The Fender Jazzmaster: A Short History

[@Forest_V19]

Amazingly, shoe gaze is having a MASSIVE resurgence all over the world right now. Being in the indie/shoe gaze scene myself, I’d really love a jazzmaster in my hands. Specs and sound aside, they just look so cool. Classy, different, retro, just awesome.

[@Tanikaze2]

"Amazingly, shoe gaze is having a MASSIVE resurgence all over the world right now. " THANK GOD

[@gushutchinson8758]

Is that like navel gaze, but a couple of feet further down?

[@KCBIG]

@@gushutchinson8758 what?

[@GreyHoliday1]

I never knew what shoe gaze was until I really got interested in the jazzmaster and it is easily my favorite genre. My favorite band is freshwater, they only have 1 album and 2 singles but they are SO good.

[@e_j_]

hot tip, get a cheap clone and mod it to heck. clones these days are so solid. harley benton, artist guitars, etc. have great jazzmasters

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

I remember taking lessons at guitar showcase in 78' and looking for my first guitar. A salesman tried to steer me towards a used Mustang, Jag or Jazzmaster for $150. But they were all nicked up with cracking finish and old hardware. I wasn't about to be sold an old junky guitar by a slick salesman so I opted for a brand new candy apple red Kramer Pacer with a single Humbucker pickup wired to a single volume knob. A guy at school begged me to trade it for a Les Paul Custom Black Beauty but I knew the Kramer would hold its value over time. Yeah, I have a lot of regrets in life.

[@eco_k.o_o]

Dear god...

[@flouisbailey]

@Jim Goose Your point is solid, at times it appears a deal but turns out to be a used Hound vs a used Lexus.

[@Artefracture]

The Kramer sounds badass!

[@jonp3890]

I got one for ya, you’ll love this because it’ll probably make you feel better, lol. In ‘77, my folks got me an Antigua Strat, which was the big new color at the time. I never bonded with it and after a couple of years traded it for a ‘71 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. Yay, right? But when I got home, my folks, who didn’t know anything about guitars, hit the roof, and it was some time before I could convince them that I got the better end on that trade. Like, a couple of years worth of mild guilt trips. Eventually they came around, though, especially after I started making a few side bucks with it. Fast forward twelve years, I’m in Tampa, trying to make a living, fallen on hard times. Had nothing to sell at one point to pay my rent but, you guessed it, the Gibby. That hurt… But I got what I thought was a fair enough price on it, and after I left the music store in Clearwater where I sold it, a buddy of mine that was with me said, as we were getting back in the car right after, “Do you realize who you just sold your guitar to?” I didn’t, and he told me that it was the former bass player for The Outlaws… I guess it went to a good home, but I’ve missed that twelve or thirteen pound baby ever since. I recently saw on Reverb that one just like it, same year, etc., was selling for almost $6000. So, you see, I probably ended up coming out more stupidly in the end than you did, lol.

[@Phatzo1000]

Funny thing is, I had a Pacer back in the 80s and I wish now that I never got rid of it. (I swapped it for an Ibanez)

[@charlie-obrien]

Leo built a guitar for the Jazz greats, who turned up their noses and it fell right into the hands of surf daddys , Elvis C and alt rockers. He might not have hit his mark, but he sure did catch the wave.

[@ClairvoyantEntertainment]

well said

[@cinnamon_biscuit08]

Nice word play as well

[@leocomerford]

17:38 Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins and Robert Smith of the Cure (and Siouxsie Sue's Banshees) deserved mention here. Cocteau Twins in particular are seen as progenitors of shoegaze, and Guthrie is probably either where the Jazzmaster begins its long association with effect-heavy "ambient" sounds or pretty close to it.

[@dougslawin4725]

Hmmmm... I always thought Robin Guthrie played PRS?

[@DanBlake3rd]

Let’s not forget the magnificent Pale Saints, but no JMs.

[@MichelLamblin]

Brilliant. Now do Jaguars, to THOROUGHLY confuse me, lol.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Yes please. For some reason I always preferred the Jaguar over the Jazz Master, ever though I've not played either. The closest I've come is the Jag-Stang; one of my favorite 90s guitars

[@runlarryrun77]

I got a Jaguar the other day. At first I was confused, but then I took a different approach, I didn't get hung up on what switch did what, what pick up/s were activated etc & just focused on what sounds were coming from the guitar. I absolutely love it, best guitar I've owned.

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

Bump

[@TylerKingNuReview]

I echo this sentiment

[@Official_KC]

@@honkytonkinson9787 In most cases, the jazzmaster is larger than the jaguar. Correct me if I'm mistaken. But that's one of the biggest differences, aside from the tone knobs. A lot of taller guitarists tend to go for the JM over guitars like the tele or jaguar

[@RickBeato]

Once again Hypes, I learned so much from your video! This is What Makes KZbin Great!

[@fivewattworld]

Hypes, that means a lot coming from the Swervedriver hoody man himself!

[@KeithSouthwest]

Ricky B. Alright!

[@johnnyd63]

Since Rick B. Is onboard with your channel,count me in too...No kidding though..Great job

[@blacktoothfox677]

Agreed!

[@talonalec4282]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my account password. I love any help you can give me.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Damn I love these videos.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks man.

[@wolfgangfricke8555]

wanna collect all those guitars after watching.

[@purplebondsaiyan2987]

@@fivewattworld you Forgot to Mention John Fruscatine from Red Hot Chilli Peppers use a Surf Green (Maybe a Blueish Color) Jazzmaster on the Music Video for The Song "Under The Bridge"

[@davearchbell9921]

I just started playing. Didn't understand anything about guitars and I bought the Squire Jazzmaster. I questioned my purchase as I rarely see anyone playing. This vlog makes me good about my purchase. Thanks.

[@nolanaramini473]

You can't go wrong on a JM!

[@mikedwiles]

I recently bought one of the Squires too. They are well made. The pickups are actually better in these than the current Am ones. All you need to do to this guitar is play it.

[@StuartPeel]

Hey Dave! Maybe you didn't know what you were buying at the time but a great choice - well done! Jazzmasters are great guitars. Jazzmaster and Jaguar owners tend to be totally committed to offset guitars. They have just that right amount of strangeness to make them interesting!

[@miltonwaxman]

Why do you need somebody else's approval for you choice of guitar? If you like it, that's all that matters!

[@leftpastsaturn67]

Squier has to be the most oft-misspelled brand name out there :D

[@softlightsymphonyband]

Very informative video. One complaint: in your timeline you skipped from Television and Costello to MBV and shoegaze and completely omitted another music scene in between that heavily used fender offsets including the jazzmaster: the Postpunk scene which was sandwiched between the end of punk and shoegaze(and the postpunk bands all influenced the shoegaze bands to play Fender offsets). Bands like the Cure, Siouxie and the banshees, Cocteau twins and others all heavily employed fender offsets including a fair number of jazzmasters. This is a definite musical movement that deserves its mention in the history of the jazzmaster and Fender offsets in general.

[@lustreboy]

Robert Smith is the reason I got my Jazzmaster 30 years ago, and I bloody love it!

[@visvge4934]

Shoegaze has a strong scene in Japan currently

[@arrestedmemories]

Can you recommend any artists?

[@fivewattworld]

Sorry not my genre as much as my script editor Perry.

[@visvge4934]

@@arrestedmemories kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJLXgnljrpV4sJo I mean there's a whole rabbit hole but this is a start

[@Sethsm1]

@@visvge4934 This is sick, and I had no idea shoegaze was going strong there. Thanks for the rec.

[@djohnson2499]

While I've grown to appreciate Strats and Les Pauls, for a long time I didn't want anything to do with one. All I wanted were Jazzmasters, Jaguars, and Mustangs. Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, Mudhoney, were the bands that got me to play guitar and those offsets were all I wanted.

[@masonhaxelTMV]

i own the j mascis signature squier, best guitar ive ever played

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

Well strats and Les Paul seemed like lunkhead guitars, rock solo star guitars and that wasn't what 'we' (the post punk/s hoegaze/ college rock nation) wanted to do. To play an offset was to choose a side. Also, the vibratos on jags,jazz and ( tho vastly different) mustangs were better for our noisy purposes.

[@blackpillfitness9136]

I’m in that phase right now. Although I use a Tele that I’m happy with

[@masonhaxelTMV]

James Devine same dude! mexi tele thinline!

[@j_fley6702]

Complete opposite for me. I was always a big Les Paul guy. Recently got a classic vibe jazzmaster, absolutely love it! I am strongly considering getting the j mascis. It's one of the coolest guitars I've ever seen

[@stepvanjoe3469]

"In an age when a Cadillac was actually a Cadillac " words of wisdom. I like the Jazzmaster and Jaguars I find them a very comfortable couch guitar. The latter with the shorter scale keeps my wife safer too

[@mcpauldjrickmusicmaker4504]

Hahahaha

[@WS102]

When Cadillac meant "quality", unlike most if not all GM products now which mean "Manufactured Obsolescence", a term they invented and happily put into practice.

[@Themoodypainter]

Let's take a moment and say thank you to this man.

[@gameoftones77]

I have a love/hate relationship with your channel, man!! I love the amount of detailed history you put in this, I love how you can make gear I have always dismissed look freaking awesome and desirable; I hate that as soon as I watch one of your videos I feel compelled to spend money. Keep doing what you do!!

[@miahconnell23]

Keith, you are RIGHT ON for giving Kevin Shields & MBV attention in this video ! Love your videos, Sir: you do great work !

[@ozu8534]

My first “big boy” guitar was a J. Macis Jazzmaster. It was a monumental step up from my Epiphone LP special. I’ve never played anything like it and even though it’s a Squire it surpasses some of my higher end guitars.

[@theslayerofgoblins849]

Yes,,,as of now the J Mascis is going to be my next guitar....or an SG.....or a Dot....I kinda want another strat...hmmmmm so many choices.

[@squirelova1815]

Squiers are their own unique brand/species. I have a 2011 Classic Vibe 50's in a lovely 'jetstream' blue that came with a stock , perfectly Quartersawn neck (?!) and the alder is even very light (as some connoisseurs prefer it for 'resonance'). The original fretwork is impeccable. Those even have deeper 50's contours.

[@jambajoby32]

The j mascis one is really well built!!

[@randompheidoleminor3011]

@@theslayerofgoblins849 my squier CV strat is so much better than my Gibson SG.

[@whiskeycan529]

Squire J Mascis Jazzmaster is a modern classic. They'll be worth 5x the price in 30 years, mark my words.

[@robertgandy1519]

This was a somewhat costly video for me. Ended up buying a Jazzmaster although it was a Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Jazzmaster. Always been curious about these guitars. Your video was very informative and I enjoyed it very much. I especially love your short history videos.

[@cinnamon_biscuit08]

I’ve played a few jazz masters at guitar center and Sweetwater. They’re not my favorite, but they certainly are good. Though, I do need a few hours alone to get to know the guitar, so I can’t really say anything 😂

[@rome8180]

A burgundy mist Jazzmaster is truly one of the most beautiful guitars.

[@isaackizzz5254]

Thank you for mentionning My Bloody Valentine. I was scared you wouldn't mentioned them, they're a must in the jazzmaster history. Great video !!!

[@faunaflage]

This was great - and I'm pleased you included Swervedriver. They're often overlooked, but were phenomenal at their peak.

[@nilsfilm]

Swervedriver rule!

[@sprintingforsigns]

I thought Robert Smith might’ve got a mention as a player. The record company bought it for him as they didn’t want him playing his Woolworths guitar. He ended up taking a pick up out of it and mounting it in the central position.

[@GaylordBonnafous]

Underrated guitarist...

[@zazz63]

he started to disfigure it over the years to the point that it wasn't even recognisable as a jazzmaster ...i managed to see it in the flesh as this blackend shadow of its former self with fish hanging from the headstock at the save the whale gig at the royal albert hall during the mid 80s...i think it must have disintegrated completely after that as i have never seen a photo of him with it since.

[@Dick67]

that's the Jazzmaster story I always remember, the Cure (maybe still called Easy Cure?) heading into the studio for the first time, Robert Smith playing a National (i think) or some cheap instrument, and their manager or record label rep bought him a JM off the rack to record with

[@HerveBoisde]

He actually owned a strat as his backup guitar when he recorded 3 Imaginary Boys with the Woolworth guitar. But yeah, that Jazzmaster completely changed his tone on the 17 Seconds album.

[@Case_]

@@zazz63 He used a Jazzmaster with his signature Top 20 pickup for the first third of the Trilogy concert in 2002, available on DVD, and it has been spotted now and then even as recently as 2020 in some of his home studio streams. To what extent it is the original guitar is certainly a good question, but he certainly still has and plays a Jazzmaster in his classic configuration with the added pickup and the behind-the-bridge brass bar.

[@ijosef]

I love these videos. It's good reminder that we're often presented with a skewed version of history. Rock-n-roll was, at one time, considered to be a brief fad that had run its course. Most people know the early rock stars of the 50s, but few know the famous musicians of others styles who were, in their day, quite a bit more popular.

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

Robert Smith of the Cure used his olympic white Jazzmaster with an additional cheap pickup on the early albums and created this special sound, we all know from "a forest", "boys don´t cry" and other pearls. Thats why i bought my ow MIJ Jazzmaster in 1983. She is still a fantastic well build guitar with a more percussive huskier tone than a strat. Another hero of mine, Chris Reed from Red Lorry Yellow Lorry also used an ow Jazzmaster. Sonic Youth two guitarists were playing Jazzmasters.

[@dethbotx171]

These videos are so educational for a young beginner like myself. Before discovering this channel, the variety of guitars out there felt staggering, and their differences were esoteric and shrouded in mystique at best. Now I feel pretty confident about my understanding of what sets these things apart! Of course, my newfound confidence likely says more about my lack of knowledge than vice versa. At least purchasing a Brazilian knockoff for $185 will feel a little less daunting now- so thanks a ton Kieth!

[@nerokane]

I never feel alone with my two Jazzmasters! One is the amazing TVL signature in Oxblood finish. A real Cadillac. The other is a Squier FSR late 50’s Sunburst with anodized gold pickguard. I love them! You can really play everything with these guitars. Anyway beautiful video! Thanks for sharing it!

[@b.rodclark7349]

Actually there was a Jazzmaster fact that you missed: this year it was included in the American Ultra Series w/the first-ever Noiseless pickups.

[@williammills3632]

So glad in a crazy world. You still have the time to bring us home to the five watt world. Love your message,and your stories and ideals. Thank you brother. Truly appreciated

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for watching William.

[@mrollins4684]

My favourite Jazzmaster player is Chris Brokaw from the criminally overlooked Boston-formed 1990's band Come. Their 1998 swan song release "Gently Down The Stream" is a gorgeous document and a perfect showcase of the Jazzmaster's versatility and depth.

[@YonathanLeibovich]

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Wilco last year (flew from Tel Aviv to Brussels to see them!) and Nels Cline is just an amazing player/human being. I waited to see him in this video and cheered when you mentioned him heheh. Thanks again for a great video!

[@chickybaby2277]

SHOEGAZE WAS VITAL TO THE 90’s (well, for those of us with taste.)

[@LeeGee]

It was the late 80s. It was need by 89

[@mondrian5620]

Yes, and I love it now.

[@wspann1967]

original comedy

[@aNgElandPaRaMoReRoX]

And still is now!!! There's a shoegaze revival!! And I'm taking part of it, got me a squier 60s vintage Olympic white (lefty) and making tunes with it just need a bass and drums lol But I LOVE MY JAZZMASTER

[@DHIRAJKUMAR-hi8cv]

@@wspann1967 00

[@valkyriekl]

07:37 - "1MOhm pots yield a "less bright" tone than the 250KOhm pots"? I think it is the other way around - the 250KOhm pots would be 'darker'/'warmer' than the 1MOhm pots in the lead circuit (capacitor values being equal), since less high frequencies in the signal would pass through the higher-resistance pot + and capacitor (with the tone rolled all the way up/brightest setting) to ground. The rhythm circuit, however, uses lower-value potentiometers - 50KOhm for the tone. Less resistance means more high frequencies will 'leak' out to ground even with the pot rolled all the way up, which would make for a much darker tone. otherwise - thank you for your video; good info in there!

[@bobilly]

Correct

[@vitreous_luster]

Yep. I just went down to 500k pots (from 1M) in my JM to tame the brightness. Worked like a charm. Also I noticed that they didn't mention the switch to the white witch hat knobs in '65. Small detail though.

[@albertoansaldo2958]

Absolutely. The higher the volume pot resistance, the stronger is the pick-up resonance peek, so the tone result brighter by moving from 250K to 1M.

[@Uchison]

Thank you so very much. I bought my first (vintage) Jazzmaster January 2005 and have never looked back. Even sold my Cunetto relic Strat after I realized I was never going back. I meant to comment on the video and replied to a reaction instead. Well in that topic, when I got my first Jazzmaster it had a ‘60’s 250K pot in the volume. That made the change to a Jazzmaster gradual. After a while it started bugging me and I switched first to the 500K and realized pretty soon that the bright sounding 1 Meg has something really special about it. Glad I went through all of them as I know for sure that I’m happy with the original design.

[@dustinpowell6297]

I think jazz players are more likely to turn their volume down on their guitar, and a larger ohm volume pot is only brighter with the volume full on. As volume is turned down, the hot part of the signal that goes to the amp is forced to go through more and more resistance. Since impedance increases with frequency, treble frequencies are attenutated more than bass or mid. So at half volume or lower, lower ohm pots are in fact brighter as the signal that reaches the amp goes through less resistance. Tone pots, on the other hand, are wired parallel to ground with the cap acting as a gate that only allows treble frequencies to pass to ground as resistance is reduced. (tone pot turned down) Larger tone pots give you a brighter tone at the sacrafice of practical pot sweep.

[@rogerstill71]

Once again, a comprehensive history, compact and concise.

[@geekerize]

My first serious guitar was purchased in the early 70’s, it was a 1960 Fender Jazzmaster. It spent 23 years on the road touring the world. I still own it.... amazing guitar!

[@hunkydorian]

It's amazing that it hasn't been stolen.

[@AlanCath]

The Short History videos are nothing less than spectacular. I can't believe how in-depth they are and can't imagine the amount of work involved. I'm a huge Jazzmaster fan, and owner of an Artisan Series Custom Shop model, and was hoping to see some mention of these remarkable examples of the Jazzmaster - wish I could share a picture of it here. But so much was covered and I loved every minute of it. Thanks for putting the time into creating these profoundly educational videos.

[@lawrenceharrold678]

Thank you Keith, for delivering more really cool guitar history during a time where we have to distance as well as care. Love your vids.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Larry

[@grizelda4526]

I’m a long time bass player who decided to pick up my first six string. I chose a Squire J Mascis Jazz Master and I love it. Came here for some learning and you never disappoint. Thank you!

[@JopeyPajatrick]

That’s quite the guitar.

[@i.duhourq2519]

To add to famous band's artists who often use in their records and lives is Radiohead's frontman Thom Yorke

[@twantheunisz9281]

YES! keep em coming Keith! Would love a hofner violin bass short history!

[@divebomb99]

Amen on your comment about the MIJ pickups. My first JM was a "66 Big Block" Made in Japan in CAR. I plugged it in and was overwhelmingly underwhelmed by the pickups. So I replaced them with a pair of Curtis Novak's. It went from "what the fkuck?" to "fkuck yeah!".

[@nine9whitepony526]

I just love your videos on the history of guitar stuff. I am an obsessed collector of guitars and gear. I love hearing all the history

[@duffypratt]

The thing all these videos bring home is that the young, creative musicians were playing instruments they could afford (used and cheap) and making the best music they could with what they had. Afterwards, people with less imagination drove up the prices of the same instruments, trying to mimic those sounds, while producing much less that was noteworthy. There’s a lesson there, but I don’t think many will learn from it.

[@haupper]

That's a point I've been making for years. Wealthy collectors bidded up the prices of old guitars over the heads of players. Most of those instruments are probably either in glass cases decorating penthouses and mansions, or locked in temperature- and humidity-controlled vaults and left to appreciate. Few are being strummed.

[@jacobbrown1690]

Totally true. Make do with what you have. Be the next star ….. not the best copy. Let lawyers and dentists buy the high priced copies

[@AvengerofGallifrey]

I used to only think that humbucker guitars were usable for me, a guy who mainly listens to metal. Then I saw a video of a guy playing a sick riff on a Jazzmaster baritone, and comparing it to a 9 string guitar. I was so blown away by the tone on the Jazzmaster pickups that I immediately knew that my next guitar was gonna be a Jazzmaster, and now that I've played it I can't imagine ever going back to using mainly humbuckers. Jazzmasters just have a fantastic distorted tone that you can't get anywhere else.

[@hollymartins6913]

I have two jazzmasters now, but before I ever got one, I was installing jazzmaster neck pick-ups in the neck position of my Teles because they work for anything and the tone is groovy as hell.

[@GeneralJoystick]

This was a really great video! I love Fender history. The Jazzmaster has been my main guitar since I was 15!

[@easternguise7015]

Great episode! I just purchased my first Jazzmaster and I love it! I'd been a Strat man most of my 50 years of playing, and I own 4 of them, but I just keep going back to the Jazzmaster more than the others. It sounds great through my Fender Tweed Blues Deluxe and extension cabinet. Just nothing like the complete Fender on Fender sound. No aspersions to Gibson, Gretsch, or Ibanez, of which I also have in my collection.

[@easternguise7015]

Forgot to mention that Nels Cline inspired me to get my first Jazzmaster. I'm a huge fan! He's a genius sonic architect!

[@BOOFtheejectbutton]

A few weeks ago I didn’t know anything whatsoever about Jazzmasters, until one day I randomly decided to pick up a Squire J Mascis Jazzmaster inside a guitar shop. That thing sounded better than some of the other $1k Fenders I was trying out. Ended up buying it & have been kind of obsessed with learning about Jazzmasters ever since. They just fit me like a glove

[@MJTbreww]

I really want a Jazzmaster after watching this and previous performances from Lemmo ...and I don’t even play guitar

[@caseyking8394]

Get one and start learning, fender play is free right now (I think)!

[@MJTbreww]

Casey King There’s a local J Mascis Jazzmaster which I’m extremely tempted but a MIM Strat would be cheaper so I’m torn.

[@jacksonb8114]

@@MJTbreww Though I don't own one, a lot of people swear by those J masics. I have a Vintage modified Squier made in Indonesia that i prefer much over my MIJ Fender

[@svfemmedunord7834]

Thanks, great video. Marty Wilson Piper of The Church, though known more for his use of Rickenbackers, does great work on a Jazzmaster on their '90's and 2000's stuff. Always wish he got more love!

[@fivewattworld]

It’s funny. My buddy Rob also loved “The Church” but I always think of Rics. I didn’t know he used JM’s.

[@celestem4069]

I play in a psychedelic surf band and I love my Jazzmaster (and my Strat)! It’s a unique sound and when paired with reverb and tremolo, it’s great for the genre!

[@joshuataft5541]

Wow the white one with the gold anodized guard is sweet.. I like your taste ...your pictures are only the best examples.. loved to see your old picture.i was born in 85 your old pics remind me if my dad and his friends back then. Rabbit hunting in the Vermont snow making memories.. man I rely enjoy your whole package .your the real deal lol

[@hollymartins6913]

Don't forget the late, great, Luther Perkins, who played rhythm behind Johnny Cash on a Jazzmaster.

[@kaitlyn__L]

The JM was the first guitar I picked for myself, after my parents got me a basic Strat clone when I very first started learning. Mostly went for the "outsider" aspect of it, since most people only ever talk Strat v Tele. Since fell in love with the offset body and the wonderful tone, and the extra wide and smooth range of the tremolo.

[@jordanfrancis1074]

I recently purchased a Squier Classic Vibe 60's jazzmaster. Once it was set up I instantly fell in love with the tone. It's like my strat with a bit less punch and a bit more beef. And both pickups together on a clean jangly tone creates that perfect midwest emo twinkle.

[@GJSsongsmith]

Hi Jordan just bought the same albeit the 40 th anniversary model in surf green with the gold anodised scratchplate ! Absolutely love it

[@huntsworthdoom]

I got the same thing (a pink one on marketplace for $215) and after a bit of repair it is the best sounding and playing guitar I’ve ever played. It’s the one for me

[@tritonrecordings]

We can't leave out Robert Smith of The Cure, using a JM in the early 80s during their sort of post-punk/goth phase.

[@nealwestbrook8161]

My brother still has my father’s 1962 Jazzmaster that was ordered custom from the Fender rep at a gig my dad was playing in 1962. Still have original case and a couple of the original documents. It’s been through more gigs than most between my dad, brother sister and myself. It’s taken a beating over the years but still plays wonderfully.

[@cloudshad0ws]

Recently picked up a 60th Anniversary Fender Jazzmaster with the block inlays and matching color headstock as well as a handful of modifications (better bridge, new nut, etc.) a month or so ago, and am absolutely loving it. Such a beautiful, and beautiful sounding, instrument.

[@vapporiesat3125]

nice! for my quarantine tast i am rebuilding this old "Musima Elgita" which a friend of mine once found on a dumb side (!!). it was made in the GDR. It is hard to date, but looking at the pots, cables and the fact that all the screws are flathead i would guess early 60s. all the parts are there, it was in what seems to be the original case. electronics seem to work fine. it has two "p90s" and a weird switch that reminds of a gibson varitone switch. the tremolo looks awsome and a rather sturdy opy of the fender version. it even has roller saddles. east-german engineering seems to still be good old german-engineering :) it just needs a new input jack and should be ready to go. maybe a fretjob. gonna be done tomorrow... your videos always come to the right time ;)

[@sleepwalking117]

My favorite guitar. I have the J Mascis jazzmaster signature series and it's by far the only guitar I was want to use. It may be a Squire but the neck is absolutely amazing.

[@onlyguitars]

Just got this model last week, and it's amazing!

[@elliotthammer1102]

most comfortable guitar i've played, in the store i only played it for about a minute before i decided it was coming home

[@thomaslioutas4417]

Would love to see a similar vid about Jazzmaster's cousin, the Jaguar. Always been my favorite one of the Fender line.

[@nd4804]

The intro was by Michael Lemmo from Norman’s, a budding star! Great video, much appreciated! Look forward to the rest of the series.

[@ThomasLintrup]

Love the short history videos! I realised that I'm as les paul guy, not a tele. So, to keep myself in check, a few months age I sold my tele and got myself a LP. Thanks, Keith! Stay safe and keep up the good work

[@waterguyroks]

Would love to see a comparison between the Jazzmasters, Jaguars and Mustangs

[@lolobuggah2670]

The JM is bigger.

[@nillyh123]

Robert Smith saw Elvis Costello on Top of the Pops in 1978, following him he got Jazzmaster, which he played on the first Cure 4 albums

[@CWard-1616]

I remember Robert Smith playing one of those Ibanez hollow-body Gibson copies a red one? It was like a es 345?

[@fonchy6098]

MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED

[@peterjames2580]

In 66' my twin brother came home with a used Jazzmaster, it was the first quality guitar in our band "The Bold Fumbles"! Loved that rig!

[@kentcross2757]

Super happy you added Root's guitar in this! His white one was what got me obsessed with the Jazzmaster. Building one now!

[@robin6416]

the come back of JM is so epic, bunch of outdated guitar found by those young player, and redefine the sound of the ages. Listen a lots of shoegaze and New Wave, You can easily feel this instrument took an important role in those music genre. and thanks of the history about Fender japan, I always wonder why there was lots of discussion about JM from Fender Japan.

[@jasperfleming9318]

Hey! Ever consider doing history of the bass VI? It’s a little niche compared to a lot of the “history of” videos but as a die hard Bass VI player who can never quite seem to find the full story on the instrument I would love to see your opinions and retelling of the history behind it

[@smalltownnightlife]

Mikul Lemon, the greatest jazzmaster player of all time.

[@Davivd2]

I love these history of a guitar videos that you do. I haven't played my guitar in over a decade, but I still love the instrument and your channel is teaching me many things.

[@grahamt33]

I SHOULD have said I found this the finest history on the Jazzmaster I have ever read. Brilliant job !

[@albyt2566]

2:52 Joe Pass is playing a Bass VI in the photo... But awesome video!!!

[@jayechristian9697]

That's not a bass vi lol thats a jm

[@CAGDESIGNDEVELOPMENT]

@@jayechristian9697 It's a Bass VI. Body shape, pickguard shape, length, metal control plates, pickups, etc.

[@leightonslife4030]

You are doing a great job with this content! A++ I can honestly say I look forward to these history lessons ❤️

[@tonyfdesign]

BTW, how come the "less gear" channel always reminds me of another cool guitar I need to buy? 😀 (received my 5WW t-shirt last week. Very nice!)

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for the support Tony. I'm not a GAS generated really. That's on you brother, ;).

[@maxcuthbert100]

Hahaha !

[@userofthetube2701]

As the saying goes: the number of guitars you must have in your collection is 'one more'.

[@del5582]

The duality of man.

[@phillramirez8323]

Lets all give thanks to the greatest(i.m.p) guitar ever 🤘🎸 I just started to play guitar and always wanted a surf guitar got me the Squier 70s vibe Jazzmaster beautiful Walnut and black inlay, I'll definitely getting the 60s vibe surf green one next 😎👍🎸

[@billerickson8871]

Your videos are great... you tell the history in a very interesting way, that holds our attention. I'm a Fender lover since I was old enough to know... 1962... 8 years old, playing my brothers' 1961 Jazzmaster, and later his 1963 Stratocaster. Have many Fenders now, and am always looking for something....Thank you!

[@loops_8837]

I NEED a short history of the mustange. I would look it up myself but would rather wait for another one of these great vids.

[@Ian-qs3fz]

I’m with you right there

[@bipstern]

Glad Nels got the nod at he end. The Best Jazzmaster Player I’ve ever heard. He’s a freak of nature.

[@zydanj]

fender: *makes jazzmaster and jazz bass* jazz musicians: nah im good *uses strat and p-bass*

[@SeanKerns]

I always love it when I see a new "A Short History". Great job as always. I've had only one Jazzmaster, and it was cool (as were the Mustang and Jaguar I've owned), but as with those, I never quite knew what to do with it. That Jazzmaster is probably the most versatile of the three.

[@TheloniousBosch]

Thanks for this one. My #1 is a 1995 CIJ that I bought new that now sports Seymour Duncan JM pickups and a Mastery bridge. The Jazzmaster is a unique and underrated guitar. I don’t mind it staying that way. Everyone else can have their Strats and Les Pauls, but I’m Team Jazzmaster forever.

[@Cloud5ie]

Such a detailed video, well researched! Can you do the Gibson Explorer and Flying V? Im missing out not knowing the history of my guitars!

[@fivewattworld]

Yep, the V is on the list.

[@ADaviDTR]

12s were considered lights?! What were the heavy gauge strings, then? Bass strings?!

[@barkingdog123]

I recently modded my Squier 40th Anniversary desert sand JM with a black pickguard and pup covers. I was intrigued to see an almost identical early JM offering in your excellent history video. I used black witch hat knobs rather than the chrome tele knobs on mine. Thanks for the excellent history lesson!

[@beejay833]

Good to see MBV and Swervedriver mentioned! Great vid.

[@russellfong]

love these shows - I think Robin Guthrie deserves a mention as one of the earliest and most consistent Jazz master players after Costello ....

[@hiroprotagonitis]

1meg pots would yield a brighter tone due to less highs being bled into the ground with a wider frequency spectrum that emphasized highs compared to 250k or 500k pots.

[@AntarblueGarneau]

Those wonderful videos of Joe Pass playing a Fender Jaguar were made when Joe was at Synanon. Synanon was a national program for recovery of drug addicts primarily heroin. The Jaguar Joe played was actually the property of Synanon it was not his personal instrument.

[@vming8058]

Thank you Keith! These videos are great for us to learn about our own instruments and for people who are thinking about buying them. an awesome contribution to KZbin!

[@andrii.konkov]

Thank you for what you do here! This is the kind of channel I always tried to find.

[@ChimpityChoo]

"A dizzying rainbow of cool"

[@davidewing55]

And to tie everything together even more - Nels Cline got his beat up black Jazzmaster from Mike (not Five) Watt of the Minutemen.

[@jaschul]

One of my favorite bassists. The Minutemen were one of the best bands of the '80s, easily.

[@jts3339]

How about a nod to the Jazzmaster’s cousin, the Fender Electric XII, invented by Leo in 1965? Although it has very little in common with the Jazzmaster except for the body shape and rosewood fingerboard, it is another Fender design that was purposefully designed to appeal to an audience that the Strat and Tele weren’t serving, the Folk-Rockers. Due to the unique split-pickups, it has a distinctive voice unlike any other Fender, or the Rickenbacker 12-strings of the same era. A very cool instrument!

[@maxcuthbert100]

Pat Metheny had one, very briefly, when he played with Gary Burton ,as a teenager. It may have sounded good, but Metheny disliked it, intensely.

[@crisp9929]

Dave Davies of The Kinks used one of those, though sparingly. Most notably on "I'm Not Like Everybody Else".

[@Tunkkis]

Jimmy Page has one as well. It's the guitar Stairway to Heaven was supposedly recorded with.

[@darrellm3410]

The 6 string bass too.

[@legatomodi3522]

I wonder if fender didn't misplace his money and had to sell the company (which doesn't mean he necessarily blew it. Accounting can go wrong many ways like a big tax you don't see coming) I wonder if he would have gotten that shape to be accepted better in its time if he was able to develop it more. Telecaster was much different than a strat, but when he found this JM shape he used it on everything. 12 strings, Jazz basses, Jaguars, bass vi, and even the mythical marauder. It was obvious he found the body he wanted to be known for. Theyre awesome and I'm glad it didn't just get lost in history and made a big comeback with alternative rock.

[@willwragg9707]

Aaand, once again this was exactly what I was after today. Had JazzMasters on the brain last couple of days. Thanks Keith, all the best to you and yours!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Will, be safe wherever you are.

[@timwasem]

Nels Cline definitely led me to my Jazzmaster, and that guitar just feels like home for me. I feel like Chris Stapleton should have been a part of the end of the video. He's one of the few high-profile Jazzmaster devotees playing today. Thanks for the awesome videos, Keith!

[@williamballweber]

Please do Fender Jaguar short history! It's the guitar that maybe still hasn't taken off? Much more cultish than the Jazzmaster.

[@runlarryrun77]

I agree with you it's a niche guitar, but hasn't taken off? Not sure about that. If you check Fender's current Jag line up there are more options available than ever.

[@bryanakcasu]

You forgot The Cure's Robert Smith!

[@DuraLexSedLex01]

Sorry, Leo: trying to cater to the jazz crowd with a whammy bar was a non sequitur.

[@jsphillip60]

Good point. Maybe they should have pushed a non-trem version all along, but it would probably still have been a tough sell to jazzers.

[@ryanmachell7581]

I dunno man, heaps of Jazzboxes have bigsbys and stuff for shimmer vibrato, and the Jazz trem arm is way more bigsby than floyd rose

[@airgliderz]

Leo did a great job. Jazz master rocks and a great jazz guitar. Whammy bar adds to jazz unless your stuck in a self imposed talent limiting art killing sound killing jazz purity prison.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

It's not a whammy bar. It's a vibrato. It's meant for wavering notes not dive-bombing. It's no different from the Bigsby trem's many jazz guitarists were using at the time.

[@bobsaturday4273]

some of the jazz players were jumpin on the psychedelic boat with pop tunes and the mod sounds of the 60's

[@JJ-bb3jv]

This series has become my favorite series on KZbin. So much information packaged up so well. Keep up the amazing work, can't wait for you to hit 100k subs!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for the support JJ!

[@Madeguydo]

I’ve recently put telecaster compensated saddles on the original jazzmaster bridge by making three extra holes in between the six default holes. Believe me, it’s an absolute pleasure to not care about intonation and string gauges. Also, lock those tiny screws at the base of the bridge with loctite or any other locking product and you’ll be set for a looong time.

[@papersquares]

Check the spelling of Michael Lemmo 👍

[@fivewattworld]

Straight up typo. I’m a big fan of Michael’s laying and was thrilled to feature him here.

[@pavanatanaya]

Mikey Lemmo from Nerm's Rayre Geetars