JAZZMASTER REVIEW #3: Fender American Ultra Demo

[@Deafteen_s]

this guy deserves a fender endorsement / bigger fanbase

[@Puisheen]

GENE THANK YOU

[@julianhyde1645]

Agreed. Just subbed.

[@BadChizzle]

If Fender was on it, they would not only back him... but find a way to help him. Not only with Guitars and $... but by sending viewers in his direction. A lot of people wonder what the Love for these offset Guitars stems from. Here... we find palpable explanations and inspiring example of the answers. I... even after playing for a long time, didn’t know until I watched this channel. Now I will have one thousand... ... and TWO Guitars! Ha!

[@user-ki8ye1kx7c]

Fender…what are you waiting for? This guy knows his stuff and is a marketing dream for you

[@kaneo67]

he sure does

[@gwbfrench]

Mike deserves wayyyyy more subscribers and attention to not only his ability to play but also his unique luthier knowledge of jazz masters and jaguar. I really enjoy your content, please keep it coming !!!

[@Puisheen]

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

I really do appreciate how hard it is to be honest when evaluating gear when you aren't that happy with it. Critiquing something though is a much more useful than criticizing the same thing. And for that I thank you man!

[@mrjdsummers]

Fender decided they’re embarrassed of the Jazzmaster and think it needs to be “fixed.” Still loving this series man!

[@davidlee2790]

Great balanced evaluation. The bridge and collet would be deal-breakers/essential mods for me. I’d love to hear your views on the 60th Anniversary triple. I have one and can never decide whether I love it or just “meh” 😂. I DO love my Squier Staytrem-modded JM!

[@Puisheen]

Someday!

[@davidkekstroll5836]

Screw Fender, you should try the Momose Jazzmaster. THAT Is a real Jazzmaster.

[@Puisheen]

@@davidkekstroll5836 lol a copy of a Japanese Jazzmaster with worse hardware no thanks

[@madalinilie3190]

It does need to be fixed just not the way that they do.

[@robertblumenfeld824]

The Nels/Wilco licks got my attention and a big smile on my face immediately. Great playing, and a great way to start off the video

[@russellskiles5723]

I grabbed the ultra before really knowing or hearing too much about the pick ups. I was also super excited for the phase switch. I swapped the noiseless pups out for something way more vintage and dynamic & holy smoooooookes. It’s flippin incredible man! I can’t put it down.

[@Truth1nNature]

Did you have to change the pots or anything to better match the pick ups you used? And what pick ups did you go with?

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

@@Truth1nNature you probably could have just changed the pots to 1 meg instead of the 250k but then the S1 switch is 250k I think and it's a fender proprietary switch. :( Fender probably didn't have 1 meg push pull switches. I see this done a lot in their cheaper models with mismatching pots but on a higher end? Really Fender? You couldn't make a 1 meg proprietary switch.

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

I heard a rumour that the synthetic cows that the synthetic bone comes from are the same cows that tolex comes from...

[@ZAcKHINN]

Oh man, "The World Is Bad and The World Is Good" is one of my favorite Waits songs! Great review, thanks Mike!

[@Puisheen]

Really it's his underrated masterpiece, so thought provoking and insightful

[@Polarcito4]

Man your are a great composer. I'd love to listen to all this intros and jams in an album or something like that.

[@andrewljacob]

The Teddy Ruxpin box in the background makes you my favourite Jazzmaster reviewer by far.

[@paulantoni1046]

I would like to see Fender hire this man to be the voice over for all new models specs in a mid century modern style 🛒

[@lucgroen5719]

I love it when Pancake makes a cameo! Good luck with the moving, take your time, we'll be here when you're ready for another video. 💚

[@Deafteen_s]

the video quality is over the top. I cannot believe this guy only has 4000 subs

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Puisheen, You know I’ve been waiting eagerly for this. I don’t have an issue with anything you have mentioned. As you know I have the Ultra in Plasma Burst Red. I absolutely love mine. From watching all of your videos, I understood what to look out for. So before I purchased mine I played it as hard as I dared to see if the strings were going to hop out of the saddle and they didn’t. Since this is my first Jazzmaster, I didn’t have to unlearn the switch configuration. I just had to learn what Fender were trying to impart with this new setup. The amp that I have is the Fender Tone Master Twin Blonde, which I must add is very different from the same model Black. The Blonde has a creamier sound. Anyway, my Ultra roars through my amp. I didn’t have/notice an output issue. I did change my vibrato to the Mastery but I kept the original bridge. BTW, my arm didn’t make that noise! And I had some shielding added. I love the neck, my left hand is comfortable. Like you I need a light guitar and this is fantastic. So, keep preaching the truth my Jazzmaster Soul Brutha. Your channel is fabulous and I eagerly wait to watch and learn some new wisdom. As I’ve said before, Fender either needs to hire you so that you could improve the Jazzmaster line or give you your signature model. Either of which would sell out rapidly.

[@danhedonia]

Really appreciate that you understand how a JM should be played.

[@geofflb6537]

I'm so happy with my AOJM. And thanks - I've learnt so much from your articles over the years and I'm enjoying these YT reviews.

[@Puisheen]

Geoff thank you so much!!!!!

[@alexk3088]

The genius of Leo Fender keeps finding ways to frustrate those who would minimize it by trying to "fix" those "bad designs" :o)

[@Puisheen]

AGREED

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

I disagree I like how Fender is trying to change things up. I just don't like out phase sounds, I like the old high pass filter. Thing is people think Leo is a genius, but also he did cheap out on a lot of parts, put in bad shims back in the day with the whole neck angle adjuster. Also people give him too much credit, he had a lot of other people help him design stuff. Thing is old farts don't like change. That's why most boring white guitar players play boring blues all day. Old farts make all the purchases.

[@MildFantasyThreat]

Fender should seriously be paying you to manage their offset line!

[@ghostsethrich7306]

Honestly, yes. He's a genuinely big fish as both a player and a critic, and the offset pond is very small.

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

NO NO NO youtube has enough fake guitar influencers.

[@ThundeeStormCat]

I Have had this guitar for two months and love it I wouldn’t change a thing on it

[@ShipWreckedBard44]

Did you change the bridge like he suggests?

[@drewnorth3816]

The solo from At Least That's What You Said is one of my favorites of all time. You really did it justice, nailed it. Nice work! Nice demo!

[@basdebruin7383]

I have an elite strat and I absolute love it to bits... now I m considering a second fender guitar and my thoughts keep coming back to the ultra Jazzmaster and telecaster. Seeing this video made me want to try a ultra jazzmaster.

[@salassandoval]

amazing video man... Thank you. I wanted to ask you, which one from the three pickups you mentioned you would consider the ones that has "more character"? more warm and vintage sound? I have this guitar, the blue one, and I'm looking to change the pickups...

[@relitio]

Fender needs honest experts like this to get to the top.

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

Fender has been a the top for awhile now.

[@piotrtrypus]

The intro jam nails the Jason Molina vibes..this is lovely :)

[@SMAWA9]

❤️

[@scottnewellguitar]

Fender is really blowing it IMO with these $2k models that discerning players will want to mod to the tune of $600-$800 (plus labor).

[@isaiahcoles3274]

It's not a big thing if you know what you want. Besides, you can always sell the components you're not using and get some of that money back. That's what I've done with the guitars I've committed to. The whole point is to make it yours.

[@scottnewellguitar]

@@isaiahcoles3274 Uh yeah that's why I am building my own JM using Warmoth.com, chambered body, flame maple top, burst finish, Fralin hum-canceling JMs, Mastery trem/bridge, roasted flame maple neck, SS6105 frets, Gotoh tuners, for the SAME price as the Fender. The ultra should be no more than $1500 with the issues Mike describes (maybe even less).

[@isaiahcoles3274]

@@scottnewellguitar I've got a TVL. Got a full stainless 6105 refret and re-radius (7.25-9.5 compound) and a full Mastery OMV-P kit.

[@isaiahcoles3274]

@@scottnewellguitar I'd be lying if I said it was a bargain, but the guitar has sentimental value, so I figured I'd split the losses and make it everything i want. If I want to flip, I have other guitars for that.

[@scottnewellguitar]

@@isaiahcoles3274 That guitar is much more reasonably priced than the Ultra! Dig

[@blaisesantangelo7197]

I've seen your reviews before and just subscribed. I like the critical eye you have and the touch in your playing. It's great that you can be as critical as you are with the guitars because you aren't a sales rep. I find myself looking for the same thing you look for in a guitar. Thanks so much for your hard work.

[@glennfeatherstone36]

This is video is the first of yours I've seen, Mike. Fantastic review. You have a new subscriber.

[@Puisheen]

Thank you, Glenn!

[@glennfeatherstone36]

@@Puisheen 👍 Looks like I'll have plenty of catching up on your channel. Looking forward to it. But first... a grammar/writing tutorial. 😝

[@jrockkai]

I've been solidly playing a Squier JMJM and a Road Worn Jazzmaster in a folk metal band for years and love them, but I feel like the Ultra has been calling me since launch D: I greatly appreciate the take on the bridge because the JMJM bridge ordeal has been bugging me its entire existence and just found out early this year why. So knowing before purchase is a blessing lol.

[@jrockkai]

Picked up that American Ultra last month that came with a mastery bridge and the points made in this video were dead on. I picked up the novak JM-Fat/V set, but didnt realize there arent 1meg pots which explains a lot about how these pickups sound. Also picked up the arm and collet for the trem! Cannot wait to install, just trying to find a good tech in Maryland! Hope you're enjoying being back in Seattle, can't wait for those videos to start trickling in. Keep up the great work Mike!

[@julianhyde1645]

That has to be my favorite WILCO song. Subbed!

[@christianberthiaumeccb]

Thank you for sharing your passion and your generosity. Your are a great teacher ! You do the absolutely best guitar reviews on youtube. 🙏

[@christianberthiaumeccb]

Am I? I don't think so.

[@steveg219]

I really like all the modern specs, neck compound radius, frets , locking tuners, etc However Jazzmaster players say the pickups really aren’t right. What do people think of this guitar with different pickups??

[@Oldrumpty]

Thanks Mike - I had no idea about the staytrem collet option. You may have just solved the trem issues I've been having with my Classic Player

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

Just bought a staytrem but honestly you can just put plastic tubing to stabilize the bridge. The staytrems look solid but I think locking tuners are better upgrade for stability.

[@Massimiliano2873]

At least that's what you said.... What a tune! Thank you !!!!!!!!!! By the way beautiful playing Mike!

[@ampman40]

Man I love your playing. Another great and entertaining review! I need a Mastery. Good luck with your move!

[@Puisheen]

Thanks, Rick!

[@mikekelley]

Your smirk when playing Pancake...lol, you just KNOW how good that thing is in comparison. Even the quick strums you played made me lust for that thing more than the Ultra...almost immediately.

[@Puisheen]

Ha! Yeah, I noticed that in editing, like you can tell exactly what I'm thinking

[@dansweeney4497]

excellent reviews and excellent playing. Thank you!

[@honnaconna7312]

This is a more than fair review. I’ve got one of these and the guitar itself is tremendous but the pick ups... good looooord the pick ups 🤦‍♂️🤣 Great work 👍

[@Puisheen]

It's wild to me that the output issue wasn't fixed during development. But truly, I liked the guitar!

[@luislazaro1071]

The part about compound radius was so helpful!

[@stevetucker9955]

Great piece of work.

[@jonharley7715]

Good to have such an honest review. Thank you.

[@Krisfit138]

I can get behind the series/parallel. That's probably it, though. Not even the layout of the tone knobs makes sense.

[@jackmalcic2949]

I know right, was just thinking that! What could their reasoning possibly be???

[@ShipWreckedBard44]

Dude I understand your criticism of this model, but after hearing that demo in the beginning you convinced me the pickups ain’t that bad. Imma buy it.

[@georgeszweden9497]

17:05​ - 17:23​ In/Out of Phase Jam is that a song or a jam? cause damn

[@Puisheen]

Just made up

[@chrixtopherjane]

That Series/Parallel jam was lush!

[@richardchristner9347]

I knew I was in trouble when I saw I was wearing the same shirt. LOL. I literally have one of these in my shopping cart. Seems a very honest review given from his experience. I personally like the tone better in the pickups when compared with his louder 61 jazzmaster. Even though he seems to not like the pickups, the tones coming from them speak differently then his mouth. LOL. They sound very sweet. Possible they are too "polite"? I'm not fully deterred from buying one but def hate the idea of having to get a mastery bridge that's a solid couple hundred bucks. Gonna ponder a few other models first.

[@jeffsimkins8521]

Really great review of the Ultra and have enjoyed your other JM reviews. The riff you play at 17:40 when playing both pups in parallel is awesome! What song is that or is it one of your originals?

[@firebirdgao]

I love my jazzmaster ultra

[@jecoboost7775]

What are your favourite parts about it? How do you use the switching and thoughts on the noiseless pickups?

[@madalinilie3190]

The fact that people have so much good will towards Fender is mind boggling to me. I love the Jaguar/Jazzmaster and Fender treats these models with contempt, basically forcing us to upgrade the vibrato unit and the bridge immediately. If they're unwilling or unable to come up with something that just works , they should make a deal and license Staytrem/Mastery designs ffs, but the logical conclusion is that they don't care or don't want to cut into their fat profit margins. They could even call this hypothetical version something with "Ultimate Modern etc" in the name while keeping the flawed legacy designs available. It's not rocket science to fix these issues, don't force the client to spend hundreds dollars more for third party fixes.

[@bcjaliu]

A 9.5” radius bridge ....on 10-14” radius guitar... yeah that’s a massive fail...a too high G and D string action drives me nuts also. And I also like a flatter bridge radius compared to the neck radius on my Fenders. Apropos that, I have a Wildwood 10 CS JM (10” radius) and it’s perfect with a 12” radius Staytrem bridge, I absolutely love that set up!

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

I think ghe more i kearned about this jazzmaster the more i want it. The warmth is so welcome to my ears, since thin and wispy tones are ok but i like that fullness and how much fuzz those pups can take!!

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

tone and volume pots were changed to 250k in American ultra, making these pretty dark. Swapping them into a classic vibe does brighten them up a bit with the 1 meg pots. Although I didn't like them initially, this was most likely done on purpose for more of a modern sound. Also tilting the pickups way more aggressively on treble side also helps. But overall I prefer these to the brighter single coils. HM2 and fuzzy gated distortions sound great. I agree the out phase switch sounds less useful than the old rhythm circuit. The old rhythm circuit sounds amazing with HM2 high gain sounds.

[@martyjackson180]

interresting : you use this guitar for metal ?

[@guitarz]

great review and love those tones!!

[@Puisheen]

Thank you!

[@noisegenerator]

Love the Wilco in the intro!

[@Puisheen]

Loooooove Wilco

[@noisegenerator]

@@Puisheen Same!

[@carterheekin1974]

I think varying how much it sounds out of phase is the whole point of the individual volumes in the out of phase circuit. If ou're really into that sound, also look into mods that use a capacitor for a (not literally but effectively "half out of phase" sound. But yeah I think the out-of-phase thing is kind of quirky but the individual volume controls to vary how "cocked wah" vs normal bridge or neck sounding it is actually makes it useful for that alternative lead tone or what have you. Had the same ability on my Les Paul before i modded it. Don't miss the ability for it all that much but i will say it was cool for a passive on board tone sculpting type of thing. I didn't really test it in a band setting to be honest, but i bet if the jazzmaster sound itself wasn't helping you "cut through" enough that oop circuit would get you there no problem. I mainly enjoyed oop but mostly neck pickup and it actually got the balance of harmonics to be similar to that of the bridge pickup, but different, and that itself was cool. However i also like balancing the pickups like on a bass anyway, so i don't know why the individual volumes functionality had to be tied to out of phase only...

[@nodfactor8808]

Hey Mike! What would you say is the best you've heard out of the other noiseless pickups you mentioned @20:52?

[@Puisheen]

Kinman, Duncan and Novak "Stealth" style pickups

[@nodfactor8808]

@@Puisheen Thank you Mike! LOL but what if you had to pick just one?

[@Puisheen]

@@nodfactor8808 Maybe have a look at the above and see what options fit your needs best? Kinman, for example, makes like four or five different varieties so surely there's a good fit waiting for you!

[@juan3m53]

Great content! Do you recommend it for a first time jazz master owner wanting the configurability?

[@KevinNeil87]

Anther great review, thanks Mike! I'm of the mind that a guitar at this price probably shouldn't need major changes like swapping out the bridge and maybe even the pickups. Swapping things out for personal preference? Sure. But getting functioning bridge on Fender's top non-custom shop series isn't too big of an expectation IMHO.

[@Puisheen]

Eh, I think folks are apt to make personal changes regardless of price point so that doesn't bother me as much as just the problematic nature of it all. Some people probably won't ever make upgrades to these based on their experience

[@KevinNeil87]

@@Puisheen oh yeah, sorry if I wasn't clear, wanting to make personal changes for a guitar is totally reasonable regardless of price! But from what you said that bridge doesn't really work properly for that fretboard which is crazy for a guitar of that price, in my books!

[@Puisheen]

@@KevinNeil87 OH sorry! Totally agreed

[@ZachariahConnor]

Do you think the pot choice on the Ultra cause some of the volume difference in the comparison between Pancake?

[@Puisheen]

Sadly no! The other Ultra I mentioned working on came in for a pickup swap. Before, just as shockingly low-output, and after with no other mods, loud and proud

[@ZachariahConnor]

@@Puisheen that’s so weird why would they be so low output?

[@Puisheen]

@@ZachariahConnor I think because of the stacked noiseless design, and if you look at the coils, they're not even wound with all that much wire

[@MatheusFleming]

Puisheen, what did you think about the change of the input place?

[@Puisheen]

Lol there was so much I wanted to yell about I didn't even touch on that, huh? It's a take or leave thing, and honestly, I'd just rather have the input on the front.

[@jmacc9876]

Having an independant tone control for each pickup on a jazz would be fantastic, kind of a nice trade off to moving the jack to the bottom of the guitar. Tele knobs don't work aesthetically for me but that's an easy change. Change out the pickups, the bridge, and the knobs, put some teflon tape on the vibrato arm and the Ultra Jazzmaster becomes amazing.

[@jannytyler]

Can you swap out the phase controls for a tradition rhythm circuit on this guitar?

[@DurdenSinger]

Great review thanks! I've had this model for around a year now, and love pretty much everything about it (even the pick-ups!). But this vid has pointed me in the right direction to resolve the string action that has mildly bothered me. Seems I have a Mastery bridge installation in my immediate future.

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Great review as always. Good luck with the move internet friend.

[@Puisheen]

Thanks, Fabian!

[@xzatious]

Safe travels man. I'm a big fan of compound radius fretboards, but the price on this one and what I'd need to do it with after-market mods makes it an easy no-go when I start thinking about what else I could get with that full investment price. And if you're reading this Fender, get this man on your product team for the Jazzmaster, listen to what he says and stop making bizarre choices.

[@Puisheen]

KEEP MIKE IN CALIFORNIA BY HIRING HIM NOW

[@MK4vDubbin]

Magnificent Tom Waits impression lmao

[@greasymonkeyguitars9292]

Congrats on the move! Where are you headed to? I'm looking to get out of Los Angeles myself.

[@Puisheen]

Headed to the East Coast. More on that soon

[@ZachariahConnor]

Also, please review the American Pro II! I know you're moving and stuff, but it would be great to hear your thoughts!

[@Puisheen]

I plan on it! I just haven't had my hands on one to work with!

[@Metody89]

Fender special "it's just too much" series :D Great video as always. I really to see review of your own unique offets like Jag with Electric XII pickups

[@Puisheen]

We'll go over my own guitars sometime! Not part of this series though, that wouldn't be fair

[@roymontero4066]

Great vids man. Subscribed when you reviewed the Harmony 8418....

[@Puisheen]

Hey thank you Roy

[@pederweberjrgensen9571]

Great review. Which jazzmaster out of the current available options would you recommend? Are there any of the jazzmasters currentky produced, that have a truer jazzmaster tone? Best regards Peder

[@scottnewellguitar]

"If stages were still a thing" oh man 🤣🤣🤣sad but true

[@Puisheen]

I know I try not to think about it but whenever I do I have to take a walk

[@daryloya]

Mike, it sounded so promising but then you pulled the rug out from under it. What would you do to it if you had to live with it? Mastery, arm and collet, which pickups? Is the wiring and electronics acceptable? Do your links kick you back anything? Big thanks.

[@Puisheen]

First thing I’d change would be pickups and bridge, and then I’d re-evaluate. This one got a Mastery after I filmed and getting the radius worked out really made this a much more enjoyable playing experience. We swapped the pickups too, I think, but I can’t remember what for.

[@daryloya]

@@Puisheen Thanks, much appreciated.

[@dinkerambe]

Can we get a Vintera Jazzmaster Review?

[@Puisheen]

Whenever someone gets one in my hands!

[@mmike65m]

Mike, if you could pick one (Ultra, Am Pro II, or Original 60's) which one would you pick?

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

The sheer _joy_ of rediscovering that Tom Waits bit

[@Puisheen]

He's my fave

[@windyhollow7869]

i don't think i'd personally pick one of these up, but it's nice that fender more or less has something for everyone. this model just seems a bit too modern and complex for me (which is funny, coming from an offset player). at the end of the day i definitely prefer the original design, although i must admit, i like the sounds of this thing.

[@glennmattison3180]

I have heard you mention in a couple of videos that you don't like locking tuners and was wondering why? Is it something that effects tone or something else? Great video!

[@Puisheen]

In my experience bolt bushing tuners that clamp down on the headstock can sound different, but no, I just don't think locking tuners are necessary in almost any situation. Tuning issues are nearly always the fault of improper setup techniques, a poorly-cut nut, bridge saddles that aren't filed to match the size of the string, so unless there's some mechanical problem with the tuners themselves, locking tuners won't fix things!

[@glennmattison3180]

@@Puisheen Thanks!

[@kimrosez]

A jazzmaster with 4 flat and wide single coil pickups kind of underwhelming hehe. I guess a coil split would not be anywhere near resistance of a regular early jm single coil either ? i'm a big fan of the mochaburst on a jm, it just works well on the body design. I have a cobain jag with a classic player tremolo (screw in arm ) and put some rubber tube in it from a noctua pc fan mounting kit and it does help with the noise and the arm staying where i leave it. Also, the side input jack..from images i've seen it looks like a rush job with a less than ideal fit ?

[@Puisheen]

I don't know about the jack. I found it bothersome but not nearly as much as the other issues I had. Can these pickups be split? Now that I think about it, probably so long as you break the connections between them and add some wires. Could be a fun mod!

[@kimrosez]

@@Puisheen I've no idea of the resistance of these but if you can split them could go partial by adding resistors and experiment. Maybe a lot of hassle for little return, not sure. No electronics whiz tbh. :)

[@Puisheen]

@@kimrosez You probably are! I never would have thought about it, you're the ideas person in this operation

[@kimrosez]

​@@Puisheen haha ! *blush*

[@dinom1384]

love the vids. Keep them comming! :)

[@DestroyingAmpsGearDemos]

Listening on my phone i was thinking this sounds awful, I need some headphones to hear it better. No need to bother its obviously just the pickups! Great video. Good luck with the move.

[@Puisheen]

LOL yeah they're pretty weak

[@mlhbro]

Hey, I was just wondering ... is it a very involved process to install a Mastery bridge on this guitar? Is it just a matter of removing the nylon inserts, or do you have to do some pro-level work (i.e. anything involving, say, a drill) to make the thing fit? How difficult is it to remove the nylon inserts?

[@Puisheen]

It's pretty easy! Pry off those nylon inserts and you should be good, but I do often recommend pulling the body thimbles and installing Mastery thimbles for a more positive connection. Fender inserts can vary a bit in inner diameter

[@mlhbro]

@@Puisheen Thanks for the reply! So I assume that would be the M1-KIT, which comes with the M1 Mastery Bridge and the MT 303 Thimbles?

[@Puisheen]

@@mlhbro Indeed!

[@felipelara6735]

Great video Mike, thanks. I’d love if you could do a video on a guitar, which in your opinion is the BEST or absolute favorite on the market for a vintage style Jazzmaster. Whether a fender custom shop, reissue, or some boutique luthier. Great videos in general.

[@Puisheen]

Best, I just can't answer. Favorite, I will always reach for an AVRI62 or Thin Skin variant over the 65 and AO.

[@a.man_an.island]

Let's be honest: the bridge mismatch is a huge gaffe. I don't think the threaded collet is a deal breaker though. Mileage will vary with every sort of mass produced machinery, but when I made my abomination out of an AVRI and a threaded collet, I haven't had nearly the noise from the arm movement that you displayed. However, I've encountered MANY a strat that will do that, so I'm not ignoring that it is a possibility. It just depends on the piece you get. I appreciated your candid commentary! I know you're not the biggest "modern feature" nut, but you can't really argue with how comfortable the contours and the compound radius feels on these Ultras. It really makes for a nice playing experience. Good luck with the move and keep the vids coming!

[@Puisheen]

Oh yeah for sure. I mean, I try to approach with an open mind as I really don't want to just discount anything out of hand. Yes, I love my vintage guitars, but I also have surrounded myself with plenty of great modern guitars. And you're correct on the collet, but I also have to say my '17 American Pro did exactly the same thing. I'm sure there's variation in the line!

[@a.man_an.island]

@@Puisheen I wonder if it’s something about it coming from the factory that way? Or maybe it’s because I like a tight bar

[@Puisheen]

@@a.man_an.island Honestly, I blame that dumb little spring. Those things always push against the bar from under and I suspect it's dragging along the underside as the bar is rotated

[@kylecanyon101]

Just when I find the best tech in SoCal :( Sad to hear you're moving, but best of luck in your future endeavors!

[@Puisheen]

Thank you and sorry! I've closed my books and will be packing for quite some time!

[@atomcatz69]

This is random but!!! just to make sure before I try it... I can solder ground wires for pickups to copper shielding foil right? I have a bit of a freak strat I created and the middle pickup is a pure vintage jazzmaster pickup and It's like single coil like hum is a more noisey than it should be And I noticed my american vintage jaguar has copper plates where the grounds are all soldered to So should I have done this instead of just putting all my grounds in one place?? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@Puisheen]

You definitely can do that, but personally I don't bother. I always make sure my foil on the body and that of the guard overlap and connect, and the pots being connected on the guard connect everything to your string grounds. Grounds going to a single part is usually preferable, but hey, whatever works!

[@atomcatz69]

@@Puisheen right on man! I'll poke at it Could need taped a little more my house is not good for single coils!. when I'm in it's middle position on the ol' 5 way depending on where I'm facing it does quiet down ha

[@petersaccoccio1664]

Diggin the Nels Vibe!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Awesome review! 👏 your knowledge of Jazzmaster guitars is amazing! I was surprised at the volume difference between the true single coils of your original Jazzmaster over this newer one. Still this is a really nice guitar, thank you

[@MarcNeilson1]

Would you ever consider doing a G&L Doheny? Since they're G&L's answer to a Jazzmaster. Would be nice to hear an Offset Experts opinion on them. I tried once and it sounded amazing Imo. I was stuck between getting that and a Jazzmaster but ended up with the Jazzmaster.

[@Puisheen]

I haven't really thought about doing non-Fenders for this series, but I'm sure I could. I was really excited when I first learned G&L were working on an offset about a year and a half before they were officially announced, but ultimately completely disappointed. The sound nice, but another Jazzmaster with a Strat trem is a non-starter

[@MarcNeilson1]

@@Puisheen Yeah, I get what you mean before I got my Jazzmaster I'd never used a Trem/Vibrato of any kind properly. Since then I've gotten a mustang and I can say the Jazz/Jag trem is way more up my street than the mustang which I still not overly used to yet. Even trying my friend's' Strat trem upside down( I'm a lefty) just never felt right. My main guitar before I switched to using Jazzmasters was a G&L ASAT Tribute which is such a great guitar for the money. Much prefer them to a normal tele any day of the week. That's mainly what got me interested in trying the Doheny in the first place. So I'd be interested in playing another one again after being converted to an Offset boy.

[@adamdavis106]

@@Puisheen I agree on doing Jazzmaster like guitars. I have a Nash version and would love if you add those in this series.

[@valdochez25]

I bought this guitar from a friend and I noticed the same issue with the pickups. I noticed that the pots were 250k so I ordered a wiring harness from gunstreet and it solved the issue

[@zhangke1350]

Don't know if Fender are aware of the "radius problem" that got shared in this video but I found that in one of their article they mentioned that "The height of the strings above the fingerboard (or the action) is typically set at the bridge to match the curvature of the fingerboard radius more or less exactly, although players can easily adjust individual string height to personal preference. On instruments with compound-radius fingerboards, string height is typically set to match the fingerboard radius basically in the middle of the scale length; i.e., at or near the 12th fret." link: www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/what-is-fingerboard-radius

[@Puisheen]

That's even worse, then! The bridge doesn't match any part of the neck lol

[@themixmusicandmore6280]

I put the pure vintage 65s in mine and I'm thinking of putting the noiseless back in the bridge and having a hybrid

[@bananahippo]

Honestly this was so helpful. I was thinking of getting one in the future now I don't think I'll save for this. I'm for sure leaning towards America pro 2 now. You ever use halon bridges? I have one on my classic player and it works great free up all the issues with the aom bridges on those. Plus the quality of metal is even better than the mastery.

[@mikeyJstiffler]

I’m trying to decide on if I want to get an ultra or a different kind of jazzmaster. What would you pick ?

[@Metody89]

I'm wating to hear your opinion about American Pro II

[@Puisheen]

Waiting to not be the last person on the internet who got one for free

[@kcd2120]

@@Puisheen Haha! I am also keenly hoping that you’ll be able to review an Am Pro II in the not too distant future. It’s close to the top of my short list together with addition of a proper rhythm circuit and a possible pickup change (easy and comparatively inexpensive).

[@ianjarrold6423]

Amazing review thank you! Sorry for being slow, but I cannot see how a fixed radius bridge at any measurement is going to feel consistent in terms of string height above each fret across each string at every point on a compound radius neck... an impossible task surely? Is it that 16” is the “best feeling” compromise?

[@mlhbro]

With a compound radius fretboard, you have to consider the theoretical radius that extends beyond the fretboard as you move toward the bridge. If you start with a 10" radius at the nut, and end up with a 14" radius by the end of the fretboard, the radius at the bridge is going to be some number larger than 14". You can think of it like a cone that starts smaller at the nut and widens as you move toward the bridge.

[@rusekd]

Love the Wildwood shirt, they’re my local shop!

[@Puisheen]

Love them!

[@graemeelliott4147]

I fitted Kinman Fatmaster pickups and a Mastery bridge to my Fender Ultra Jazzmaster. It's a keeper!

[@Puisheen]

Kinman makes a great pickup!

[@ZeBubba]

Cool and honest review. I'd love for you to do Am Pro II too, cheers!

[@paurelius885]

Would vintage 65 pups be a good alternative?

[@nickm6001]

PLEASE REVIEW THE SQUIER 70’s JAG

[@Puisheen]

When I get one in my hands!

[@nickm6001]

@@Puisheen never mind, just got one in daphne blue

[@anthonyburke223]

Great channel ... like really good .......So I’m confused... you do recommend this Ultra guitar easily .. if the bridge is switched to a Mastery bridge and the noiseless pickups are replaced with more character pickups? I’m trying to replace my old 1960Blonde Jazzy that I had to sell . Thank you

[@Puisheen]

If you watch, I don't recommend this easily! I'm fair but if you want a good Jazzmaster, honestly, look at any of the vintage reissue (AV65, AVRI62, Dave's 62 Thin Skins) over this model. Sorry you had to sell your '60!