bob the r0bot wrote:If you shopping for one used, no matter what, try before you buy.
As for models, each has it's pros and cons:
Mex: +cheapest new +/- hotter pickups (may or may not be what you want) +/- TOM bridge (a whacky knock off one that requires a pickguard routing) +/- closer trem plate (more stable tuning with minimal effort but, trem sweep can be wonky) +/- Flatter neck radius - I hope you like sunburst cuz that's all your getting. - Trem is (in my experience) a piece of ass if you want to use it for more than the occasional flutter
Verdict: Great if you don't want to use the trem all that much and like higher output pickups but, if you don't like sunburst with tort or black with tort, you have to refinish it; also that bridge requires you to cut a groove in any replacement pickguard you would want to retrofit
Jap: + Vintage similar + More colour options + Vintage style bridge that can easily be swapped out - some (particularly early 90's models) have bad pickups - the colour you want is probably rare - Only available used if you don't want to pay out the ass for shipping
Verdict: Greatest variety in colour and closest you can get to vintage without buy the USA but, be prepared to wait for one to come up at a good price. There is also a possibility that you will need to change some hardware pretty early on.
USA: + Vintage Accurate + Best trem - Holy fuck it's expensive
Verdict: "Best" Jazzmaster at the worst price. White is available but, doesn't have the matching head cap.
Bridge note: on the vintage style, swapping it is stupid simple: if you want to change it for a mustang or a mastery, all you have to do is lift the old one out and put the new one in the existing bridge holes.
I think I covered everything.
If I fucked something up fellow offset nerds, please tell me.
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I'm one of those dudes who only likes American Jazzmasters. Perhaps I am a snob, but I don't like the trems or pickups on the Mex or Japanese models. Obviously the Mex JMs have the trems moved from the classic location, and all of them basically have Strat pickups in JM pickup housing. AVRI is good, Thin Skin is good, but these don't come up used very often, and for not much less than new. The Thurston model is cool if you won't miss the rhythm circuit and a tone knob. If you have the dough and aren't opposed to artificially aged guitars, look at Danocaster. For $300 more than AVRI you can get a custom color, better pickups than any Fender offers, and a Mastery, and don't have to do any of it yourself. I think I'm getting one in a couple of weeks, actually.
Ugh i've been dying for a jazzmaster, but its true they are super expensive and then you have to mod them on top of it . Seems like a true pain in the ass! However, Russell Marsden is one of my favorite players with tone to die for. Looks like I'll be getting one and putting up with all the trouble. I have to wait for one like this though!
here's what the thurston moore jazzmaster sounds like. reviewers have said this model is much brighter than the avri model, but i find i can darken the tone a bit by rolling down the volume knob slightly without any loss of gain. i didn't use the whammy on this--it's all the pedals.
cheesecats wrote:here's what the thurston moore jazzmaster sounds like. reviewers have said this model is much brighter than the avri model, but i find i can darken the tone a bit by rolling down the volume knob slightly without any loss of gain. i didn't use the whammy on this--it's all the pedals.
I had the TM awhile back and it's pretty nice, a bit cheaper than the AVRI also. I loved the jumbo frets, cool satin finish (as long as you like green!) and the Antiquity PU's are nice.
I didn't like the lack of tone knob (added one) as that thing was just too bright and I'm still not sold on a TOM style bridge with the JM trem setup. The rhythm circuit was something I've never liked so I could care less about 'em leaving it off on the Sonic Youth sigs but I know a few people who love that setting for the mudz....
I might be able to try a Classic Player Jazzmaster Special and a American Vintage '62 Jazzmaster this weekend. I'm not ready to purchase it yet... but it will give me an idea.
"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." --John Cage
that's the best way to decide--try them. we each have different tastes. i ordered the TM a bit on faith--i had never played any jazzmaster before, but the features appealed to me and i'm quite happy with the results. and thanks for the kind words--i live in lorton, about 30 miles south of dc. i'm fortunate to play with a drummer and bassist who indulge my penchant for long jams.
. Seems like a true pain in the ass! However, Russell Marsden is one of my favorite players with tone to die for. Looks like I'll be getting one and putting up with all the trouble. I have to wait for one like this though! 
