Hi everyone, I've been lurking on this forum for quite a while and haven't really posted. My only guitar for the last 15 years has been my Les Paul. It's time to add something different, something surfy with a good trem, and I've settled on the sound of the Jazzmaster.

Here's the thing. I'm totally enamored with Candy Apple Red (I know, I have uncultured simple tastes... I probably like Free Bird too...). That seems to limit my options to a used Squier VM, a Fender American Performer, or a Fender American Professional. The American Performer has a Strat trem, so it's out. The American Professional isn't in my immediate price range, but if one is worth it then I could sell a few things to make it happen. The non standard switch placement is the same as my Les Paul, so while that might annoy most of you it won't bother me.
I know it lacks the rhythm circuit, is that important?
I've read it has overwound pickups, I'm quite a diy tinkerer, so if I need to swap in some AV 65 pickups I'll use the opportunity to make a comparison video for my YouTube channel.

So, are there any other glaring issues with it? Are the necks weird? Bridge issues? Will I be shunned for lack of rhythm circuit?

While we're on the subject, I'd welcome feedback on the Squier VM as well.

Thanks!

Oh, also I did search but all I found was an announcement when they first came out and another thread discussing the bridge string spacing. If there's a review thread I missed and this is a duplicate then I apologize.

BTW, I am also a fan of Candy Apple Red on a Fender guitar....

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No matter what anyone says, you do not need the rhythm circuit. Some will say it is useful but I've never seen anyone use it. I totally bypassed it when I rewired my Jaguar where I copied Dave Wronski's Jaguar wiring, don't need it.

I have no specific comment about either model. But in general: if not certain whether the Jazzmaster is the guitar for you (as in playability, since you already settles on the sound), then I'd go for the Squier. It's a cheap way of getting to know the Jazzmaster and whether it works for you. It's also a good way to find out whether the rhythm circuit is something you'd miss if it wasn't there.

I did something similar. I bought a Squier VM Bass VI first to see if it fits me. And when it turned out it did I bought a Fender.
Then again, if you're already pretty sure about the fit and you have the money, I'd say go for the Fender. It'll hold its value better than the Squier.

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I have a Vintage Modified version that came with an upgraded lock button vibrato and some custom wound pickups in it and I feel like I'm probably getting as full a Jazzmaster experience as anyone else, since it has the exact same stuff on it that they've always had.

My recommendation is to go that route. Just find a used VM for cheap. It's such a quirky guitar that I feel it's best to embrace it in its true form. I didn't love it at first--not at all--but I've grown to absolutely treasure the sound it makes. There's nothing like it. And I've recorded with the rhythm circuit, too! You want Woman Tone, well there you go. It is different than the regular circuit rolled down because it uses different caps in conjunction with the different pots.

Last edited: Jan 08, 2020 23:37:24

Chris, I have a reissue "vintage" Jazzmaster. I've found that you can come very close to the rhythm circuit sound by selecting the neck p/u and adjusting the tone and volume. Not exactly maybe, but close enough. I play mostly lead on the JM bu on occasion find the circuit useful to , strangely enough, switch to playing rhythm. But 95% of the time I play on the normal circuit with both volume and tone wide open. The additional circuit does allow you to instantly go from full to zero volume - set the rhythm circuit volume to zero and regular circuit volume to full, play something and let it sustain, while switching between circuits. Can give you an effect like the guitar in "Spirit in the Sky".

It has thick ankles.

I'm aware that musicians run their lives with emotion, not logic. If it's out of your price range and it will cause you problems, this discussion should be over. When you have enough money to do what you want, then other's experiences are very valuable. I've had many hobbies in my life. The one statement that I have repeated has been: if you spend more money than you should, you will be come dissatisfied with that hobby". Proceed with caution.

Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to go Squier for my first jump into the offset world. I just bought this on Reverb: Squier Deluxe Jazzmaster 2016 https://reverb.com/item/30339730-squier-deluxe-jazzmaster-2016?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=android-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=30339730. Last week I was in Boise for a work conference and my hotel was pretty close to guitar center. We don't have any good guitar shops here locally so I took advantage. They had two Jazzmasters, one had humbuckers and the other was a Squier J Mascis. The Mascis played and sounded great (first Jazzmaster I've played). My understanding is these "Deluxe" ones are the same guitar just without the signature and in Red. I'll probably swap the pickguard and pickup covers...
I'll report back when it arrives.

Here's a pic