New Jazzmaster

[EL34]

The LP Jr guitar came out great and now I am onto a new project.
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=32030.0

I ordered a Squier Affinity Series Jazzmaster from sweetwater. ($319)
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JazzAfMBk--squier-affinity-series-jazzmaster-electric-guitar-metallic-black-sweetwater-exclusive

Am I liking these inexpensive guitars.
You don't feel bad modifying them when they are not rare or cost cost a bunch on money.

I have a set of Mojo Jazzmaster pickups sitting from Jazz-O-Caster #1
It got converted back to strat stuff.

Jazz-O-Caster #2 is still awesome.
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=19570.0

I like the black headstock and the simple volume and tone knobs

I will look at the input jack and post and see if they need an upgrade.
The bridge is a cheapo two pivot model
I may put a Fender Deluxe bridge like I used on Jazz-O-Caster #2
I did not want a Jazzmaster bridge
I had a 1965 Jazzmaster and I did not like the bridge setup.

[EL34]

The Jazzmaster has been upgraded.

I changed the black pick guard to a White Pearl pick guard.
The full length picture does not show it very well so I took a closer up pic.
The White pearl looks really good compared to the stock black pick guard.

I changed the Bridge to a Fender American Deluxe Strat Bridge like the one I did on the Jazz-O-Caster.
I had to shave about 3mm off the back of the bridge because the Jazzmaster body is thinner.

I had a pair of Mojo Jazzmaster Pickups here already, so I upgraded the pickups
I upgraded the input jack to a #11 Switchcraft jack
I added a roller string tree to the B and High E strings

The tuners stay in tune great so I did not change them.
I really would like to have the pickup switch down there the tone knob is, but I'll try and live with where it is for now.

The neck feels great but I will be checking all the fret heights on the neck string change.
They did not spray a ton of clear coat on the neck and it feels really fast.

[bmccowan]

I think the quality of recent Squires is really good. I recently bought one of the Chicago Music Exchange bound telecasters in Oxblood. I figured I would be immediately replacing the tuners, bridge, and pickups. But so far so good. The fit and finish of the bound body is super nice.
On Jazzmasters - those offset bodies are so comfy for playing seated. I have a Jaguar with all those oddball switches. Every time I play it, I have to look at the control schematic. WTF were they thinking?

[EL34]

There's a bunch of YouTube vids on the squire affinity Jazzmasters.
That convinced me to go ahead and get one.
Most of them are older versions in other colors, not exactly like the black one I ordered.
One thing I saw on one video was that the body was thinner
That's fine with me, so maybe it is lighter.

[Platefire]

My first Fender guitar and first good quality guitar was a 1967 Jazzmaster. Got it on a going out of business sale for$300.00 with case.

Looks like you got a good start on the mods. Will be looking forward to some sound samples

[EL34]

Got the guitar yesterday.
Swapped out the pickups for the Mojo Jazzmaster Pickups I already had.
Changed the input jack to a switch craft jack. The stock jack was junk.
I do not like the screw in trem on the cheapo bridge.
I will be changing that out also.
It has 9's on it which will get changed to 10's
The Neck was straight
Frets seem ok
Everything else seems to be fine

Have to change the bridge and see how it is after that

[tubenit]

I like that body shape alot also!  It has great lines to it.  Congrats on the new guitar. 


Jeff

[bmccowan]

My first Fender guitar and first good quality guitar was a 1967 Jazzmaster. Got it on a going out of business sale for$300.00 with case_Platefire

OK Plate - tell us the rest of that story which is sure to be tragic, similar to some of mine.
Or just use multiple choice:
o I traded it even-up for a hollow body Harmony.
o I sold it for $360 with self-congratulations for the 20% profit.
o I sold it to pay for my senior prom.
o I sold it to buy bell bottom pants which my parents would not allow. Turns out, neither would the high school principal.
Sadly, we have all been there, eh?

[EL34]

I ordered the same Fender deluxe bridge I have on the Jazz-O-Caster
I do not like these cheap Chinese bridges
The blocks are really thin and they have screw in trem arms
But what can you expect on squire guitars that are very cheap compared to non squire Fenders.

The body and neck are great, so the main bones are fine.

[EL34]

Ok, I have the Fender bridge installed.
I had to shave off 3mm on my milling machine because the body is thinner on the Jazzmaster and the bridge stuck out beyond the body
It came out great.

Here's some pics

[EL34]

And here's some quickie sound demos I did
I think the guitar sounds awesome
I switched pickups between middle and bridge which are the two positions I use most
That bridge pickup really cuts through
I use the middle position probably 75% of the time

https://el34world.com/Misc/Music/files/Demo2.mp3

https://el34world.com/Misc/Music/files/Demo3.mp3

https://el34world.com/Misc/Music/files/Demo1.mp3

[EL34]

You can see how much thicker the Fender bridge is
The trem arm pushes in and locks and stays out of the way
It goes into a nylon sleeve and the tension is adjustable with two small set screws

I hate those screw in trem arms

[jjasilli]

Sounds great!  A fine upgrade platform!  But I think the idiosyncratic switching is part of the Mojo.

[EL34]

I have a White Pearl pick guard on the way
It will look way better than the black one

$18 on Amazon but ships from China
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7VM8M7Z

[EL34]

I updated reply #1 with the new Jazzmaster mods
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=32256.msg356765#msg356765

[rake]

There's something old school sexy about a Mother-of-Toilet Seat pickguard!   

[EL34]

I've never had a pearloid toilet seat
Must be nice

[rake]

When I was a kid my great uncle Phil had one of them old toilets with the chrome pipe between the tank & bowl. The porcelain was white and the seat was black MOP. The kitchen tabletop was black and white MOP! I thought, "he must be rich"! 

[tubenit]

The soundclips all sound great!  Nice tone!  Thanks for sharing.

The demo 2 was incredibly well done!!  Very sophisticated playing and the solo playing very much held my interest.
That's one of the more talent soaked songs you've done.  BRAVO !!   

I always enjoy your playing but that demo 2 really stood out to me. You have an amazing ear to hear and figure all that out.


With respect,  Jeff

[EL34]

Thanks Jeff
Demo 2 is Wichita Lineman
I am really enjoying this Jazzmaster

[tubenit]

Yes Glenn Campbell.   Johnny A did a great instrumental version of that song and your version compares favorably to his.  Very mellow sweet harmonically rich tone and expression. Really lovely.


Super fantastic playing !! 


Jeff

[EL34]

Here's another sound test using a big muff fuzz tone.

Yard birds Heart Full of Soul
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=32344.0