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This is not an attack on Richard, just my own musings!
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I am always amused about the US versus Japanese versus Mexican versus
vintage controversies and opinions regarding Fenders. I think there is
a certain amount of nationalistic pride and xenophobia when people
assert that the standard-production U.S. guitars are better and the
vintage guitars are best. And a certain amount of nostalgia too.
Isn't it a bit simplistic to think that Americans made better guitars
in the 1950s & 60s than they do today, and also believe they make
better guitars now than do the workers in Mexico, Japan and Korea?
I've owned a Mexican '50s Strat, a '96 Jap Jag, and an American Fat
Strat. I loved the tone and feel of the imports much better (granted,
the Fat Strat didn't really suit surf/rockabilly roots music). But as
far as set-up, finish, hardware, and overall quality, it would be
impossible to say that one was better than another.
Most of the cost differences among imports versus US made are simply
labor and I don't think US workers are any more conscientious than
the Japanese. That's why I drive a Honda.
Certainly, these low-budget Jags and Jazzmasters won't be of the same
quality as the American '62 Reissues (nor were they intended to be),
but I am confident they aren't much worse than or different from the
original Fender Jags and Jazzes, which were made at a time when quality
control and manufacturing technology weren't at the high standards of
today. I know Leo ran a tight ship, but I also know he and his floor
workers cut corners when need-be and it shows up in a lot of vintage
guitars. (Ever seen a sunburst pattern bleeding through under a custom
color? That's 'cause rather than strip a botched sunburst paint job,
they'd just shoot a custom color over it and add $5 to the price!
Which, to me, made perfect sense).
The only mods I made to my Jap Jaguar to get "that sound" were some SD
pickups that were more to my liking, plus new bridge saddle barrels and
heavier gage strings to solve a mild buzzing. Total cost for guitar +
$425 used, plus $50 for pups, $25 for saddles = $500). To me, it seems
these inexpensive Jags and Jazzmasters might just be worth it. Besides,
they'll always hold a resale close to these bargain-basement prices.
Too much time on my hands,
Gavin
> At $399.99 the Japanese JM seems like a killer deal,
> hands-down, but whenever you a buy a cheaper guitar
> there is always going to be a question of value...
