Its also worth noting that Jaguars come with a standard Fender headstock, just like the one you see on Stratocasters. However, the guitar is conceived in such a way that it allows some virtuosic a very comfortable playing experience. You can certainly go lighter, but it sounds best with .009s. I know it costs $45 to move a single pickup, but only the mysterious Warmoth pricing wizards can give you a complete answer. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man's a freak. However, as it usually goes, these things change over time. I'm planning on building a Jazzmaster pretty soon. Jaguars are certainly capable guitars and fit a certain genre of music, but if youre stuck between the two, Id say you should go with a Jazzmaster. Jaguar has traditionally been made with a fretboard radius of 7.25 inches. However, as it usually goes for Fender guitars, these are also fairly reasonably priced. Since a lot of the features are the same, almost identical, playability and performance between Jaguar and Jazzmaster models are similar. Warmoth can and will apply different routing schemes to any body - it just cost m-o-n-e-y. The best acoustic guitars for every budget, The best Yamaha acoustic guitar for every player and Budget, The 14 Best Fingerstyle Guitar Models For All Players, The Best American Made Guitars That Rock in the USA, Ibanez Acoustic Guitars Review: The 5 Best Models for All Playing Levels. Both guitars use single-coil pickups, but each setup offers a different overall tone. A shorter scale length can make it more difficult to find harmonics. These guitars have noisy bridge pickups, which can be solved by shielding them. The necks of both guitars are similar (both tend to be maple), but there are some minor differences. Theyre most certainly very useful, but its somewhat of an overkill and, according to some, a nuisance. I requested a Jag pup pickup route in the neck position for my JM guitar. But which one is better? While Fender did upgrade it from previous models, its still pretty lousy for intonation. However, theyre constructed in such a way not only for better intonation, but also to allow a smoother transition of strings over the saddles. Some users install a Mustang bridge on their Jazzmaster as they perceive this to be a better quality bridge. However, these are completely different from classic Fender stuff. Im ready to break it all down for you! Of course, some newer versions of Jaguars are more straightforward and include options with 3-way or even 4-way switches. Firstly, the scale length is 25.5 inches, the classic Fender configuration. On the other hand, we have the Jazzmaster that has the classic Fender guitar feel. There are Jazzmasters on the market that feature double binding, which gives the guitars body more depth. The Jaguar is best for surf rock, shoegaze, and other alternative rock subgenres today. Can all the accessories of the Jaguar (control plates, pickguard, etc) be placed on the body of the Jazzmaster without it looking weird? by Aeon Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:28 am, Post Maschine MK3 vs Akai MPC One: Which ones best? Another thing that brings it closer to regular Fenders is the maple fretboard if the exact variant has one. Many owners have opted to swap it out for something better. Split between the Performer and the Original, it features more premium color finishes and a classic Jazzmaster tremolo. http://www.terrapinisland.com/beta09b/i 2=main.php, Home Although Jazzmasters almost exclusively come with these two pickups, there are also some other variants. But if were comparing these two, we cant help but notice that the Jazzmaster feels a bit better. This is mostly due to the shorter scale length, which is also very useful for anyone who has smaller hands. Once again, it was a tough choice, especially because both guitars are so interesting. On the other hand, Jaguars rarely ever came with maple fingerboards. - Telemaster? Talk about the Fender Jazzmaster, Jaguar, and any other offset waist guitars with us! Meanwhile, the Jazzmaster had its own variant of the classic C shape. While the guitar never resonated with jazz players (it just couldnt compete against traditional archtops), it was an attractive option for surf guitarists. Known as Jazzmaster pickups, their polepieces are magnets, while P-90s have magnets below the coil. Jazzmasters, on the other hand, have two Jazzmaster pickups, with their output being very similar to old Gibson Les Pauls with two P-90 pickups. Still a guitar you upgrade to, but certainly within reach for most intermediate players. By i'm curious.. hypothetically, could you directly replace a jaguar's pickguard with a jazzmaster one? And this is all on the lead circuitry alone. As already discussed, one of Fender Jaguars biggest advantages comes down to its controls and features. When we talk about Fender guitars, were typically discussing Stratocasters and Telecasters. Hi guys: apologies to jump on the thread. The guitar definitely carries a vintage vibe with it and features four iconic Fender color finishes with all the modern technology. There have also been some Jazzmasters with a 7.25-inch fretboard radius. These days, you can find both cheaper (Fender Player) and high-end options of the Jaguar model with this configuration. On the other hand, the Jaguar model was originally intended as a cheaper alternative to the companys popular models, as well as a way to steal some of the Gibson players back in the 1960s. Not very expensive, great deal for the price, Its possible to get some great tones out of it, Having so many controls may feel a bit confusing to some, Some guitar players may not like the shorter scale length, Although simpler than the Jaguar, its controls may feel a bit confusing to some. Sure, this is a personal preference, making it really hard to say whats better or worse. However, here we chose Jazzmaster as the winner. Exact pickup models differ, but you can find the dual-humbucker configuration on some of the variants, like the Kurt Cobain signature model. Affordable. The Jaguars classic formation includes two separate circuits called lead and rhythm. The lead one is the brighter-sounding one and includes both pickups. Offset body; some feature double binding. Warmoth doesn't have a template for it. Although not a strictly aesthetical trait, a shorter scale length makes Jaguar look a bit different. If youre a beginner looking for a more budget-friendly guitar, youre in luck! maybe have a jaguar pickup selector thing like pickup on/pickup off and a series/parallel switch. How about a two color screen for the official offsetguitars.com shirt? Meanwhile, the rhythm circuit brings smoother tones and only includes the neck pickup. Both are some of the best Squier guitars on the market today. Sure, most of it is Adler, but they can also be out of mahogany in some cases. Jazzmaster features block pearl in-lays on the frets. But, to be fair, each of them is valued properly. Additionally, theres a third switch called the strangle switch that cuts the mids from your tone, creating those squeezed or scooped kinds of tones. oh yeah and i noticed this for a custom job, i quite like those squier 51s they look stunning with a tele style bigsby on them. To take advantage of this desire for the old specimens of both guitars, Fender, in 2018, released a hybrid Jazzcaster (1), a mix between a Telecaster and Jazzmaster. The main volume and tone controls on the treble side are disengaged. Then on the other side, we have the Jazzmaster. Todays Jaguars offer a twangy tone thats a bit more classic Fender, which is why its popular among alternative rockers. However, these days, Jaguars and Jazzmasters are equally valuable. Jaguar features single dots on its fretboard. In my very own opinion, I give the Jazzmaster a slight nod due to the more traditional scale length, plus its better all-around tone. Think rock-a-billy music, which is why its easy to think those single-coil pickups are P-90s. These days, they usually come with rosewood and Pau Ferro ones. While these instruments are both awesome, there are just some slight advantages with the Jazzmaster. To put it simply, you cant go wrong with either of them. Pickup Configuration Winner: Fender Jazzmaster. Theres a lot of different stuff when it comes to Jazzmasters. In terms of tone, the Jazzmaster gets the nod from me, but it comes down to personal preference. by Mighty Tom Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:29 pm, Post ie screw holes etc.. yeah, although a bit of chrome might be nice on the lower half. Fender also sells the Jazzmaster under the following series, all of which are made in the USA: This series mimics the original of the 1960s and comes with a premium price tag. It was also mostly copied from the already established Jazzmaster model traits. This adds a more beefier twist to the tone and might just make them a bit more versatile. Single-coil pickups that are at a shorter height than the Jaguar. Even the bridges and dual-wielding tremolo tailpieces are the same. What I want is the look of the Jaguar with the full scale of the Jazzmaster. There are separate volume and tone controls for that specific rhythm circuit. A major difference between these two classics is the scale length. Nonetheless, they still have their following and are actually becoming more popular as time goes by. Jaguars two single-coil pickups are an interesting formation, making it sound similar to your average Fender Telecaster. However, a lot of the modern Fender Jaguar guitars also come with 9.5-inch fretboard radiuses.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'talkinmusic_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-talkinmusic_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; But at the end of the day, theres no better or worse choice here, just what feels better in your hands. With that shorter scale length, there are only 21 frets on a Jaguar, while there are 22 frets on the Jazzmaster. You can expect Jazzmasters to work pretty much the same. Similar feel. There are any number of Jazzmasters with rear-routing, strat-routed pickups, hard tail etc. Even the standard configuration comes within a few different price categories. Finally, we have the neck profile. Intonation can slip out easily. Both guitars are quite similar in terms of design but have branched out as more genre-specific guitars. I don't know if they would to be honest because of the scale differences I'd imagine the bridge in in a different place?? it would just look like a shortscale jazzmaster. by sewkid Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:46 pm. It takes no more than a glance to realize that these guitars are completely different compared to what were used to seeing. The Jazzmaster pickups which shouldnt be mistaken for P-90s, sound chunkier. But which would be better? Its not like its significantly superior to the Jaguar, but you can notice a clear difference in this category. Capri Orange really stands out. why not buy a jagmaster and get a plate cut with Jaguar pickup holes? But this doesnt make it a bad choice in any way. Because of the offset body design, the pickguards on these guitars are quite unique. The instrument is still very potent and can handle a lot of different settings. These guitars are referred to as offset guitars. Additionally, Fender has also made some Jazzmaster with ash bodies. 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. The pickguard will be the main issue to address. The biggest issue is buzzing, which can be solved with a buzz stop. Jazzcaster? Pricing of the final products may change due to sellers policy. Were so used to the symmetrical look of the Stratocaster and Telecaster, that the offset body takes us by surprise at first. Marshall DSL40C vs Marshall DSL40CR: How Different Are They? I had the same idea sometime back and I realized that the Jag body caters for 24" scale Jag/Mustang necks on custom order only. Today, the guitars are loved by alt-rock and indie players, in addition to some heavier rock musicians and even some metal players. The solution is simple and elegant, and yet it still keeps things effective. These might be a bit complicated, but youll still have a lot of options to play around with. http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/index.php/topic,17936.0.html, Quote from: Unwound G on June 08, 2009, 08:49:37 PM, Quote from: PitchShifter on June 09, 2009, 03:06:26 AM, My Guitarrses s'STILL Beaterer than Ursers. Theres also the Fender Noventa, a 3-pickup version, thats priced similar to the Performer series. If theres an expensive variant, then its definitely worth it. Its common to see both with a dark red tortoise color. The Jaguar and Jazzmaster tremolo lock prevent all strings from going out of tune if a string breaks. And its kind of weird since these guitars are very potent and come with a lot of tone-shaping options. The only difference that you may notice comes down to different price categories. 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. And if there is, were talking about the same level of tonewood quality. 25.5" standard scale length and 22 frets. Playability and Performance Winner: Fender Jazzmaster. For jazz music, you want the cleanest tones possible, especially when comping chords. Your email address will not be published. The Jaguar includes a rhythm circuit, which offers a darker sound. There are 21 frets. However, in this category, we cant help but have the Jaguar as the winner here. Sure, the design might not sit well with everyone, but its what theyre well-known for. Heres what well cover in this Fender Jaguar vs Fender Jazzmaster comparison: So when it comes down to Fender Jaguar vs Fender Jazzmaster, which one should you choose? Additionally, it was also intended as a cheaper guitar to take away Gibson fans in the 1960s. no,the bridge holes & all that {censored} are different due to the different scales.custom guard,yeah. maybe drop in the Bass VI version for extra switching options? Although an old-school design, these tremolo bars are pretty useful and stable. When it comes to these two offset guitars, is there really one thats best? Since the beginning, the Jaguar has been conceived as a budget-friendly alternative to some other Fender models. At the end of the day, the choice is up to you, but the Jazzmaster might just, objectively, be a better option. On the surface, they look and feel like nearly identical guitars. You won't find Andrew playing nightclubs his main audience is his 4-year-old son Charlie and wife Erin in the comfort of their Traverse City, Michigan home. throw some ideas around for the perfect guitar. Twangier like a mix between a Stret and a Tele. The lock also helps your strings stay in tune after using the whammy bar. 24 inches, which is significantly shorter. Here we have two soap bar single-coil pickups. I'm having it routed locally. Also unique to the Jaguar is a mute switch, which doesnt mute the guitar but gives it a unique palm-muted sound. Secondly, the neck feels just a bit different, although this can depend on the exact model variant were talking about. On average, both guitars weigh 8.5 pounds. The tailpiece is essentially a flat metal plate, with slots for strings. The body shape design is identical, or almost identical, to that of Jazzmaster. However, these arent that widespread. Re: will a jazz pickguard fit on a Jaguar. He has played guitar for more than two decades. The rhythm circuit, once again, uses only the neck pickup and comes with its own volume and tone controls. Fender listened and made some critical updates to the Jazzmaster and four years later introduced the Jaguar. To be fair, if were talking about pickups, both Jaguars and Jazzmasters are pretty interesting. I've always been fond of the control plates on the jags but own a Jazz. Additionally, they usually come with cheaper finishes compared to Jazzmasters. And honestly, each of them is worth the price within their respective price categories. This, of course, works in combination with the floating tremolo tailpiece. If you want a simple answer, the guitar is just slightly less versatile compared to the Jaguar. Therefore, were giving this one to the Jazzmaster. Whats really interesting is that Jazzmasters found more use than Jaguars, which is probably due to their specific pickups. There are plenty of variants of these two models. Fender unveils limited edition Jazz-Tele hybrid, retrieved from https://happymag.tv/telemaster-jazzcaster-fender-unveils-limited-edition-jazz-tele-hybrid/, Chrissy Mauck, Iconic Mods: How Invented the Jazzblaster, retrieved from https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/iconic-mods-how-sonic-youth-invented-the-jazzblaster. Aesthetically-wise, they have some distinctions. Although conceived back in the old days, these unusual controls are what some players are looking for these days. Where did you get those wonderful drawings? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although controls are very useful, having so many switches and knobs all over the place may be distracting, even uncomfortable. This site contains affiliate links to products. This brings a different feel to the instrument that many Fender players like. Fender Deluxe Reverb 65 vs Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb: Which should you get? All rights reserved. Powered by Invision Community. The Jazzmasters pickup height of an inch is quite short compared to that of a Stratocaster, which is 7/16 of an inch. Then theres also the issue of controls, with Jazzmasters having fewer switches on the pickguard. Its likely why many players gravitated toward these guitars in the first place, though. Let me know what's up. Fender Jazzmaster headstock image: Katie Montgomery katiemont1124, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jaguar II image: Karl Thomas Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jazzmaster rot image: Dirk-X, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender pickup image: Edward Lund, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Jaguar pickup image: Valentin Ottone, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jaguar & Jazzmaster neck image: Leturiaga, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jaguar pickguard image: doryfour, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jazzmaster CIJ Vintage: Kristoffer Unstad, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Lee Ranaldo image: Alterna2 http://www.alterna2.com, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fender Jaguar Salon de la Musique image: fvancini, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Your email address will not be published. The same could be said about the headstock design. Andrew's full-time job is as the content and PR manager for. replace a jaguar's pickguard with a jazzmaster one? A certain portion of Jazzmasters come with maple fretboards, while other options also include rosewood and Pau Ferro. Although very similar, the differences in the design can be noticed. One of the traits was the additional 22nd fret, as compared to Fenders traditional 21. Unwound G pretty much summed it up quite well. In my opinion, this is the best Jazzmaster for the money right now. Firstly, we have the scale length, which makes the instrument look a bit different. With the option to individually turn pickups on and off, along with the strangle switch, you get six different combinations. If we were to travel back in time and go to the 1960s, wed probably be able to give you a different answer. Surf rockers, though, loved the look and feel of the guitar and really made it their own. by Orang Goreng Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:15 pm, Post Squier, the subsidiary of Fender that makes affordable guitars for Fender, offers both the Affinity Jazzmaster and the Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar. To summarize our findings in this Fender Jaguar vs Fender Jazzmaster comparison, here are the winners for each category: These days, both Fender Jaguar and Fender Jazzmaster variants are mostly popular among specific groups of guitar players. If you want a guitar with a fully vintage-oriented feel, wed recommend some of the Jaguar models, like the Vintera 60s variant. - Whats interesting about the Jaguar model is that its fairly popular with punk players. just different variations on neck, finish, electrics etc. When it comes to the bridge system, these are two identical designs. Therefore, we decided to call this one a tie. You cant swap them, they wont fit by a mile. Great drawing. And, of course, this has also created a substantial niche for Jazzmaster copy guitars within the overall cheap offset guitars market. However, we couldnt help but give this one to Jazzmasters, mostly due to their sonic versatility. These days, Jaguars are still cheaper, although just a little bit. As a result, the tone is a bit beefier compared to regular single-coil pickups, although it still keeps most of the clarity. Four iconic Fender colors. Today, he owns a Martin OO-17S parlor-style guitar and a D'Angelico EXL-1 Deluxe archtop. In the practical sense, the Jaguar is a bit more versatile in this direct duel. These offset models were initially geared toward jazz players since Fender wasnt producing archtops, which is the preferred guitar style for that genre. Both guitars share Fenders iconic headstock, which is also the same headstock found on a Stratocaster and Telecaster, and which Fender has been (essentially) using over the past six decades. if i buy a jaguar body, would a jazzmaster pickguard fit? For instance, some have three JM pickups, while youll also find those with two humbuckers, like the Jim Root signature model. Its not like theyre budget-friendly guitars, but theyre a pretty great deal for the price. Both guitars feature an intricate dual circuit and controls. The fretboard choice, however, is a bit more versatile. 2) vedderman, i think your idea might be easier as you could probably just hold the jag plates on the jazz PG trace them and then cut where they would go assuring a custom fit, the problem being the upper control cavity might be bigger than the plate. Also, with my idea in mind, is there anything y'all think I should be warned about or be concerned with? This tremolo isnt designed for big nose-bomb dives like on heavy metal guitars, but more so for that vibraphone-type tone. 1) donny, i think the biggest problem you would run into is the bridge placement, the holes on the PG will pass the holes in the jag body and you wont be able to insert the bridge, but if you somehow modified, say cut, the PG to just not go down that far and cover the holes (think warmoth jazzmaster guard), then it might work with a little noodling, but dont expect the screw holes to line up at all. Thank you. Contact Us. Make sure to check the latest price on Jazzmasters and the Jaguar and happy strumming! Jazzmasters are most often made with 21 frets, but there are some rare models with 22 frets. However, for the purpose of this comparison, lets focus on their standard formations. Look, the choice here was very hard, as both of these guitars have exciting and unique pickups. However, there are some differences (which also include controls and electronics, but well get to that) which make them a bit more nasally in output. Some versions of both models do come with humbuckers. Underneath it, we have a mechanism that allows this dual-wielding action. So this is yet another category where the Jazzmaster wins. I was wondering if anyone had ever put a jazzmaster pickguard on a jaguar before. Necks, on the other hand, are exclusively maple ones. While were at it both instruments are great in this regard. Both Jaguar and Jazzmaster models and variants have had different profiles. If youre not totally satisfied with the factory pickups, you can find the best Jazzmaster pickups here. Although theyve both been present on the market for quite a while, theyre not as widespread as, lets say, Stratocasters and Telecasters. While neither of these electric guitars werent terribly popular in the 1960s, theyve become a hot commodity for vintage guitar collectors, especially the 1961 Jazzmasters. and use the body, since it's identical to the jagmasters.. this jagmaster bridge, or something like this looks ok: but i'm trying to search for a mod that would have the fender bridge plate bit, but no routing underneath it, no spring, or no pivoting parts - basically have the point where the ball-ends are just stop dead like on those non-string through tele bridges or whatever. These classic guitars are quite similar but, as you can see, there are some differences that will force you to make some decisions if youre on the fence about purchasing either one. I've been thinking about doing it but im not sure if would fit. As you can see, both Fender Jaguar and Fender Jazzmaster models come with unique controls. As mentioned, the Jaguar model was one of Fenders attempts to win over Gibson fans. just considering alternatives to spending big bucks by building a jaguar/jazzmaster hybrid. If you want a jazzmaster style PG for your jaguar just draw up the shape you want and get one made. I was wondering if you could fit a Jazzmaster pickguard on a Jaguar. Initially, I thought using it with a 25.5" scale neck is no big deal since it only involves in shifting the bridge placement a little further. However, all these traits that we saw on the Jaguar have essentially been stolen from the original Jazzmaster design. but practically, it's a nuisance.. it would be nice to have something that looks and works well too. I think Warmoth has to line up the templates by hand, instead of just poking the "Jazzmaster" button and having the CNC blast it out in one shot. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. The pickguard is a bit unusual, technically coming in two pieces. However, Jazzmaster just finds a lot of use. The pickguard is also different. I've wondered about the other way around. Registry Jaguar is kind of all over the place with its controls and everything else. The Jazzmaster also has a rhythm circuit, although its simpler by utilizing a three-way switch. This makes it slightly heavier than your typical Stratocaster and Telecaster, but considerably lighter than a Gibson Les Paul. The controls may be a bit weird, but the guitar brings so many tone-shaping options. which i find garish anyway. Interested in learning more about the Jazzmaster? Because of the intricate tremolo system, I recommend a higher gauge string, like .009s. This has got to be the best forum I've seen. Didn't someone say recently that W wouldn't do jaguar pickups? Talking about these two famous offset models, one of the most interesting things is the difference in scale length. These days, you can find all sorts of combinations on these guitars. Ultimately, it came with a 24-inch scale length, something that remained to this day. Single-coil pickups that offer better clarity than Jazzmaster, About 8.5 lbs, which is the same as the Jaguar, About 8.5 lbs, which is about the same as the Jaguar, Andrew Dodson, an award-winning journalist and writer who lives in Northern Michigan, is the content editor for ReallySimpleGuitar. What would a jazzmaster pickguard look like on a jaguar? Poorly designed bridge. This is the two bodies lined up with the neck heels in the same place - blue jazz, red jag. They look pretty similar to Gibsons well-known P-90 pickups, although theyre made in a completely different way. The first thing youll notice on both of these guitars is the offset body shape. presuming you could rearrange the pickup switching etc.. i'm having trouble picturing it, and the offset dressing room and google pics are not really coming up with anything. Excellent clarity. The bridge pickup is coil-splittable, allowing you to dial in even more tones. Due to the different scale lengths, you cant install a Jazzmaster pickguard on a Jaguar or a Jaguar pickguard on a Jazzmaster. by theworkoffire Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:36 am, Post Samson SR850 vs AKG K240: How Do These Headphones Compare? However, in the practical sense, you wont notice any difference at all, unless youre super-focused on some details. From the very start, Jaguar was intended as a cheaper alternative to other Fender models. You get a genuine Fender guitar at a reasonable price. Engaging the rhythm circuit means that youll have to use separate volume and tone controls, located on the bass side of the body. Make sure to also check out our review of the best Fender Jaguar.