Just bought one of these FSR Jazzmasters for my friend's 50th birthday, and obviously I had to ... er "test it" beforehand, and ... now I'm in love with it! It's such a beautiful guitar and more than any other just sounds SO good through a fuzz. Squier knocked it out of the park with this one.
Great video, thank you. I bought the exact same on Saturday and totally in love with everything, look, sound, feel, price. Thank you for explaining the upper switch function too.
the jazzmaster is probably one of the best looking guitars ever made and this one is one of the best i've seen. that play out jam sounded amazing a jazzmaster into a vox is a perfect match.
How very providential! I just "axed" my wife if she was aware that she was buying me a Classic Vibe Jazzmaster for Christmas yesterday!! Now this video comes out!!? I am sending this link to her toot sweet!! ") What a beautiful piece of interactive art brother!! Looks stunningly beautiful and sounds like a million bucks!! Jack ~'()'~ Canada
Magnificent review and playing. Just got my first JM (a Squier VM body, partscaster) and found this vid. You’ve got me already GASing for another one! Cheers from the US 😊
Far out Col, I’m seeing further into this film and I see you have a MIJ Fender with those exact same colours. I love this journey, it’s part of the fun. Cheers mate!
Great review Colin. I like your traditional taste in guitars. Love Fenders. Leo was a genius. Not bad for a man that didn't even play. Cheers my brother.
I've got one of these Andertons had a Purple runs done which looks amazing with the gold coloured pick guard. The guitar sounds amazing and plays amazingly. Mine has different knobs so Andertons probably requested a slighlt different spec
Great video man, and loved the jam out at the end. That axe sounds like it really unleashed some raw power from your playing! So cool you mentioned Sonic Youth as well, it's really interesting how guitars designed for a specific purpose find a new life. Look forward to your next video man, all the best!
I got the "non-FSR" 3-tone 'burst version of this model which looks & sounds amazing. Never thought I'd get a JM but man this thing was such an incredible VFM proposition. Seriously looks & sounds like it should cost AT LEAST 2X as much as it does.
Mine has arrived from Andertons - thanks for the review - literally the first guitar the Mrs has ever liked - it's a first in 20 years - good job sir 👍
I just scored again!! Just picked one up fresh out of the box and only played twice... $200. Daphne Blue w/ Red Tortoise Shell pickgaurd, natural finish headstock. It's a beauty and plays really well!
I've never played a Jazzmaster, and I never thought twice about it. Always just played Teles or Strats. I had no idea Jazzmasters were so different. This was super information. Thanks, Colin! 🤘
Wow, you got one with exceptionally nice face wood! The ones I see for sale right now are very plain, so good for you. Very nice...sounds great too👍 BTW Colin, if you plane to use the whammy bar I’ve found the best way to keep it in place is by wrapping the male end with some teflon plumbers tape. It’s inserts easily and if you put the right amount on, you can set that bar wherever you want and it will stay put, but it will move extremely smoothly when need be. Just a little heads up for you;)
Interesting, Col. I’ve never owned a Jazzmaster but I like them. I’ve been offered a 90s MIJ Fender in a swap for my ‘56 Dano Shorthorn Bass and I’m strongly considering it. Thanks for this firm, as usual.
The great looks of the guitar (the out of box performance) with your playing at the 13:30 & closing of the video should sell every FSR Jazzmaster that Squire manufactured.
Very cool, mate. Looks like a winner. I confess a Squier prejudice but I’m steadily losing that. I’ve never owned a Jazzmaster for some weird reason, but this looks like a goer. Funnily enough I have two Epis that I love. Anyway, thanks for this episode, very informative. Cheers!
@@johnny.musician I think a lot of us have had the Squire and Epiphone prejudice based on those beginner packages that were sold way back when. I still don't have a Squire (I'll have to remedy that sometime.) but I bought an Epiphone SG Standard 61, and it is a stellar guitar. Prejudice gone!
Wow! Great review and playing. You made me start looking for one. This channel is so refreshing. Love everything about it. Im working my way back thru all your videos. The studio looks great too. Nice job!
Bought one of the CV60's JM. After changing the pots to full size 1 meg pots, and both tone caps to orange drop, .022 on dark circuit .o47 on lead circuit, now get usable range of adjustment on tone and volume.
I discovered this channel two days ago, subscribed immediately and have been binge watching my way through the content ever since! I've never heard so much common sense talked about guitars for a long time and you seem like such a nice guy too. Gonna be a big channel - the very best of luck to you!
I hate to be a picker of nits, well, not really, but it's the polite thing to say, but I think that FSR stands for _Factory_ Special Run since Gretsch, who is affiliated closely with Fender, also does FSR guitars. This is two weeks in a row that you haven't caused to spend any money since I already have a nice Jazzmaster. You definitely have the best current TH-cam gear channel. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this, that makes sense and I am very happy for you to correct me on this... particularly as you did it so politely and then finished the comment by saying such nice things about the channel! :) Cheers man... now let's see if we can get you next week! ;)
Just watched this now, wow terrific looking and sounding guitar and great playing as usual Colin! I can see where getting one of these would be tempting! Especially at this price,, great stuff mate!
Really appreciate the time and thoroughness of your reviews that you offer us. I have had several MIM Jazzmasters and never did like the way the strings kept popping off the bridge. That can be fixed by replacing with a Mastery Bridge, they also offer an upgraded trem system as well. Pricey but very very good.
@@theguitaristas I think I'm more into extended range guitars, I own a 7 String(Jackson Js32-7) for example and I like it but I find it a little bit harder to play. Since I'm a newbie I guess I'm in an exploration phase :D
Awesome video as always......this is one of the reasons I so look forward to Fridays!!! It's the weekend coming up.......AND a Guitaristas upload!!! Life gets no better!!! FWIW, I also love the long videos, for me...the longer the better (my wife once said that! LOLOLOLOLOL). I put this video on, get a big cup a Chai tea, get out a guitar, relax, change strings and clean while watching and listening!
How timely, just picked up a mint 2016 Squier Jaguar for $200 and it still had plastic on the pickguard and one other area. Not sure about the bridge but time will tell. This will go great with 50’s and 60’s CV teles. I know you’re going to mod this thing! Great video as usual Colin…
This review led me to tracking down a second hand one of these - had to be the same colour ! It’s an incredible guitar, I’m blown away by the tones you can get from it particularly on the lead channel. Unfortunately, mine seems to suffer from the bridge drop issue so I’m going to have to look at fixes - starting first with clean nail polish !
The thing that turned me on to this guitar was Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine of Television, I found the bridge does have a tendency to drop and upgraded to a Staytrem bridge which are actually a UK company and retail a lot cheaper than the Mastery bridge does to us in the UK anyways, completely cured all the floors of the stock bridges.
I have been listening to magic slim a lot recently and im quite keen to find a cheap version of his guitar. This guitar you review appears to have that lovely bite to the tone that i have enjoyed listening to so much when i have listened to magic slim on his live shows. I am going to a shop to try one out. Well done with the review🎉
Just ordered the sunburst, $391 from Chicago Music Exchange.... I play a lot of surf guitar. This should do the trick. I'm 70 and have drooled over sunburst guitars ever since I was guitar dreaming in the old Sears catalogue when I was 10... Currently play a red sparkle Strat w/ Mojotone QuietCoil 67 pickups... This is a whole other creature... SURF'S UP ! BTW... absolutely GREAT review... Love it when old codgers like me have TOO MUCH FUN with their guitars !
I got one last year -- the regular classic vibe, not the FSR, but I think it's basically the same. I love it. It sounds great, and it just looks so cool (and that matters!).
Your demo of the dark circuit at around 11:25 has some strong "American Woman" vibes (The original by the Guess Who, not that horrendous Lenny Kravitz copy).
These are great guitars, but not for someone not willing to do a little work out of the box. I have a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster, which needed loctite on the bridge and saddles, teflon tape to fix the bridge posts in place and a decent amount of play time for the Tremolo to keep in tune (I've heard you can sand the mating surfaces as a quicker solution). But now it is my go to practice guitar. The neck is super comfortable, scale length very forgiving for my hands, the carve is the most comfortable guitar I've ever played while sitting on the couch (with good input jack placement) and the tremelo with long arm is much preferred to a Strat imho. The only thing I haven't done, which people often suggest, is to shim the neck and possibly shield the pick guard (which isn't needed on the anodized one). All in all a great guitar at a great price.☺☺☺
Another great review. Watching your videos makes me réalisé that Squier and Epiphone may well provide more affordable fun than paying premium prices to buy Fender and Gibson. It doesn’t seem like this one is available in Australia yet but I will be keeping a look out for it.
I picked up the J Master Squire jazz master. The anodized plate does effect the tone or fill slightly. Had proper bridge which I preferred. Indonesians these days are the route to go. I believe even Ibanez are getting their guitars assembled there. Beautiful Squire.
I bought one of those, but I returned it because the pickups were so noisy. Just sitting still, holding the guitar on my lap, and it was just too noisy. Sounds like you’re liking yours - it is a cool guitar.
I think that’s some of the best playing you’ve recorded there - I mean it’s always great but that’s really good - really good proof that the guitar does inspire you !
Glad I bumped into you looking for a squire jazz master...you are the Jack Hargreaves of guitars... terrific stuff! I'm really looking for your 40th anniversary jazmaster review if you've got around to that
Although the colour range is a bit loud.,,the white and gold is most subdued..but the blue or seafoam green and gold are maybe statements a tad too far for me...I think... this sunburst is more trad and perhaps humble enough for me... perhaps..I'm too modest
11:04 thats one sweet tasty groove right there, Fender/Squire should hire you to make demo's, glad i found your channel, just wish it had been two years sooner
I do not know how I missed this one. I just bought the 40th vintage Jazzmaster. It is a super cool guitar. But the neck is a bit thin and wimpy. It makes it a bit hard to play. 1.65" and thinnish. Another great video as usual.
Timely video. Have my eye on a used MiM Fender. Price has been dropping. Jazzmasters are a unique beast. Talking to an owner of a shop recently and he said its the most returned/traded in Fender. People get their Strat and Tele and figure the JM is next, but then don't bond with it. Great playing and nice to hear it thru the Vox. (Got my Casino back....but then it had to go back for a janky tone pot - the maker of the harness shipped out a new one...)
Nice review, I really enjoy your approach...not a big fan of those guitars but really liked the tones you were getting...the playing reminded me a lot of one of my favorite bands Quicksilver Messenger Service.
I just bought an Affinity Jazzmaster as my first electric guitar and while I think the more traditional bridge/trem setup will be good for me as I learn, I am a little sad that I’ll not yet have the full Jazzmaster experience.
I have the affinity jazzmaster as well. Best color available in my opinion: burgundy mist. I've upgraded a bit by putting proper 1meg pots in and these classic vibe pickups (which are in fact Roswells). major improvement and still cheaper than a CV jazzmaster. Don't worry about the different trem and the lack of the rhythym circuit :D.
@@eertje01 yeah for my skill level the Strat trem suits me just fine. Really the only issue I have with it is with the trem partially decked (rear only, can't lower the forward part of the bridge because...) I have the saddles as high as they'll go and the action is just high enough to not have fret buzz. The action is set at a reasonable level, at Fender's published spec, but I can't fully deck the trem to be completely flush with the body because I need the height to have the action high enough. Not knocking the guitar though, for the $270 I spent it's excellent and I didn't expect absolute perfection.
@@michaelw6277 not sure, but you can try a neck shim. If I'm not mistaken you need to shim your guitar at the front of the neck pocket, to decrease the angle, which means you can lower your saddles. You can use a piece of old credit card or something similar. I have set up the bridge to float with 4 springs. I do agree the affinity squires need a little setup before they are perfectly playable. If you want a playable guitar out of the box, go classic vibe ✌️
That’s a great value for money Jazzmaster. I’ve got a “Crafted in Japan” made in 2002-2004 and it’s really not significantly better, in fact the pickups sound much more Jazzmaster like than the original ones on my Japanese guitar, I eventually swapped them out for a set of USA.made pickups and found that the original Japanese ones were just like Strat pickups under a different cover. OK so the CIJ guitar has the original style locking tremolo, threaded bridge saddles and body end truss rod adjustment and the internal wiring a bit more robust but the Squier is an absolute bargain, I paid around £300 new for my guitar in an Andertons sale in 2005 so the Squier looks and sounds amazing value. Incidentally I also bought a Japanese Jaguar at the same time and didn’t really like it, I later bought a Classic Vibe one which had Duncan Designed as standard and liked it much better than the Japanese guitar.
Cheers Henry, my '96 CIJ Jazzmaster already had a set of Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders for JM in when I bought it used (£600) so it sounds like I was very lucky and missed out on it sounding like a Strat!! ;) Now if course it sounds like a Jazzmaster on steroids. But this Squier is brilliant value and very playable so it stays in my collection. Have a good weekend!
Have to disagree with you there, the Squiers are cool, but not better than the CIJ or MIJ. Yeah pickups might be different but construction, and things are much better.
Stumbled upon this video today, the day before my CV 60's JM arrives... This one sounds amazing. Hope I get so lucky. I wasn't even aware that this one existed.
@@theguitaristas Thanks, I'll check it out - I just got a CV 70's Jag last week! So far, I designed and 3D printed a shim, put Loctite on the bridge screws and the saddle screws, polished the frets, cleaned and oiled the fretboard, lubed the nut and bridge, filed down the vibrato hinge, and soldered the unwound ball ends on my D'Addarios (the high E was starting to unwind itself). I intend to do most/all of this with the CV 60's JM tonight.
Squier & Epiphone making some real quality guitars the past 2 years...I picked up 2 Les Pauls, a 339 & a CV Tele...all awesome guitars...and yes, I have a problem...my name is Wally and I am a guitar addict
Hey Wally, thanks for the comment and welcome to the group you are amongst like minded friends!... this is a healthy addiction and we can help by encouraging you to buy more guitars 😆👍🎸
its never enuff bro! keep wiggin out yay yaa!! i have a fancy for 2 harley benton models....ill be getting them within the next month or less hopefully... im sure youll approve of them...hint...single coil models...thats really narrowing it down hey!
Hi Colin, I tried to get a ‘Buzz-Stop’ for a Jag a few months ago… couldn’t find them anywhere. Any idea where you can source them currently? Plus: I always upgrade any Jazz/Jag (or Bass VI), Fender or Squier, with the, far superior, UK-made ‘StayTrem’ replacement trem bar and collet - an absolute bargain at about £31.00. It gives you a much better quality, stronger and stable, collet and a ‘positive lock’ on the bar to enable proper location, so it doesn’t ‘flop around’ like the standard article (which, itself, at about 32:02 needed a FIRM push to locate it better 👍) tends to - and did in your playing section . 😉
Hey Rob... allparts certainly do one and I think you can get that from Thomann amongst other places. Thanks for in for info on that term bar.... so you noticed I went for it and it wasn't there! :) I shall look into getting one of those. Cheers man!
I realise your doing reviews, but I learn more on how to play the licks I love by just watching you with no explanation required. But will learn absolutely zero from a lot of tutorial based youtubers with their raving on with the 6th fret 2nd finger 3rd string then back the root tone stuff . Thank you.
@@justanothernobodysopiniono7811 Nah I reckon like all of us you're way better than you think. Anyway as long as you're having fun that's the important thing! 😀👍
Hey Colin you should think about doing a live Q & A show. You've got the knowledge and personality. Plus I know it would push your channel which deserves more subscribers. Do you sell on the bulk of guitars you review or just live in a warehouse lol? Have you thought also about Gordon Smith. I'm a Gibson guy myself. I have an epiphone firebird(which you should review it's marvellous) a 15 year old Gibson les paul Studio which I've had from new but my Gordy S single cut is amazing. Love the show seen em all.
Hey Paul, I don't think I will rush into doing any live streams just yet as the plan is to build to 10K subs and then next year maybe start to experiment a bit. Something livestream wise will probably happen and I appreciate your vote of confidence but I'm not sure 'knowledge' is a good description of my skillset! 😂 I'd like to come up with something that involves you lot a bit more than you just firing questions at me... maybe an live interactive 'cool wall' perhaps?? My studio is in fact built in a warehouse, I would definitely like to live here but my partner is not keen... I just don't get women sometimes! 🤷♂️ Oh and finally I do have a great GS (double cut) they made for me about 5 years ago... I added a lollar vintage P90 and changed the wiring and its definitely due to feature in a film soon to watch this space! Cheers man thanks again for the support and encouragement it's really appreciated!
Shim the neck, raise the bridge and use a mustang bridge; that’s all jazzmasters need. The strings pop out because there’s not enough string tension without the additional back angle on the neck created by a shim. Vintage Jazzmasters shipped with a shim from the factory. Many people removed it and newer ones don’t have it. That shim is actually part of the design. Stew Mac has full pocket neck shims. Jazzmaster usually wants the thickest one. Scoot the bridge all the way back and never pull up, only down
It already has a Mustang Bridge but on many the radius doesn't match the neck. Original Jazzmaster bridges have individual adjustment for each string, are very rattly and need loctite to keep the saddles from shifting.
thanks for another great review. i really value your opinions. i know it's a lot more $$ (about $2300) but did you ever play an american ultra jazzmaster? i really like the modern features available on that model and would love to hear what you think about it. it's not vintage spec but i like what they've done with it (locking tuners, better bridge, better/different electronics, compound radius neck, etc.). i'm considering the cobra blue which has a maple neck. thanks.
'Dark switch up' is neck pickup,as you say,but it runs through a capacitor to give a more 'jazzy" sound ..(hence Jazzmaster)so it makes the neck pickup sound different from the sound you get when the 3 way toggle switch is 'down'...great guitars,I have one myself !!
Every so often I gaze thoughtfully at the J Mascis signature Jazzmaster - not because I am a Dinosaur Junior fan but I do like Danny Adler a lot. Regretfully I don't have space to give to a Jazzmaster and when all's said and done I was very much a Shadows rather than a Ventures baby. Bit too spiky sounding for my tastes as well. Interesting as ever. Thank you.
Nice guitar. I'd love one. However, I am frustrated by the volume knob getting moved when picking or strumming. I have a couple of strats and love them, but have always been slightly annoyed by that volume knob. Unless I'm doing the volume thing with my pinky - then it's great!
Hey Ken, I have that problem with Strats and actively dislike them because of it. Funny I don't think I noticed it with this one maybe it sits differently because of the offset?
The greatest sales job that a Jazzmaster ever had!! I'm convinced that this video will sell scores of these for Fender. Great job.
Cheers Mitch that’s very kind thanks for the support! 😎🎸👍
@@theguitaristas £439 now! 😪
@@amazingunderpants 379 I believe at Andertons..
Just bought one of these FSR Jazzmasters for my friend's 50th birthday, and obviously I had to ... er "test it" beforehand, and ... now I'm in love with it! It's such a beautiful guitar and more than any other just sounds SO good through a fuzz. Squier knocked it out of the park with this one.
Your reviews are so informative and balance. Thank you for the guidance.
Great video, thank you. I bought the exact same on Saturday and totally in love with everything, look, sound, feel, price. Thank you for explaining the upper switch function too.
It's a great guitar! Love mine!
the jazzmaster is probably one of the best looking guitars ever made and this one is one of the best i've seen. that play out jam sounded amazing a jazzmaster into a vox is a perfect match.
Cheers Gustaf, yes agreed... and the guitar and AC15 hooked up right away with no messing!
@@theguitaristas any fender single coil into a vox seems to sound great for some reason.
@@theguitaristas In a bit I'm off to my local shop to see if I can work some trades for a Jazzmaster and a VOX AC15 Custom. We'll see how it goes.
@@pinkiewerewolf 🤣👍 that would be a sweeeeet rig!!
Classic Vibes are just fantastic guitars. I’ve owned a couple in the past, strat and tele style…absolute great value and the pickups sound proper!
How very providential! I just "axed" my wife if she was aware that she was buying me a Classic Vibe Jazzmaster for Christmas yesterday!! Now this video comes out!!?
I am sending this link to her toot sweet!! ")
What a beautiful piece of interactive art brother!! Looks stunningly beautiful and sounds like a million bucks!!
Jack ~'()'~
Canada
Cheers Jack, you will love it... and Mrs Jack will love that it’s affordable! 😁👍🎸
Genuinely my favorite guitar channel.
Magnificent review and playing. Just got my first JM (a Squier VM body, partscaster) and found this vid. You’ve got me already GASing for another one! Cheers from the US 😊
Far out Col, I’m seeing further into this film and I see you have a MIJ Fender with those exact same colours. I love this journey, it’s part of the fun. Cheers mate!
Great review Colin. I like your traditional taste in guitars. Love Fenders. Leo was a genius. Not bad for a man that didn't even play. Cheers my brother.
Thanks man that's appreciated!
Great review of a great guitar. Much enjoyed your playing. Expressive and fun, and a fine way to show what this guitar can do.
Cheers man! 😎👍
I've got one of these Andertons had a Purple runs done which looks amazing with the gold coloured pick guard. The guitar sounds amazing and plays amazingly. Mine has different knobs so Andertons probably requested a slighlt different spec
Nice one Paul sounds sweet! :)
Great video man, and loved the jam out at the end. That axe sounds like it really unleashed some raw power from your playing! So cool you mentioned Sonic Youth as well, it's really interesting how guitars designed for a specific purpose find a new life. Look forward to your next video man, all the best!
Cheers that's appreciated! :)
I got the "non-FSR" 3-tone 'burst version of this model which looks & sounds amazing. Never thought I'd get a JM but man this thing was such an incredible VFM proposition.
Seriously looks & sounds like it should cost AT LEAST 2X as much as it does.
I just played one today at the toy store and fell in lust. Super dooper cool!!!
Mine has arrived from Andertons - thanks for the review - literally the first guitar the Mrs has ever liked - it's a first in 20 years - good job sir 👍
Excellent... a real win when the missus approves! Cheers man have a great holiday! :)
Great demo, Guitaristas! Mine arrived yesterday. Fit, finish, frets, intonation, style, weight, etc, it's an excellent guitar. I won't mod a thing.
😎👍👍
I just scored again!! Just picked one up fresh out of the box and only played twice... $200. Daphne Blue w/ Red Tortoise Shell pickgaurd, natural finish headstock. It's a beauty and plays really well!
That’s crazy where you find these things?? 🤣👍
I've always love the look of a Jazzmaster never had a chance to play one!
Check out the Mascis JM, it's one of my favorites. I actually prefer it to the Fender Classic Player JM I used to have. Amazing guitar for the money.
I was blown away by my first Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster, got it for 100 quid on Gumtree!
That’s a steal! Cheers.
I've never played a Jazzmaster, and I never thought twice about it. Always just played Teles or Strats. I had no idea Jazzmasters were so different. This was super information. Thanks, Colin! 🤘
Wow, you got one with exceptionally nice face wood! The ones I see for sale right now are very plain, so good for you. Very nice...sounds great too👍
BTW Colin, if you plane to use the whammy bar I’ve found the best way to keep it in place is by wrapping the male end with some teflon plumbers tape. It’s inserts easily and if you put the right amount on, you can set that bar wherever you want and it will stay put, but it will move extremely smoothly when need be. Just a little heads up for you;)
Cheers man... top tip! :)
Wow that looks really beautiful especially with your lighting. Great in-depth review
Thanks so much that's appreciated!
Interesting, Col. I’ve never owned a Jazzmaster but I like them. I’ve been offered a 90s MIJ Fender in a swap for my ‘56 Dano Shorthorn Bass and I’m strongly considering it. Thanks for this firm, as usual.
The great looks of the guitar (the out of box performance) with your playing at the 13:30 & closing of the video should sell every FSR Jazzmaster that Squire manufactured.
Very cool, mate. Looks like a winner. I confess a Squier prejudice but I’m steadily losing that. I’ve never owned a Jazzmaster for some weird reason, but this looks like a goer. Funnily enough I have two Epis that I love. Anyway, thanks for this episode, very informative. Cheers!
@@johnny.musician I think a lot of us have had the Squire and Epiphone prejudice based on those beginner packages that were sold way back when.
I still don't have a Squire (I'll have to remedy that sometime.) but I bought an Epiphone SG Standard 61, and it is a stellar guitar. Prejudice gone!
Wow! Great review and playing. You made me start looking for one. This channel is so refreshing. Love everything about it. Im working my way back thru all your videos. The studio looks great too. Nice job!
Cheers man, that's appreciated... glad you found us! :)
Bought one of the CV60's JM. After changing the pots to full size 1 meg pots, and both tone caps to orange drop, .022 on dark circuit .o47 on lead circuit, now get usable range of adjustment on tone and volume.
I discovered this channel two days ago, subscribed immediately and have been binge watching my way through the content ever since! I've never heard so much common sense talked about guitars for a long time and you seem like such a nice guy too. Gonna be a big channel - the very best of luck to you!
Cheers Simon that's so very kind and much appreciated!.. thanks man glad you found us! :)
I hate to be a picker of nits, well, not really, but it's the polite thing to say, but I think that FSR stands for _Factory_ Special Run since Gretsch, who is affiliated closely with Fender, also does FSR guitars. This is two weeks in a row that you haven't caused to spend any money since I already have a nice Jazzmaster. You definitely have the best current TH-cam gear channel. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this, that makes sense and I am very happy for you to correct me on this... particularly as you did it so politely and then finished the comment by saying such nice things about the channel! :) Cheers man... now let's see if we can get you next week! ;)
Just watched this now, wow terrific looking and sounding guitar and great playing as usual Colin! I can see where getting one of these would be tempting! Especially at this price,, great stuff mate!
I'm not normally into Fender guitars but that, is absolutely gorgeous.
Really appreciate the time and thoroughness of your reviews that you offer us. I have had several MIM Jazzmasters and never did like the way the strings kept popping off the bridge. That can be fixed by replacing with a Mastery Bridge, they also offer an upgraded trem system as well. Pricey but very very good.
Cheers Rich, thanks for comment and support! 😎🎸👍
I agree, the instability on the bridge is a big turn off for me.
@@Anjohl looks pretty stable in video
The bridge is designed to “wiggle’
Theyre single coils
I don't like most of the guitars on this channel but dang there is soo much info packed in here! I'm glad that I've stumbled upon this video.
Glad you found us!... what sort of thing gets your twang going?
@@theguitaristas I think I'm more into extended range guitars, I own a 7 String(Jackson Js32-7) for example and I like it but I find it a little bit harder to play. Since I'm a newbie I guess I'm in an exploration phase :D
Nice 👍 must be good to learn that stuff but I think I’m too old now... can only just about handle 6 stings 😂
@@theguitaristas I don't think I'm handling 7 strings properly but it is not stoping me from doing it :)
@@cenk3148 Stick at it... practice is all it takes! 😀
Awesome video as always......this is one of the reasons I so look forward to Fridays!!! It's the weekend coming up.......AND a Guitaristas upload!!! Life gets no better!!! FWIW, I also love the long videos, for me...the longer the better (my wife once said that! LOLOLOLOLOL). I put this video on, get a big cup a Chai tea, get out a guitar, relax, change strings and clean while watching and listening!
Cheers man, that's appreciated... have a great weekend dude! :)
@@theguitaristas THANKS!!! You do the same!!!
Looks great sounds great … and a great review with good few points and tips … cool tones
I was hoping one day you would do a Jazzmaster and my wish came through. Another great video
Cheers Gary! 😎🎸👍
What an awesome demo! Your playing has such a great feel to it. Just subbed. 😎✌️
Thanks Nicholas that’s appreciated! 😎👍
Yes, they are lovely guitars. The neck is SUPERB. Great review.
Awesome. That scratchplate really puts it over the top.
How timely, just picked up a mint 2016 Squier Jaguar for $200 and it still had plastic on the pickguard and one other area. Not sure about the bridge but time will tell. This will go great with 50’s and 60’s CV teles. I know you’re going to mod this thing! Great video as usual Colin…
Cheers Chris!
This review led me to tracking down a second hand one of these - had to be the same colour ! It’s an incredible guitar, I’m blown away by the tones you can get from it particularly on the lead channel. Unfortunately, mine seems to suffer from the bridge drop issue so I’m going to have to look at fixes - starting first with clean nail polish !
Just use some loctite.
Oh boy what a relief for us guitarist with big hands on that fretboard😂 like always awesome video. Awesome guitar! Keep rocking 😎🎸👍
Great video as usual would love one on the 60s classic vibe stratocaster
A real solid guitar, sounds great!!
The thing that turned me on to this guitar was Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine of Television, I found the bridge does have a tendency to drop and upgraded to a Staytrem bridge which are actually a UK company and retail a lot cheaper than the Mastery bridge does to us in the UK anyways, completely cured all the floors of the stock bridges.
Thanks for this info ! I will look into these as I’ve just bought this guitar thanks to Cols review and the bridge does indeed drop !
I have been listening to magic slim a lot recently and im quite keen to find a cheap version of his guitar.
This guitar you review appears to have that lovely bite to the tone that i have enjoyed listening to so much when i have listened to magic slim on his live shows.
I am going to a shop to try one out.
Well done with the review🎉
Just ordered the sunburst, $391 from Chicago Music Exchange.... I play a lot of surf guitar. This should do the trick. I'm 70 and have drooled over sunburst guitars ever since I was guitar dreaming in the old Sears catalogue when I was 10... Currently play a red sparkle Strat w/ Mojotone QuietCoil 67 pickups... This is a whole other creature... SURF'S UP ! BTW... absolutely GREAT review... Love it when old codgers like me have TOO MUCH FUN with their guitars !
Cheers Jimmy, nice one!... this is definitely going to do the trick man you are about to have way too much fun!! 😆👍👍
At work will check out later tonight. Looks like my 60 th anniversary 58 Jazzmaster prototype. Good guitar. Cost $2,300. Ash body on mine
just bought one thanks to you again Col , you make them all sound great cheers man👌👌
I got one last year -- the regular classic vibe, not the FSR, but I think it's basically the same. I love it. It sounds great, and it just looks so cool (and that matters!).
Another great video brightening up my Friday. Keep up the good work.
Cheers Stevo!
Your demo of the dark circuit at around 11:25 has some strong "American Woman" vibes (The original by the Guess Who, not that horrendous Lenny Kravitz copy).
These are great guitars, but not for someone not willing to do a little work out of the box. I have a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster, which needed loctite on the bridge and saddles, teflon tape to fix the bridge posts in place and a decent amount of play time for the Tremolo to keep in tune (I've heard you can sand the mating surfaces as a quicker solution). But now it is my go to practice guitar. The neck is super comfortable, scale length very forgiving for my hands, the carve is the most comfortable guitar I've ever played while sitting on the couch (with good input jack placement) and the tremelo with long arm is much preferred to a Strat imho. The only thing I haven't done, which people often suggest, is to shim the neck and possibly shield the pick guard (which isn't needed on the anodized one). All in all a great guitar at a great price.☺☺☺
Sounds like you know perfectly well what you're doing but you could always see what Puisheen has to say about it.
@Mark Seymour, don't tell me, tell Christopher.
Such a cool guitar. Great review, thank you!
Cheers David! :)
Another great review. Watching your videos makes me réalisé that Squier and Epiphone may well provide more affordable fun than paying premium prices to buy Fender and Gibson. It doesn’t seem like this one is available in Australia yet but I will be keeping a look out for it.
Cheers man that’s appreciated! 🎸😎👍
Superb playing. Just bought one of these, in no small part due to this video! Nice 1
Cheers man! 😁👍
I picked up the J Master Squire jazz master. The anodized plate does effect the tone or fill slightly. Had proper bridge which I preferred. Indonesians these days are the route to go. I believe even Ibanez are getting their guitars assembled there. Beautiful Squire.
I bought one of those, but I returned it because the pickups were so noisy. Just sitting still, holding the guitar on my lap, and it was just too noisy. Sounds like you’re liking yours - it is a cool guitar.
The tremolo is closer to the bridge on the j mascis one and that sucks
I'm really diggin' those pups...nice playing bro. You were really having fun! I should get one for my Fender room
I think that’s some of the best playing you’ve recorded there - I mean it’s always great but that’s really good - really good proof that the guitar does inspire you !
😊🙏
Glad I bumped into you looking for a squire jazz master...you are the Jack Hargreaves of guitars... terrific stuff! I'm really looking for your 40th anniversary jazmaster review if you've got around to that
Although the colour range is a bit loud.,,the white and gold is most subdued..but the blue or seafoam green and gold are maybe statements a tad too far for me...I think... this sunburst is more trad and perhaps humble enough for me... perhaps..I'm too modest
Man you really can play, and that is one great sounding ,versatile guitar . I may go give one a try.
Thanks that’s kind and very much appreciated! 🙏😎👍
11:04 thats one sweet tasty groove right there, Fender/Squire should hire you to make demo's, glad i found your channel, just wish it had been two years sooner
Quality playing to back up all the geeky-techy stuff. Keep going dude! And thank you for messing with the affordables. The proletariates appreciate.
Cheers man that’s very kind and much appreciated! 😎👍🎸
That's a great looking Jazzmaster ! So is your made in Japan. I'd like to hear the difference between the two. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks JB... I think the MIJ one may be a bit louder I forgot to mention it has a set of Seymour Duncan jazzmaster quarter pounders on board! 😜👍🎸
I do not know how I missed this one. I just bought the 40th vintage Jazzmaster. It is a super cool guitar. But the neck is a bit thin and wimpy. It makes it a bit hard to play. 1.65" and thinnish. Another great video as usual.
Great video as always! Thx for a great start of the weekend, keep up the good work 😊
Thanks... have a great weekend! :
Great review !! Super style and soul !!
Thanks that’s appreciated! 😎👍🎸
Timely video. Have my eye on a used MiM Fender. Price has been dropping. Jazzmasters are a unique beast. Talking to an owner of a shop recently and he said its the most returned/traded in Fender. People get their Strat and Tele and figure the JM is next, but then don't bond with it. Great playing and nice to hear it thru the Vox. (Got my Casino back....but then it had to go back for a janky tone pot - the maker of the harness shipped out a new one...)
Bad luck with the Casino... hang on I think I can hear you guitar tech grinding his teeth 😂👍🎸
I love your channel mate ! Cheers from the USA
Cheers Alex! 😎👍🎸
Nice review, I really enjoy your approach...not a big fan of those guitars but really liked the tones you were getting...the playing reminded me a lot of one of my favorite bands Quicksilver Messenger Service.
This video is phenomenal
Thanks Simon that’s appreciated! 😎👍
I just bought an Affinity Jazzmaster as my first electric guitar and while I think the more traditional bridge/trem setup will be good for me as I learn, I am a little sad that I’ll not yet have the full Jazzmaster experience.
I have the affinity jazzmaster as well. Best color available in my opinion: burgundy mist. I've upgraded a bit by putting proper 1meg pots in and these classic vibe pickups (which are in fact Roswells). major improvement and still cheaper than a CV jazzmaster. Don't worry about the different trem and the lack of the rhythym circuit :D.
@@eertje01 yeah for my skill level the Strat trem suits me just fine. Really the only issue I have with it is with the trem partially decked (rear only, can't lower the forward part of the bridge because...) I have the saddles as high as they'll go and the action is just high enough to not have fret buzz.
The action is set at a reasonable level, at Fender's published spec, but I can't fully deck the trem to be completely flush with the body because I need the height to have the action high enough.
Not knocking the guitar though, for the $270 I spent it's excellent and I didn't expect absolute perfection.
@@michaelw6277 not sure, but you can try a neck shim. If I'm not mistaken you need to shim your guitar at the front of the neck pocket, to decrease the angle, which means you can lower your saddles. You can use a piece of old credit card or something similar. I have set up the bridge to float with 4 springs. I do agree the affinity squires need a little setup before they are perfectly playable. If you want a playable guitar out of the box, go classic vibe ✌️
That’s a great value for money Jazzmaster. I’ve got a “Crafted in Japan” made in 2002-2004 and it’s really not significantly better, in fact the pickups sound much more Jazzmaster like than the original ones on my Japanese guitar, I eventually swapped them out for a set of USA.made pickups and found that the original Japanese ones were just like Strat pickups under a different cover. OK so the CIJ guitar has the original style locking tremolo, threaded bridge saddles and body end truss rod adjustment and the internal wiring a bit more robust but the Squier is an absolute bargain, I paid around £300 new for my guitar in an Andertons sale in 2005 so the Squier looks and sounds amazing value. Incidentally I also bought a Japanese Jaguar at the same time and didn’t really like it, I later bought a Classic Vibe one which had Duncan Designed as standard and liked it much better than the Japanese guitar.
Cheers Henry, my '96 CIJ Jazzmaster already had a set of Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders for JM in when I bought it used (£600) so it sounds like I was very lucky and missed out on it sounding like a Strat!! ;) Now if course it sounds like a Jazzmaster on steroids. But this Squier is brilliant value and very playable so it stays in my collection. Have a good weekend!
Have to disagree with you there, the Squiers are cool, but not better than the CIJ or MIJ. Yeah pickups might be different but construction, and things are much better.
I’ve wondered about this one, thanks for doing the legwork!
Cheers John you’re welcome... labour of love! 🎸😎👍
Stumbled upon this video today, the day before my CV 60's JM arrives... This one sounds amazing. Hope I get so lucky. I wasn't even aware that this one existed.
Nice one!… also check my video about the CV 60’s Jag for further setup tips case you need it. Happy new guitar day!! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas Thanks, I'll check it out - I just got a CV 70's Jag last week! So far, I designed and 3D printed a shim, put Loctite on the bridge screws and the saddle screws, polished the frets, cleaned and oiled the fretboard, lubed the nut and bridge, filed down the vibrato hinge, and soldered the unwound ball ends on my D'Addarios (the high E was starting to unwind itself). I intend to do most/all of this with the CV 60's JM tonight.
@@somethingelsedoesmatter 😎👍👍
Great video, think I will buy one of these. Staytrem bridges are a good alternative to the mastery and much cheaper 👍
Cheers Chris, definitely worth it I reckon 😎👍👍
I’d love to see a review of the Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s HSS Stratocaster!
Or the J. Mascis Jazzmaster!
Splendid. You are just having too much fun 😎 Cheers
Always!
Squier & Epiphone making some real quality guitars the past 2 years...I picked up 2 Les Pauls, a 339 & a CV Tele...all awesome guitars...and yes, I have a problem...my name is Wally and I am a guitar addict
I feel bad for you, Wally
Hey Wally, thanks for the comment and welcome to the group you are amongst like minded friends!... this is a healthy addiction and we can help by encouraging you to buy more guitars 😆👍🎸
Same here - Epi 59, 50, Squire Jag, CV 50’s, 60 and an Epi J45 on the way.
@@christhompson5553 Gadzookz. I’m outnumbered. Guess I better retreat gracefully.
its never enuff bro! keep wiggin out yay yaa!!
i have a fancy for 2 harley benton models....ill be getting them within the next month or less hopefully...
im sure youll approve of them...hint...single coil models...thats really narrowing it down hey!
Another great demo.
Cheers Bob!
Nice vid...You made me order one all the way to New Zealand....
Nice one Andy! 😎👍
This channel is my new obsession.
Thanks for that its appreciated!
I can't seem to find a comparison between this Squier classic vibe 50s vs the Fender 60th Anniversary 58 jazzmaster.
Hi Colin,
I tried to get a ‘Buzz-Stop’ for a Jag a few months ago… couldn’t find them anywhere. Any idea where you can source them currently?
Plus: I always upgrade any Jazz/Jag (or Bass VI), Fender or Squier, with the, far superior, UK-made ‘StayTrem’ replacement trem bar and collet - an absolute bargain at about £31.00. It gives you a much better quality, stronger and stable, collet and a ‘positive lock’ on the bar to enable proper location, so it doesn’t ‘flop around’ like the standard article (which, itself, at about 32:02 needed a FIRM push to locate it better 👍) tends to - and did in your playing section . 😉
Hey Rob... allparts certainly do one and I think you can get that from Thomann amongst other places. Thanks for in for info on that term bar.... so you noticed I went for it and it wasn't there! :) I shall look into getting one of those. Cheers man!
@@theguitaristas Allparts out of stock, but managed to find the genuine article on (the dreaded) Amazon. 👍
@@rob_in_stowmarket_uk Ah good old Amazon... the 24 hour guitar mod shop! 🙂
I realise your doing reviews, but I learn more on how to play the licks I love by just watching you with no explanation required. But will learn absolutely zero from a lot of tutorial based youtubers with their raving on with the 6th fret 2nd finger 3rd string then back the root tone stuff . Thank you.
Thanks man I love the thought of you playing along with me! 😎🎸👍
@@theguitaristas Oh man I'm not that good I've only been playing 45 years ✌
@@justanothernobodysopiniono7811 Nah I reckon like all of us you're way better than you think. Anyway as long as you're having fun that's the important thing! 😀👍
Hey Colin you should think about doing a live Q & A show. You've got the knowledge and personality. Plus I know it would push your channel which deserves more subscribers.
Do you sell on the bulk of guitars you review or just live in a warehouse lol?
Have you thought also about Gordon Smith. I'm a Gibson guy myself. I have an epiphone firebird(which you should review it's marvellous) a 15 year old Gibson les paul Studio which I've had from new but my Gordy S single cut is amazing. Love the show seen em all.
Hey Paul, I don't think I will rush into doing any live streams just yet as the plan is to build to 10K subs and then next year maybe start to experiment a bit. Something livestream wise will probably happen and I appreciate your vote of confidence but I'm not sure 'knowledge' is a good description of my skillset! 😂 I'd like to come up with something that involves you lot a bit more than you just firing questions at me... maybe an live interactive 'cool wall' perhaps?? My studio is in fact built in a warehouse, I would definitely like to live here but my partner is not keen... I just don't get women sometimes! 🤷♂️ Oh and finally I do have a great GS (double cut) they made for me about 5 years ago... I added a lollar vintage P90 and changed the wiring and its definitely due to feature in a film soon to watch this space! Cheers man thanks again for the support and encouragement it's really appreciated!
We are very simpatico with respect to the way we play guitar...so steeped in the essence of the Sixties Era.
😎✌️
Shim the neck, raise the bridge and use a mustang bridge; that’s all jazzmasters need. The strings pop out because there’s not enough string tension without the additional back angle on the neck created by a shim. Vintage Jazzmasters shipped with a shim from the factory. Many people removed it and newer ones don’t have it. That shim is actually part of the design. Stew Mac has full pocket neck shims. Jazzmaster usually wants the thickest one. Scoot the bridge all the way back and never pull up, only down
Or maybe just using the buzz stop is easier?
It already has a Mustang Bridge but on many the radius doesn't match the neck. Original Jazzmaster bridges have individual adjustment for each string, are very rattly and need loctite to keep the saddles from shifting.
@@nickdray5072 Thanks Nick, the fretboard radius on this one is 12in so it matches the Mustang Bridge... whereas I believe original was 9.5in?
thanks for another great review. i really value your opinions. i know it's a lot more $$ (about $2300) but did you ever play an american ultra jazzmaster? i really like the modern features available on that model and would love to hear what you think about it. it's not vintage spec but i like what they've done with it (locking tuners, better bridge, better/different electronics, compound radius neck, etc.). i'm considering the cobra blue which has a maple neck. thanks.
'Dark switch up' is neck pickup,as you say,but it runs through a capacitor to give a more 'jazzy" sound ..(hence Jazzmaster)so it makes the neck pickup sound different from the sound you get when the 3 way toggle switch is 'down'...great guitars,I have one myself !!
Thanks Geoffrey!
Popcorn peanut butter banana sandwich and water. I bought one a now need neck shims. Merry Christmas 🎄
You don’t need shims try a buzz stop instead 👍
I could listen to you talking about anything, just so happens you’re talking about guitars, I’d call that a win, win!!
Cheers Mark that appreciated! 😆👍👍
I was getting interested until I saw the chunky neck. Man...that's a thick neck :). Hope all is well with you. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Good stuff, again! 👍🏻👍🏻
Great review, may need to get one to keep my Mascis company...
Cheers Michael that would be the only logical move eh? 😜
Every so often I gaze thoughtfully at the J Mascis signature Jazzmaster - not because I am a Dinosaur Junior fan but I do like Danny Adler a lot. Regretfully I don't have space to give to a Jazzmaster and when all's said and done I was very much a Shadows rather than a Ventures baby.
Bit too spiky sounding for my tastes as well.
Interesting as ever. Thank you.
Cheers Paul!
J Mascis Jazzmaster is the best jazzmaster I've ever played, seriously go try one at a guitar store, it's unbelievable how good it is
Nice guitar. I'd love one. However, I am frustrated by the volume knob getting moved when picking or strumming. I have a couple of strats and love them, but have always been slightly annoyed by that volume knob. Unless I'm doing the volume thing with my pinky - then it's great!
Hey Ken, I have that problem with Strats and actively dislike them because of it. Funny I don't think I noticed it with this one maybe it sits differently because of the offset?
I got the white one and it is beautiful,not pink but a little translucent paint,but thats intentional,looks like marble .
Cool!... Looks like nice piece of timber on these? I was just being a bit facetious in the video as my white blond cv Tele was a bit pants. 😂👍
@@theguitaristas Yes they are both beautiful and sound so good and alive,they have alnico 2 magnets i heard,like back then.