Jazzmaster or Jaguar - Which Squier Classic Vibe should be YOUR FIRST SURF GUITAR?

[@60CycleHumcast]

Sweetwater made this possible so thank them by CLICKING THE LINKS! 60s Jazzmaster: sweetwater.sjv.io/1r0QjD 70s Jaguar: sweetwater.sjv.io/anqj4Y What should be your first surf guitar? a Jazzmaster or a Jaguar? The strings: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyXNoj The Fuzz: sweetwater.sjv.io/rQ4Dm5 The Reverb: www.surfyindustries.com/surfybearmetal Ill be giving away the Jazzmaster at this show on the 7/27/24: www.stellarshows.net/shows/259369

[@Jeremya74]

Nice playing brother!..I enjoyed it!

[@ryanpetriello3461]

The Jaguar totally blew me away, it's such a unique sound and I love that it has both a bass cut and the rhythm circuit

[@TheGearPeddler]

I bought both! No regrets👍🏻

[@kristinnsigfusson]

I think the Jaguar is the best surf guitar period. More Jag videos please!

[@bumblefritz]

I've been in love with Jaguars ever since playing one in shell pink at a local shop. Whenever I went there I had to play it. One day... it was gone. I asked the guy behind the counter if they were ever getting more Jags and the guy claimed they never had one... The Phantom Jaguar. Seeing John Frusciante and Kurt Cobain using them cemented that I had to have one. I got my first job at around 14-15 working a couple hours a night and saved up for like a year and bought my Jaguar. An '06 American Vintage '62 Reissue Jaguar in sunburst. Nearly 20 years late and it's still rock solid, even with the notorious bridge. Truly a dream guitar.

[@MoKoLoKo37]

Aesthetically I prefer the small pickups and all the crazy so-60's electronics of the Jaguar, but thing I prefer the sound of the longer scale Jazzmaster. I had never heard a comparison between the two models so close and it's really educational. Thanks!

[@Visionism]

The answer is "Gretsch" because you can get them in silver sparkle, which is the most important thing.

[@AlexGroen]

@@Visionism There was literally a Squier Jag in silver sparkle

[@yashinisuki]

Golden sparkle FSR coming out soon

[@acadianflatpicker]

I have blue sparkle!!! :)

[@baltipszlr3398]

@@yashinisukiis it an exclusive through a retailer?

[@yashinisuki]

@@baltipszlr3398 nope, it’s available for a pre-order from most of the music shops here in the UK.

[@danapplebee4408]

I love my Jaguar. You didn’t talk much about how it feels to play the short scale, but I love how easy it is to play stretchy chords on it. That and the punchy sound of the Jag are what I like most.

[@johnperry9082]

I would like to know how it feels to play the shorter scale neck too. Is string bending easier like on a Les Paul for starters.

[@damianjoseph9222]

@@johnperry9082 Jags really need heavier strings. The scale makes them a bit slinkier, but I think it's harder for bends on offsets than other guitars. I got used to using the tremolo to bend upward, though.

[@danapplebee4408]

@@johnperry9082yes it’s noticeably easier than on my tele with strings of the same gage.

[@terryenglish7132]

? We're talking finger bends, right ? That's totally reversed from my experience. I find it easier to bend on longer scales. Fender over Gibson for example. So it can't be just the scale length. A friend noticed the same thing when we were comparing Gibson and Fender guitars. The amount of bend might be a factor too. Slightly off pitch for Surf vs 2 half steps for Blues.

[@terryenglish7132]

But I think the main thing is the shallow angle across the bridge , which, tho more w a LP than a Jag is still way less than the 90° on a Tele or Strat.

[@internalmethods]

I have both of these and a telecaster from the classic vibe series, and I can tell you that these are some of the BEST made Squier guitars ever!!! In fact, I only had to do a setup on one of them. The pickups sound fantastic, they stay in tune extremely well, and they are built like tanks.

[@norseman61]

Finally a clear, concise explanation and demonstration of the differences of these two. Both are extremely cool, but I can see why the JM is more popular. The tone was much crisper, articulate, and twangy. The Jag seemed a little dark, but still awesome. For my personal taste, I’ll vote for the JM.

[@davidmillermusic13]

I’ve been watching your videos for years and this just hit me today … you need a mini surfboard for your surf pedalboard, your “surf board”. Would it be completely impractical? Absolutely. But it would be sweet!

[@scottenglert4083]

I have a Daphne Blue Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar and it's pretty wild... but the lead circuit with the strangle switch is *definitely* great for the jangle-y sound and when you mix it with some good reverb and palm muting...*so good* The short scale is pretty great too...

[@JamesCollinsworth-p2h]

Jaguar is so surf!!🎸 Just bought a Squier ‘70 model to complete my Squier series models. Love the options on one instrument!!🚀

[@TFShaw]

I learned that I like Jaguars more than I did before watching this very informative and entertaining video.

[@bradleyhajost7161]

I went for the JAGUAR because I like its ease of play and the great TONAL OUT put possibilities. Thank you for inspiring me to push the Outer Limits of my creativity! 🙏🏻🤘🏻🤗🤘🏻

[@Drghoulie]

I appreciate how much you show off the tremolo system, I’ve been watching alot of reviews on jaguars, jazz masters, and mustangs trying to see which I should get and alot of reviewers lightly cover the tremolo. They don’t crank it like you do. Also love your play style, I would love to learn to play like you.

[@jessethetodd]

I have both exact guitars in the exact colors and can't say enough good about them. The more I play the more I see them as very different. For me the Jazzmaster is more smooth and open and jangly and the Jag has more attitude and snarl - more punchy/throaty "thud" as you call it.. Super well done and as always very entertaining.

[@asquare9316]

Jaguar, my first and only (so far) solid body guitar. It's awesome as I am not that tall.

[@jeromemurphy2572]

Thank you for inspiring me and jolting me back to why I like the Jaguar so much for surf music. Your playing is also very inspiring. More than you could ever know. Thank you Ryan. Few people play Jaguars and Jazzmasters like you do, the way they were intended to be played. At least the way many surf players played them back in the day.

[@WarrenAndrews-w5x]

Squier classic vibe 70s jaguar perfect in my subjective opinion!😎 and you're review is also perfect! Thanks!

[@matthewbowman3861]

I’ve watched for years but this might be my first comment. I really enjoyed hearing you play in your favorite genre with the effects you would use for that music. You play dry a fair amount-I assume to showcase instrument/amp tone, but for this style of music the effects really help me understand what you are doing and what the tones of the guitars and amps are for-more please!

[@stevebarnett5048]

I smiled all the way through, great playing and a perfect way to compare. FWIW I have just bought a Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar and find the sound much more interesting than my Fender Jazzmaster, and after tuning it played pretty darned good straight out of the box.

[@billsmotrilla6215]

What a fantastic comparison that addresses something I have always pondered myself. Great content!

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

Jag hands down!!👍👍

[@DaleRobertSzyms]

I just recently got the Jaguar because it was on sale and I love it, the short scale reminds me of my Rainsong Parlor guitar, makes stretching hard chords easier on my arthritic hands. But, now I want a matching Jazzmaster!

[@1rwjwith]

Super BITCHIN’ surf playing there man! Way cool , I like the JAG , I like the 24” scale and pickups.

[@unofsnd]

You have to have both. They are both great in their own unique way! 🎉

[@jeromemurphy2572]

I always thought and still do think the Jaguar has a sweeter, higher sound and seems like the Jazzmaster is duller and less distinctive to me. The Jag seems like the quintessential sound of the surf. And I like the feel better.

[@SeanPJohnson78]

@@jeromemurphy2572 I totally agree 100%

[@robf.7404]

Great comparison! Of course "I Want the One I Can't Have", the MarrGuar, and it's driving me mad. Hah, nice Smith's you did at the end. So, here's what I took from this: I liked the Jazzmaster for the heavy overdriven stuff and the Jag for the cleans. That doesn't help me because now I want both. I would use the Jazzmaster for some nasty *Man or Astro-Man* type stuff.

[@firewerk66]

I've always loved Jags!

[@rehkram]

I need both. For me the Jazzmaster takes line honors for pure tone, definitely. I've watched it through twice now. Jaguar for the short scale characteristics, bling and versatility. $900 for two excellent instruments, whaaat? I have a few others I never play I could sell for more than that. Great review Ryan, thanks, appreciate you - Mark

[@ericjenks9596]

I bought both, lol. I love my Johnny Marr Jag and my American Original 60's Jazzmaster. I almost feel like the Jazzmaster is piano like with it's response. The Jag is grittier.

[@francoantonio9936]

Saw your comment on my post on Reddit thanks so much for the detailed video thoroughly enjoying it.

[@timothyflyte9443]

I love my ,'84 Fender Jag . MIJ..... I've been wanting a Jazzmaster .... Good video.

[@ScottEnglund]

I've owned multiple examples of both, from pre-CBS to Squiers that were on sale at Christmas. There is no wrong decision. They can both surf. If I HAD to make a choice between the two, I'd go with the Jazzmaster, only due to the tighter tone (compare a 30" bass to a 34" bass and the difference will jump out at you). But again, you can't go wrong with either.

[@voxissima1702]

Great review Ryan. To me, the Jazzmaster isn't brighter but has more mids. The Jag sounds more scooped to my ears...

[@bivotarshamble3672]

Well they both sound good. I had the Jaguar and the thing that I didn't like was that the rhythm output volume was considerably more than the lead circuit. The Jazz master seems to have a bit more overall output volume than the Jaguar. At least to my ears. Again, they both are well worth the money. Set up right and you have two very good and modifiable platforms for sure. Good work as usual Ryan!

[@jtops3000]

They both sound great. The Jaguar has more tone variations. The tremolo sounds smoother on the Jazzmaster. That’s probably to do with the scale length. Lots of fun either way. Great demonstration.

[@Lomoholga2]

1. 24 inch scale length the guitar really becomes a different instrument ergonomically- stretches are noticeably easier in lower registers however many types of chords (m7b5) in upper registers are almost impossible because of the closer frets. 1.b) Smaller hands? Go with the Jaguar! 1. c) regular size hands? Get a Jaguar- you will be able to play it for much longer without hand fatigue 2. The rhythm circuit is great for an instant and complete sound change at the literal flick of a switch. This and the strangle switch are great to use as a lead tone when using a fuzz or treble booster circuit- very warm singing tonal quality

[@rocketsurgeon4461]

Oddly enough. I wish you posted this yesterday as I was indeed choosing between the two models. I went with the Jazzmaster for the scale length alone. Another great video, keep it up!

[@byroneism]

love my cv Jag had it about 3 months hard to put down thanks for all your help with getting the right pedals

[@bradpittiful7288]

leaning toward the jaguar as you stated...gets you the spaghetti western sound as well as surf!

[@yashinisuki]

I own both and in my opinion Jazzmaster is a safe choice, even though I think that Jaguar is way cooler looking and sounding guitar. I also find my Jazzmaster way more comfortable to play both in sitting and standing position (due to the smaller and lighter body).

[@owlauxGR]

Both are great for different reasons... the Jazzmaster seems like it has a flatter EQ curve and the Jaguar has a chunkier lower end. The Jaguar does look better and the electronics have more of an in-your-face tone. Most people should prefer it. As a supporting instrument in a production environment, I think the jazzmaster is a better team player when considering a mix.

[@titichartay7216]

Great comparison between the two & some fab classic & not so classic sounds !😊

[@jameswilliford5478]

Killer intro to the video!

[@paulallen3557]

I played a beautiful 1963 Jaguar at AmVets "sock hops" and liked it a lot. However, doing covers as we did, I think the Jazzmaster would have been more useful. I like the bright, open ring of the JM. Good video, fellar!

[@Southernguitar74]

I played at a local AmVets for years here in Ga. They are so appreciative and fun. I played old school country and rockabilly. That place was like my second home and one of the best gigs I ever played. They always took care of us.

[@paulallen3557]

I bet we could have been switched in mid-"gig" and would hardly have known the difference! We would play two hours of all acoustic Stanley Brothers Bluegrass and then four hours of old rock n' roll. It was like family. So good to hear from you.

[@debhart4302]

Thank you for doing the best comparison video of these 2 guitars. The Jag wins in my opinion.

[@whiskeymike8010]

HUGE SMILE!!!!! Love Both of These!!!! Made My Day!

[@acadianflatpicker]

Love my Gretsch double cut Jet with Bigsby for Surf!!!

[@Rob-fn1lm]

I reaĺĺy dig your channel the way you play surf guitar is awsome great feel have a great day man

[@inthestudy]

The Classic Vibe Jaguar comes in Gold Sparkle. Easy.

[@SierraAppa]

What a great video. Thank you. I learned…I am all about the jaguar…all day. To jangly with the jazz master. And I am a jazz guitarist…or I attempt at being a jazz guitarist

[@namagenshu]

haven't played my 68 Jaguar in a while, but think it's coming out of the case today!

[@rick00770]

I like both , but the jazzmaster is so versatile, all those buttons an slides, that's interesting. I'm a blues and country player. I could make it work. 😊

[@darkoidinamo]

Best presentation of the difference between these two legendary models !

[@lonewolffgrey8983]

... i couldnt decide so i got both and lovin it dude...

[@diogomp81]

I struggled with this decision a couple of years ago, had them both here. I prefer the Jaguar in every possible way, except for the look of those single coils, too similar to a strat for me, which is a guitar I can't stand. I ended up keeping the Jazzmaster 'cause I couldn't live with myself if my electric guitar didn't remind me of the cover of Loveless. My priorities are extremely healthy, evidently. I miss the Jaguar, much more organic sounding to my ears, much more usable for what I needed it for, plus any guitar can do shoegazing, really. I can only own one. So yeah. Kept the Jazzmaster 'cause I'm a masochist.

[@robertpickwoad8512]

Ryan, this was (IMHO) a most excellent discussion and intro for those who may be interested in surf and the common tools used...I own both and love them (63, 65, 63 JM)

[@cvanhetkaar96]

Ok, listened to this video a second time without looking to much. - There are also Jazzmasters with rithm circuits so that would Have been nice in the comparison. - the jag, in my opinion, gives a much more subtil tone where the jazz sounds cleaner when playing clean or with reverb only. - tried to compare them to a mustang ( also shortscale) too.. Cleanest sound ( which i really appreciate) is still the mustang , so my choice is still on .. the mustang , i guess. To be sure i will have to find a guitar shop where i can rest them, which is not an easy task where i live 😢 Keep up the good work, i love this kind of video’s !👍

[@Prajnana]

I could hear the biggest differences when you strummed both at the 29" mark. Not sure which I liked the best - the bright and jangly Jag has it's appeal, but I'm leaning towards the JM; it just seemed to have more overall sonic richness and detail. The looser string tension of the 24" scale is appealing, but that could likely be achieved by using lighter gauge strings on the JM (possibly sacrificing some of the tonal qualities that I like about it!).

[@kappanastemme6782]

Went shopping for teles, decided to try both of these guitars on a whim. Didnt care for the JM at all, but the Jag..its my favorite guitar. It became my favorite guitar the minute i plugged it in. The rhythm circuit is my happy place. I'm not into surf music, for me the Jaguar just has incredible sympathetic resonance behind it that I now want all the time. I'm considering dropping a jag trem into my mustang.

[@epavlov]

Jazzmaster is wow for me! Loved the sound!

[@carnivalcast]

I’m more of a Jazzmaster guy myself, but Jags are incredibly fun

[@TommySG1]

Thanks for doing this man…. I’ve been on the fence about purchasing one of these and the scale length will certainly have me go towards the shorter one 🤙

[@CindyBallreich]

Jazzmaster for me! Daphne blue with a custom pickguard!

[@AgentD8]

I personally own both guitars and more into the Jag mainly for the scale length. I love my CV 60s JM and need to play it more often since that was my very first offset guitar.

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

What a great video! Kudos sweetwater! Loved the intro music!

[@chrismaghintay]

I really like the scale length of JMs, but the block inlays and the binding on the Jag is waaay cooler looking

[@bradcanrockursox]

You can get those on a JM too, bud. The 70s models specifically, but I only play 60s or ultra-modern. Their tones are infinitely superior.

[@cvanhetkaar96]

Thank you for this comparison, please do more of those like tele- and Stratocaster or different versions of telecaster etc. Great playing bbtw 👍

[@Mentalocrity]

This definitely reaffirmed my love of my CV Jazz, I picked it up a while back and was worried I might regret it but I love that twinkly jangle to it. That said I definitely wanna play around with Jags more. I’m especially curious about that Affinity Jag, since those new Affinity guitars seem kinda nice.

[@60CycleHumcast]

gonna try to demo one of the affinities when they become available

[@Mentalocrity]

@@60CycleHumcast Very interested to hear your thoughts on it. I've been eyeballing that crimson FMT Telecaster, might be my birthday present if I like it!

[@judemisura4323]

My plan is for both eventually. Maybe a nice Xmas gift to myself

[@GavinReeves4321]

I’m gonna get the Jazzmaster in sonic blue cause my local music store has one and I picked it up and played it and it’s such a nice guitar I fell in love with it when I saw it there. It’s so so nice

[@MickeyDs14]

I have the CV Jag...it's my favorite guitar I've ever owned. Jags are just IT!

[@ElectromaticG5120]

I find it very difficult to choose between them. The Jag seems more “rock and roll” like. A bit more shreddy. The JM seems more shrill and deep at the ends of the audio spectrum. I picked the Mascis JM because the pickups seem to bring these two type guitars closer to each other soundwise. I liked this comparo very much. It’s very precise and honest.

[@trevorarthurson6815]

Just ordered my Jaguar, picking it up on Monday.

[@dogsbodyish8403]

Beautifully explained, Ryan. Thanks for that!

[@davidmahoney1248]

Ryan, I always think of 4 guitars for surf; Jags, and Jazzmasters, Strats, and Mosrites.

[@andrewsmith1520]

I figured you'd have them through in a Mustang as well because of your fairly new found love of their trem system.

[@ChordsandSotoOfficial]

For me I'd go with the jazz i just love the sound of them and the versatility

[@royalslim2024]

A really Good show as always

[@wesleyzimmerman94]

The Guitar Manifesto did a great short and straight to the point comparison of a Vintage Modified Jag, Jazz and even a Mustang, And TBH, I preferred the sound of the Mustang

[@wharman1]

QUESTION FOR BRYAN THE MANYkin: Dear Bryan, Please explain the five things you need to do to your guitar tone to sound like surf. I think it would be fun to get Bryan's take on surf sounds. Love the show - MAHALO!

[@gavinehringer4341]

Just the rig you see here - Fender single coil guitar (Jazz, Strat or Jag), a Fender amp (Princeton, Deluxe Reverb, Twin or similar) on clean tones, and a reverb tank (the Surfybear is excellent). If you don't have vibrato in the Fender amp, add a good vibrato pedal, such as the SurfyTrem. Now, work on your technique - alternate picking, glissandos, Major and Minor chord scales and chords. There you go...five things to get surf tone and style!

[@bradcanrockursox]

Or you can just get the Valco Five-0 and have it all in one box, once you learn to dial it in. I have it, and it sounds amazing through my Fender HRD IV with the matching extension cab. I play my original 61 Strat and 61 Jazzmaster through that rig, as well as, my 2018 American Professional Strat with Fender hot-noiseless pups I dropped in it. That setup is criminal. . . 🔥😮‍💨💎

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

Obviously the Jaguar. So much more bling

[@adventureawaits3646]

great video! I'm pretty sure that exact Jaguar in that color will be mine soon, the Jazzmaster sounded great too, but the Jaguar was more pleasing to my taste. Fantastic comparison with the quick edits between the two of them, I find it so hard to compare if it's one after the other with some talking in between. Was just at GC today with my daughter (who wants a tele) and played with a Jaguar they had there, not sure the exact model and I didn't plug in, but felt nice in my hands. Which are on the larger side and I'm 6'3'' tall, but play guitars on my left leg, so the slightly shorter neck might just be the reason. Thanks!

[@GuitarUnderground]

The claw on the Jag pickup is supposed to be hum canceling. I don't know if it actually is, but it was designed in response to hum being a big problem with those early strat designs. Also, the jag has a more scooped sound than any other Fender instrument. More bass, more treble. That's why there's a strangle switch to cut the highs and low to get a more mid-focused sound. If you want to really differentiate the sound of your Jag from the JM, I'd recommend using LaBella Jazz Flats 11s on the Jag. It brings out the thump in a way that works really nice for surf guitar.

[@gregorymackenzie1108]

Hey, this is a great comparison! I like them both for their differences. As a total beginner I would first be tempted to go with the Jazzmaster. However the Jaguar, well, that sound is definitely different and for the price you are getting something that you can really grow into down the road. The shorter neck will make a difference in comfort which matters to me. I curently have a small Jay Turser LP style guitar with the shorter scale, P90s, and a wiggle stick added on. I used to have a Strat clone but I found that I didn't like it as much. The Jaguar would be my choice. Something to think about when I outgrow this yard sale guitar I bought!

[@AlexanderDekhtyar]

Already made that choice a year ago - got the very Jag Ryan is playing. A year later, still am totally digging it.

[@jktolford8272]

Between these 2, the Jazzmaster. Been playing & love the 24" Mustang since I bought a used one circa 1980. My first Fender. Also love Strats. Hadn't really thought about a larger offset, but I do like the sounds from that Jazzmaster.

[@melvoid01]

There were so many points in this vid where I seriously thought you were about to break out into a Smiths/Johnny Marr riff, both those guitars are not just for Surf.

[@rocktorrocks]

Even before you mentioned the scale length, I was thinking about that being the most significant difference in terms of tone and feel. So glad you highlighted that. Amazing overview. I don’t play surf and was looking at a strat…but now I have offset GAS haha. The Jaguar would be my choice. I really dig shorter scales.

[@terryking2217]

Man, you used to review Squires all the time. A little blast from the past!

[@caelenselke-minogue]

I've never played surf once and I'm still loving this.

[@rockinbobokkin7831]

It's a gateway drug

[@johncollins5552]

I tried to play the Pixies surf version of Wave of Mutilation, presumably recorded with their standard tele for rhythm and LP for lead. I dunno, I can't even swim....nevermind surf.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Looks like they’ve corrected the headstock size on the ‘70s Jag, cool! 👍 They had the same issue on the Fender ‘66 Jazzmaster reissue - they initially and mistakenly put the smaller ‘58 to early ‘60s headstock on it, when it should have come with post ‘65 bigger one. Good on Fender for addressing this…. Now if they’d just acknowledge that to be truly vintage accurate, the Jag really needs to come with the mute installed.😉

[@townee23]

ryan really coaxes the "boings" out of that jazz! i thought i'd prefer the jag right at the start, and so i still do. seems more versatile.

[@rmaxtpmx]

I bought a 65 reissue Jag back in in the early 00's. It sounded absolutely amazing, but I couldn't get along with it physically at all. Ended up selling it a few weeks later. I had no idea until years later that it was the scale length making all the difference.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

Imagine if Fender saw the comments on this video. Maybe they’d show the jag some more love. It seems like there are way more people commenting here that they prefer the Jag over the Jazzmaster. I personally dig the shorter scale myself, but you can get the Jazzmaster feeling super slinky as well and still maintain that 25.5 scale, id that’s your jam. There are no bad options here. Thanks again for the video, man!

[@60CycleHumcast]

Just doing my part to grow demand. If fender sees jags selling they will cater to that market more often.

[@mindfield9832]

Some tasty lead work. One day I hope to tremolo pick as well as you.

[@deadrumdrive]

the jaguar must feel real nice but the sound coming from the regular jazz bridge was gooooooooooooooood

[@mahmam3128]

That was a tasty opening jam