Jazzmaster Jaguar Guitar: Must Know Setup and Operating Info (Fender American Original)

What ya gotta know to have a good relationship with your Jazzmaster or Jaguar!

[@angusorvid8840]

I've never owned a Jazzmaster but my drummer owned one back in my metal days in L.A. in the 80s. I liked using it to record cleans. Sounded a lot richer than the super strat shred sticks I was playing which were often loaded with very high output pups like Duncan Distortions. These were just demos we recorded. But live I could not recreate the cleans on my strats. Jazzmasters, Jaguars and Mustangs made an incredible comeback in popularity with the rise of grunge and alternative which decimated the shreddy metal scene I was a part of in L.A. Interesting times they were! The aftermarket pickup industry is quite hot for offset pickups now like Jazzmasters and P90s. I've always loved P90s but they are so damned noisy, unless you get them stacked. But in the 80s that wasn't a thing, so I never thought of using them. Now it's an option and there are even active P90s. It's a different world. Viva le difference!

[@RobertNolan]

For those inquiring, this guy is 100% right. It's so funny how there are many reviews and tutorial videos on Jag/Jazz Fenders, and literally no one gets them right. Even when Fender has gone through the trouble of posting the info on their website. I wouldn't mind a set up/shim video from you. You're informative and entertaining.

[@firemarshal2629]

I don't even own a fender, I'm a les paul guy, and I watched this entire video because of how interesting you made it. Good stuff.

[@asdf9890]

I couln't stop watching either. Great guitarist and captivating for some reason, m'kay.

[@fossilmatic]

This is easily the best video review of the Jazzmaster and Jaguar I have seen. Fully embraces what the guitar actually is and does as a design.

[@dtk3600]

I have been a Jazzmaster player for 20+ years and have seem endless amount of videos regarding Jazzmasters (including high-profile-go-to experts). YOU, GOOD SIR, HAVE PUT OUT THE DEFINITIVE JAZZMASTER FUNCTIONS VIDEO! Take a bow! This is quite an accomplishment! One day, my son will play my Jazzmaster and I will point him to this video! A very sincere “Thank you”!

[@FrogRadio]

Thanks algorithm 3 years later.... this guys is hilarious and now I'm thoroughly informed on the JAZZMASTER.

[@douglasdog1]

5 years later

[@stevemiller1203]

The best demonstration of the Jazzmaster and Jaguar on KZbin by far!

[@09sjt]

M'kay

[@kasperrasmussen6149]

There actually is a N'okay in there as well.. at 3:36 And BTW.. thanks for this great video Vaughn

[@joesinclair8910]

take a shot each time he says M'kay

[@zaxzumu4605]

Yeah, nice to know Mr. Mackey has family somewhere.

[@anbo7737]

South Park lol

[@nicknewman7848]

Drugs are bad... M'kay

[@birdsong2552]

Finally a Jazzmaster demo from a guy who knows what he is talking about.

[@dangatton7138]

my 1st guitar at 12 yrs old in 1966.. 135 bucks. but I wish we had youtube back then. I needed this one to know WTF I was doing LOL. thx alot for this Im getting it out now and seeing how bad the setup is .. well sent it to Fender in 1970 for my birthday for a repaint to sunburst.. Beautiful was a Pea green.. then I put on SG frets.. lot of metal for that neck!.. then a humbucker on the neck.. well I was 17 and stupid.. but its going back to origional.. saved the pick up Thx God... sales guy said it was a 59.. I think its a 61-62 have to research that thx again!

[@PeterDad60]

In my opinion this is the best educational video about guitars anywhere on KZbin! I'm not a kid, I'm 69 and have been playing guitar since age 20. Before that I played and still play violin and Sitar.

[@gregorymerriman5974]

This is a great video, and the most clear and definitive explanation of the Jazzmaster system that I’ve seen. Take heed Jazzers, the set up suggestions may keep you from spending a lot of time, energy and money on the typical roll-stop, mastery bridge exploration process. I wish I saw this years ago. After I spent a lot of bread and time I’ve ended up back with the stock set up done correctly. It works!

[@lothar34]

Yep- my first JM experience a couple years ago involved buying a Mastery style replacement bridge. Gotta MIJ Paisley on the way & hope the stock hardware is gonna work!

[@andrewkay3276]

Looking to buy my first electric soon and I’ve been going into shops and playing these. As a new electric player I don’t really know what I’m looking for and this video is great.

[@VaughnSkow]

Awesome! Yeah, that's really why I did this vid ... so much misunderstanding and dis-information out there on these guitars!!

[@scrimmerman]

As someone just now searching for my first Jazzmaster, I TRULY appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Thank you Sir. Cheers!

[@j.d.leslie8458]

Leo was brilliant.

[@squirelova1815]

He had one/glass eye since childhood too.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

He was beyond brilliant because he didn't play and he developed the most touch intuitive instruments and amps ever( my own opinion)

[@j.d.leslie8458]

@@lastofthe4horsemen279 Yep. And I'm really disappointed that Fender is removing wood and contouring the neck heel on the American Professional Series--now they are really tampering with Leo's design. It is not necessary and looks awful.

[@pgroove163]

@@squirelova1815 that's why he made all these offset guitars.. it was the glass eye

[@squirelova1815]

@@pgroove163 Good One! and Epstein did NOT...forget it. Everybody knows.

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

Revisiting this clip. My luthier said Jeff go all stock no upgraded bridge or tailpiece needed. Just basically what you have said. Thanks Vaughn great video.

[@grahamt33]

Best review of Jazzmaster on the Net

[@heyhuey4429]

Excellent presentation. Jazz and Surf. Sounds like a menu. I rarely see the models with the mute out in the world. These tremolos are NOT Floyd Roses so you have to play gingerly. Beautiful guitars but at this point I'd have to get the Harley Benton Mustang knock-off to feel the love. (I'm a Strat-guy too.)

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

VERY useful video. I play a Japan re-issued Jag (i.e. 66 CIJ, S serial) and LOVE the guitar due to my small hands. The short scale neck is awesome !! Other than the Rickenbacker 325c64, this is the best neck for my short hand span. THANKS for the great work to help us all !

[@JG300Stoopy]

Got a '66 Jazzmaster back in '82 and fell in love with it, that one is still my favorite guitar today. You absolutely NAILED all the details and nuances. THANK YOU for explaining the bridge setup for folks. The stock bridge has worked fine for me all these years.

[@elmalo551]

Best Jazz/Jag explanation video I’ve seen.

[@asdf9890]

That mute thing on the Jaguar bridge is cool as hell.

[@mark78750]

Best Jaguar and Jazzmaster review ever!!!

[@sidestyle05]

Thank you so much! I just got a Jazzmaster and as I looked around for reviews, commentary, etc., I found a LOT of Jazz/Jag shade. "It's too complicated!", "OMG the bridge!", "Why doesn't it sound like other Fenders?!" You can do so much more with this in terms of tone than any other guitar I've played with. Long live the rhythm circuit!

[@christossigalos1842]

Mr Skow well Done! It's the first time after 21 years of owning a jazzmaster that I managed myself to setup the tremolo. All these years that I have given my guitar for setup to "guitar guys" pros or knowers no one managed (apparently no one knew) how to set it up. The last one had screwed in the screw so tight that I couldn't move the slider at all.. I thought it was just broken. Now I have managed in just 10 minutes to set it up correctly and guess what.. My tremolo works again after 5 years! And the slider works fine too! Isn't that great! So well done again! Unfortunately my low E string still slips away.. I will try to shim the neck but I'll check with a "guitar guy" for that matter. Thank you.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

So...how did the neck shim work out for you?

[@amund1365]

I don't even have any of these guitars. I just love the visuals of them

[@popsfereal]

Buy one!

[@12footchain]

Love love love!!! Both on my "eventual" list. Those things sound so good

[@grantbeck8482]

This guy seems like a really, genuinely nice person! Something you don't see as often anymore. Awesome video man!

[@Wolf_K]

Yeah, and he really digs these guitars too!

[@grantbeck8482]

Wolf H I know! I have a jazzmaster on the way and I’m so excited!! He really helped me understand how they work

[@robhaskell4043]

This is the VERY best review of the Jazzmaster now on You Tube. Clearly demonstrates what each control does through playing. Great job.

[@druids4034]

Had my Jazzmaster for two years and am recently falling back in love with it. My band member uses a jaguar, we swap on stage a lot this has been so helpful in understanding the potential of these beautifully versatile instruments. Thank you from Wales!

[@dojyr3130]

why do you swap guitars on stage?

[@ME-ru4hv]

What a great and endorsement and defense of a beautiful instrument! Thanks for all the info I didn't know!

[@themingee1]

Dude, I like how you say ‘ok’. Reminds me of my 8th grade home ec teacher.

[@birdsong2552]

and mr mackey from south park :-)

[@SilkroadKaraoke]

Mr Wigger readwood jr high

[@Tonetwisters]

These are fabulous guitars. I cut my teeth in 1961 on my brother's brand new 1960 Jazzmaster through his 1960 PRO. Great demo! The original series is about as close to the Custom Shop as you can get, IMHO.

[@ronnienes]

My AM Original Jazzmaster is on the way, this was the PERFECT video to prepare for it. Thank you!

[@jerrymcg3199]

Others: "you need to swap out the bridge because the bridge sucks, what was Fender thinking of?" VS: "here's what Leo was thinking of - use the correct gauge strings."

[@stevenc5526]

Exactly. 12’s on my Jag feel like 10’s because of short scale. This type of trem needs the tension too.

[@shinosukenohara5721]

That’s part of what gives them their tone, AND I LIKE IT

[@peterhauschild3838]

Very helpful for a newbie jazzmaster owner. I did everything you suggested, and my squier jassmaster is playing brilliantly now.

[@markferguson3745]

This guy makes the JM truly sing.Eye opening.

[@FemmePastel]

Holy hell dude I liked the mute but wasn't completely sold on it the whole vid until you kicked it on wet with the Pentatonic Scale an a whole world opened up to me! I've always loved the Jaguar/Jazzmaster body design but not I have functional reasons to love them too! Thanks so much for this demo vid

[@TriGrutt]

Thanks! Specially on the explanation of trem system and bar, you don’t find there anywhere in vids so clear as in here… I have my TVL now in set, no mastery, no fancy stuff, just good ol’ Leo’s “novelties”. Your video nailed it in everything, thanks man!

[@SFolkes97]

I dismissed Jazzmasters and Jags for so many years as some weird fringe gimmick. Then I saw this video and the one by Dan and Mick (That Pedal Show). I tried a JM and what a revelation! Now I like them better than any Strat. Good info in here - well done!

[@Jbeliski]

I've had my Jazz for a few months now and still tryin to understand it. It seems to have the ability to growl at certain volumes and frequencies of distortion. First time I encountered this I was blown away. It is my favorite instrument now. It's pretty tough too, lots of wood to thump it around and drop and its only got one major ding on the side of the body.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

I love the feeling of discovering the different things a guitar can do. So much fun!

[@johnmccormick8159]

Vaughn, you have done an excellent job here. I've never thought much of the JM and Jag, but you have made them not only appealing, but endearing. Fender owes you.

[@billbez7465]

Superb description of the Jaguar. Thanks!

[@saltydog4787]

I've had 1963 L series Jazzmaster for over 40 years and everything Vaughn says is absolutely correct ... nice work Vaughan!

[@thelowmein9143]

Thank you for this my playing isn’t so great so it’s hard to evaluate guitars but hearing a talent like you play, shows me what the guitar is capable of. I think I will add a jazzmaster to my arsenal!

[@stevec.1802]

Jazzmaster is a very versatile guitar, and a tone monster. Great presentation without disparaging remarks like so many reviews we see on KZbin.

[@andrij.demianczuk]

I own a ‘66 Jag and a 2016 American Pro. It’s fun to A/B the two because of modern touches on the pro, and to feel the 50 years of playing and love on the 66!

[@pauliusi9691]

On point everywhere! Love this video. People should first learn to appreciate the guitar for what it is, rather than blindly mod it based on forum opinions.

[@phildale8451]

Good to see you have the best amp in the world sat in the background. Poor little piggy was waiting to get played.

[@marka.200]

First explanation I've found yet that is actually helpful. Thank you!

[@freeelectron8261]

Wow! Never realized they were so versatile. Nice entertaining explanation of these enigmatic Fenders.

[@petermaffei8687]

Thanks for the tremolo tip, couldn’t get mine to stay in until I gave it more pressure like you mentioned. Worked like a charm!

[@basslinger]

I've had my Jag since about '01 and I just learned three things from you, thanks!

[@deeman524]

Best review of these guitars I've seen so far

[@popsfereal]

Best Jazzmaster and Jag video I have seen. The Squier JM is awesome, and under 400 bucks!

[@davidhadler1]

Wow, that's a pretty thorough rundown. Like Jags, and have always LOVED Jazzmasters. Have a '65 that I adore, but after watching this, I might consider getting one of these to have a spare. Thanks!

[@joeysgear1419]

Bro. You have awesome taste in amps.

[@veerchasm1]

The Fender Supersonic amps are wonderful

[@johncarlo7395]

Very well explained Vaughn, there's nothing I now don't know about seting up my Jazmaster and Jaguar

[@jazzguitarberlin]

This Guy really knows what he is talking about ..... also a great player

[@MONDOCHITARRA]

Grazie fratello…sei molto chiaro e il tuo inglese è incredibilmente pulito e comprensibile! ❤️🙏❤️

[@67Stu]

NCE ONE! Just some FYI: When these guitars were originally released, they came standard from the factory with Fender's Spanish Guitar 50 Flatwound string set (.013 .017 .026w .034 .044 .054). Some time in the early '60s, the standard string set was changed to the Spanish Guitar 1500 Smooth Round set (.012 .016 .026w .034 .044 .052). My personal preference for various reasons is to use flatwounds with the wound G on both of these guitars. For the record, I happen to have the largest collection of vintage guitar strings in the world!

[@mojostephen]

Some very useful information here on these all too often overlooked and misunderstood Fender guitars...

[@davinamilutinovic8979]

This is THE review.

[@toshalazarus]

Davina Milutinovic agreed! Hands down

[@thegoodtest]

Vaughn.....Thank you so much for covering these two guitars. I recently bought a CV Squier 60's Jazzmaster and am appreciating the tones it has to offer. Thanks for covering all of the ins and outs :) Your insights into the way it was made to work will save myself and other some headaches and money. The Jaguar is a cool animal in itself. They should sell Jags and Jazz as a set!

[@LAUptegrove]

When I was coming up, Jazzers and Jaguars were IT man. You couldn't give away a Telecaster or Stratocaster. Country, Surf, Pop, whatever.....they were THE way to go. Never owned one, but always admired them.

[@Wabin22]

Best video I've seen explaining these guitars, great work :) I really love them both and you're just explaining and showing off exactly why, EVERYONE should get at least one Jazz or Jaguar in their life at some point ;)

[@Mr.Steve-O]

Awesome well rounded video on 2 of the most interesting novelty Fenders out there. I own a Squire vintage modified JM and love it, I did get caught up in the misinformation out there on the bridge. I did put a Mustang bridge with adjustable saddles, I did use a little electrical tape on the post but let it stay slight loose and that works well with the tremolo. Next thing I enjoyed is your emphasis on the rhythm circuit, I use it all the time, and yes it get's a darker tone from different value pots that are in the lead circuits, but it's very cool for knocking out some jazz tones. Keep up the great work !!

[@originaljamtracks]

Very helpful and enjoyable video, excellently explained. Will be enjoying my new Jaguar even more now.

[@marin4311]

Very useful tips.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Great demonstration. I have both of those guitars, and love the tones. I never thought they were hard to understand. I am a big guy and the Jazzmaster fits me. I just never feel comfortable with that short scale 24 inch neck on the Jaguar. I have been thinking about having a 25.5 inch conversion neck made for the little Jaguar, as I really like the sounds. It might be fun to put a baritone scale neck on it, but it would be pretty expensive if it did not work out.

[@gtechblues]

I was here for the Jag (that I have...) and I’m a Strat player... and I loved it ;-) I also like and played Surf guitar when I was younger... pretty cool...

[@TheTubeDude]

What a fun presentation. Thank you Skow. Really. I enjoyed and learned.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Wow i cant believe ive just found your channel you have a new sub bud. I hope you do more on these offset body fenders esp, the jag which ive had since the nid 60s.

[@kissesarestitches]

I'm getting the Jag tomorrow! Cannae wait, thanks for the superb tips!

[@michaelbentley4182]

Excellent review / tutorial.

[@douglasdog1]

Great tips! Just bought a Jazz and was unsure about how I’ll get on with the bridge after reading and seeing all the remarks about all its troubles. This will certainly help, thanks!

[@zurdoremi]

good explanation.

[@binoc2397]

Perfect video that explains everything thank you now i know the Jazzmaster is the perfect guitar for me I love funky tones and also dark jazz type tones 👌🏻

[@jeremiahpacheco8444]

I love the way you review. Nice keep going!

[@orangenotviolet]

This man knows what he's talking about!

[@seamus2400]

Thanx for your tutorial and sharing your expertise on my two favorite guitars!!! Your knowledge on these guitars is amazing and your presentation just superb!

[@blvth]

i just copped he fender jaguar in candy apple red so looking forward to play it. - pretty cool reviews!!!!

[@mikestibor1]

Amazing video. Well explained, and well shot. I'd been looking into getting a jazzmaster so this was perfect.

[@lem0nsublime]

Thank you for this great rundown! Currently dreaming about the Vintera ‘60s Jaguar that’s on backorder everywhere so I’m biding my time learning as much as I can about them until I can scoop one up of my own! 🤘

[@philputnam5586]

Just picked up a used US Jag. You answered every ? I had. Thanks.

[@jayschultz3614]

Great video, man. Most informative I’ve seen on these beauties. Making me want both even more and making it harder deciding which one to get first!

[@gchampi2]

A tip for all JM/Jag players - Low Bridge, High Saddles. One of the mistakes many new to the floating bridge players make is to set the saddles so that the height adjustment screws are either slightly protruding from the saddle, or only just below the surface. This is wrong, and can lead to the adjustment screws "backing out" while playing, causing the string height to drop - buzzing, fretting out, etc... What you should do is get those height adjustment screws DEEP in the saddle - almost coming out the bottom. This decreases the angle between the height screws and the bridge baseplate, which allows the tension of the spring to lock the screws into position. You then lower the whole bridge assembly to set the action using the two screws into the mounting pins... Other'n that, if you have problems with the floating bridge, shim the neck. Stewart-Macdonald sells them for less than $8 a pop. Half a degree is usually all that is needed, and it's a heckuvalot cheaper than buying a replacement bridge... Hope that Helps... G

[@VaughnSkow]

Plus the screws gouge your palm that way ... ouch!

[@cirotheb5]

is there a video showing how to do this?

[@JulianA-tr6pt]

Don't make the saddles too high though. There's a chance the strings can touch the intonation screws causing tons of buzz, making it unplayable. Find a balance. I like the saddles at a moderate height, so the saddle screws aren't sticking out, but the bridge SHOULD NOT be anywhere close to touching the pickguard.

[@VaughnSkow]

Yea ... that's true!

[@1sttvbn]

gchampi2 So true, lower that bridge, and bring those saddles up.

[@JsnHgl]

Great vid. Now I'm ready for my Am Orig 60's JM to arrive in a couple days! Thanks man!

[@StankoAx]

This thing looks sooooo beautiful!

[@Artefracture]

Three Jazzmasters. I couldn't bond with the shortscale neck of the Jag I had for a hot minute, but I really miss the strangle switch. Having both pickups on basically acted as a humbucker and the hi-pass made it sound less dark.

[@TheWorldOfVenzh]

Man I’m really split if I’m gonna buy the Jag or the Jazzmaster... Both of them sound frickin amazing!

[@VaughnSkow]

If ya can only have one ... go Jazzy :-)

[@johnperry9082]

Most informative and interesting. I'm picking up a a new Jazzmaster Pro 2 tomorrow (my first Jazzmaster) I'll be checking these tips. Thank you.

[@markart157]

The way you explain is super! Thank you so much for this nice educative video!

[@toshalazarus]

I understand your explanation so well!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Really like your informative style and your wall of Fender amplification. I am really wanting to get a Jaguar.

[@stephengates7601]

Great video man. Never thought about these to much. Like the jag

[@chuckmatses6803]

Tone meister, great work , Vaughn! Greetings from Boxford, MA

[@krustybuzzard2477]

You have done a commendable job on this video thank you very much.

[@ResoBridge]

That sounds really great. Couple of things - the rhythm tone circuit is unusual. It is a 50K linear pot (yes - only 50K) with the top of the pot connecting to the pickup, the bottom goes to the tone cap (which in turn goes to ground) and the wiper feeds the top of the 1M linear volume, rather than audio taper / log law controls. Only the 1M lead tone is audio taper. The original Jazzmaster circuit relies on the loading effect of a 1M amplifier input to produce something approaching a gradual sounding volume change as you roll the guitar volumes up and down. Early wiring layouts for the Jazzmaster show 0.02mF for both tone caps, which is from the old range of values. Modern cap ranges offer 0.022mF. And of course ALL of Fenders iconic guitar designs were designed and shipped with 12s, right up until at least 1967 and probably later.