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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Gear »

Permalink Classic 60’s lacquer jag

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horax
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Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States
Link Posted on Mar 17 2019 09:21 AM

Right now I have a squier van jag.

Is it THAT big a step to upgrade to the classic 60’s lacquer model?

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edwardsand
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Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 661
Link Posted on Mar 17 2019 06:47 PM

I expect the biggest difference is the neck - vintage radius and vintage frets, which I prefer. To me, the neck makes the biggest impact on playability.

Sound-wise, the pickups on the Fender are probably an improvement, though I expect the Squier pickups are decent enough. In the end, you could get 90% of the way there by getting a new neck and new pickups for your Squier for way less cost. Of course, a lot rides on whether you need the full-on Fender name as a whole or whether you want a Jaguar that suits your needs and desires.

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horax
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Joined: Mar 23, 2011
Posts: 518
colorado springs
United States
Link Posted on Mar 17 2019 07:43 PM

Fair enough points all around.

I’ve been enjoying the squier just fine...so hard to judge when nobody carries them here

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da-ron
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Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1299
The original Plymouth, UK.
United Kingdom
1 News Pin 1 Calendar Pin 1 Contributor Pin 2 Security Pins 1 POTD Pin
Link Posted on Mar 18 2019 09:27 AM

I have the 60s lacquer Jazzmaster, and I will point out that a nitro lacquer finish is a bit more sensitive than a polyester one. This means you need to be careful what stand/hanger you're using as it can destroy the finish over time. This has happened to a Rickenbacker of mine, and takes a while for the effect to happen.

On a plus side, they do smell nice.

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Ringo
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Joined: Feb 15, 2019
Posts: 46
USA
Link Posted on Mar 19 2019 01:35 PM

I recently bought a 60's lacquered Jazzmaster, and I'll be replacing much of the electronics (e.g., pots, tone-cap, wire, 3-way switch and output jack), because they're all piss poor in quality, but I have to say that on every other score, its a fantastic instrument for the price. The stock (OEM) JM pickups are sensational (no need to replace them), and the pau ferro fingerboard, lacquer finish and other features are first-rate. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one, and for what its worth, I own several other (higher-priced) Jags, JM's and Strats.

—

"Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work, you can always hit them with it." - Boris the Blade

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BillAqua
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Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1054
Chicago IL.
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Link Posted on Mar 20 2019 02:30 PM

I've been looking at these.
Or should I save a few more and get a discontinued '62 RI?

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Ringo
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Joined: Feb 15, 2019
Posts: 46
USA
Link Posted on Mar 20 2019 04:38 PM

BillAqua wrote:

I've been looking at these.
Or should I save a few more and get a discontinued '62 RI?

Well, I haven't purchased, owned or played a Classic Player 60's lacquered JAGUAR (only the Jazzmaster), so I'm probably not the best-qualified to respond to this particular question. However, I can tell you this much with confidence . . .

I own several Jag's and several JM's, including a '62 RI (AVRI) Jag (circa 2000), and a recently purchased (circa 2018) Classic Player 60's Jazzmaster, and as I've already indicated elsewhere, the electronics (other than the pickups), on the JM are garbage (very poor quality), but once I replaced those, there is literally and functionally 'zero' sonic difference between the two (i.e., my '62 AVRI Jag at twice the price and the 60's JM). None! Obviously, there are some minor difference in terms of fretboard wood and binding, and other minor cosmetics, but that's the gist of it.

Good quality (CTS brand) 1-Meg replacement potentiometers are about $6 each, and a new Switchcraft 3-way is about $15, so in my view, you'd be looking at saving a fair bit of money by buying the Classic Player 60's versions of either one (over the AVRI version), and simply replacing some of their electronics. When strung with suitable flat-wounds, and played with '63-ish spring reverb, you'll have that vintage surf sound, no doubt, and at a considerable savings.

Good luck.

—

"Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work, you can always hit them with it." - Boris the Blade

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