Why You Need A Jazzmaster 

I love how Leo somehow just bumbled into the future every single time. Everything he failed to accomplish just ended up accomplishing something better.

Totally agree. I'd throw the Jaguar into this same argument as well. As my buddy put it when he first heard my Jag (and was blown away): "It doesn't sound like a Tele, or a Strat, but it's still unmistakably Fender sounding!" I've got one of each now and you're right, the Jazzmaster is now the first guitar I reach for. They sit so well in a band mix too.

Brought my son to my favorite guitar shop to buy him a guitar. I was about 150% sure he was going to 'throw the gauntlet' down on a Strat. He sees an aged Olympic white Jazzmaster and couldn't put it down. So, the kid comes home with a Jazzmaster, teaches his ol' man a thing or two about axes. He made a damn good call... Great video, thanks.

I was drawn to the look as a kid, years before I started playing, from the cover photo of the first Elvis Costello album. Loved how it was always (in my mind) associated with players who ranged from quirky to experimental to outright avant-garde (Television, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Nels Cline of Wilco, Sean Eden of Luna). It was kind of heartbreaking to see it become THE guitar of those who were FOLLOWING the herd (in indie rock, anyhow), but I still wanted one -- but my small hands and that chunky neck would never get along. Then the American Professional II line came out, so last year I was finally able to scratch a 40 year itch, and it VERY quickly became my Number 1. And yeah, at this point in my life I do most of my playing sitting down. It's the only guitar I know of where you can do a "look ma, no hands!" and it just... sits there in your lap, perfectly balanced.

I got a Classic Vibe Jazzmaster a few months ago and it has made me actually fall in love with playing guitar again, I learned a bit in high school and I sucked so bad that I switched to bass, and I love playing bass, but this Jazzmaster has my full attention, it feels and sounds incredible

Hey Baxter, I whole heartedly agree. This was a guitar easily overlooked by rock guys- “jazz” master- most rock guitarist from my era identified with LPs, Strats, SGs. Even 335s weren’t rock n roll enough. But then we age and hopefully grow as players. The Jazzmaster is definitely a worthy guitar! You hit it on the head re feel and tone, it’ll take you places as guitarist you won’t regret. Happy New Year to you and crew. Jimmy the retired teamster from Bklyn

Great video! I had been a very mediocre guitar player for decades but bought a JM a year ago and my playing has improved exponentially. It is so comfortable to play that practicing easily goes on for hours now

I totally agree. I’m a huge offset fan, and the Jazzmaster is the one I pick up when I’m sitting on the couch, improvising and noodling around. As a matter of fact I love them so much that I have five of them! It’s an obsession.

Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs[5] Robert Smith of The Cure played a Jazzmaster with a Woolworth Top 20 guitar pickup installed.[6] Nels Cline of Wilco plays "WATT", a 1959 Jazzmaster once owned by Mike Watt of the Minutemen.[7] Jessica Dobson of The Shins and Deep Sea Diver plays a Jazzmaster.[8] Elvis Costello[9] Inoran of Luna Sea uses his signature "Road Worn" model[10] J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.[11] Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine[12] Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth[13] Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys[14] Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens Of The Stone Age[15] Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo[16] Jim Root of Slipknot plays several different Jazzmaster guitars with a HH setup[citation needed] French singer songwriter Clara Luciani[17] Tom Verlaine of Television[18] Don Wilson and Bob Bogle of The Ventures[19] Ric Ocasek of The Cars[20] David Rhodes, guitarist with Peter Gabriel, Random Hold and Blancmange[21] Grant Nicholas of Feeder[22] Jesse Lacey of Brand New[23] Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins[24] Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons[25] Chris Stapleton, singer, songwriter all the people who play or played a jazzmaster. Thanks Baxter I could not agree more

my first new guitar, at 52, is a Jazzmaster. i am incredibly satisfied with each and every aspect of it. she's an absolute joy to play- and even when i'm not playing, she flirts with me from across the room. bonded, for the rest of my years.

I absolutely love these videos. His appreciation for the instruments and a love that goes beyond logic and sales talking points really shines through in these videos.

The first fender guitar to have the “preset concept”. Very inspiring video, I love both of my Jazzmasters but I truly love my American Original Jazzmaster. Great guitar man

Honestly never really thought that much about a jazzmaster until I was working for an artist who used several of them on stage…teching those guitars on a daily basis made me appreciate all of the subtleties and nuances you could coax from them. They really were rather splendid; especially once I ditched the standard bridges in favor of Mastery bridges. Which ties back into yesterday‘s topic. It was wath the artist wanted, so I’ll just leave it there. Still don’t own one for myself yet, but I’ll get there… Great video, fellas!🤠

Been my number one for 20+ years. Nice to see they're finally getting the attention they deserve....even if it has meant the vintage ones have jumped in price exponentially 🤣

Really love your style of capturing video, feels like being in the store and experiencing history. You really are good in telling. Keep it up, greetings from The Netherlands.

It hit me as I’m watching this video: I’m listening to you play and talk at the same time! Kudos to the production quality of your videos. They are really great. But what pulls a person in is you and Jonathan and your love for guitars. I want a Jazzmaster! I do have a Strat and Tele. Maybe this will be the year.

I was a 'Gibson guy', but never had an actual Les Paul until 2016. Next year I got an Epiphone Casino and a MIM Fender Stratocaster. Finally in 2018 I made a 'trial purchase' by getting a Squier Jazzmaster and it changed my musical perspective forever. Now the Jazzmaster is my all time favourite guitar and I can hardly wait for my American Professional Jazzmaster to arrive.

Thanks, Baxter, nice video - doin' it solo, brother, and doin' it well. It's nice to see pure love for guitars, in all their forms.

Wish you would do more videos like this they are informative and are very educational into why someone would want to play that particular guitar thank you so very much

This is the beauty with pretty much all of Leo's creations. Guitar builders today are mostly just reiterating the same guitar archetypes, with a few different details here and there. There's nothing wrong about that - but Leo could really think outside of the box to try and create something totally different, instead of just repeating what the market tells him is selling. I couldn't even begin to imagine where the guitar industry would have been at today if Leo hadn't existed.

Couldn’t agree more - the JM stole my heart and in our band I cycle between two when we’re gigging…. Such a versatile guitar - especially w the tremolo. I think they’re perfect (though in all honesty I have a few American pro models that ditch the rhythm circuit / strangle switch). - Cheers. LOVED your video.

Glad to finally get a video on this guitar. Dream guitar of mine. Incredible beast. Highly recommend sitting down with a jazzmaster at a local shop. Easily my favorite shape

This might be the best music review video I've watched in a long time - the host is so genuine and I love his vibe- especially when the big sound interrupted the video, I just loved seeing a dude with such a good and chill vibe about stuff. Top it off with good history, and great playing. Really impressed with this video and the team that made it! Subscribing for more!

Such an intimate and well thought out description. Couldn’t bond with the 2 Jaguars I once owned so I dismissed Jazzmasters, this made me reconsider that thought process. Keep up the great content! 🤘

If fell in love with the Jazzmaster 2 years ago. Love the neck and how it is positioned. And the neck pickup is so good.

The Jazzmaster and Jaguar are Uncle Leo's crowning achievements IMO

I really like your descriptions of the Tele, Strat and JM tones. I like to describe the JM tone as a “sticky” tone, which almost reminds me of the texture of “sonic cotton candy”. Of the three guitars, my favorite is definitely the JM. The variety of sounds and colors it possesses serve as inspiration for me to create.

Great ! Nice to hear you play. Sounds good. man, '63, I'm 6 and my older Sister buys "The Colorful Ventures", Don Wilson, a Strat. Bob Bogle, a Jazzmaster. I loved both. Garage band days then and a neighbor bought a Jazzmaster. This is when still a tyke...one of the most beautiful things i'd ever seen. First electric was an Audition Jazz-alike with gold foils, 15 in '72. Loved it. Now, SQ Jagmaster. A Christmas gift from my wife over 10 years ago. I love it, too.

Such a great video, no average noodling but insight expertise and tasty musical clips. Such a joy and inspires to get one.

You nailed it! I've played 335 style guitars, then Tele style guitars for most of my life. A few years ago, I decided to buy a Mexican Jazzmaster (with '65 Vintage pickups). I suddenly found myself playing the JM and letting the grass grow on my Teles! I make guitars (Turbocaster Electric Guitars), so decided to build myself a really nice one. I've been using my new one up until a few weeks ago, when I got a set of the upcoming EMG JMaster pickups. No, they're not available to the public for a few more weeks, but I talked Rob (CEO of EMG & good friend) into making a set for Jazzmasters, and they're now in production! And I got the first set!!! I built myself a brand new Turbocaster TJM Deluxe (Thinline Jazzmaster style), just for these new pickups, and MAN O MAN!!! They sound like Jazzmaster pickups, but so much cleaner & clearer!! AND quite a bit more versatile as well!! After over 50 years of playing professionally I have FINALLY attained the tone that's been in my head all theses years!!! (Even stock Jazzmasters still make me happy!!). And I finally feel good bringing only one guitar on stage!! It even does a fairly decent job on Swing straight four rhythms, which is something none of my other electric guitars can do, so needed to have to have an archtop handy. Not any more!!!

I think we can all agree "...cause i want one" is a good enough reason for any guitar

Keep up the daily videos, breakfast with Baxter. I'm just a novice, and a budget guitar player, but you guys are great to watch.

Love these instruments. The neck pickup is fantastic.

Purchased my first JM recently. American Professional II in mystic surf green. Loving it. Have previously only played my strat.

Im 41 and I bought my first Jazzmaster this week. The first thing that jumped out to me was “where has this vibrato system been all my life??” It makes me want to play a little slower and let beautiful chords ring out with a little flutter at the end. That’s my first impression

Leo Fender, like Dr Frankenstein did not realize the monster he was unleashing on the world when he created the Jazzmaster. But in retrospect, his genius to search out and find not only a brand new usable tone (via the JM pickups) but he also added the rhythm circuit that put this guitar into a unique category of it's own. His only problem was that he was 20 years ahead of everyone, even the buying public, in presenting this now highly regarded instrument. this guy is also right about using the JM in the mix of "Normal" rock n Roll combo. We were inspired by Elvis Costello and others to bring in a second guitarist/keyboard to our band in the early 80's and we made that magic happen on quite a few nights.

Played one of these when I bought it for the shop a while back in sunburst. Single owner, guy that owned it had a picture of it with his band back in the day. Played like a dream

Jazzmaster has been my favorite guitar since I was a teen. I think now is a great time for Jazzmasters because frankly, the pickups never cut through a mix the way a Strat, Tele or LP would. But since the small amp revolution following every small venue getting better sound gear and mixers, and every venue prefers you DI when possible, the Jazzmaster is a better live fit now. I personally like the look of the big goofy soapbar pickups, but still don't like the rhythm circuit. I greatly prefer the strangle switch on Jaguars or the out of phase switching for Mustangs (even if I don't like the short scale). I fell in love with P-90's over the pandemic for their dynamic range, clean while soft, and dirty when played hard, but also the way they respond to subtle volume/tone switching, and was so glad that Fender came out with the Noventa series last year. I just wish it had 22 frets, then it would be my perfect Jazzmaster (yes even though it lost a lot of the Jazzmaster sound). The bridge is ABR-1 style and much better than the vintage bridge. (My other Jazzmaster complaint since a new bridge essentially adds +$300 to the base price)

I didn’t think I could love Casino any more than I did, but I do now. You are so right Baxter … after thinking I’d never find a guitar that could take the 1st place machine of my 72 Thinline … I then got my first Jazzmaster. I then got a 60th Anniversary one and I basically don’t pick anything else up now.

Can’t wait to try one out!

I need it! They jazz master has been in my head forever and I'm a prs guy absolutely smitten for them but that Jim root model looks and sounds awesome I really hope they expand on the metal/rock line

Today, i was sitting with my Jazzmaster doing a lesson online, and I had cause to let it go and reach for something on the floor with both hands. When I sat back up, i just chuckled at how it just sat there on my thigh, perfectly balanced. I even tried wiggling about to see if it would perhaps dive toward the neck. Nope. It just sat there. Unbelievable ergonomics and balance in that design.

This was just a great review and journey, excellent! Thank you.

In the not so distant past I purchased a Squire Jazzmaster Paranormal 12, which is now my favorite guitar. I played it for 4 hours straight last night, and just keep loving it more! If anyone is thinking about getting a Jazzmaster, Squire is by no means a slouch in the guitar game!

This video should have lasted only a few seconds with the answer to the question being: "Because". Forever in love with Jazzmasters!

Never played one, but you peaked my interest. Great video.

I just love the sound of those guitars, so I guess I'll just have to build one (kit). I'm just not a relic guy, I'd repaint my guitars long before they looked like that. But if you like relic more power to you. We all have our groove. I really need to come visit you guys, I live nearby and would love a day trip to S. Pines. Keep rockin', love your channel!

After playing for years first in the beginning a Tele, and then Strats after that, I decided to try a Haze Jazzmaster copy two years ago and because it was so cheap, I thought I could play it and if I did not like it I could discard it with no real financial pain. After upgrading the trem to a Fender AVRI and upgrading the bridge it quickly became my all time fav guitar. Now my 2007 Strat VG hangs all lonely on the wall. Now and then, I give the Strat a real shot at regaining it's vaulted position and I have just gotten to where I don't like playing it anymore and I really hate to admit that! Last month after doing a bunch of research, I ordered an American Professional II Jazzmaster Dark Night, and can't wait to get my hands on it. If it is half as good as I think it will be, I will be one happy guy. Thanks for the review!

Lovely tasteful guitar playing, nice guitar. Great video 😎💯✌🏼❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

What I love about the Jazzmaster is the shape. I love an offset body, and I love the Jazzmaster's because it's really comfortable. Arguably mores so than a Les Paul or a Strat. You can have it both slung low or high & near upright, but nothing will poke at you or get in the way. They hug to my body in a very pleasing way that just works. It's a quality I look for in many other guitars, and might be the reason why I love offsets in particular. Because no matter where or when you're playing, you gotta be comfortable and not feel like you're fighting the instrument to get what you want out of it.

I just bought a Jazzmaster; I really am happy with the purchase. The way it feels and plays really does make one play a bit differently, which is a good thing.

Completely agree. I started playing way back in the early '90s. Strats and Les Pauls all day. But then, about 10 years ago, I picked up a Jazzmaster for the first time. I consider myself a Jazzmaster fan boy now. It's all I play anymore 😆

I have a partsmaster I built with a fender neck, Tagima TW-61 body, EMG P91 and P92 pickups. Has a varitone switch instead of a jazz circuit. It’s my favorite guitar to play by a country mile

Wanted one since the mid 90s. Price always scared me away because I didn't think I'd play it all the time. Now I'm a PRS Tremonti player, but still want one.

That one is gorgeous!

I got a G&L Doheny for Christmas 2020, and I immediately bonded with it. More than my Strats and Tele, I tend to grab the Doheny. It's comfortable to hold standing or sitting. I love the way it looks. I love the way it sounds. My favorite part about it, though, is that I never play anything "normal" on it. If I try to play anything bluesy, "classic" rock, or pentatonic...it's like my hands and body rebel and scream STOP! RIGHT NOW!. The Doheny is where I go when I want to play freaky and psychedelic.

One of my favorite clean tone guitars and definitely my favorite fuzzy tone guitar.

Just got myself a Suhr JM Pro. It has been my favorite go to guitar besides my PRS and my Kiesel . My JM has the S90 pickups (Suhr version of the P90) it sings . The contour of the body feels so comfortable so much like a glove. The neck is set up and shaped so perfectly. You don’t want to let it sit

I like how this dude just gets out of bed in the morning and says, “yeah, hair is perfect.” Wish I could do that.

My American Pro 2 Jazzmaster is my mistress of Rock! I love the midrange sound like a Les Paul but has the feel and jangliness of a Strat. It was a guitar I was gonna overlook till I bought it on a whim. Best decision of my Life! I do play nothing but Pop Punk with it

That is beautiful.

I have been on the fence about my next guitar, now I’m positive it will be a jazz master!

I have an Ultra and love it!

I love mine. It's incredibly versatile and the tones you can get from it are unobtainable on my strats. It can go from ultra dark to ultra bright, and all the range in between is amazing. It cuts in a mix effortlessly, and you can get a sharper bassy whumpf on the note attack than a strat, too. The bridge design gives it a subtle natural vibrato without even touching the trem arm when chords ring out, and the vibrato using the trem arm is so smooth and precise. The strings have a certain springy/rubbery feel to them due to the design of the bridge which I find unique and enjoyable. It's an instrument with a lot of character, a lot of range, and certain sounds that you can't really get on any other guitar (especially if you like classic surf tones -- a strat sounds good, but a Jazzmaster is THE unmistakable surf sound). And yep, the ergonomics of it are amazing. A super comfortable guitar to play.

I don’t have a jazz master, but I recently picked up a unbranded telecaster master, and what a guitar it is, great tone beefy neck, I love playing it, great demo love the tones

This guys so chill

I love my Jazzmaster! It’s the most comfortable guitar to play I have. I love it so much I really want to step into a custom shop. I have strats and Les Pauls but by far my favorite feeling guitar to play is my Jazzmaster.

Damn, Baxter! That lil intro bit was lovely!

title fight made me fall in love with the tone this thing can provide

I pulled out my old 2019 misty sea foam. I loved your comment fat necks slim necks. Changed my mind totally

Always loved jazz masters myself. I have a copy without the tone circuit and with actual p90s in it. Not the same but any means, but the cool vibe and ergonomics for sure are a thing. Have you guys ever done a video on the blackguard, greasebucket, or eldred mods? A humble tele can get you in the ballpark with one of those mods

I built a reverse jazzmaster. I ended up moving top horn back an inch to allow for upper fret access. It's got some cool mojo. Everyone loves it. ended up putting 3 firebird pup's. It's now known as a "fenderbird". I realize that name was coined by the bass player for the Who. But the name fits well.

@6:03m Agreed. Each of my guitars ask/usher me into a different way of playing. And I love that.

Great video, Baxter makes me want to check out a Jazzmaster (never played one before) and some very tasty playing at the end!!

At 67 I've got an extensive guitarsenal now, but no Jazzmaster or Jaguar, got all the others (the iconic ones). So last week I ordered a used Fender Ventura 60's Jazzmaster off reverb for Sam Ash in Hollywood, ice blue metallic and $300 off because tortoise pick guard was changed to white (I kind of like white anyways). The way it sounds is why I had to get one, I have no idea what it will be like to play, but I'm confident I'll love it..........cheers!

Very well done. Thank you.

I've been playing a Jazzmaster as my main gigging guitar in a 60s/surf rock band for the past 7 years or so. The thing I LOVE about the Jazzmaster is that it is probably the very best rhythm guitar I've ever played. For clean rhythm parts it as a big sound that helps fill the band, (using the neck or middle position). The bridge pickup and offer a unique twang sound that is Tele-like but a bit different, and works very well for rockabilly, country, as well as surf. ... and when you play this guitar through more of a crunchy/overdriven amp (such as a Vox AC30 or Marshall Plexi) it gives you the most amazing snarly rock tone that is perfect for Indie Rock or Punk kinds of sounds if you want it. It's a surprisingly versatile guitar that seems to be an unappreciated gem of the Fender world. I love mine!

There's one in a local pawn shop, I've probably walked by it 50 times. Gonna plug it in tommorow.

I bought one last year on a whim. I absolutely love it. But I live in the middle position 90% of the time. It opened my eyes to how much of the Johnny Cash sound was actually on a Jazzy not a Tele like I thought.

got a 2011 squier jazzmaster. love it dearly. only has a three way switch but similar duncan pickups.

Well done review. I’ve always been a Stratocaster guy. Now I’m sitting while playing. A different sound and style is exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for your insight on this great instrument from Leo Fender.

I bought an Am Pro II near the end of 2020 and it's quickly become the one I play the most. It's just too goddamn cool!!!

Finally some love for the rhythm circuit.

I need one now. I'll think about that tomorrow.

Dang! Baxter, that thing is gorgeous and sounds amazing. I don't have a jazzmaster but I've played the Squire Classic Vibe Jay Mascis jazzmaster. That was my first guitargasm in public, I am not ashamed to say. I'm sure the Jay Mascis signature model is a bit different of an animal. But it was so good. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger and just order it. Welp, it was a great video Baxter and always a pleasure to hear you play. We are definitely gonna have to prank the World's Okayest Guitar Player again.

I've had an American professional ii for more than a few months now and am enjoying every min. of dialing in tones only a Jazzmaster can do. Acquiring new pedals as well to get some cool ambient sounds.

I have three Jazzmasters and i live in the older Jazzmaster world of 50's and 60's instrumentals and a couple of standards from the 30's and 40's and Surf of course. But there's tone that most reviewers miss that only comes (as far as I know) from a Jazzmaster hooked to reverb and that is the way it rings like bell. Case in point The Torquay's " Rescue at The Mavericks" I know surf etc. players like me are in a minority. But just let the guitar out of its cage and see what it will do.

I’ve had my Johnny Marr Jaguar for about eight years now and absolutely love it - it certainly has challenged me to play differently, and has a unique sound (those bareknuckle pickups are amazing). I just got myself a Nash JM63 Jazzmaster clone as a birthday gift-I originally wanted a guitar with P90s but kept coming back to this one in the store after trying Gibson, Suhr, and PRS guitars. The neck is incredibly comfortable, and the weight, size, and balance feel perfect. It’s similar in ways to my Jaguar but also totally its own thing. I’m trying to dive in and explore all the tonal options and capabilities

Great video guys! Subscribed!

They are cool looking. A friend has one and when I play it I keep the switch on.

Played guitar for like 15 years, bought a jazzmaster like a month ago and hes really right, theyre so fun

Thanks for this. Exactly what I was looking for.... I recently acquired a G&L Fulleron Doheny. It's got the MFD single coils. I'm not sure how they compare with actual JM pickups as I've never actually played a JM. But the guitar looked so cool and felt so nice playing it (unplugged) I had to get it. Sounds pretty good plugged in too ;-). I haven't even been playing my other guitars lately.

I bought a Jaguar and a Jazzmaster in the same week, both Squier CVs. I gotta say that the Jazzmaster comes more naturally to me than the Jaguar. I thought that everything would be easier with the shorter 24" scale of the Jag but I found that I really had to work with it. I'm still persevering with the Jag. Mainly Because I refuse to let it beat me ... The Jazzmaster presents no such problems.

Jazzmasters are amazing in the studio. Now I’m biased my JM is my main electric but the studio is where the jazzmaster gets to shine because of how well it sits in and above a mix

Great guitars, even better with some Mastery upgrades.

Sounds great Baxster

My 60th Anniversary '58 Jazzmaster is one of the best guitars I've ever played. Love the feel, tone and looks. The JM is unique in the Fender world with its archtop, hollow body geometry, long string length behind the bridge, but with a great, smooth proprietary tremolo. But let's keep this secret amongst ourselves lest vintage Jazzmasters go the way of vintage Strats and become made of Unobtainium.

I do love my Jazzmaster Great video Thanks

4:54 Baxters explanation of the Jazzmaster felt like Owen Wilson describing wine and I'm cool with that

the extra circuit makes it super easy to go warm, imo does jazz comp well as it was intended