the holy grail nirvana jag

Here it is... The beast, I named him Jackal. Without a doubt this is my favorite fender jaguar I've ever played. It completely nails Nirvana Cobain style tones.

[@AaronRash]

Well dang… The new jag set off the KZbin copyright algorithm for all apologies and heart shaped box

[@charlie00]

haha that’s how you know it’s good i guess

[@Cboyhelfaa]

Oh man that sucks

[@TimAndCameronPlayingGuitar]

Its super frustrating - I recently had a cover song be flagged as the original so I got a take down notice, and my appeals were rejected. Love your videos Aaron, I'm a huge fan of Nirvana and yourself!

[@barstow_]

Literally playing the individual notes of power chords. This shits busted

[@highlandparkguitarlessons8129]

Lame :/

[@Mystxry]

that intro riff gave me chills that was incredible i need to learn that

[@msflowerhands1908]

I'm just curious because i would love to learn it too. did you ever find out what song that is in the intro/ got to learning it?

[@xxulta]

@@msflowerhands1908 it’s an original of his own. I think it’s inspire by heart shaped box

[@nazzaa9054]

yeah i wanna learn it too its so good

[@Wushaaa]

@@xxulta i dont believe so, but perhaps because the open riff is in Montage of Heck as well during one of the animation segnments

[@DamianYesiolowow]

I want tab of this riff. Can anyone help me? It's freaking beatiful :)

[@triston5673]

DUDE PLEASE MAKE AN ORIGINAL ALBUM OF JUST YOU PLAYING GUITAR YOUR ORIGINAL SOUNDS ARE AMAZING

[@inspyre.design]

Agreed!

[@AaronRash]

wow, thank you! I honestly don't know what to say, you guys absolutely rock

[@triston5673]

@@AaronRash Thanks man! We love your content your channel is super underrated and your videos are super high quality! Stay awesome man! Can't wait to see more!

[@triston5673]

@@dumpythehippo5818 ?

[@zeroethics]

Yeah! That opening riff in the video is addictive!

[@929exrt3]

The slight growl in the pickups is BLISS

[@jaspaar]

I just wish your intros went on forever... some really potent visuals & cinematography... you really capture the essence of playing guitar, (especially sad nirvana tones). Yet you also retain homage to the melancholic, intriguing and, explosive career of Kurt Cobain and, his legacy. Keep it up!!

[@gavinwinram7811]

I can’t for the life of me find the song he plays in the intro. Is it an original?

[@jaspaar]

@@gavinwinram7811 it's a higher pitched rendition of 'heart shaped' box I believe... or at least to my ears. You can hear the classic sound at 0:13 He really needs to make a spotify and publish these different takes on famous songs !

[@ryansharp4691]

Damn, bro... That's spot-on. Your playing is spot-on too. And don't get me wrong, I'm 45 yo and Nirvana literally changed my life. His songs tug at my heart and my soul like no other. But with your obvious passion, technical knowledge, and playing ability, I really hope you're doing your own thing too. I have a feeling you could bring forth some great art/music into the world.

[@isaiahgamervw7306]

Ah, these videos never disappoint. I get so excited when you post a new video. Great stuff! Can’t wait for the Albini interview

[@AaronRash]

Thanks Isaiah! Albini is a busy dude it could be a while, but I hope not

[@isaiahgamervw7306]

@@AaronRash No problem man. Can’t wait

[@averylangs]

I love the comparison for the single coil and the super distortion! I always felt that the stock bridge pickup on jaguars sound unusually great for heavier music. Just something about it, especially with heavy distortion or fuzz. It takes it really well, almost as good as a humbucker would in the same spot.

[@AaronRash]

Definitely! I was super surprised when I compared the two.

[@ryanphillips4123]

This is the best guitar tone I've ever heard. You're right to call it the "Holy Grail". I'll be lucky to build anything close to this grunge machine!

[@MrBruceSpy]

I really love the overdrive sound in the intro, what kind of pedal were you using, or was it just the amp?..great build..now I’m obsessed with recreating your guitar tone using whatever I have on hand

[@Ronaldo_obama]

The guitar riff at the beginning of the video gave me goosebumps It's so beautiful😮

[@funderfan6762]

This guitar sounds amazing! I would love to hear more of it in the future!

[@kurosuzu]

That is a beautiful sounding jag, mine does not ring that much on the low E string for some reason, that sound is so crucial to that Nirvana feel. I'll definetly keep an eye on lighter jag bodies, that guitar just sound so spot on, it's unbelivable.

[@hoboarlo]

In that intro, you made that Jaguar tell us a story. Dude love your content, keep going!

[@519MaLoNeY]

The bottom end is shocking and at the same time it sounds prickly af. That sounded phenomenal man.

[@isaacward7575]

I have watched the intro an unhealthy amount of times... I haven't even finished the video

[@dumpythehippo5818]

ME TOO!!!!

[@loganmoran4709]

its not everyday i get a notification from you but when i do, i know its a good day

[@AaronRash]

haha wow that means a lot! thanks!!

[@grungeisdead8998]

Amazing guitar man! Also I never thought of that lacquered pickguard to give it a vintage look it came out real nice

[@AaronRash]

Thanks man!

[@zloboslav_]

I think it is possible that the position of the pickup so much closer to the bridge may have played a big part in the tone difference. Very interesting video! :)

[@yassirfasla8761]

I love that intro i wish it was a whole song

[@alexkeenan5768]

I absolutely dug this video… this is honestly one of my favorites you’ve created yet. I used to work at a music store and we had a Kurt Cobain jaguar. If I’m being completely honest, it really was a total piece of shit. I started attempting to re-create tone around the same time you uploaded your first video, and of course it was necessary that I find myself a jag. I ended up buying a 1996 vista series jagmaster, let’s just say it does Nirvana better than the majority of jags I’ve heard out there. You may want to check it out at some point they’re fairly affordable and I think it could make for a very interesting video. They come with pair of stock jbs which sound similar to the sups but not 100% its oddly closer to kurts Skystangs.

[@AaronRash]

I hear the earlier KC signature ones were better. It's really a shame they discontinued the road worn ones too. That jag master sounds awesome, I'll check that out sometime!

[@alexkeenan5768]

@@AaronRash yes, that is absolutely true. The newer ones just lost something special. Also great hearing back from brother. I think you’ll get a kick out of the jagmaster… keep up these excellent videos you are absolutely my favorite youtuber and I’ve said it before and will continue to stand by that statement!!!!

[@dumbfishtanks]

@@alexkeenan5768 I always thought the Jagmasters were some of the best budget guitars for playing Nirvana, even the chinese ones I've played have all been nice

[@jensk4140]

Congrats on the Vista, those guitars are very well build and overall awesome!

[@alexradsby]

I have a MJT Jazzmaster, there's something with these ultra light bodies that really resonates. They all just sound amazing. Definitely the better pick when it comes to making your own builds compared to Warmoth for example.

[@AaronRash]

I agree man! Light bodies for the win 🥇

[@pisserdick3]

I've been watching ever single one of your videos repeatedly for the past two weeks or so. Your guitar tone is absolutely phenomenal! I used to not really care about tone but this as well as the celestion video totally changed my view.

[@larrence3]

That riff you played in the intro gave me chills…

[@jonathanmanley6743]

The single minded pursuit of something is a beautiful thing.

[@jm6651]

Truth

[@alessandroalessandro4257]

Your video are literally the best you can find on YT. You're able to share your passion and giving us some good advice to develop Nirvana tone. Thank you for what you're doing. My first problem is that i haven't money to buy a simple mustang or jaguar so you can image for a vintage one 🤣 but i'm still trying 🤣

[@nlego5153]

It's nice to dial in the right amount of magic when doing a build... so satisfying :)

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

woah cool tones, i was suprised to hear the pickups were the same in the end, thought for sure your kurt jag just had ceramic pickups was the tone differnce but wow, more proof the guitar does matter, how its constructed and of what, not just electronics.

[@AaronRash]

crazy right! Yeah it was the same exact pickup

[@yungstreichholz]

that guitar tone in the beginning is insane1 im blown away

[@mastrofpuppets]

Not even gonna lie, i think this dude has the best intros on youtube hands down

[@dumpythehippo5818]

i know right!!!!

[@noelwhite6650]

Damn that is stunning. Lovely guitar. Also if that guitar set off the copyright algorithm then it really must sound identical haha.

[@AaronRash]

Haha thanks noel!

[@sbutler66]

Amazing work, Jackal sounds unreal!!! Super excited for those forthcoming interviews also!!

[@AaronRash]

Thanks Stephen!! I'm excited for the interviews too

[@millennialanimal]

Sooo hyped for the new content with Albini! Great to see!

[@mirata7748]

Loved this review, Definitely the best Jaguar you have owned till date.

[@AaronRash]

Thanks! I totally agree, I love this guitar

[@mirata7748]

@@AaronRash that all apologies and heart shaped box tone is just too good, that jag feels right

[@pauldyson1327]

Awesome history. I had just turned 16 when Kurdt died. I have a cheap Mustang that I installed Seymour Duncans into. I also have a nice American Jaguar. But they don't sound like the HI Flier Phase 3. I finally found a nice used one 2 years ago. Sunburst etc. It is the real sound of Nirvana in my humble opinion.

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Wow, this was so cool and I'm so impressed at how it sounds compared to the signature model. Did you use the wiring harness from your '71 or make a new one? Makes me excited to move forward with a couple builds I have waiting with MJT bodies. I'll try to do a Jag next....

[@millennialanimal]

I think there’s a huge difference between the single coil and humbuckers , another great video!

[@User-jk8wq]

3:29 Fender Custom Shop: *Write that down!!!*

[@why1985]

I was craving this today. Love the videos!

[@AaronRash]

Thanks!!!

[@bigmuffmelvin7388]

That jag is amazing dude. I need one asap lol The Kurt Cobain sig sounds more like a gibson in the old video. The new jag nails it

[@jakebrennan1550]

Dude your tones are just perfection!!

[@maxout6855]

Sorry to hear about the copyright your my favourite KZbinr I always am so excited to see new videos I don't know how meny time I have watched your vids love the jag btw I've always wanted one also can't wait to see those interviews!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@JayW6]

i just wanted to say i love how your videos look! the aesthetics and lighting are def a vibe

[@Badger187]

Your my new favorite channel. The editing and how this video went was so well.

[@mrNobody100]

"this is totally the all apologies guitar" (3 months later when you get the ferrington copy "this is totally the all apolgies guitar" ) they all sound good though

[@anthonyennis4283]

Very nice video, thank you for taking the long way home , & going the extra mile, to record the clips of the super dostortion & the stock setup. I thought that was really cool . People always throw off on his riffs, or his style an methods of playing guitar .. Which, are actually not complicated riffs, or to simple, rather unique , especially as time has passed.... I at 33, hear less of the "Cobain was not a talented guitar player..." Which , is nice.. all the gear / signature models are always lots of fun.. (Congratulations, you have won! It's a year subscription of bad puns... )

[@iOnRX9]

i fell in love with kurt’s jaguar, watching him perform “love buzz” on live tonight sold out.

[@lilgassy]

holy shit, such a beautiful guitar 🥺 that’s my dream tone and definitely the most accurate cobain tone i’ve ever heard. Which company made the body for you?

[@youcancallme_kurt]

The intro is fire 🔥

[@AaronRash]

Thanks Kurt!

[@fabioderrico9815]

wow.. the initial part of the video completely detached me from reality.. a beautiful nostalgic sound suspended in time. Beautiful sound and video, congratulations.

[@lucas-si1kx]

What is the name of the song you are playing in the begining?

[@azt3ca]

Very interesting, I myself have a 2013 kc jag (bought new) and I had to do some changes to it. The neck angle wasn’t right, plus the contact area from the neck with the body wasn’t great, so vibrations dint transfer well between neck and body. The nut had to be replaced by a bone nut, the bridge was replaced for a black abr1 from gotoh with raw brass saddles, plus I replaced the bridge pickup with a dimarzio 59 (I believe that’s the name). After all that it sounds pretty good. Plus mine is the road worn, so the lacquer is thin and nitro, I believe. Your jaguar looks and sounds amazing! :)

[@Hossbossdetailing]

Awesome videos man. I watch them all the way through. It’s my meditation

[@monasteryintibet]

Dimarzio Vintage 70s PAF Humbucker Double Cream Pickup?

[@brianfurry9542]

Your custom sounds better because you made it. You put your soul and time into it and created an awesome replica. The Fenders' aren't exact to the letter, especially the stock pickups. This was a pleasure to watch as always. Thank you for sharing

[@legatomodi3522]

My vintera stang has plastic tuning pegs too. So stylish. Jaguars being so very heavy was a surprise to me when I actually got one. I was able to score a pretty light MIJ one with block inlays but its still heavier than my others.

[@chuuweec.8080]

Man this is just a warm sounding jag you have created.. i wish i could have something like that. Great video btw.. cheers!!

[@LimaHotel807]

I hope I’m not as disappointed as you were when my KC Jag I’ve been waiting on since October ‘21 turns up. Great video, keep ‘em coming.

[@AaronRash]

I hate to be that guy saying bad things about any guitar, but I think it was just the specific one I had. I don't think they all are horrible

[@LimaHotel807]

@@AaronRash fingers crossed that’s the case. I’ve waited and had money tied up for far too long to get a guitar that sounds bad.

[@mysterymeat1216]

@@AaronRash I have the NOS Jaguar and it sounds identical to when he played it live. You gotta have the right pedals and amp and you're all set

[@ST4RCLOUD]

I never realised how good Kurt’s guitar tones were , and u fkn nailed them bro. Thanks for your documentary.

[@fuzzblender]

The intro is fantastic.

[@artcoreplayer]

you must be balling to be able to get all the gear to make these amazing videos. Your channel is captivating. thank you!

[@Failedcircumsision]

Hey Aaron 👋 What are you playing at the beginning ? Nice vid by the way, like always !

[@AaronRash]

Thanks! that was just a random riff I came up with

[@destroso]

The lighting always feels like that scene in Mulholland Drive where the studio execs spit out the coffee, love it

[@baskah]

Sounds and looks awesome man. Exited for the upcoming In Utero and guest vids

[@Lalairu]

It would have been nice to see if the Fender Signature could have improved something by sanding the finish and painting it with something thinner, doing something about the pickups and swapping the nut. I understand sometimes it isn't even worth it considering the original price that its paid. Still, I am curious. Love the one you modded, pure grunge! I have always wanted to have a nice "Cobained" Jaguar in white or sonic blue. I The player classic HH model is nice, looks and sounds amazing. Some pleople have modded their Jaguar or Mustangs installing some SD P Rails, so you get three pickup sounds (more even if you use out of phase etc sounds), its amazing XD Love your videos man, keep rockin.

[@97McLuvin]

that riff in the first 40 seconds is ALWAYS stuck in my head, I absolutely love that tone is that just straight up the RG-120 and jag? or are you running pedals at all very cool regardless :)

[@neonflowersofficial]

Hell yeah! Very nice man. Well done and the guitar sounds great. Nice playing too 😎✊🎸✨😵‍💫

[@martincharvat3611]

It feels like watching montage of heck or some fucking amazing movie about Kurt, this is my dream lifestyle and vibe, fuck yes keep up the good work man, I love it

[@SantiVanegas9]

the quality of this video feels like a channel thats gonna blow up soon

[@jaredsquires2260]

I’m currently trying to mod out a Squier classic vibe Jag to Kurt Cobain specs. What was the tune-o-matic bridge that you used on your Jag?

[@mattnorman4007]

bro the production and sound quality on your vids are insane

[@nicolasquizzato4394]

Bro your videos are hypnotizing. Love it

[@small6248]

Can’t wait for those interviews, almost can’t believe you’ve gotten this far!

[@AaronRash]

Thanks!

[@ferrma81]

Great job! I bet Kurt would've loved the sound of your Jag. Wouldn't surprise me if he would try to buy this one from you

[@Dan.Solo.Chicago]

Jaguar stories. I like the idea of that. Well then, here's mine. A Jaguar with humbuckers had been my dream guitar since the first time I saw Kurt Cobain's in the film, Nirvana - Live Tonight Sold Out. I bought the film on VHS right when it came out, sometime near the end of 1994. It was the first time I had ever even seen a Jaguar. I had just started learning to play guitar, so I knew it was a Fender, but that's it. I didn't find out that it was called a Jaguar until later. I watched that film over and over. Looking closely at what Kurt was doing on guitar, trying to learn the songs, and eventually just fell in love with that guitar. Of course, the fact Kurt was playing it was a major factor in that, but the shape of the body was just so cool. It wasn't some pointy heavy metal shredder guitar. No, it had tasteful curves that made it look way cooler than a Strat or Tele. Then there were the humbuckers. I was already a humbucker guy that early on. The only single coil tone I liked was Jimi Hendrix's, but that wasn't the kind of music I was looking to play, or the kind of tone I wanted as my own. I didn't learn until later that Kurt's Jaguar was unique because it had humbuckers. I had no interest in a Jaguar with single coils, or a Jazzmaster, and the possibility of me ever getting a Jaguar and having humbuckers put in it wasn't realistic for me at that time or the near future. That kind of left me heartbroken about it and steered me in the direction of becoming a Les Paul guy. I still am a Gibson guy, but my story ain't over yet. (unfortunately, sorry about that) So, a Jaguar with humbuckers was unobtanium, so I moved on with my life. When Chicago Music Exchange was on blast as a mind-blowing vintage guitar shop, I would go there and just stare longingly at the Jaguars and Jazzmasters. Then I heard about Fender making replicas of Kurts Jaguar. I didn't think I would ever be able to actually get one. I was barely even playing guitar at that point in my life, but the idea was always in the back of my mind. Plus, I found out that the control setup for the Kurt Cobain Jaguar was the same as a stock Jaguar, with the rhythm and lead circuits, only with humbuckers. I wasn't really interested in that. I would occasionally see some of the various Jaguar models that came with humbuckers, but none of them really caught my eye. That is, until I saw the Fender Classic Players Series Jaguar Special HH. The Special part means it has a rosewood fretboard; thank God because I hate pau ferro. Instead of the rhythm and lead circuit, it had a blend-able coil tap. It seemed like a bit of a gimmick, but I didn't care, I was sold. I found one with the sunburst finish and pepperoni (tortoise shell) pick guard. When it showed up at my door, it was a dream come true. It completely relit the fire inside me for guitar and creating music. That guitar is the only thing in life that lived up to all of my expectations. It's easily the most versatile guitar I own. It's my number one. That Martin Jenner guy who modified the Jaguar before Kurt bought it was really on to something. I put in a Gibson style 3 position pickup switch, which is so much more functional than the original slider switches. I'm a Gibson guy, remember. So, I also want a second tone knob, not necessarily to make it look like Kurts, but that's fine by me. I did put on the Telecaster knobs like Kurt's though, they just look better. I would love to have another volume pot as well, but I don't know if that will be possible. Maybe use two stacked pots? I don't know. I wouldn't mind replacing the sideways mini pots, with the rollers for blending the coil taps, with some quick and simple slider switches. I'm skeptical about the whole blending thing and would rather just switch back and forth from single coil to humbucker quick and easy without any of the bullsh!t in between. I put some work in on the neck. Filing the nut, leveling and crowning the frets, and did a bit of rounding over the edges of the fretboard. That made it incredibly smooth and comfortable to play. Well, that's my Jagaur story, and I'm sticking with it. It's pretty long. but I'm a bit stoned right now and felt inspired. If you made it through the whole thing, thank you. I really appreciate you taking to time to read my long drawn-out story. 🙏✌

[@JCWGTR]

The reason you're "complaining" is bc you're dead on. Love your scientific approach to all of the guitar/speaker tones. Good to know I'm not the only crazy tone-chasing dude in the Nirvana tonez club now. Especially Bleach tone, so well done! THANKS MAN!!!

[@_-_Michael_-_]

The explanation is hard in case like this but from my point I would rout it like this: 1. Vintage neck makes a lot of difference 2. Custom light weight body with nitro would be way closer to real deal than some poly finished MIM stuff 3. Pickup placement, not only output can change a lot, magnetic fields affect strings different way when they are in wrong area. 4. Mass produced often lacks compared to custom fit. Your work that went into this one is like 3 finished MIM ones, we often don’t put to price our time but that makes a lot of difference in output - amount of care given in final fit and finish. That guitar sounds really good needs to be sayed. Congrats mate, you have a keeper.

[@666thsense]

i have an MJT body and i can’t speak highly enough about it. the resonance with the finish is perfect.

[@serious.lybobby]

So excited for this video!!

[@Ironworthstriking]

First of all wanted to say that this is one of the most entertaining guitar channels I've found on KZbin. And that's coming from someone who's a huge Nirvana fan but doesn't personally chase Kurt's tone. One question I have on this build! Any tips for aging the tortoise pickguard? I have a Jazzmasater with a tort guard and I'd love to improve the look. Did yours start out a more dull red? Thanks!

[@danielscheuch]

Best one yet Aaron, have watched this several times now, what did you use for the rest of the electronics?

[@Kipa12312]

That's one beautiful Jag!

[@AaronRash]

Thank you!

[@NIRVANA-TERMINATOR]

Nice... best guitar

[@vincenticyfiregeetar7656]

that guit has such a melodic sounding darkness to it i want that so badly

[@babyblue4824]

Been planning to go for the Fender Mexican Cobain jag, but guess ill go the less taken route like Aaron and build my own one day soon. Thanks Aaron for these Cobain specific videos

[@SGWChaosteam]

MJT Bodys are insane. Got one through the german version of craigslist and built a Tele with it. Vintage looking with a modern shaped neck and little higher Output. Puts every Fender Tele i ever played to shame. 😅

[@GanndalftheWiz]

i have this exact guitar. it’s the greatest purchase i’ve ever made

[@lastseen4929]

The merchant: Welcome stranger!!

[@AshArtzMusic]

Your original stuff is really amazing, you’ve gotta release your own music

[@mattdoliver1984]

How you doing Aaron? Sweet sweet Jaguar 👌🏼 Man that pickguard tip is killer, why have I never thought of that 🤦🏻‍♂️ It actually looks awesome 👏🏼 Can I just say aswell Aaron, your playing is bang on now 👌🏼👍🏼

[@llywelyngruffydd8474]

I like that bit you're playing in the intro of the video.

[@Dorin9871]

Brother the song at the beginning is beyond !

[@PRESIDENTFLORES]

! I really would like a Kurt Jag, but i didn't even consider that they could make it wrong. Building ga guitar sounds worth looking into!

[@phillramirez8323]

Beautiful Jag man👍 My dream Jag is the 62 white with match headstock like Carl Wilson keep rocking man 😎🎸👍

[@pedro19997]

i tottally agree with your opinion about the signature " kurt jag ", sounds weird. I finally found a Fender 60's road worn jaguar with the dimarzios, sounds very close to the nirvana tones. Someday i post a video about it! You will like it!

[@nacho4194]

man, can you do a ¨Recreate that tone: Nirvana - Drain you¨??. i love drain you, its my favourite and i will love you too if you do that video

[@kaisawheel6286]

Lifelong Nirvana fan here and I just found your channel. Happy and also a bit sad that it took me so long, dude. Better late than never, right?

[@saekhmet4186]

Stupid question but is that outro riff your own stuff? I love it haha...

[@gorkemciziltepe7185]

What is the song in the intro it sounds sick!!!

[@prod.container5021]

the riff at the beginning touched my soul