Classic Vibe vs J Mascis Jazzmasters: Which one plays better?

[@broncotrolly]

I love my mascis. I dont have one yet but i love it

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

My favorite guitar (at least for this week). :)

[@senord2429]

HAHHAHHA you’ll get one soon! Work hard!

[@TooPunkToBeAPodcast]

This is how I feel

[@EddStaceyy]

😂

[@havyn_music01]

Same

[@julius2790]

I bought the J Mascis model in 2011. Over the years I added a Staytrem bridge and Antiquity pickups. It's one of the best playing guitars I've ever owned and it's been my fav guitar for many years. The neck really is special.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I totally agree - the neck is perfect. First time I picked one up I couldn't stop playing it!

[@jixxxxer17]

are the antiquity pickups more jingly or just more note definition or both, I just bought the JM JM Squire and might switch out to those Antiquity, Thanks

[@julius2790]

@@jixxxxer17 They honestly just make it sound like a Jazzmaster. The JMJM pickups are basically P-90's and have more mid focus but are muddy in comparison. Antiquity I or Antiquity II pickups are just better. The I's are darker and more vintage true to the original sound. Sunday Handwound on Reverb also makes excellent pickups for JMs.

[@julius2790]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3upmp2sr5mtfNU

[@grizelda4526]

I’m a long time bass player who just picked up the J Mascis as my first 6 string. I don’t have a lot to judge it against, but I’m really loving it. Thank you for explaining some of the features here!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Your'e welcome!

[@JackRefuse]

I tried both in a shop long time ago and gone with a J mascis in the bag, never regret it! Great guitar for half the price of the classic player

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Totally agree!

[@BlueOceanBelow]

Exactly the video I was hoping to find. Answered everything I needed to know. Looks like The J Mascis is the one for me.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

It's the best budget guitar I've ever owned or played.

[@andrewbrown1936]

David I loved the video, you have a wonderful voice for youtube, keep up the good work !

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

[@HowardOwensIII]

I bought a J Mascis last week ... great guitar.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: I put a roller bridge on mine and shimmed the neck .020". It solved all tuning stability issues, but like the Tune O matic bridge, does not match the fretboard radius. I never pop a string loose, bending or otherwise. The slight increase of bridge break angle accomplished with a little shim settled everything without loosing that JazzMaster feel.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I have a roller bridge that has yet to be installed. I think it's a Wilkinson. I'm planning on doing a video on installing that as well as a Fender American Vintage Jazzmaster trem. We'll see if it makes sense to upgrade these two parts.

[@rebeccabailey527]

You don't need that, put some 11s on it, no need to change anything.

[@adrian_V99]

Great comparisons, thanks for uploading.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks for watching!

[@elnyoutube123]

That's ironic how the action feels better lower on the J Mascis model, you should see how high he has his action in real life, the strings are no where even close to the guitar haha

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

LOL I've heard that about him!

[@ericlayton8888]

The closer the vibrato is to the bridge, the more pronounced the break angle is when the strings go over the bridge. Therefore there’s more tension pushing down on the saddles, making it more difficult for the strings to pop out. This is also part of why Fender style guitars have string trees for the top (and sometimes middle) two strings

[@ezracamilo425]

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost my login password. I would love any help you can give me.

[@eduardopayton7776]

@Ezra Camilo Instablaster =)

[@ezracamilo425]

@Eduardo Payton i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@ezracamilo425]

@Eduardo Payton it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@eduardopayton7776]

@Ezra Camilo glad I could help :D

[@mcdingus5081]

It's actually kind of amazing how long Squier has kept the J Mascis in their lineup, probably because so many people have discovered it's wonderful charms. When I originally bought it, I had no idea that it had the loyal fans that it does. I just liked how it played, and it seemed like a good way to be able to experiment a bit with a Jazzmaster without having to sink in too much money. But I gotta say- It's a total keeper and way undervalued for what it is. Maybe it's not completely true in tonality- but I wouldn't say it's a matter of one being better than the other. This is just a bit more catered to getting sounds more in line with Dino Jr.- and less with the shoegazy vibe. The only other Jazzmaster I'm interested in right now that may provide that different sound is the Troy Van Leeuwen JM that Fender offers.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The first JM I played, I couldn't put down. I knew I had to buy one!

[@HerveBoisde]

I'm actually more interested in the shoegazy sound with modulation effects than blistering distortion. I have a $600 gift certificate from Sweetwater and was thinking of getting the J Mascis and swapping out the p90s for Seymour Duncan jazzmaster antiquity pickups for another $159. Does that sound like a good compromise?

[@mcdingus5081]

@@HerveBoisde Yeah, that works. Although I don't think I would swap out the pickups until you try the stock ones. I don't necessarily think the stock pickups completely lack the ability to get the shoegazy sound- kinda depends on your effects and such as well. Also, I wouldn't rule out the Fender JM pickups, maybe even finding a used set.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The JM pickups are pretty versatile. I can get a clean twangy tone and if needed, a nice fat overdriven sound as well.

[@HerveBoisde]

@@anotherheadlessdemo The jangly/twangy tone is what I think i'm missing right now. I ended up getting the Player Series jazzmaster with the humbucker pickups since it came with a $150 store credit from Sweetwater. It sounds great with effects and distortion but I dont really like the clean tone very much.

[@jonmedley3160]

The bridge on the J Mascis is an Adjusto-Matic not a Tuno-Matic. The Adjusto-Matic bridge is the correct radius at 9.5”

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@paressehylton]

Officially if you ask fender customer service about the radius of the Ajustomatic Bridge they reply « around 10.5 ». But reallisticaly, it seems that most of them are more around 12,5. And moreover there is a « tolerance » in the production, there can be some differences. Mike Adams (« Puisheen ») measured a ajustomatic bridge in his review of the ClassicPlayer Jaguar. He measured a 14.5 inch radius...

[@joetumolo7550]

Thank you David incredibly helpful as I make my decision on which one to buy so grateful for people like you who spend the time to help their fellow mankind. Not to be overly dramatic but we are talking about guitars here 😎

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks, Joe. Glad I could help you with your purchase!

[@guitaria6]

they’re so beautiful

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I always used to think that Jazzmasters and Jaguars were ugly - not anymore!

[@theWARMJET]

The CV looks better imo

[@BonSkirmish1312]

Dude I am at this very moment deciding between the sonic blue classic vibe and the j mascis so this video is gonna be like manna from heaven for me!! Thank you bro.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

You are welcome!

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

I bought a JMJM about a month ago. I too found the JMJM pickups to be hot and distorted. Even when amp volume turned down and guitar volume turned to 10 it started sounding gritty. The volume seemed to change the tone. I liked the tone at 10, but then sounded gritty. I turned down volume, but then tone changed. There wasn't much difference between the Rhythm circuit and just playing neck pickup. After two weeks I changed pickups to Fender vintage '65 and for me, it sounds great now. Clean, clear, the Rhythm circuit does what it's suppose to do and the guitar volume level doesn't change the tone. If I wanted dirty skronk, the JMJM out of the box fits the bill. However, I like clean so it fits the bill now.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I'm curious about what amplifier you were using. I can get a fairly clean sound if I use my JM with my Katana, but my Princeton not so much. I've been thinking about swapping out the pickups as well (probably for the Vintage 65s or Seymour Duncan Antiquities). Also, one of the problems with all these Squier Jazzmasters is the treble bleed when you turn down the volume. The VMs were much worse.

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

​@@anotherheadlessdemo Cool. I'd like to preface my comment with the fact that I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to most of the guitar stuff. I'm an older bedroom player and this is the first time I've done any major surgery to a guitar. I have also never played a, "Real" Jazzmaster so I don't have any frame of reference of a Jazzmaster sound. I'm using a Katana 50. I only use reverb and compression. Sometimes I use delay and EQ, but that's about it. When I added "Crunch," to the JMJM, it was so gritty that it sounded like my Tele on Brown Sound. The JMJMs were just hot and gritty, The JMJMs are more along the lines of a P-90 pickup. It has adjustable pole pieces and bar magnets on the bottom of the pickup on either side of the pole pieces. I measured them and they were Bridge 9.0 and Neck 8.4. The Pure Vintage '65's are 6.9 Bridge and 6.7 Neck. Box said they were 6.8 for both. I used the same foam on the JMJM pickups for the '65's but because of the magnets on the JMJM's sitting higher because of the Bar Magnets I needed more foam under the pickups to install the '65's because there are no magnets on the bottom of them. The wiring instructions included for the '65's showed the ground, I guess to the shielding in the cavity. However there is no shielding in the cavity of the JMJM so I installed it exactly like the JMJM pickups. The only difference is that the wiring instructions showed the Bridge PU with the Lead and Ground Wire coming out of the right side of the PU and the Neck PU with the lead and ground coming out of the Left side of the PU. I did it like that. The JMJMs were both wires coming out of right hand side for Bridge and Neck. Not sure if flipping the PU around would make a difference. There is still a bit of Treble Bleed, but not as much. It sounds much better now. Cleaner and more subtle. The Rhythm circuit sounds better as well. I'm happy with it.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

This is all good to know since I'm contemplating a swap myself. I've done quite a few mods to my Telecasters in the past but Jazzmasters look way more complicated. Thanks for the info about your pickup swap!

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

@@anotherheadlessdemo De nada. The key here is to take pictures before you disconnect old pickup so you remember how new pickup should be installed. Next thing is to be prepared with xtra foam. The foam is used to keep the pickup pushed up tight and flush into the cover, Insufficient foam will cause the pickup to fall inside cover when screwing it in the body. This knowledge would have helped me. I hope it helps you.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks for the info! I had just been reading about adjusting the pickup height and the foam. How odd.

[@JustinWoo]

Thanks for this comparison!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

You're welcome!

[@NathanSink]

Hi David. Just wanted to comment that the quality of your guitar signal quality/tone is great! This is something I always struggle with in making my videos. I thought graduating from Garageband to Logic would help, but it's clearly user error, lol! Are you just going straight from your Boss Katana (as an interface) into Garageband? Any special processing that you do (ie compressing, limiting, etc) to the final signal? Thanks in advance!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks Nathan. Yes, straight into Garageband from the Katana. I do use the compressor in Garageband now and again, but I'm not sure how much it's really affecting the sound. When I'm recording with the Katana, I don't use any of the amp's built-in effects. All the effects I use are part of Garageband (reverb, delays, tremolo, chorus etc).

[@NathanSink]

@@anotherheadlessdemo thanks for the response!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

:)

[@sinnertrain7405]

Very helpful and informative video. Thanks!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@usa4everandever1]

Thanks for another great video abt.the Jazzmaster.Much appreciated.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks. Glad you liked it!

[@eternallearner8185]

A few short years ago I had the opportunity to buy an as new Squier Mascis pretty cheap, liked it straight away despite the fact that I have a MIJ Jazzmaster with vintage style SD pups in it to compare it to. The Mascis pups are a little more R n R in sound than a real Jazzmaster sound, a little more bitey leaning a tad toward P90 sound. I gave the Mascis a fret level and profile, a bone nut and fitted a simple treble bleed mod to it when I fitted a tortoise shell guard, a fantastic guitar for the money, and yes I too love the neck on it.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yes, sometimes the J Mascis pickups are too meaty for some of the music I play. I've have a set of Fender Vintage 65 pickups I've been meaning to install - probably should stop procrastinating!

[@MasterKydis]

Sounds amazing. Did you just run the Katana into GarageBand? Where is the reverb from?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yup, Katana into Garageband via USB. The reverb is called PlatinumVerb which is in Garageband. It's stereo and sounds awesome. :)

[@davepatterson4774]

You're right on the money! I have one of each and they're both useful to me for different applications. Overall, I prefer the J Mascis for all the same reasons you've mentioned. I do prefer the Classic Vibe when using the vibrato bar, though. Thanks for the videos and as mentioned elsewhere, you have a voice that's well suited for this. Cheers!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks Dave!

[@erickt1974]

The strings pop off because the guitar lacks neck angle. It's practically designed like a tom but at least gibsons have neck angle. Look up Mike Adams (Puisheen) on KZbin and check his videos on setting up jazzmasters. All JM's play like a dream if you put some love into their setup

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The strings popping off are on the CV, but unlike my VM I used to have, I haven't shimmed the neck. I think your'e right, the neck angle on most Jazzmasters need tweaking. Seems fine on my JM though.

[@pepuletrz]

thats the reason the mascis ver. is closer to the bridge, its just another way to get the strings to pull down more.

[@SPETZSNAZ66]

Pretty new to learning guitar and picked up a jmascis last week absolutely love playing it over my starter

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

It's nice, isn't it? I've been using mine again the last few days. Great guitar for the money!

[@SPETZSNAZ66]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Definitely worth the money, now I just need to practice more

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

@@SPETZSNAZ66 Ha! That's the hard part. :)

[@viperBSG]

I'm not any kind of pro on the Jazzmaster, but I do sometimes know (most times) a shim is needed under the neck to get the break angle correct, so the strings don't pop out in the bridge. Also, is the neck's truss rod adjusted correctly. Are any of the frets to high so you're "fretting out"?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yes, there are high frets on the Classic Vibe. I was also gifted a J Mascis neck and swapped the original neck for the JM. It's a much better guitar now!

[@mikechristian1777]

thanks for the previous videos Niles! thanks to you i am getting JMJM one and its on its way! Too bad Squier is discontinuing them since the newer models are now made in Indonesia

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I hadn't heard that about discontinuing. That's too bad.

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

I just bought one. not discontinued. made in china.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

@@ragnadrabinowitz7629 Mine was made in China as well. I'm noticing they're still on the Squier website.

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

David Niles I think our friend above is misinformed. also, they make decent guitars in Indonesia. just ask PRS.

[@mikechristian1777]

My bad guys, but theres a youtber called johnnathancordy who revies this model and said that squier is discontiung them soon...i dont know the details much .hopefully they dont since they are great guitars on a reasonable price

[@mycromancer]

The jmjm is so much more playable to me. On the CV the fretboard seems dry and rough when you try to bend a note. The jmjm plays like butter. I love the neck

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I totally agree. I really liked the feel of the JM as soon as I picked it up. The CV I've had to just get used to.

[@elevenAD]

rough fret board and frets take 10 mins to fix with some 0000 no big deal.

[@jixxxxer17]

here is what i just learned about those mustang bridges, let me know if this makes sense or not. the reason the strings pop out is bc those saddles are not meant to be used as is, you are suppose set the guitar up and find where the proper placement on the saddles and then file a groove in the saddle so the strings will stay secure, Thoughts ?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I've been gigging with the CV quite a bit and the bridge has been fine, in terms of strings popping out. The biggest problem I've had is the bridge rocking towards the trem bar and not returning to the proper spot and the bass side lowering as I play. I've added a shim under that side of the bridge. Its kind of rinky dink but it works!

[@jixxxxer17]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Thanks !

[@garypannone7755]

If you swapped pickups do you think the J Mascis would have the same sound as the CV jazzmaster? Great video.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

In theory, yes. Each pickup set probably have their own characteristics though.

[@AintNobodyAtAll]

I'm fiending for one of these Squier offsets and everything seems to be leading me to the J Mascis. I can't find much about the Contemporary JM, but I think that thing's going for a different vibe than I want.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The first time I played a JMJM, I couldn't put it down. I knew it was a keeper.

[@gatosoul]

J Mascis is Amazing, even better than some Fenders, thank you for sharing

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The JMJM is a sleeper, for sure.

[@GenosGlory]

Beautiful video comparision Sir. I love my CV a lot but JMascis plays better in my opinion. The fretboard seems a bit smoother.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thank you! I really do like them both as well.

[@matthoemann7400]

Excellent review thank you! I shim all my squiers immediately out of the box. It should stop that b string from popping. Cheers

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks for the info!

[@michaelbugler9452]

As for the bridge sticking problem, I cut strips of copper foil from hobby lobby and wrapped em around the posts of the bridge. I was trying to get it snug to where it wont move at all but it still moves just barely . the bridge doesnt get stuck or touch that little saddle screw. Half assed dumb luck.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I have some tape, I think it's plumber's tape, that I've been meaning to add to the posts. Sounds like you found a good solution!

[@Bigsbeee]

Any truth in pre 2018 J Mascis used Rosewood board and tint on neck not as dark - I read they moved factories.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yes, I think the earlier J Mascis Jazzmasters had rosewood fingerboards. That said, both of these in the video have Indian laurel, but the J Mascis fingerbaord is slightly darker than the CV.

[@Bigsbeee]

@@anotherheadlessdemo I have bought a 2012 VM - came with Creamery Wide Range JM Pickups and uprated bridge / staytrem . Waiting on a Deluxe to arrive too . Hopefully same as your Masics. Still want a 59 CS though in Sonic Blue 😍 GAS 💊

[@jsurfinreverbchristmassurf3560]

Thank you for another nice video. I have been working on a song called The Eagle by the astronauts. It is on KZbin channel Captain quad. They had the Royal Pacific or two-thirds of the black flamingos at a private party and they played that song. He filmed very close to Robbie's guitar so you can learn the song by just watching it. Have a wonderful day.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Hi there. Glad you liked the video! I'll have to check out Captain Quad's channel. Thanks for the tip.

[@mement0matrix]

hello please i like to know who has the wider neck i have very big hands

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The J Mascis is 1.675" (42.5 mm) at the nut and the Classic Vibe is CV 1.650" (42 mm).

[@mement0matrix]

thank you very helpfull @@anotherheadlessdemo

[@mement0matrix]

thank you very helpfull information@@anotherheadlessdemo

[@chrisbassman3936]

I had a classic vibe but my new jm jm is better playing and louder but i miss the more era correct classic vibe mainly for looks. The j mascis is supposed to be based on his original 58 jazzmaster from an interview i saw but obviously it is modernized and customized for his playing style. It is an awesome guitar. Love the neck shape its bigger which i prefer.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

If I had to choose one of my Jazzmasters to keep, it would be the J Mascis. Great guitar.

[@edwingarland8266]

Lo

[@stevedennis6733]

I had the same issue of the bridge rocking too far. Easily solved by wrapping plumber's PTFE tape around the bridge posts. You can vary the rock from a little to nothing at all. I've found on a Jaguar that no rocking movement has no adverse effects.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yup. I finally got some of that to solve the issue. :)

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

Hi David, thanks so much for these videos; really enjoying all of your content! I 100% need to sit in with some of those surf lessons. An irritating question for you: _in person_, does the CV look closer to 0:15 or 0:59? These colours seem impossible to photograph/film consistently! Thanks so much.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Probably 0:15. I've found that the surf green and the seafoam green colors are really difficult to photograph accurately. My two Canon video cameras render those colors differently from each other. My Nikon D7500 seems to be the most accurate when I shoot stills (that was used for the photo at 0:15). Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

@@anotherheadlessdemo thank you!

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

Whoops, I meant 1:00 rather than 0:59 (the greener playing shot), but hopefully that was implicit 😊

[@danielsandaarhus]

Great video, thanks! :-)

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrandonKJohnson]

Love love LOVE my JM!! I honestly didn't even know of him nor Dinosaur Jr. until I acquired the guitar in a trade. But it's become my favorite guitar (for now lol) I do wanna get my hands on a CV. I've actually even been contemplating getting the Affinity Jazzmaster and putting some humbucker size P90s in it . . . ? We'll see. Thanks for another great video!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks, Brandon!

[@DavidSilva-qs5ll]

Amazing comparison!, Can you help me with some measurements of the pickup height on the j mascis, recently somebody mess up the "out of the box" configuration on the pickups and I never found it again... I would love if you can help me with some of this because they even mess up the poles height 😔😔😔

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The bridge pickup height on mine measures about 3/16" to the low E and 2/16" from the top of the pole. Hope that helps!

[@CureRadio]

How is the jmascis for string bends? Stays in tune ok? Strings stay on bridge?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

It stays in tune ok and the strings do not pop off the bridge. I've had three Jazzmasters, and none of them bend strings as well as any Strat or Tele I've owned. The JMs have a much tighter feel, even with light strings. Not sure why this is.

[@v.vonggg]

Hey, I really would love to know about the tuning stability on these guitars. People always say that these guitars can never stay in tune. Do you face these problems.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The Classic Vibe has been a problem, the J Mascis not so much. The CV really needs more work on the nut by someone who knows what they are doing (that's not me!). The other issue is with the rocking Jazzmaster bridge which the CV has; it really needs to be anchored (some players use tape). That said, I spoke with Surfer Joe a couple of years ago and he claimed his Jazzmaster rarely went of tune. Should we believe him? LOL

[@julius2790]

Tuning stability on a Jazzmaster is tricky if you don't shim the neck and if you are using light gauge strings. With a shim and a good setup the stability is fantastic. But you have to bear in mind that those guitars were designed originally to be used with heavy gauge flatwound stings. For jazz.

[@geoffreyalder7275]

Good video...all true observations,. (I've had both models)...the squire deluxe jazzmaster is the same as the j.mascis but in candy apple red and with black plastics, never really sold well, probably because of the colour?? E

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks! They've discontinued the J Mascis as well.

[@geoffreyalder7275]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Shame ...great guitars

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I know. It's arguably the best guitar Squier has ever made.

[@jackeugenio2477]

So, how do you remedy the string from slipping off the saddle? Buy a new bridge ? Heavier strings? Etch the grooves deeper? Use half wound strings ? Inquiring mind wants to know....

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Haven't remedied that yet, but then again I haven't gigged since September. They slip off if I get too heavy handed (more likely at a gig). It's been suggested I use heavier strings.

[@mikechristian1777]

Best way is to shim the neck

[@jralanmorgan]

Yes, shim the neck to create a pitched back angle so you can raise the bridge off of the body/pickguard. This is how the guitar was designed. I have the original bridge (multiple groove saddles) and I have zero issue with string slippage while using .10 gauge strings. Buzzing on the other hand has been harder to tame.

[@ata3572]

Nice Video thank you! Do you think bending the strings is harder on J Mascis model? I own a Classic Player Jazzmaster With same vibrato placement and its too hard to bend the strings even with 9 gauge strings. I don't have any other Jazzmaster to compare, but comparing to my other 25.5 scale guitars and Jaguar with vintage vibrato placement, Classic Player is too hard to bend.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

String bending on my Tele and Strat is easier than on my JMJM or CVJM. That said, I don't have a problem bending the strings on my J Mascis but I do find it slightly easier than my Classic Vibe. I use 9s on all my Fenders and Squiers. You could always try 8s. :)

[@ata3572]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Thank you for your reply. I tried 8s and it feels much better now.

[@WhiteDove73-888]

The fretboard on the JM is better than about 29 American tele & strats that I tried. I saved some money…!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Absolutely. Not sure why all Fenders (or Squiers) can't be like this.

[@vincemincevince]

i sold my j mascis JM because if the bridge i found it really uncomfortable to play bare chords on it. that’s never made sense to me to put a tunomatic bridge on a 9.5 radius guitar

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I've played and owned several Squiers and the JMJM was the only one that was decent right out of the box. Sounded good and played great.

[@mykhedelic6471]

To your knowledge, is there a difference in the shape/size/length of the J Mascis whammy bar-- meaning the actual bar, itself? I just purchased one of these (from an unnamed but VERY POPULAR online retailer, who in turn sourced my order from a VERY POPULAR guitar retailer) and they neglected to include the whammy bar in the box. Called "the purveyor" and they had no good options for me (though, I will say that they did try.) I guess I just need to know if a standard Jazzmaster arm will work with the Mascis or if the Mascis arm might be specific to the model, such as being shorter? Would greatly appreciate your assistance. Thank you, sir.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Both the CV and J Mascis are almost identical, but the J Mascis is about 3/8" shorter. There is something different about how they both sit into the trem system however, the CV sits slightly higher. Hope that answers your question.

[@mykhedelic6471]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Thank you, sir.

[@mykhedelic6471]

Unfortunately on mine, they cut the slot on the high E a little too far to the right-- so anything below the fifth fret is very easy to roll off the board.

[@shawnskelly7111]

Is it a pop in or screw in trem for the Mascis?

[@lone-wolf-1]

@@mykhedelic6471 You can try this: loosen the strings a lot, then loosen the neck screws quarter to max half turn. Try first with a quarter turn loose screws. Bump carefully with your palm on the low edge of the neck (high e side, fret 6-7-8 zone) to move the neck upwards in the pocket. Usually there is a minimal gap in the pocket to let that 1-1.5 degree shift happen. Check first if there is that tiny bit of play in the neckpocket to do that! Be careful not to use brute force, or overdue it, you might get a crack in the heel pocket!! The crack can also appear later! So, if the neck doesn’t want to shift further, just stop! You might hear a short squeak or creak, it happens when wood moves on wood under pressure. Nothing to worry so far. Go slow!! Be gentle! If a quarter turn wasn’t loose enough, loosen them to almost half turn. Check the thin e string if it moved enough away from the fretboard edge, also check the wound E. If all to your liking, tighten the neck screws slightly firm in this order: first the two towards the body, then the two towards the neck/headstock. Check the neck position again! Then tighten (not over tight!) all of them in an X shape order, over cross. Tune the guitar and enjoy!😊 Had worked perfectly on two of mine

[@markcunningham6086]

Say Dave.... your "Garageband" term....do you actually have other players or just a backing track machine for all the very well done tunes on your site ?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

There's a couple of tunes where I use a real drummer, but for the most part I use a virtual drummer in Garageband or a plugin called MT-PowerDrumKit. I play the bass parts on a keyboard and rhythm and lead part on a guitar.

[@jmacc9876]

Both beauts. Any idea if a mastery bridge (and/or vibrato system) replacement would work on the Mascis (asking because of the distance between the vibrato and bridge differenve between the two).

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I think the problem with the Mastery bridge on a JMJM are the holes for the posts. They need to be filled and re-drilled (or so I've been told). I have a roller bridge that fits I haven't installed yet. As far as the vibrato goes, anything that works with a Fender should be fine with this.

[@marcusgigliotti209]

Great video! Do you think that somebody who's used to medium jumbo frets would prefer the jumbo frets on the J Mascis or the tall & narrow frets on the Classic Vibe?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Hard to say. To me, the most important thing about frets is how well they've been dressed/installed/leveled. My Road Worn Tele and my Strat both have tall and narrow and I have no problem switching from one of those to the J Mascis. Glad you liked the video!

[@marcusgigliotti209]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Thank you for getting back to me, just trying to weigh up the cons and pros between them. All non essential retail is shut down where I live so unfortunately I can't play them in a store to compare.

[@monmixer]

But hear me, with the J Mascis trem closer the break angle is greater and the string does not pop off.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yes, the break angle is different on these two guitars.

[@lewistan7418]

is the neck like stratocastar or telecaster bcz i don't like the telecaster neck

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Teles don't have the same neck profiles and radius. Modern Teles can have slimmer necks and flatter radius than the vintage style Teles. I'm not sure which Teles you might have played.

[@hamstring6792]

CV over the J Mascis because it sounds like a Jazzmaster. Haven't popped a string off the bridge yet on my 40th anniversary, which is basically a CV.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I've only seen one 40th in a store and it was setup so poorly it was almost unplayable. I'd love to try one that has a good setup.

[@hamstring6792]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Mine came with 9's, which didn't feel good at all. I immediately put on a set of 10-46 and it felt way better. But the neck was bowed because there was zero tension on the truss rod(!). After fixing that, it feels and plays very nicely. I was looking for the rare satin desert sand. This was the only new one I could I could find in the entire USA and it was a better price than any of the used ones. I think it's a keeper.

[@g.sferrazza10-13]

wish they brought back the purple finish

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I really wanted one of those, but they released the seafoam green and I couldn't resist!

[@g.sferrazza10-13]

@@anotherheadlessdemo that's my second choice

[@james99118]

I agree Mascis !

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The best Squire I've ever owned or played.

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

Both good guitars. You can’t get good sounds out of one of the other it’s not the guitar. It’s u 👍

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

I put in some quarter pounder JM pickups in my classic vibe. Changed everything. Now just need a proper setup.

[@pepuletrz]

set it up rite and the strings stay put..i smash these thing hard daily. pitch the neck back (shim it) so you can raise the bridge so you can get more of an angle from your trem...just make it work or give up and get a strat or something.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The J Mascis is great right out of the box. The Classic Vibe needs a little work to make it really good. If you are a beginner, you would need to take the CV to you local repair guy. The J Mascis, not so much. I'll have to do a video on what I did to make the CV more playable (shim, adjusted the nut slots etc).

[@joelgraham3]

thanks

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

You're welcome!

[@joelgraham3]

@@anotherheadlessdemo I might purchase one on Wednesday so I really need to make a good decision right now. Your videos are great. I'm a songwriter type and I play in a low-volume situation in the middle of the night. This J Mascis looks like a fun choice - something I will like to pick up and play as often as one would using an acoustic maybe. I have a Spark amp which does a great low-volume job. I am an old guy now and won't play in band anymore - I am recording with friends and we are having fun doing that. My influences are Roxy Music, early Bowie, early Lou Reed, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello - my friends like Squeeze - for example - I am going to purchase a Squire fretless bass to explore as I write - (I like jazz but I am not that good but I am very creative with my humble skills) I am playing piano and acoustic guitars - I also have a new electric 12 string Danelectro. Okay - got the idea? I am about to trade in a $800.00 Strat (Player series) for the J Mascis and fretless bass. If I need a Strat lead I have a great Squire Strat that I have used for years for the job. Still with me? Any suggestions? Opinions? Should I just get a Telecaster and keep it simple? Or an Epiphone? Sheraton II or Dot? I am less than 48 hours away from making this move and I'm very interested in your opinion. Right now I am being brave and stepping away from the Strat world to write new songs with what I hope are unusual combinations - I have Arturia pro for organs and synths etc I am surrounded by great guitar players who have the Strats and Teles - I'm going rogue! LOL I'll see if you respond by tomorrow night.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Hey Joel, sorry for the delay - I don't know if you went through with your purchase or not, but you can't go wrong with the J Mascis. I was a Tele guy for years, but more recently my go-to has been my Jazzmasters.

[@joelgraham3]

@@anotherheadlessdemo thanks - still up in the air - it's such a nice sounding guitar -

[@rebeccabailey527]

Just want to say, if you actually know what youre doing, you dont have to change anything, no plumbers tape, no changing out bridges, all you need to do it put 11's on it. But having said that, when I first saw the CV jazzmasters, I was shocked. Every one I saw had gaps around the neck, and some white gunk on the fretboard, as well as some extreme over zealous sanding on the edges of the neck, so much so the edge of the neck bowed in ward toward the string. I wasnt thrilled about the roller saddles either. These things are built in indonesia, at the cort plant. Ive seen their handy work. Ive seen a few stripped indonesian squier bodies, loaded with wood filler.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Wood filler? Yikes. I find the J Mascis build quality superior to any CV Jazzmaster or any other Squier I've played or owned. What can't they all be like that? Maybe they are made in a different plant?

[@tweets9349]

The JM is better than the CV out of the box. The CV needs a bit of work but overall they both sound great.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Totally agree. Why can't the CV be as good from the get go?

[@valuesrejected]

Recently, I pre-ordered a Classic Vibe Jazzmaster from Chicago Music Exchange in a super cool metallic purple finish. Although I had carefully considered buying it, I was slightly worried that perhaps I should have purchased the JM model. This video made my doubts fall away. The CV has that chime! Love your videos, cheers!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The CV is definitely more chimey. That's why I've been playing it more than my JM. I saw that purple CV at Chicago Music, but I couldn't convince myself that I needed another. Nice color though!

[@kloc1337]

mine shipped and arrives today, I'd prefer larger frets but I'll take more chime over that. Hope yours arrives soon and you are happy with it. Cheers.

[@StereoPenguin94]

@@kloc1337 how long did it take for yours to arrive i just ordered one yesterday and its my first time ordering from Chicago Music so im just so excite!

[@iiGODLYWARRIOR]

does the Mascis have trouble with the strings slipping off the bridge?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

No. The bridge is really solid.

[@joebeamish]

Could you elaborate on why the different tremolo systems don’t make much of a difference? Is it because tremolo isn’t important to you personally, or is it because you can do pretty much the same tremolo stuff with both guitars? I love the JM world musically, but the million models are con fus ing.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I love using vibrato bars! The difference between these two trem systems is the distance from the bridge. CV is further away and the JMJM is closer (I assume to create a better break angle). For the player, or at least from me, is that the JM has a much tighter feel. than the CV. Hope that answers your question!

[@joebeamish]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Ah, so there IS a big difference in the two. Got it! Thanks. This steers me away from the Squire Mascis, even though it has a great neck. Makes me feel I’ll have to spend a lot more to get a good. jazzmaster, like an AVRI. Thanks again for doing these!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The J Mascis is an awesome guitar and its build quality is as good as a Jazzmaster at twice the price. That said, if you want a "real" Jazzmaster sound, you would need to swap out the pickups. Also, some Fender Jazzmasters have the same placement of the vibrato system as the J Mascis.

[@joebeamish]

@@anotherheadlessdemo I hear that. I think if I didn’t care about a wonderful tremolo system, I would be aiming at the Squire J Mascis. It looks like a marvelous guitar otherwise. But I am in love with the sound of Bob Bogle‘s guitar on the first ventures album and I don’t think that the stiffer system lends itself to that kind of sound. I could be wrong. I’m certainly not wealthy, but I paid perhaps three times as much for my acoustic guitar as I would need to pay for an AVRI ‘62 year issue or something. After all, it’s my only discretionary purchase in a world of necessities. I never regretted getting a great guitar.

[@joebeamish]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Alsoa separate point: in a couple places I’ve read people say that the Squire J. Mascis was a better guitar prior to around 2017, and that since then it the build quality has declined. Again, I don’t know if that’s true.

[@OlegUstimenko]

The thing that fixes the strings popping off the bridge on a jazzmaster is using thicker strings and an angled neck (via a shim), the mustang bridge by itself isnt enough. i myself prefer the vm and cvs over the mascis, even though the factory setups tend to be worse than the mascises. the pickups and bridge on the cvs are way better imo.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

One of the reasons I keep going back to the CV, is the sound. I play quite a bit of country along with a little surf with the band I'm in. I can get closer to a Tele sound with the CV than the JM. If I decide to keep the CV, I may get a Mastery bridge - that would probably solve that problem!

[@OlegUstimenko]

@@anotherheadlessdemo masteries still arent as effective as the neck shim (and tend to still need them)! tightens the string tension and tone, lowers the action. the cv bridge is more or less perfect already to be honest. i added a bit of nail polish to the screws so they stood in place better, and taped the bridge posts for a bit more sustain (and that still allows the bridge to float). my cv jag had an issue with the nut slots where they had to be deepened considerably. this might be an issue on your guitar, since you mentioned you struggled to have low action on yours. basically these guitars need 3 things to play perfectly: - at least 10-46 gauge strings - a neck shim (a few layers of business card for example) - a well cut nut chances are, that if you set up the guitar with this in mind, you might entirely prefer the playability of the cv.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

@@OlegUstimenko Thank you for the info! I've heard about taping the bridge posts, which I might try doing next. My first Jazzmaster was a Squier VM, and I did shim the neck which helped quite a bit. I had also swapped out the Jazzmaster bridge for a Mustang. That said, my CV still plays better than my VM did, even without a shim. I think I had put 11s on the VM as well.

[@johnwelch557]

The neck is the only thing I first check on a guitar. If it's excellent, then other factors are considered. If it's less than excellent, I move on to other guitars. Thanks!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Absolutely! When I first played the J Mascis in a store, I couldn't put it down.

[@twilliamsusmc]

I have the classic vibe and it’s been great right out of the box. Cleaned the neck. The frets are fine. All good to ho

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I swapped out the neck for a rosewood J Mascis. Way better.

[@buckbumble]

Now the J Mascis is discontinued 😢

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

That's too bad. There are however, plenty of used ones out there, including some with a rosewood fingerboard. It will be interesting to see how the used prices go now that it's been discontinued.

[@darkforest33]

My CV doesn’t fret out. Raise the bridge a bit? Voila!

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

It depends on how you want your action set. For mine, any higher would border on unplayable. The problem with all these inexpensive guitars is the inconsistency, especially in terms of fretwork.

[@DandamanV]

Your voice is asmr

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Maybe I should start a new channel? LOL

[@jsurfinreverbchristmassurf3560]

Suzu280720.. what the channel should be

[@lptomtom]

0:31 it's "affect", not "effect"

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Your'e right!

[@toddwilliamson8557]

According to Fender the Classic Vibe has narrow tall frets .090″ x .055″. According to Fender jumbo frets are .110″ x .055″. The jumbos are the same height as narrow tall so you should be able to lower the action just as easily as the jumbo fretted Mascis. Both guitars are listed with "C" shaped neck. The Classic Vibe has a bone nut. The Classic Vibe has a vintage correct electronics but hotter than vintage pickups . The Mascis has p-90's. If you want an authentic surfing guitar you will be changing pickups/electronics in both cases. The Mascis bridge is problematic if you don't like it. When you buy one of these and then do bridge, nut, pickup and electronic 'upgrades' you just might have been better off ponying up the extra dough for a Vintera or used Classic Player or MIJ model. I've played the Vintera's, they are 'better', you might replace the bridge the other appointments are vintage. Just some things to think about. I own several Jazzmasters of different make and quality. It is true the Squiers are good but it is also true the MiM, and MiA/MiJ are 'better'. How much better $$$ wise is 'eye of the beholder' stuff. Look for a MiJ model would be my advice the $$$ to value and the vintage correctness are there. If you are a J Mascis fan and that is why you want one then the J Mascis Squier is what the man himself plays. He sold all his vintage equipment years ago.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I find the J Mascis to be a good surf guitar as is (never mind other genres). If you want to sound "authentic" and just like a Jazzmaster from some vintage recording, you really would also need a Dual Showman with a reverb tank, right? :) That said, I'd love to compare both these Squiers to Vinteras or Classic Players (or even more expensive Jazzmasters). In terms of build quality, I'm guessing the J Mascis would hold up pretty well, the CV not so much. In theory, both the JM and CV "should" have fairly low action. In practice, my CV and my older VM, both have frets that are too high, and really need some fret leveling. I'm not finding that to be the case with the JM. Then there's the nut; the CV needs work right out of the box and my JM was fine.

[@johnnyblitzkrieg8985]

I find those "dot necks" ugly. so I went to 40th anniv. Jazzer with the pearly "box neck". Great guitar.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I've heard good things about the 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster. I'd love to play one.

[@WhiteDove73-888]

The neck ends the comparison

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I just put on new strings, 9s instead of 10s, did a setup and it might be the best playing guitar I own. My PRS is pretty good, but I like the thicker Jazzmaster neck.

[@BLVINEOCKERMVN]

J Mascis has P90's. Is it even a real jazzmaster at that point?

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Good question. I recently swapped the P90s for a set of Pure Vintage 65s. I haven't decided if I like them better or not!

[@dimebagtribute]

Nothing a schaller bridge at 50 bucks and a fretjob (for free) can resolve...

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The CV absolutely needs a fret job, plus nut slots and yes, a new bridge.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

... not sure where I would find a free fret job though.

[@dimebagtribute]

@@anotherheadlessdemo where? At home! A fret job is something every guitarist should know...

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Um ... well, some people are better at playing then fixing things. I'd much rather pay someone who does this kind of thing all the time than have me try to do it myself (I've messed up two guitars trying to do a DIY repair - both ended up going to a luthier anyway). Plus, to be honest I'd rather spend my time actually playing!

[@dimebagtribute]

@@anotherheadlessdemo Yeah, tell that to EVH. My point of view is when you become a more technical player you want a better instrument and in general you want to be able to modify your guitar by yourself, but it needs years of practice, that's not allowed to everybody for sure!