New Guitar (Jazzmaster content)

[Japam]

Hello all, I finally got something new, I'll introduce myself with this new purchase. I went to guitar center a couple of weeks ago and scored myself a new MIM Jazzmaster. I've been meaning to play one ever since I found out about them. Man was I blown away! The neck is hands down the most comfortable one I've ever played. The medium jumbo frets feel great and make playing easier to me; and the neck is also not as narrow as my Godin Exit 22 (too narrow, imo).

Anyway, to the good stuff. The neck pickup sounds really good for stock, but the bridge I'm not too crazy about. I pretty much just play shoegazer stuff or Explosions in the Sky type of music and this guitar is perfect for that. I can play it through my DD3 and RedBear for days. Okay 'nuff about nuthin' here are some pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/drift209/Jazzy/DSC01297.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/drift209/Jazzy/DSC01300.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/drift209/Jazzy/DSC01296.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/drift209/Jazzy/DSC01299.jpg

Ftl:mad: : I was in a hurry to go home and didn't check EVERYTHING. The sales guy did not give me the correct tremolo bar! I got home ready to play it, but hey! The trem bar doesn't screw in like it's supposed to! Long story short, I called them back today after being told they'd send the correct one last Friday and sure enough, same guy tells me they have not sent it yet. So I'm expecting a call back with a confirmation and tracking number in a couple of days. No biggy, but still, I want what I agreed to pay for.:thu:

ps: please excuse my photo noobness with the "ghost" in the last picture.:lol:

[Woozy]

Congrats!

Shoegaze and Jazzmasters...
Curse your seduction My Bloody Valentine!

Sorry about the trem bar.
I've had a similar GC-experience recently.
They seem to try to wear you down with excuses.

show of solidarity:
Alison's Halo
Charlottes
Slowdive
An April March
The Clams
Luminous Orange
Shallow

Btw, Japan seems like a hotbed of shoegaze over the past few years.

[Japam]

Congrats!

Shoegaze and Jazzmasters...
Curse your seduction My Bloody Valentine!

Sorry about the trem bar.
I've had a similar GC-experience recently.
They seem to try to wear you down with excuses.

show of solidarity:
Alison's Halo
Charlottes
Slowdive
An April March
The Clams
Luminous Orange
Shallow

Btw, Japan seems like a hotbed of shoegaze over the past few years.

awesome. Any Japanese shoegaze band you recommend? Besides Mono of course. Oh and it's Japam..not Japan haha; it's a Botch song.

[Woozy]

awesome. Any Japanese shoegaze band you recommend? Besides Mono of course. Oh and it's Japam..not Japan haha; it's a Botch song.

Yep, I meant Japan...
:banana
Sorry, I've not heard Botch.

Two of the bands I listed are Japanese:
Luminous Orange & The Clams
I've heard some and heard of others...
In the past few years, it seems like Japan is really carrying the shoegazer torch.
Some good stuff out there.

And it's probably too much info, but I think Shoegaze led me to the
glorious marriage of Noise & Pop.
Like from the band Medicine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cr1oosrvzk
Or the Japanese noise-pop band: The Polysics...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYE8vPl4IaY
Or some reckless-abandon from France: Sloy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dfaU4z-RIM&feature=related

Back to Shoegaze... The Charlottes "Liar" (note the Jaguar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQB5r_UDeDo

[Japam]

thanks man. I'll have to check back in the future with the Noise&Pop stuff because I just wasn't feeling it. But the Luminous Orange I can dig. I couldn't much on The Clams though, just a BUNCH of other bands with that name.

[scott757]

I got one of those a few weeks ago and wasn't crazy about the bridge p/u either. I ended up taking it back and trading it for something else. What about the bridge do you not like?

[straightblues]

You need to remember that Jazzmasters have 1 meg tone pots not he 250K pots we are used to in other Fenders. So, about 3 or 4 on the tone pot is equal to 10 on the tone pot for a tele or strat. So if you leave the tone on 10 the bridge pickup in particular is way to bright and thin. Turn the tone all the way down to 0 and then work your way up to a bridge tone you like.

[Gas-man]

i recently pigged up the very same instrument.

I personally don't shoe gaze. Breast gaze perhaps...but...

[Japam]

I got one of those a few weeks ago and wasn't crazy about the bridge p/u either. I ended up taking it back and trading it for something else. What about the bridge do you not like?

It just sounds too thin and just lacks character. I wish I could get something to sound like the sh-11 I have in my Godin.

You need to remember that Jazzmasters have 1 meg tone pots not he 250K pots we are used to in other Fenders. So, about 3 or 4 on the tone pot is equal to 10 on the tone pot for a tele or strat. So if you leave the tone on 10 the bridge pickup in particular is way to bright and thin. Turn the tone all the way down to 0 and then work your way up to a bridge tone you like.

Interesting...I have to try that when I get off work later! Thanks.

[disaster]

Sweet guitar, sweet handle (Spaim, Japam, Framce, Vietmam, Afgamistam, Micaragua).
I played one of these side by side with an MIA Jazzmaster the other day, and was kind of bummed out the bridge p/u. The American bridge position sounded way better- and both pickups on the MIA were louder, oddly enough (the MIM supposedly has higher output p/us). The MIM did play fantastically and had really good fit and finish.
It might be worth investigating a pickup swap with the MIA versions (or Lollars, or Nordstrands).

[drolling]

Hey Japam, congrats on the new JM!

Didn't realize they were makin' 'em in Mexico now - How would you say it compares to the MiA version?

I scored THE LAST Japanese JM in my town a few years back; had the chance to A/B it against the newly re-introduced American Jazzmaster, and I just couldn't swing the extra (A LOT extra!) $$$ at the time.

But I'm pretty happy with my MIJ, especially since doing a few upgrades; pickups- don't know what's in your MiM, but the MiJs have skinny little strat-style p-ups under those huge covers... there goes most of the unique tone! At the time, Seymour Duncan was one of the few companies making aftermarket JM pickups. Went with a "vintage" in the neck & a "hot" in the bridge, as per the recommendations of the boys at the JM discussion Page.

Today, I'd probably go with Lollars, tho' I've heard that the Fender US p-ups are very good for the money. Apart from the 3-way switch (mine died in a week!) that's all I've done to it.

Mine's also sunburst. Made of Alder, rather than Basswood, common to so many MiJ fenders - unfortunately, it's 5:eek:!!! mismatched pieces. A great excuse to refinish in Oly or Artic white, which looks so cool w/that tortoise guard.

My trem doesn't screw in. Some kinda 'press-fit' affair that wobbles & falls out unless I wrap a little copper foil or teflon plumbers tape around the end.

The JM bridge takes a bit of getting used to as well - But as you say, that wide C neck profile's one of the most comfortable I've played. Welcome to the club!

[Platypus]

Welcome to the fold!

Love my 62ARI in surfy surf green :)

[wilerty]

I always liked this one ... but that was 46 years ago. Wish I still had it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/wilerty/meapostles.jpg

[Old Tele man]

...wish they were offering them in white today!

...had two white models many years ago: a 1965 with bound neck and dot markers and a 1967 with bound neck and block markers...and, I too, wish I still had them!

[Franktone]

I like your sunburst Jazzmaster. I also like the blonde guitars and blonde amps.

[Japam]

Sweet guitar, sweet handle (Spaim, Japam, Framce, Vietmam, Afgamistam, Micaragua).
I played one of these side by side with an MIA Jazzmaster the other day, and was kind of bummed out the bridge p/u. The American bridge position sounded way better- and both pickups on the MIA were louder, oddly enough (the MIM supposedly has higher output p/us). The MIM did play fantastically and had really good fit and finish.
It might be worth investigating a pickup swap with the MIA versions (or Lollars, or Nordstrands).

The pick ups did not bother me that much obviously, but I have yet to try it with the tone knob dialed down a bit (been getting off work pretty late). I have NEVER tried an MIA Jazzy, which maybe is a blessing haha or else I'd maybe like my jazzmaster a little less...or more? I heard they fixed all the common "problems" of the MIA versions with the MIM one. But yeah, the playability and mojo factors are what won me over!

Hey Japam, congrats on the new JM!

Didn't realize they were makin' 'em in Mexico now - How would you say it compares to the MiA version?

I scored THE LAST Japanese JM in my town a few years back; had the chance to A/B it against the newly re-introduced American Jazzmaster, and I just couldn't swing the extra (A LOT extra!) $$$ at the time.

But I'm pretty happy with my MIJ, especially since doing a few upgrades; pickups- don't know what's in your MiM, but the MiJs have skinny little strat-style p-ups under those huge covers... there goes most of the unique tone! At the time, Seymour Duncan was one of the few companies making aftermarket JM pickups. Went with a "vintage" in the neck & a "hot" in the bridge, as per the recommendations of the boys at the JM discussion Page.

Today, I'd probably go with Lollars, tho' I've heard that the Fender US p-ups are very good for the money. Apart from the 3-way switch (mine died in a week!) that's all I've done to it.

Mine's also sunburst. Made of Alder, rather than Basswood, common to so many MiJ fenders - unfortunately, it's 5:eek:!!! mismatched pieces. A great excuse to refinish in Oly or Artic white, which looks so cool w/that tortoise guard.

My trem doesn't screw in. Some kinda 'press-fit' affair that wobbles & falls out unless I wrap a little copper foil or teflon plumbers tape around the end.

The JM bridge takes a bit of getting used to as well - But as you say, that wide C neck profile's one of the most comfortable I've played. Welcome to the club!
How do the Lollars sound from what you've been told? I've seen threads where people recommended those often...but didn't see any descriptions really.:messedup And yes, +1 on the neck.

Welcome to the fold!

Love my 62ARI in surfy surf green :)

hey man you HAVE to post pics of that!! That's one of my favorite finishes!

I always liked this one ... but that was 46 years ago. Wish I still had it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v711/wilerty/meapostles.jpg

That picture just oozes of good stuff man, I love that pic!

I like your sunburst Jazzmaster. I also like the blonde guitars and blonde amps.

Thanks!

[Platypus]

hey man you HAVE to post pics of that!! That's one of my favorite finishes!
!

Will do, mine too! :)

http://platypus.memoryfire.com/rig/guitars/62jm/jm1.jpg

Love it with the mint green pickguard too, it's really hard to capture the color properly

[HandOfTheHost]

Just a suggestion, I put one of these on my Jaguar and it really is a step up from a standard tune-o-matic bridge, and it was a direct drop-in. I did have to shim up the individual saddles to match the 7 1/4" fretboard radius:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_Tune-o-matic_bridges/Locking_Roller_Bridge.html

[Kyle vs. Guitar]

Nice axe! I have a Lollar and Tune-O-Matic equipped AVRI Jazzmaster I bought from another TGP member on the way, I'm fired up! I don't think any other guitar gets you everything from Smiths-esque jangle to full-blown shoegaze/noise rock!

Japan has a ton of great shoegaze bands. Luminous Orange is fantastic, but Cruyff In The Bedroom is a fantastic traditional style shoegaze band, as well as Coaltar Of The Deepers, who make an oddly effective blend of shoegaze, thrash metal, bossa nova, and electronica!

The Jazzmaster seems a lot more popular in Japan than other places. Check out Number Girl and bloodthirsty butchers if you like stuff like Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc.

[crosse79]

Welcome to the board :) Nice looking axe there.

[socalscott]

Dem MIM pups lack magnet poles and prolly use AlNiCo V or ceramic mags. Surely not very Fendery. There is the question of bobbin size too.

I'd suggest getting the bridge re-wound, utilizing a tap feature. Then you get chime or warmth. Any pup maker will do a SC job for like $45. No big brand will match the tone. Change mags to more vintage AlNiCo II's or III's. Warmer and rounder for those SC's.

[Jerryr]

Gorgeous guitar. I've always loved the look of the JM.

[drolling]

How do the Lollars sound from what you've been told? I've seen threads where people recommended those often...but didn't see any descriptions really.Like Lindy Fralin, TV Jones among a few p-up winders/designers whose stuff's in my guitars, Jason Lollar's pickups have that *magic pixie dust* that just takes 'em into that rarefied zone where the best of the vintage Fenders/Gretsches & Gibsons live.

The only Lollar I own is a P-90 he designed for the National Resolectric - On the strength of that alone, I wouldn't hesitate to try anything he makes.

[semore butts]

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp289/bear_dog_leader/Jazzmaster030.jpg

[bazooka47]

I also like the blonde guitars and blonde amps.


ME TOO!

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m289/bazooka47/66%20Jazzmaster/IMG_0258.jpg

[disaster]

I have NEVER tried an MIA Jazzy, which maybe is a blessing haha or else I'd maybe like my jazzmaster a little less...or more?

That's kinda what happened to me- I played the MIM first and was into it. I didn't wanna (yeah right) play the MIA one, but my brother talked me into it- now I'm ruined.
But really, all the elements were there in regards to the MIM. A solid guitar, and a good sounding one.

[GibbyFan]

Very nice. Congratulations. Enjoy.

[MichaelThomas]

beautiful, anywhere I can hear your music?

[Japam]

Will do, mine too! :)



Love it with the mint green pickguard too, it's really hard to capture the color properly
:love: wooooowww...That is niiiice!

Nice axe! I have a Lollar and Tune-O-Matic equipped AVRI Jazzmaster I bought from another TGP member on the way, I'm fired up! I don't think any other guitar gets you everything from Smiths-esque jangle to full-blown shoegaze/noise rock!

Japan has a ton of great shoegaze bands. Luminous Orange is fantastic, but Cruyff In The Bedroom is a fantastic traditional style shoegaze band, as well as Coaltar Of The Deepers, who make an oddly effective blend of shoegaze, thrash metal, bossa nova, and electronica!

The Jazzmaster seems a lot more popular in Japan than other places. Check out Number Girl and bloodthirsty butchers if you like stuff like Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc.

Dude, thanks for introducing me to Cruyff in the Bedroom!!! They hit the spot for me musically! Any albums you recommend me? I really dig "Carilon Blue"!

Dem MIM pups lack magnet poles and prolly use AlNiCo V or ceramic mags. Surely not very Fendery. There is the question of bobbin size too.

I'd suggest getting the bridge re-wound, utilizing a tap feature. Then you get chime or warmth. Any pup maker will do a SC job for like $45. No big brand will match the tone. Change mags to more vintage AlNiCo II's or III's. Warmer and rounder for those SC's.

Sorry but, what's an SC job?

Like Lindy Fralin, TV Jones among a few p-up winders/designers whose stuff's in my guitars, Jason Lollar's pickups have that *magic pixie dust* that just takes 'em into that rarefied zone where the best of the vintage Fenders/Gretsches & Gibsons live.

The only Lollar I own is a P-90 he designed for the National Resolectric - On the strength of that alone, I wouldn't hesitate to try anything he makes.

Interesting. I'm going to research for some clips with Jazzmasters and Lollars and see how they sound.

beautiful, anywhere I can hear your music?

haha I wish. I'm sort of jamming with some people and we're trying to record. It's tough, I don't even know if our drummer still wants in. For some reason I just hate recording, but when we jam things just, how do I say it, "flow". The stuff I write relates more to Explosions in the Sky, Red Sparrowes, Jesu, etc.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

[MichaelThomas]

That's awesome, I've been in love with every single one of those bands for years. It's tough recording that stuff because it's so "in the moment" and capturing that on tape or recordings might feel weird.

But I hope to hear that Jazzmaster put to good use! Let me know as soon as you have something recorded.

I love your username btw (killer Botch song!)

[Japam]

That's awesome, I've been in love with every single one of those bands for years. It's tough recording that stuff because it's so "in the moment" and capturing that on tape or recordings might feel weird.

But I hope to hear that Jazzmaster put to good use! Let me know as soon as you have something recorded.

I love your username btw (killer Botch song!)

Yeah, Botch is what got me into the whole metalcore thing...and then it just went downhill after them hahaha. It's funny though, you listen to their stuff and it's just so dynamic and explosive, but my favorite song by them and just one of my faves by far, is Afghamistam! I just can never get tired of that one. Yeah, I hear you though, it's hard to capture the chemistry of a good jam; but at the same time it shouldn't be an excuse not to try though.

[Jet Age Eric]

Y'know, I played a MIJ with Lollars and wasn't really into it; sounded very dull, albeit rich (I loved the JM's neck). Played one of the new MIMs a few weeks ago and I was TOTALLY into it. It just sounded right.

I'd like to get one home to spend more time with it, but, straight out of the box, the MIM SOUNDED more like a JM to me than the MIJ with Lollars. -E

[Japam]

Y'know, I played a MIJ with Lollars and wasn't really into it; sounded very dull, albeit rich (I loved the JM's neck). Played one of the new MIMs a few weeks ago and I was TOTALLY into it. It just sounded right.

I'd like to get one home to spend more time with it, but, straight out of the box, the MIM SOUNDED more like a JM to me than the MIJ with Lollars. -E

Well that's a complete turn around for me. Hmmm....still gotta hear 'em Lollars.

[Jet Age Eric]

Gotta clarify: I liked the MIJ JM's neck, not the Lollar neck pup. -E

Y'know, I played a MIJ with Lollars and wasn't really into it; sounded very dull, albeit rich (I loved the JM's neck). Played one of the new MIMs a few weeks ago and I was TOTALLY into it. It just sounded right.

I'd like to get one home to spend more time with it, but, straight out of the box, the MIM SOUNDED more like a JM to me than the MIJ with Lollars. -E

[Gas-man]

Y'know, I played a MIJ with Lollars and wasn't really into it; sounded very dull, albeit rich (I loved the JM's neck). Played one of the new MIMs a few weeks ago and I was TOTALLY into it. It just sounded right.

I'd like to get one home to spend more time with it, but, straight out of the box, the MIM SOUNDED more like a JM to me than the MIJ with Lollars. -E

The bridge pup on the MIMs is not great.

I usually run mine in the middle or neck, sometimes with the tone switch up.