The Jazzmaster rythym circuit What does it do? Should you take it out?

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[@michaelroy9470]

I just picked up the 40th anniversary Squire Jazzmaster such a great addition. The thought to remove that other circuit never crossed my mind. To me that's all part of what makes it a Jazzmaster.

[@kagaminey_rin02]

Exactly! Also I got the same one in the sand lol

[@cdeme123]

Hey Dylan. I was rummaging through my closet about 2 years ago and came across a gem. I completely forgot I had my uncles old Jazzmaster from the 1960s (1962 to be exact). I open the case and it had that "Old Case Smell." the guitar looked a little rough but in overall good shape. I took it to a local guitar tech I trust and had him check it out and do a complete setup on it. He called me a few days later and was freaking out. "This is all original and everything works! Do you want to sell it?" I said let me take it home and think about it. They were offering me a lot of money. I plugged it into my rig and started noodling around with it. After about 5 minutes of playing with the controls and different amp settings, I decided to put it back in the case and break it out on special occasions. What a great guitar! I usually play my 1991 Strat when on electric. That Jazzmaster is the cat's meow. Not for metal or anything like that, but for blues, jazz, country...yes, yes yes!

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: I play a 60's Jazzmaster, mostly for surf and classic rock. It is a very versatile guitar, plus it is fun. Those big flat single coils have a sound all their own. Leave the rhythm circuit in, when you flip the dpdt switch it is all disconnected from anything that is connected to the output. If someone thinks they can hear two 6 inch pieces of wire not connected to anything else they must have ears more sensitive than my oscilloscope, or they are delusional.

[@wilfredjbrimley]

If the Leo you quote is Leo Fender you might want to check your sources. Leo Fender could not have said that because Leo Fender famously never learned how to play guitar.The rumor was he couldn't even tune a guitar.

[@jacobmyer7481]

Also what does Leo consider classic rock?

[@IamtheWV17]

@@wilfredjbrimley mind blowing how good his guitars work.... he was such a genius hew knew perfectly how to design a guitar through engineering alone.

[@Iggytommy]

that white binding on that thinline style black body is very classy. 'reminds me of a Tele model Fender made in the 60s - the one Syd Barrett had.

[@ccd24767]

I have my J mascis Jazzmaster. I think the Rhythm switch is a great asset. Thanks for the video.

[@Skoall69]

I wired my three-way switch to the rhythm section, ya baby. Even more, choices to choose from for sounds.

[@Pandamasque]

I'm totally with you. I don't own a Jazzmaster, but wouldn't take anything out. There's a world of possibilities when you combine different wiring situations with pedals and amps. There are tonal treasures that you may not expect to find. My Les Paul has 4 push-pulls, the Strat has 2, the very traditional 50-s style Tele with 2 single coils has a 5-way. Each of those guitars does a great job performing the entire spectre of their traditional tones AND a whole lot more. Suddenly, it's like I've got 20 guitars and they keep surprising me.

[@darkeststar0]

Hate to agree with anyone using Pepe as their avatar, but you're slightly incorrect about the rhythm circuit. When it's engaged, it cuts the bridge pickup, master tone/volume, and 3-way switch entirely out of the circuit. The reason it sounds so dark is due to the way the rhythm circuit volume and tone pots are wired, which is very different from standard vol/tone controls. The 50k tone pot is wired in series before the volume pot. This wiring scheme, in addition to the drastic difference between a 1meg and 50k tone pot, is the reason the rhythm circuit is so much darker.

[@alexk3088]

Interesting comment, thank you. Any thoughts on why Fender picked linear pots on this circuit for JM and Jags?

[@sidestyle05]

If you kick on the rhythm circuit when you kick on a fuzz....watch out!

[@BoyfriendWizard]

After experiencing the rythym circuit on a jag, I'm going to start modding more of my single coil guitars to have a version of it. That tonal variance and quick switching in a live or jam session is super useful for my play style!

[@7ornge]

Guitar sounds gorgeous!

[@Roadworn12]

Wonderful explanation and demonstration of this circuit! Thank you!

[@Smeppolone]

I DO LOVE THE JAZZMASTER!!!! sometimes i just watch at the guitar, i get her a little touch with my hand and i say her: "You ' re so good".

[@raggedrascal5463]

What a stunning guitar. Sound and aethetics are incredible.

[@Iggytommy]

the more common reason ppl prefer a jazzmaster (or jaguar) without the rythym circuit is cos they dont use it - as it's not very applicable to many genres - and the 2-way switch can be knocked accidentally whilst playing. that;s why that switch is often taped or jammed into the lead circuit position.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Iggytommy our DAF humbucker is 7.6k A5

[@g.koch.]

Ironic that Fender ditched it in the Am.Pro. Line and placed the 3 way toggle...exact there 🙄😐

[@TheMyndsurfer]

Exactly! My 2 Jaguars, ('62 American Vintage and Classic Player) are the best 2 guitars I have ever played, but I never use the Rhythm Circuit on either of them because it sounds too dull, flat and murky. Such a waste. I keep thinking I would love to do something to the rhythm circuits to make them playable, (to me), but I don't know what.

[@Smeppolone]

It is almost impossible to accidentally switch the rythym circuit botton! No way! it is very tough bottom to switch. No way man!

[@3cardmonty602]

I'm building a Jazzmaster right now with Pyrography inscription on it. I love them - so versatile. I play the Blues or Classic Rock on them. 2 P90's.

[@pastedtomato]

A Telecaster with a Jazzmaster neck Pickup, the rythym circuit and stacked 250k/1 meg or 500k pots (So it can really sound like a Jazzmaster without messing the Tele bridge sound) sounds really tempting

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

Started building one a few years ago finally inspired to get it finished wish ID a put the Seymour's antiquity 1s in as I planned vs Mojo tone clones it was a last minute save a few bucks decesion Seymour's always work best for me but sure they will sound fine. I did put a factory JAZZMASTER circuit in though. Nice video best I've seen on the rythem side. Thanks

[@kagaminey_rin02]

I love my jazzmaster the rythem circuit is my favorite part

[@kacperzarna1339]

Thank you!

[@monmixer]

When you turn the rhythm circuit off you are bypassing it and the other components from the rhythm pick up so no. It does not change a thing by removing the rhythm circuit aside of the rhythm circuit is simply gone.

[@mophead1666]

I am a rock player, mostly Indie-Alternative, Grunge, and Stoner Rock/Metal stuff. I don't really care if "it's how Leo designed it" or anything of that nature. I removed the rhythm circuit for several reasons: 1.) Aesthetics. Purely subjective, but I don't think it fits the Jazzmaster aesthetic at all. Big pickups, big knobs, mostly open space on the pickguard, and then some random black warts on the guitar? No thanks. Fits a Jaguar though. 2.) I don't use it. I am constantly on my volume and tone controls, and have never been in a situation where my guitar being that dark was at all useful, even for jazz stuff. I love brilliance and chime. If I want it darker, I just lower the tone pot in the lead circuit. 3.) Simplicity. I find it to be extremely distracting. Also any wires, pots, anything of that sort will add capacitance. So there will be a small amount of difference (which may be negligible, but it's there.) Also a simple circuit is easier to work on. I'm not interested in spending time working around a circuit that doesn't add any value, in my opinion. 4.) Unlike a lot of Jazzmaster fans, I don't think the rhythm circuit pairs well with fuzz pedals at all, let alone other pedals. Jazzmaster pickups with 1meg pots pair amazingly with most pedals I've tried, because they're so neutral. They provide a great canvas. The rhythm circuit does not sound near as good with pedals because of the low value pot, and fuzzes in particular can already be too wooly, so the rhythm circuit makes it worse. 5.) I much prefer just turning the volume pot to go for lead sounds, rather than flipping the switch. This comes from years of playing other 1 volume 1 tone guitars. Also I don't find the rhythm circuit particularly suitable for either rock lead or rhythm sounds. Whichever one I designate for the rhythm circuit ends up sounding really weak in comparison.

[@leftundersun]

Finally my questions were answered, thank you

[@somethingelsedoesmatter]

If anything, I want to mod it so the bridge pickup can also be used on the rhythm circuit. More tonal varieties on an already versatile guitar? Yes, please.

[@jabbahursty]

i use the rhythm circuit all the time on my jag

[@nathanschad8048]

O! I like the square body. Most I’ve seen are rounded. Exactly that’s why they made it. Also I bet It’s why they called it “rhythm” I wanted a versatile guitar so I went with a Jazzmaster. Pretty versatile

[@halfwaytobedlam3234]

Awesome explainer, clear and concise with great examples! Although seems like you may have a case of Marshall ear...

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Dylan, I love when you make fun of tone snobs. :)

[@alexcorona]

I just got done building myself one and decided not to add the circuit. I don’t really ever see myself wanting it.

[@bluesvertigo3961]

Thank you for this episode!! I own a couple of Jaguars and I am hoping to learn how to wire a 3rd Jaguar as.a project. Will you ever make a show about the wiring itself?

[@eddienomoney1882]

Thanks for reinforcing my beliefs on the circuit. It adds so much, I find it great when playing live Jimmy Page / Led Zep style stuff..... just ordered Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates for my JM. There doesn't seem to be any demos on this site for that pickup installed on the JM. Don't know why...……………. I just might have to put one out there!

[@zackattack25]

Great video, thanks for the intel! Also, your guitar is super cool. What pickups are you using on there?

[@dennisschell5543]

Beautiful guitar!

[@Luckyrider1958]

The LAST thing anyone should do is remove that circuit!! With it there It's like adding ANOTHER Guitar (tone quality wise) with a flick of a switch!! Who'd NOT want that versatility?

[@Shadowcruise99]

I fail to see the benefit in what essentially amounts to replacing the tone and volume potentiometers with switches connected to resistors and LC circuits. I guess if your someone who prefers slide switches to potentiometers so be it, but most of us prefer to roll our volume and tone on and off, regardless of some minimal frequency roll off.

[@PeterDad60]

I purchased the Jazzmaster because it had the Rhythm circuit as well as the standard lead circuits, so I won't change it. I do have a lack of ground issue, whenever I am not touching the strings the hum gets many times louder. Start plying and the hum vanishes. Any solutions? Thanks in advance. -Peter

[@brianpetersen3429]

Good explanation of the Jazzmaster circuit.

[@marcelwilliamson7384]

Does any one know if you can change the Stratocaster volume pot for a jazz master or jaguar rhythm pot I find the volume control knob on the Strat in the way for muting the strings

[@NeoRichardBlake]

So, don't remove it in order to have an actual Jazzmaster... This makes me wonder... How about adding the circuit to a Jazzmaster copy that has omitted the circuit? Specifically, I'm thinking of getting an Xavier Jazzmaster copy (JT100), but there's no rhythm circuit. Could one be added and it is worth the work, or would just getting a Squire Classic Vibe be a better idea? The Xavier is ~$250 while the Squire is about $430. I'm not sure there'd be any cost savings with the Xavier after getting the circuit added. Does anyone else make a legit Jazzmaster style that still has the rhythm circuit other than Fender/Squire?

[@Freddy-Da-Freeloadah]

WHAT IS THAT???!!! A bound Jazzmaster... WOW! Uhhh... Where do you get these "Dylan" brand guitars??? (oh... Your the "Dylan Talks Tone" channel... So, you make them? Maybe?)

[@glytch5]

coming from someone who pulls his tone pot from every guitar... I just can't see why you would want all that switching just to separately adjust tone and volume for each pickup. I would rather use that switches for phase splitting or LEDs lol.

[@Iggytommy]

hey, you messed with the jazzmaster design and removed the bridge pickup! :p jazzmaster pickups are great.

[@jonmatthews4254]

Surely taking it out would devalue the guitar?

[@Iggytommy]

what kind of output do you have in your bridge humbucker pickup?

[@bluesyjazzcat31]

Hey man awesome tone. Is that a Spitfire guard?

[@DylanTalksTone]

thanks so much, yes it is last one I will ever use lol

[@myyt4382]

@@DylanTalksTone 🙂 why? What happened?

[@martinvannostrand8488]

Why does your guitar sound ridiculously out of phase?

[@dirkbonesteel]

Without that circuit, the neck PU has no balls. May as well just use the bridge only

[@alexk3088]

Why would Fender pick LINEAR pots for the rhythm circuit?

[@darkeststar0]

Probably just the parts they had available. There’s not as much difference between audio and linear pots as most people believe.

[@alexk3088]

@@darkeststar0 why would Fender keep using the wrong taper? 😉 Personally I don't "believe", I know the difference. A good audio taper pot has a sweep of useable tones, while a linear pot is more like an on/off switch. There are videos easily showing that.

[@darkeststar0]

Alex K Well, audio is obviously your preference but I use linear tapers on many of my guitars. It’s just about where you want the “meat” of the signal change along the pot travel. Out of phase humbuckers is “wrong” but a lot of people love that sound. To each their own.

[@alexk3088]

@@darkeststar0 thank you and I agree - it's ok for us to prefer different things. But then clearly there's enough of a difference between them :)

[@darkeststar0]

Alex K Right, there is a clear difference. I just meant a lot of people see audio as the only pot taper that will work, which is not true.

[@IamtheWV17]

Hmmm normally your videos are great.... but this is kinda just flat out wrong? You're not 'adding' pots and caps to the 'normal' circuit, you're changing pots and caps entirely! It's really a lot like any of your testing setups when trying out caps etc. It's called a circuit because it is a circuit... when you hit the switch you're swapping from bright as the sun 1meg pots down to a ridiculously dark 50k tone pot. When you're switched to the lead circuit those components do no effect the tone in any way whatsoever (as you say) Honestly it's crazy to me that people are pulling these circuits out of guitars..... if anything adding even more is my inclination!!! With the meteoric rise in the popularity of offset guitars in the last decade how are we not seeing more wild exploration of electronic design!? If you don't like how dark it is why not swap all the components to match a typical fender? Put 250k pots and a .047 cap to get access to warmer more straty tones...

[@gabrieldincao5749]

That is not jazz, you are playing funk dude

[@xjunkxyrdxdog89]

Please timestamp when he claims to be playing jazz.