Jazzmaster / Jaguar String Resonance

[Ryan0594]

Hey guys,

I've been in the market for a Jazzmaster for a over a year now but I'm doing tons of research and considering all other options before I pull the trigger on my "third" guitar. I hit lucky with the Telecaster as my first, but as my tastes and ability have matured, I kinda regret buying an Epiphone Dot (not really into the neck, scale length, etc.).

So, as I've been reading a lot on the Jazzmaster, I've heard people saying they have an unusual string resonance at certain parts of the neck due to the unique bridge set up. Does anyone have any experience with these? How different do these affected the tones created by certain frets? And what frets are particularly effected? Would it be a notable issue when playing certain parts?

Also, one last question: save £1,000 and buy a Fender Jazzmaster, or save £750 and just get the Squier for around £250?

Thanks

 

[Diagoras]

Go for the Fender Classic Player series (basically the top of the line Mexican Fenders). The Classic Player Jazzmaster and Jaguar include a Gibson-style bridge, and the vibrato system is a bit closer to the bridge compared to the vintage design. This increases the break angle over the saddles, and thus fixes the problems with weird string resonance and whatnot that tend to plague the vintage Jazz and Jag.

 

[Ryan0594]

Thanks for the advice.

Do you know anything about the string resonance itself though? Is it very noticeable? Would it conflict with pedals? Is it generally a "good" thing or generally a "bad" thing?

Thanks again.

 

[neatone]

the "string resonance" could be considered part of the charm…it's created by the distance from the trem unit to the bridge and the fact that the bridge has barrel screw saddles..so everything is a bit wonky


some love it…(i do!)…but it takes some know how to get it set up right…otherwise it can be frustrating


the squier mascis jazzmaster might be your best bet…they took some of the charm/idiosyncrasies out of the original design and brought the trem closer to the bridge and use a tuneamatic bridge…alot of the set up problems disappear but also a bit of that resonance you speak about

still tho a top notch well made solid guitar for low $$$$..terrific deal..one of fmic's best for the buck

cheers

 

[musicalmartin]

A Jaguars scale length is similar to the Dots .The classic player is superb ,I ve tried out the HH Jaguar but then the Squier is pretty good too .If you have the money its always best to go with the money.another choice for a Jaguar is a Blacktop with twin humbuckers or P90's .A Jaguar scale and offset shape plus a stop tail and all the resonance you need .I had one but it was too heavy for an old fart like me .

 

[LowThudd]

Jag is a short 24" scale, not 24.75" like the dot. Too short for some I'm sure, especially if the Gibby scale seems odd to begin with.

 

[bluenote23]

I have a Thurston Moore and an AVRI Jazzmaster. I have never played a Squier or a Mexican JM so I can't really comment on them.

My JMs have a pretty low string break angle. And there is a lot of string between the tailpiece and the bridge. I know that some players say that when they play, the strings resonate in this area, giving off this chimey sound. I've had other guitars with long tailpieces that did this but you didn't hear it when amplified, or at least, it wasn't obvious. My JMs don't do this.

Because of that low break angle, my JMs have a lot less sustain than, say my Tele or Strat or a Les Paul. This is how a JM is supposed to sound. High up on the neck, the notes pop (or plunk) rather than 'sing'. I play differently on a JM than I do on a Telecaster. If that's what you're looking for, something that encourages a more percussive style, then a traditional JM would be a good choice.

This might be what was meant by the odd string resonation because I don't find any unusual 'resonance' on my JMs.

Again, because of the low break angle, if you play light, slinky strings, you may have a difficult time with the bridge. I use .011s and don't have any bridge problems (rattles, strings falling off the saddles, etc.)

I would suggest you go to a shop and play a Jazzmaster and see how you like it. I really like JMs but to me, they are special guitars that don't lend themselves to all different kinds of music (for instance, I think a strat or tele or LP would lend themselves more to playing blues). That doesn't mean you can't play all different kinds of music with the guitar (that's only limited by you yourself) but if you play one, you might see what I mean.

 

[ac15]

Go for the Fender Classic Player series (basically the top of the line Mexican Fenders). The Classic Player Jazzmaster and Jaguar include a Gibson-style bridge, and the vibrato system is a bit closer to the bridge compared to the vintage design. This increases the break angle over the saddles, and thus fixes the problems with weird string resonance and whatnot that tend to plague the vintage Jazz and Jag.

Why even bother getting a Jazzmaster then? Those resonances are part of the sound, and they're not really a problem either.

 

[Diagoras]

Why even bother getting a Jazzmaster then? Those resonances are part of the sound, and they're not really a problem either.

I can think of several reasons.

I got one because it has two tone channels. I have one channel set up for the single coil tones, and another set up for those in-between Stratty tones (since I added a Jaguar pickup in the middle position).

I know... I know... how dare I set up my guitar differently than the classic version? For some reason it tends to upset people that I want the various Fender-y tones in a guitar that isn't necessarily set up just like the originals. It's like when someone puts a middle pickup in a Tele, there is always some purist who scoffs and insists that they should just play a Strat instead.

By the way, I also find the body shape of the Jazz and Jag to be comfortable, and I like the vibrato system and the tune-o-matic bridge on the CP versions.

 

[ac15]

I can think of several reasons.

I got one because it has two tone channels. I have one channel set up for the single coil tones, and another set up for those in-between Stratty tones (since I added a Jaguar pickup in the middle position).

I know... I know... how dare I set up my guitar differently than the classic version? For some reason it tends to upset people that I want the various Fender-y tones in a guitar that isn't necessarily set up just like the originals. It's like when someone puts a middle pickup in a Tele, there is always some purist who scoffs and insists that they should just play a Strat instead.

By the way, I also find the body shape of the Jazz and Jag to be comfortable, and I like the vibrato system and the tune-o-matic bridge on the CP versions.

To each their own. I don't care if you paint your guitar beige and add another 13 strings. I do disagree with the idea that behind the bridge resonance is a "problem" that needs to be corrected. It's fine if YOu don't like it, but the OP was just asking how it affects the sound and you basically suggested to get rid of it altogether. He might actually like that resonance (like most Jazzmaster players do).

 

[Jushden]

I have a jag and jazz and I notice the resonance more on the jag. I hate the classic series. The guitar plays different with the tail piece moved up. I'm not into it.

I don't mind the resonance if I'm playing live but when recording I just thread a shoe string through the strings back there to dampen it. Unless my part includes playing back there.

Strats have a similar issue with the springs resonating. People put foam back there to stop it. Other people think it's part of the sound. Both people are right.

 

[Diagoras]

To each their own. I don't care if you paint your guitar beige and add another 13 strings.

No one suggested anything even remotely extreme like that.

I suggested an actual stock model of Jazzmaster made by this company called Fender, because the OP is interested in their various Jazzmaster models.

Sheesh.

I do disagree with the idea that behind the bridge resonance is a "problem" that needs to be corrected. It's fine if YOu don't like it, but the OP was just asking how it affects the sound and you basically suggested to get rid of it altogether.

I simply made a suggestion for a Jazzmaster that is very well designed, plays great, and doesn't have any of the problems that have been inherent in the original design for decades. After all, Fender specifically changed the design via the Classic Player series to deal with those issues, and they succeeded with flying colors.

The fact is that the change in design greatly improves tuning stability when using the vibrato and it gets rid of of the very poor (and often sustain-killing) break angle that has plagued Jaguars and Jazzmasters forever. If the OP wants one that doesn't stay in tune as well and doesn't have the sustain he is accustomed to with his other Fender(s), then by all means he should get one with the original bridge and whatnot. I was simply suggesting an alternative, pal.

And it's fine if YOU don't like the new design, but the OP was just asking for suggestions, and the fact is that my suggestion was helpful and very reasonable. Your response? You actually scoffed at the notion that anyone would get a Jazzmaster AT ALL if they didn't want the original bridge design. In all honesty, that kind of extreme purist reaction is just plain ridiculous.

 

[doctor_capleson]

I have an American Vintage Series JM from 2003 (ironically enough, the American Vintage series were made in Japan. I've had quite the argument with a guy on Craigslist about this who wanted $1700 for one, claiming they've gone up in value because they sell new (American Made) for that price.)

I like the resonance, but tried the shoelace method suggested above and it works. It depends a little on whether the sound you want is for live or recorded. Either way, once you buy the guitar, modify it to your heart's content. If a JM isn't for you, then don't get one. IF you like them but have a few issues with the design, then get one and look for fixes (there are entire forums and websites for JM owners for this very topic).

It's a great body shape, and many love the scale length. If you like the feel, go for it and do whatever you need to for the guitar to do exactly what you want it to. You are not bound to Leo Fender's original vision for the design (and neither is the Fender Corporation, apparently).

 

[Kestrel]

I personally love the string resonance on Jaguars and Jazzmasters. Those overtones or "sympathetic vibrations" are what make these guitars unique. It's part of their sound and is why they are so popular in post-punk, shoegaze, and other experimental "left-of-centre" rock genres.

 

[lineboat]

I have Jags and a Classic Player Jazzmaster. I'm one who likes the short scale of the Jag, I know some don't. If I were in the market for a Jazzmaster, I would choose the CP again. To me, they're better than a Strat. Resonance? I see no problem with mine at any time. Try one out; well worth the $$$, especially if you can find a used one!