge fan of Laurel, so I might try to find a Rosewood neck. Laurel can drink a whole can of moisturizer and still be dry as the Sahara.
I really don't understand why they make a Jazzmaster with none of the stuff that makes it a Jazzmaster. Otherwise, why isn't just a Jaguar
I replaced the cheap pots and capacitor in my CV tele and it made a huge difference. The Fender probably has the best electrics.
You should do a 60’s and 70’s comparison. I’m curious if the cv 60’s and 70’s have the same pickups. I have the 60’s and LOVE it. Granted I did swap out the trem for the avri (which was a must), sanded the neck, and did some fret work to get the feel I like. But that doesn’t affect the tone. I was thinking about swapping for the 62 neck and 65 bridge and doing the Johnny marr wiring without the blade switch but I am happy with the stock pickups. For a squier I find that surprising, all my other squiers have been swapped.
I thought you were going to pick the Squire. It has character. I sounds like a Jag. The Player sounded like a bland blend between a guitar going through an amp and a direct DI feed to me. Clean, Clear and ... that's it.
Great description. It sounds like a DI. Or a danelectro with lipsticks, more poinky, sterile, compressed. It sounded like that in all other demos I watched.
Thank you for verifying the claw orientation on the Squier Jaguar….mine has that same issue and I wasn’t sure if that orientation was correct and others were incorrect or vice versa.
@@MarekJacques-g9l I’m sure it makes a very small difference
Squier all day for me. And the money saved, I can do some mods to address any little issues I find a long the way. Love to see you shoot out ever available Jag from Fender/Squier and see what you think is the best and best for the money, Ryan.
Depending on what you were playing and what effects you had on, my opinion on which on I think sounded best kept changing. The more rhythm and chord stuff I think sounded better on the Squier, but the Fender sounded for single note and solo-ey stuff. Both seem equally capable instruments. I think to really make a decision I'd need to get my hands on them in person and see which one feels better to play.
My CV Jaguar is my favorite guitar. It's the first guitar where I just knew. The rhythm circuit is amazing, it's my happy place , and so yes, for me I'd take the CV every time. I prefer the fuller fatter warmer tones, bought mine for $350, switched up strings to 11-49s.
My trem unit has no issues at all, overall the guitar needed a little set up and the fretboard was dry. I like the pups. I'll probably upgrade the mustang bridge in the future.
It's not that the new Jag sounds bad, I just already have what I need from the CV.
One advantage of being a Lefty player is not getting caught up in these heated "what's a true Jag" or whatever threads. I'll never get to play them anyway. Im just here for the playing, the drip, and the laughs. Cheers, Ryan!
there is a Jag-Stang for you friend. It's not as bad as they say
@@two50ne77 Ive seen that thang. Though I appreciate it being available for us Lefties, it looks like something Bart Simpson drew. Id rather have a Mustang.
I have a classic player Jaguar and some says that isn't a true Jaguar, I can easely imagine their faces when the Player II came out ahah !!
Great video !
I have a Classic Player Jaguar HH. I love the humbuckers and the blend wheels (between humbucker and single coil) which gives a very wide array of sounds. I really like the in between HH and single coil sounds. I did put a Mastery bridge on, but the enforcer pickups are very cool.
Hey, Ryan! Haven't been on here in a while because good life changes. Both guitars are so usable. I prefer the Fender tones, but the Squier has so many different tones. Would be cool to do an upgrade parts compatibility video! You rock, bro!
17:35 Here you nailed that tone.
Well,that was fun! I play acoustic guitar mostly (like 99%). But you have me wanting to pop open some dusty cases. Great video! I think I finally get it.
I have the Squier CV Jag in surf green. Replaced the wiring (1meg pots), pickups (custom ‘65 winds), pick guard (mint green), trem (Fender), and tuners (vintage locking). Added a mute and switched the bridge to a Mustang bridge. It’s my favorite guitar… and I have a Gibson Firebird 😂. The luthier who did all my upgrades said it plays and sounds better than some custom shop rigs he’s worked on. IMHO if it doesn’t have the two circuits then it’s not a Jaguar.
The Squier pickups sound like a singer who pushes his voice harder, louder but more stress in his voice. The Player 2, in contrast, sounds like a singer singing in a more relaxed and in control fashion, less conpressed.
what??
@@tonedpeter Stating my opinion, you're welcome to do the same.
I definitely prefer the traditional controls on the Squier (both functionally and aesthetically). I don't think the fact that you can get close to the rhythm circuit sound with the tone controls is the point. You can find tune both rhythm and lead tones and then go between them with the flick of the switch. But I also agree with you that the Player 2 pickups sounded better. Maybe the best for me would be to get the Squier and then upgrade the pickups, but if the feel of playing it isn't as good then you're kinda screwed, unless maybe you go to significantly in price to a USA model.
Definitely prefer the Squier sound, features, and looks. I think the Player's trem system relocation was wise but what's odd is they kept the standard trem arm which makes it reach the lower "horn" of the guitar body 😅
Thank you for comparing these guitars for us, so that we do not have to do this ourselves👍
And now add the vintera II 70’s , or fender American professional , or one of the other fender versions with lead/rhythm switching into the mix?
Apart from that, the low end of the fretboard is on the Player II version a few inches farther away somehow, it’s clear to see what i mean when you hold both guitars next to each other
Great video Ryan, thanks. I know I'm in the minority, but I like the look and the sound of the Player II Jaguar from everything I've seen on youtube so far. I also admit I have niche tastes and no need to project them as being right for anyone else. I think it's great that there's enough variety of models out there, that there's something for almost every taste. I used to have a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar, with the classic 60s looks, and it was beautiful and sounded great, but I never used the rhythm circuit or strangle switch. I can see why they exist, but also why they're kind of redundant for modern players. I think it's great Fender is offering a model with the kind of functional bridge mods a lot of players shell out for on their vintage style offsets too. I think the general consensus is the CV is more for "retro" rock players and the Player II is more for modern indie types, but I play surf, rockabilly, garage rock and similar styles, and I personally really like using stripped down rat rod type guitars. If money were no object though, I'd still get the vintage style ones too, because they're pretty
I kinda want both. Options are great at home, simplicity and a better bridge are great live.
I love the Squier CV neck with binding and block inlays. I also love the Player II with the new pick-ups and relocated trem. How great Fender isn't afraid to make changes to iconic guitars. Now I want to mod a Player II by installing a CV neck. Hope that will work.
Of all the reviewers 60 cycle was the only one that noticed the tremolo was relocated closer to the bridge.
It makes sense you chose the Player2 over the CV since you already have the MIJ Jag. I just find it strange that Fender would take away the rhythm & strange switches. Features that are so much a part of the Jaguar history. I really liked that green sparkle Jag-Stang you had in another video. Such a great little surf guitar.
I like the Squire . You can change the pickups . I like the way the Squire looks and how it gets dark. Players are okay… but too much is left out . ❤ could you play some jazz on it too? Also have a shoot out with the Japan made guitar…
Ryan? Jazz! 😂😅😂😅😢😂
I really like this guys personality
I bought a limited edition CV silver sparkle Jag direct from Fender during a Black Friday sale. I loved how it looked, but the strings from bridge to the Tremolo were offset by an 1/8 of an inch. I returned it but i miss it because it was gorgeous.
That’s a sad story
@60CycleHumcast there were other problems with bridge. Fender was cool with the return, but I really wanted it.
I got the same one on the same sale! Mine was near perfect though. Not trying to rub it in, I feel bad that you don’t get to enjoy the beast.
The white one looks very good. Both nice. 😊
I have a 2012 Vintage Modified Squier and I LOVE it! Now theyre getting expensive, Ill keep mine :) Thanks for the video!
I have a 2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster in Sonic Blue that became an even better guitar after I put a Mustang bridge on it.
I tried their Sea Foam Green Jaguar, but I didn't like it. It was in Amsterdam. Maybe it didn't get a proper setup.
@@gingerbeer914 @gingerbeer914 I also changed for the mustang bridge, but tbh it was not a BIG problem without it. I also put metal knobs and a white pickguard... It is a sunburst... I will play the jazzmaster when I get the opportunity
The Squier vintage mod Jaguar is closer since those had rosewood too.
Different rosewood though
@@paressehylton how so?
@@TheApsodist different types / countries of rosewood, different qualities, different batches. The squier VM rosewood was not the same as the one you have on the avri for example.
Now let's see the Jazzmaster comparison for the CV and Player II!
I want the CV body with the Player II neck. I’m personally not into the bound neck and block inlay thing on Fenders. Dots and no binding all day for me with Fenders. Plus, I’m not afraid to admit that I will always prefer “Fender” on the headstock if I had a choice. CV’s are amazing, and saying Squier is totally fine. But you had a choice, I can’t imagine not wanting Fender on the headstock. So I say mix and match!
love the psycho B-52's close out
Smooth rounded edges are noticeable in feel.
CV jag all day long. I own two and upgraded them. Awesome guitars. That player on the other hand isnt my cub of tea. I played one recently and hated the vibrato being closer to the bridge
Changes the sympathetic resonance for sure
Squier guitars are the business. Love em
I prefer the Squier
wow...I loved the bridge pos on that Player 2.
I really miss the Fender Standard series right about now, but the Squier with a few mods gets you the guitar you want at about the same price.
You said you prefer the player 2 but the way you played and sounded on that squier said otherwise 🧐
great observation, I agree. The sounds he was getting straight into the amp were it
I'm guessing the reason the Squier pickups seem to have less high end than the Fenders is that they have more winds. More winds (all other things being equal) gives a hotter output but attenuates more of the high frequencies within the coil (much as one would with a longer cable run). Of course, it could also have to do with magnet types/strengths, guitar materials, or even pickup height (a lower pickup in general will have a lower volume and accentuated high end), though I assume you've checked that.
Great comparison. Both are nice guitars. It's all personal preference.
I swapped the pau ferro neck on my vintera 60's modified hh jaguar with a player ii jaguar rosewood neck I ordered on eBay, and it changed the acoustic tone of it drastically, it sounds much brighter and closer to what I think a jaguar should sound like! Also, it feels much better in the hand
Prior to that, I had swapped the original tom/Aom bridge with a traditional jaguar bridge. It brought it closer to what a jaguar should sound like but nowhere near as much as the neck swap.
I'm trying to find a way to install a piezo, maybe a middle pickup, and a behind the bridge pickup, I currently have a midi pickup right before the bridge pickup for crazy synth stuff
The fender 100% sounds better. Squier has muddy pickups that sound nice solo but those tones won't work as well in the context of a live band or recording. I'm sure behind a bunch of distortion that wouldn't matter, and you can probably EQ it as well.
I agree that there's just so much more clarity in the Player II to my ear. Definitely prefer it to the CV, but both guitars sound good.
I don’t own a Jaguar but I do own a Jazzmaster Pro 2 and I can confirm all the switches and buttons give you hundreds of tones and options that you are unlikely to use and increase the amount of things that can go wrong with the electrics on a daily basis.
I’d much rather have the squier with the phase switches but I’d love to have the modern jag too. Those squires are amazing guitars though. Not just for the price. They’re just great instruments. Same with the squire mustangs!
I have the 1st Player Jaguar. It was my 1st guitar. I love it.
I have 2 CV Jags that I love too.
the chrome is iconic on a jaguar, that’s why the player ii looks weird or incomplete. I would be cool to add a chrome plate on the horn section just for looks.
The one w/more chrome. Obviously. :). I do dig the Surf Green, but I also think a sunburst Jag looks a lot better than a sunburst Jazzmaster. So I wouldn't turn it down either. The CME Blue Sparkle would be pretty kickass too. I also like the block inlays more on the CV than the dots
Been thinking about getting a shorter scale Fender for a while. Without the Rhythm circuit I just don't really get the point of the new Jag. 2 strat pickups in an offset body. Feel like I'm better saving a bit of cash and going for the Mustang.
I also like how minimalistic Jaguar looks without all metal parts and switches
I bought both so I’m happy.
G'day Ryan,
Thanks for a great video. It's a very imformative video, and I wanted to answer your question - Where am I? What do I think?
Firstly, I'm not subscribed. Now I am. Secondly, I have 1 Squier, 1 Player, and 3 MIJ Fenders. Thirdly, I do want to get a Jaguar, and a Jazzmaster, since I don't have any yet. Most importantly, I find it very interesting that you seem to like your Japanese Jaguar. This is not surprising, since I know that Japanese Squiers & Fenders are great, great guitars. But it is a huge problem, which comes up every time I've bought a Fender recently. It's such a huge problem here in Australia that if you go to a store, & tell them that you have a Japanese Fender, they give in, don't bother showing the Mexican or American models, & just take you straight to the other MIJ guitars.
So, since I prefer vintage style guitars, I would be inclined to get the Classic Vibe model, & try it out. If I like it, I'd trade it in on a MIJ Traditional model. However, I am getting to the age where buying, trying, then trading up is a waste of time, so I would skip both Classis Vibe & Player II models, & go straight for the MIJ Traditional. I would try all of the available models, but I would still end up with the MIJ version. Unless.... if Fender Japan starts making a Heritage 50's Jaguar. If that happens, I could be in real trouble.
Once again, thanks for a great video.
Keep up the good work
Andrew
It's a little smaller than the jazzmaster body right?
Maybe its just the bridge making it look smaller, but it does look smaller
In my opinion, it’s always a bad sign when you keep reaching for the tone knob because you keep thinking it might not be up all the way. You can always darken a bright guitar, but there’s no making a dark/dull pickup magically have more attack and top end. I would imagine replacing the pickups in the classic vibe would level it up.
I’m in the “6 guitars” crowd. I don’t have a burning desire for a Jaguar (I’d probably have to let go of my Jazzmaster to make room), but I will say the Johnny Marr Jag caught my eye. That would be where I set my sights if I wanted a Jaguar.
And for me, the magic of the JM & Jag rhythm circuit aren’t the tones themselves, but rather, the versatility of being able to switch from one sound to another at the flip of a switch. I can have the rhythm circuit set to an edge-of-breakup lead sound, and then the lead circuit doing something completely different (or even set one of the circuits as a killswitch), and I can switch between them with just the one switch. With the Player II Jag, at the very least I would be fiddling with the two knobs to do something similar, but quite likely the two sounds would be two knobs and a switch movement away (not to mention, the option for a killswitch is gone). That means I would probably find one sound on the P2 that would work for whatever I’m doing and stick with that. At that point, so much of the versatility of the JM/Jag is gone that the guitar loses most of its identity to me. So yeah, while they might be marvellous instruments, I would have no interest in a P2 Jag.
The Johnny Marr Jaguar isn't a normal Jaguar. Jazzmaster and Jaguar are not similar in sound, and if ya can, own a classic version of both, they really should sit, correct form, next to each other.
@@caiusmadison2996I'd keep the Jazzmaster, unless you've got very small hands. A Jazzmaster sounds better IMHO.
I prefer the Squire. I think it has more mids and will work better in a band mix. The thinner, clearer sound of the Player II sounds good too, but it's the kind of sound that is easier to lose in the band.
love the planet claire jam btw!
I waited for the Player II. I bought a Classic Vibe. Very little work needed. I did shim the neck.
shim in the neck is all my classic vibe needed too
I thought they came with the angled neck pocket
@@paulburton5150 If you want to reduce the chance for string buzz, you can also increase the string tension on the bridge by using 11s instead of 10s. After all, it's a short scale guitar.
@@gingerbeer914 I changed it from 9's to 10's. But I think 11's would be better
@@madalinilie3190 mine didn't. It was pretty shallow and the low E rattled a little against the screw on trem unit. Not a major issue but a small shim sorted it
I've never owned a Jag, but always wanted one. Now I'm conflicted which one to get. Would be interesting to see how it takes variety of the distortion and overdrive pedals.
I also get why would Fender get rid of the bunch of parts that most of the players never use, these are just economics of mass production.
I like Jags, but ended up buying a Player 2 Jazzmaster, as I used to have a '62 jazz master years back, plus some newer versions later on. Fender addressed some problem things for me anyway..the string angle was too shallow across the bridge in the normal JMs, and moving the trem unit forward, increased the string tension over the bridge which is a plus, they also put Mustang saddles in there. They got rid of the rhythm controls, which I never used in any Jazzmaster, and wished they were not there in the first place. BUT the trem arm now extends too long as result of the trem unit move towards the bridge, and I will shorten the arm eventually. The Player 2s are top value guitars.
The price for the squier is unbeatable..probably the quality is similar....but for me the cv would be too much complicated, that is why I prefer Telecasters :D
I have a player Jag in Tidepool Blue, my wife has the CV Jag in limited edition Gold Sparkle. Her CV cost £429 new, my Player cost £499 "ex-display" (but looked/felt brand new. Surplus stock?). The electrics, block inlays, and matching painted headstock are cooler on the CV. I actually prefer the sound of the CV pickups too - they're brighter. The Player is heavier, feels a bit more solid and has a nicer feeling neck. I wouldn't swap it for a CV, but if I had to pay RRP £700-ish for the Player, I'd pass and get the CV in a standard colour for just £379. The Player feel's like a somewhat better quality instrument, but it isn't worth TWICE the price. Only buy the Player if you can get one at a VERY good price.
That neck pickup is a deal-breaker
I wish you'd have used the tone and volume control on the rhythm cicuit during your comparison. When you rolled the tone down halfway on the regular circuit you did get pretty much there on both guitars, but the RC gets much darker. It would have been fun to see if you could have got the same ultra dark RC sounds on the regular circuits. Anyway, really enjoyed the video!
Any comments on feel of the strings and playability? I assume the different total string length must have an effect.
I can hear the output difference but the Squier also sounds brighter and fuller to me. Personally I set my amps up to suit the guitar I'm using, so I'll get the tone I want from anything.
I'd buy a Jaguar because of the features it has so it'd be the Squier.
2 weeks ago I bought the classic vibe, largely influenced by your review. Couldn’t be happier. How do you kill switch the Fender?
Turn the volume all the way down on the rhythm circuit then use the rhythm on/off as a kill switch.
@@danapplebee4408 Thanks, I know how to make it happen on my Squier, I was just highlighting that you can’t do it on the Fender Player Jag with no separate rhythm circuit. 👍
I'd like to see you do that mod video of the Player2. Dooo eeet! Drop in a proper pickguard, hex plate and 5 way switch, do the in series and out of phase wire job, and drop in the upper chrome plate as a blank (or fake Marr's upper switches for the $2,550.00 look). Has anyone done that with a P2 Jag? It might be unique content. Might turn out really cool too.
NO SPOILERS!
@@60CycleHumcast Holy moly, now I really want this Jag. I was looking to replace my CV50s Tele controls since the stock knobs died. I just discovered the Free-Way 3B3-01, 3 position blade switch like the Tele, but clicks sideways for another banks of 3 more postions. The lower bank of 3 positions delivers the familiar neck/both/bridge pickup combinations just as normal - but the upper bank configures the two pickups: in series; in series reverse phase; in parallel reverse phase, thereby providing every possible tonal combination from a two pickup guitar. Then I remembered this review of the P2 Jag. Pretty dang cool.
I would say the build quality (wood/fit/finish) and the components (hardware/electronics) are definitely better on the player ii, but the controls configuration is inaccurate to a true Jaguar (same goes for the Jazzmaster). If you want accurate from the getgo, get a squier. If you want build quality, get the player ii, and if you are at all DIY savvy, you can always add the vintage accurate components after the fact (or hire a tech to do it if you aren't good with tools). That's definitely what I plan to do with the jazzmaster eventually (already have a classic vibe jaguar, and I have the maximum number of guitars I can currently store on my rack, with two pending DIY projects waiting to be completed before I get anything else.)
Yep I'm still a Squire fan, I'll keep that thick muddy tone any day. But to each Thier own 😊
Objectively speaking (in terms of value, if you prefer), Classic Vibe. Last I checked the CV line, they're still under 500 which right now is actually pretty good. Something players tend to not think about certain factors understandably. Biggest one that gets overlooked is school is starting soon, so there's a higher chance your kid will get injured or sick real bad, so you might wanna hold off on the expensive Fender. That being said, I'd like to think the Fender would be able to handle more "abuse" so to speak.
To me it sounds like the only question is what label do I want on the headstock. They both look and sound great. Heck the Squier says Fender too so what's the real difference? Either way the Jaguar is a great guitar no matter what configuration you choose.