1962 Fender Jazzmaster RI

[Angeleyes]

Hello, Friends! I am a huge vintage fender fan, as some of you know from my other threads--I have several vintage Fender amps and guitars--but I have been looking at the new Fender Jazzmaster Reissue (1962 RI.) I researched this, and couldn't get a firm answer...is this an American made custom shop Reissue, or are they still Japanese made? For many of the new Fenders, I completely prefer the Japanese ones, as they are incredibly well made! The Japanese do a fantastic job! My 65 RI custom Mustang is Japanese and plays/sounds much better than my other actual 66 American made Mustang, which is still in mint condition! Many people agree with this, since some of the new American custom shop Fenders sound a little weak compared to their vintage counterparts.

I would appreciate any input before I make this purchase, but I hear that the new 62 RI Jazzmaster is simply incredible! I just found it strange that none of the websites where they sell them say where they are made! LOL. One would think that would be an important factor to consider when buying a 2k dollar RI guitar! Thanks!!!

[Troggie]

Fender® Forums • View topic - '62 Jazzmaster reissue vs vintage examples?

check out this thread. Looks like it is American made and has some bridge issues

[Angeleyes]

Fender® Forums • View topic - '62 Jazzmaster reissue vs vintage examples?

check out this thread. Looks like it is American made and has some bridge issues

People have historically said that the Jazzmasters have bridge issues--usually because they are improperly set up. I owned one years back and never had an issue. Plus, many put a Mustang bridge on it, which is very cheap, and solves the issue for those that have it. It's all about the setup though, but a $40 bridge if it ever comes up is no big deal. Great guitars! I love my Jag and my two Mustangs and regret letting go of the JM years ago! Will be happy to have another...

Thanks for the link!

[Troggie]

Yeah I know a bridge change is no big deal.. glad to have helped. Never been a big Fender fan.. maybe because I have lived in Kalamazoo my whole life which is where Gibson originated and would still be if it wasn't for union issues back in the 80's. Now Heritage Guitars are working out of the old Gibson plant and has since a year after Gibson left town and they are very nice guitars as well.

I do like the way the jazzmaster sounds and is one of the few fender's I have considered getting though someone has a mustang for sale locally that I am contemplating on getting.

[Angeleyes]

Yeah I know a bridge change is no big deal.. glad to have helped. Never been a big Fender fan.. maybe because I have lived in Kalamazoo my whole life which is where Gibson originated and would still be if it wasn't for union issues back in the 80's. Now Heritage Guitars are working out of the old Gibson plant and has since a year after Gibson left town and they are very nice guitars as well.

I do like the way the jazzmaster sounds and is one of the few fender's I have considered getting though someone has a mustang for sale locally that I am contemplating on getting.

I have two Gibson Customs--a Les Paul and a Custom Double Cutaway (their answer to the PRS haha.) I'm Still a Fender fan though, but it's like comparing apples and oranges, as you know.

I am selling my 65 RI Mustang to help finance the new Jazzmaster--it has a Seymour Duncan Humbucker Jr. Special in the bridge position, a bone nut, and was incredibly well setup recently by John Levan here in Nashville who is simply the best. It's daphne blue and in absolute mint condition--I have the stock pickup to go with it as well. It's listed on nashville craigslist, so if you're interested shoot me a message and I will cut you a great deal. I don't need two Mustangs right now, so let me know...there would be the issue of shipping, but perhaps we could work something out if you're interested.

[Blackpool]

[QUOTE=Troggie;742096] Now Heritage Guitars are working out of the old Gibson plant and has since a year after Gibson left town and they are very nice guitars as well.


If only someone could open up the Guild factory on Rhode Island, after Fender bought the brand and proceeded to kill off the entire electric range. What would you be prepared to pay for a custom shop bottle green double cutaway Starfire VI, wired into a Boobtube?

[Angeleyes]

I ended up not buying the Jazzmaster, as I finally got to play one of the 62 RI's that I had on order and didn't exactly love it--my short scale 62 Jaguar and 65 Mustang feel and play much better.

SO...I ended up purchasing a gorgeous vintage Telecaster in Butterscotch transparent! I fell in love with how it played, and the sound and tone are incredible--it's one of the best (and most versatile sounding) Teles that I have ever played. I feel very lucky to have come across it!

Everybody enjoy the rest of the week, and more importantly the weekend!!!