Best Jazzmaster Available Right NOW

[Pop]

...within reason.

I'm talking like what's the "best" Jazzmaster that is available from Fender or Squier right now... I know this is a loaded question but as far as pickups, tuners, build, finish, price, accuracy, truth, best nut, best bridge, and all that?

You know 'cuz like some Jazzmasters have Strat pickups in them apparently and I don't want any of that. It's ok if they have P-90 styled pickups or of course classic Jazzmaster pickups but you know like what.

[Hyphen Nation]

Pricepoint? I ask because you can buy a great vintage one for less than some Custom Shop ones...

[waltdogg]

Check out Skully's build?

[skullservant]

Check out Skully's build?

[chutneyfarmer]

The Troy Van Leeeeuleanogog one, or whatever his name is looks sweet. Also the Mascis squire is highly regarded.

[ThurberMingus]

I pieced one together and it cost me about the same price as a new Mascis. Granted I got some good deals, but it blows away the CP Jazzy I tried at a local shop. Also it has a pink pickguard.

If I was gonna do it all over I'd buy a Squier VM and a set of Antiquity IIs.

Edit: yeah go for skully's. It's a great deal!

[waltdogg]

I'd go with Skully's which is a stupid souped up J. Mascis with a different body and neck or just a J. Mascis. CP Jag/JMs don't feel quite right even after a good setup.

[Pop]

Is Skully's a one-time thing or does he do it for anyone who wants it? I'll check the Shark Tank.

I found an American one with a Mastery bridge, locking Grover tuners, and Lollar pickups. 2008 American Vintage '62 reissue I believe. I wonder if those were any good.

I've actually already owned a J Mascis which I STUPIDLY SOLD. It only weighed 6 lb. 10 oz., too. Dumbass.

I'll have a look at Skullkid's.

Thank you!

[skullservant]

I built it for myself, it's really the most perfect incarnation of a jazzy that I've made for myself but I've got some bills to pay so sadly I have to sell it. You should buy it though

[skullservant]

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=50139

[repoman]

The Troy Van Leeeeuleanogog one, or whatever his name is looks sweet. Also the Mascis squire is highly regarded.

This thing is so fucking sexy

[neonblack]

Is it bad that I kinda want that slipknot dude's signature jazzy?

[skullservant]

Is it bad that I kinda want that slipknot dude's signature jazzy?

You can build that shit for way less

[ThurberMingus]

Is it bad that I kinda want that slipknot dude's signature jazzy?

You want a Blacktop Jazzy bae

[Hyphen Nation]

OP, what price point you are looking for? It will inform our responses...

Low end: JM Squire is pretty hard to beat.

Next: Japanese guitars are a great bargain, but the electronics are a little underwhelming. These are the strat wound under JM P'up covers you are talking about. Still well crafted, even if slightly different alignments from American ones.

Between Japanese and AVRI price point, I'd put self/luthier assembled. Guitar mill and Musikraft make pretty damn authentic 1960's bodies and necks. You have complete control and can invest in top shelf parts, or scan around the board here. Bet you can find parts on here or OSG to build your own easily.

A used AVRI or Thin Skin is a great deal. Still sub $2k. I think the ThinSkin is the best deals you can find on an American made Fender. Essentially custom shop built guitars in built in batches. Nice thin nitro finish, and in rare colors available.

If you hunt, you can may be able to find a refin for right around $2k...I got one a year ago for right around there.

Next is a nice AVRI or

As far as I can tell, one of the best deals out there is a Danocaster. Yeah, relic'ed, but you can work with him to define the degree you want it. Pretty much custom built guitar to your specs, with Vintage top of mind.

Custom Shop: Fender built to your specs, or used. Often more than a vintage if you look for one.

In a similar price range are things like a Kauer Arcturus. Platform inspired by the JM, but you can work with Doug on practically any pickup, bridge combo you can think of.