Jazzmaster vs Jaguar \ What offset is right for you?

Baxter and Jonathan discuss what Fender Offset is right for you. Explore the captivating world of iconic Fender guitars in this head-to-head comparison video as we dive into the distinct realms of the Jazzmaster and the Fender Jaguar. 🎸🎶
Join us as we embark on a sonic journey to uncover the nuanced differences and remarkable characteristics that set these two beloved instruments apart. From their origins in the 1960s to their enduring influence on modern music, we'll delve into the histories and designs that have shaped the Jazzmaster and Jaguar into the legends they are today.

[@MinivanMegafun100]

Ooh fact check: actually Fender’s first foray into short scale was in 1958 with the Musicmaster and Duo Sonic. The Mustang followed later in 1964.

[@dw7704]

That is true, but the Jaguar was the first shortscale offset (originally Musicmasters and Duo Sonics did not have offset bodies, that changed post Mustang.) Maybe that’s what Baxter was thinking, but it wasn’t how it came out.

[@StaticInfinity-ts3jk]

Ohh fact check: the Musicmaster was released in April of 1956, not 58

[@seabowe]

as penance they should do a full hour vid devoted exclusively to duo sonics. wasn't it hendrix's first guitar? (professional guitar anyway. not the broomstick etc. )

[@dbenadon]

Elvis Costello was the one who brought the Jazzmaster to my generation of post-punks.

[@FoardenotFord]

The Johnny Marr Jaguar is an absolute beast-so many tonal options, and the switching just makes sense. It’s the most versatile guitar in my arsenal and I love playing it.

[@richardallison8756]

These two guitars are my second favorite guitar. The telecaster is my number one. I was blessed enough to get one of each in the modified vintage collection, and I modified my Jaguar to a ‘62 and my Jazzmaster to a ‘65. I love both guitars

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Very cool on the Jazz and Jag!

[@nonawolf7495]

My first guitar was a cheap nylon string acoustic... the action was higher than Snoop Dog, and I just couldn't play it. Ditched it for a Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar instead. OMG - I love this thing!! Slim neck, short scale, and nice easy action. I can finally play a barred F now! Put it on the lead circuit, mid tone cut switch on, and play right in front of the bridge pick up - Now I play like a surf band in a Quentin Tarantino movie! For under $400, it's a lot of bang for the buck.

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

i have, in my life, purchased one guitar new: a '21 MIJ Jazzmaster Noir. i couldn't be more happy with it! thanks for the deep dive and comparison!

[@dorianford6227]

I have been in this position before of choosing a Jazzmaster or a Jaguar. It was a very hard decision but eventually I chose a Jazzmaster and good thing I did because my current guitar player in my band became a staunch Jaguar player.

[@MinivanMegafun100]

I found the best answer for this debate was, both. I had a JM. And then sold it to get a Jag. Then I missed having a JM. So I got another JM. So now I have both. They’re as different as a Strat vs Tele.

[@barbmelle3136]

From LeoM: There is a certain sound on the Jaguar that I really like. Was never happy with the 24 inch scale on the jaguar. I ended up putting the Jaguar pickups and electronics (1 Meg pots and .068 capacitor) in an aftermarket Jazzmaster shaped guitar that has a 25.5 inch scale and full sized body. The great sounds and no cramped feeling..

[@LumaTo]

Leo said that? That's p. cool. Where did he state that? Sounds like an awesome interview.

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

I own a Fender Crafted in Japan Jaguar between 2002-2004 in sweet olympic white and I adore this guitar. For many years I played mostly Teles, but the Jaguar is still my favorite, tonewise, look, tremolo system and pretty everything😃

[@davidsummerville351]

Great history lesson. 😎🤓

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

The captions was on, because sometimes I accidentally hit that button on my phone. You were talking about p90s and the caption said "peanutty". Sometimes it's amusing to watch the captions and see how it messes up. Good video btw.

[@audiointern2699]

I love my J Mascis Squier. It sounds so different than any other guitar. The best Squier on the market!

[@charlesbolton8471]

I love my Squier Paranormal Jazzmaster XII. That J Mascis is an excellent guitar, for sure.

[@guyplay]

Squire?!? Dude leave a comment when you get a real Fender guitar. 😂 just kidding. I love that guitar and want to grab one. Tired of the gear snobs.

[@dahliafiend]

I’ve heard good things too but the pickups are suoer high output apparently which I’d probably wanna replace.

[@perezwitt]

I have the 60th anniversary ultra luxe Jaguar...weird but pretty awesome beast

[@comicsrcool5483]

I came across the Jazzmasters in such odd ways. The first one I got was the Fender Ultra. The Cobra Blue color sucked me in and then the sound kept me around. The SECOND one I got was in a contest. A Squire 40th. Again the Desert Sand color sucked me in and the sound kept me around. The Jaguar is another story. I DESPERATELY wanted the Johnny Marr is Lake Placid Blue. Loved the feel, loved the sound but I waited too long and they were gone before I knew it. I am STILL chasing that one. I had a Players Series Jaguar bass for a short period but the experience just was not the same. Of course Fender has added one more offset to the mix. The Meteora. It kinda feels like the Jazzmaster and an Explorer had a baby. What I dont get with that guitar is, Fender made Jazzmaster and Jaguar pickups...WHY dont they make ones for the Meteora?!?

[@thecappy]

The offsets might need up to a 1° shim on the neck if it’s not an angled pocket, and a higher bridge. It’s all about string break angle on offsets. 5 jazzmasters and one jag owner.

[@An2oine]

Please explain to me how the shape of a body has anything to do with break angle.

[@thecappy]

@@An2oine reading is fundamental. I never said anything about the shape of the body. I referred to them as the offsets. The typical offset that has this style bridge and trem system benefit from a higher break angle (the neck pocket shin, higher bridge) to not buzz.

[@An2oine]

@thecappy First thing you said is offset.

[@Lomoholga2]

@@An2oinethe shape of the body doesn’t- what he stated is 💯 correct. Jaguars in particular frequently do not come with an angled neck pocket and they can be corrected by inserting shims. Like he stated after that, the bridge height is the other variable that can be changed. These issues are well known in the offset world and are good to point out to novices who are not aware of this, as an unplayable guitar can be made playable (or in your case you can not understand it at all and instead try and make an irrelevant point lol)

[@An2oine]

@Lomoholga2 Sounds like a flawed design. His first statement is, "offset might require a shim. I asked why, and he has a smart a$$ remark.

[@fogpumas]

Both are cool but the Jag is so unique that it wins in my book.

[@nelliejones1]

My vote is? Both.

[@thpass]

It's a great comparison and contrast for players today. I think the Jag has a spikier cutting sound like Jonathon mentioned. The JM has that much more resonant warmer tone that Baxter remarked. Jags tend to be favored for the cool factor- players associate John Frusciante, Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr with it. The Jazzmaster was further left of center with indie alt rockers like Kevin Shields of MBV, J Mascis and Sonic Youth. Both are awesome and you have to play both before picking one (or.... both). Jazzmasters are still my favorite tonally. I just realized they do not have a single offset on the wall behind them?! what happened? Did they all sell out?

[@bumblefritz]

I bought a AV '62 reissue Jaguar back in '06. I saved all my money from my cheap paying job for like a year to pay for it. It's still going strong today.

[@capitaldharma]

The Johnny Marr Jaguar is a killer guitar. I’d love to see an episode on Johnny Marr, or even his signature Jaguar

[@dahliafiend]

I’ve wanted that for years. Out of my price range though. Funny the Jaguar is one of the few guitars he DIDNT use while in The Smiths.

[@Bossanovawitcha]

my eyes just get drawn to that gorgeous natural thinline tele in the background haha

[@johnwashburn3793]

I had a Jag for a few months back when I had no idea what it was or how to use it properly. I was about 16 years old. It was used and heavily pitted on the back, like with a chisel. I traded it for a Les Paul which I don't remember where it went.

[@CitizenofMelee]

So far, my only foray into offset guitars has been a Squier CV Bass VI. Super fun to play.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I’ve been wanting one of those. Big Cure fan.

[@GarrettRodman]

I miss option 3 being available: Gibson Firebird.

[@samborn7120]

I would love it if Fender did a short scale Jazzmaster! I have a couple examples of both guitars. I love them both and having a hybrid of the Jag Neck with the JM Body and pup’s would be awesome!

[@matthewheinecke2621]

I'd love a long scale jag so the short scale thing didn't scare me off!

[@alangreenway6695]

A Jazzmaster is the one thing missing from my Lefty collection- and I really mean the only thing. Currently the only one that Fender are offering in Lefty is the AM Pro 2, and it’s a bit pricey at near 2 grand with little change. I think even the Squier has been discontinued. I think I’m happy to wait until a 2nd hand MIJ lefty becomes available, or Fender start making something a little more price sensible for us lefties. Never been a fan of the Jaguar, Mustang or Jagstang as they aren’t as unique with their pickups as a JM.

[@AndiKravljaca]

All I want is a Jaguar with a 25.5 scale. I like the pickups, I love the switching, it has a better looking body (They are different!), but the scale is too different.

[@jaybirdk7414]

I suppose you could drop in a replacement neck from Warmoth, or Stew Mac, or whatever. That would compromise the authenticity, sure, but you don’t HAVE to get rid of the original Jag neck. I’m half-tempted to try that, now that my brain has cooked up the idea! 🤪 *edit: I reckon you’d have to relocate the bridge as well.

[@AndiKravljaca]

@@jaybirdk7414 Warmoth don't (as far as I know) make a conversion neck for this specific use case unfortunately - or I'd have gotten one already! But it's a great idea.

[@jonjones655]

Got my Jazzmaster and my Jaguar is on the way. Just gotta have both. Oh and gotta have A Strat and a Tele too. Tee Hee.

[@jamesburge1983]

Having owned a Jazzmaster and played a Jaguar, they are ok in a seated position. But for me I gotta say the 'best' shape for seated playing is the 'Futura'.

[@scottmacdonald1826]

"I taught my parrot to say 'I'm Antonio Banderos.'"

[@Highland_Paddy]

I had to settle for the MIM and the Squier, so don't know the quality the PUs BUT I still struggle with the wider JM neck and don't have the expensive Jag w' the mute ting what he talks about [that other guys showed in yesterday's vid]. That wide neck keeps me coming back to the Strats, .BUT the Jag also has more moving parts to wear out. It gets neglected in my small collection more than I thought it would when I expected it to be my ULTIMATE guitar, but I still want a nicer one some day.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I just bought a crazy offset. Gretsch Jupiter Thunderbird Billy Bo. If I were to buy a Fender it would be a jazzmaster or a jag

[@whodunitpros8555]

Love my classic Fender Thinline Jaguar MIJ & my more modern Johnny Marr Jaguar.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

The 25.5 scale is home for me, so the Jazzmaster. I'm interested in a Jaguar, but the Jazzmaster fills any offset desires that I have

[@alexanderball6326]

Love my Squier Offset Tele

[@14juuyon]

I'd love an all Fender Mustang episode ( including musicmasters and duo sonics)!

[@PuttinOnTheRiffs]

I’d love to have a jazz master. I have a jaguar vintage reissue and it’s always been such a great songwriting machine. Very inspiring to play. But if you’re a bendy player it might not be the best.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Interesting on the Jag. I have a Squier classic vibe 1970s set up with 10s and it is a whole different animal than say a Gibson SG/Gibson scale length. Trickier doing bends on it yes... must be that short scale

[@thpass]

I have a baritone offset from Firefly. I don't necessarily feel like Antonio Banderas when I play it LOL. I also have the 12-string JM paranormal. I have offsets on my brain.

[@daddymars]

First elect. was a Fender Mustang with this super skinny neck unlike any other Mustang (anyone have a idea of what it was? Maybe 68/70’s).My next acquisition was a Mosrite “Combo” ( kinda Starcaster w/ 1 f hole) . It felt like a mile long neck compared to the short scale Mustang. BTW , great epi Casino G!

[@nickr375]

My 1965 Jag had an even more rounded than 7.25 radius in it when I got it refretted. Total bear to bend on. Also with the short scale 11’s are almost a must. A mastery bridge is the best mod for either of those guitars.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

With 11 Guage strings on the Jag are they going to be lot harder to bend? I have 10s on my 70s CV Jag and it's pretty manageable. I was afraid to try eleven Guage ones lol!

[@nickr375]

@@jonathanhudak2059 10’s feel like 9”s on an jag and 11”s feel like 10”s it’s not to bad. Like using 10”s on a Strat…

[@gmtb8014]

Both

[@Moonshot568]

jag all the way . I pulled the trigger on pre cbs 1965 😊

[@mickheenan]

What about the Meteora? Future Classic! ❤

[@jhref]

Meteora needs more tonal options. That's what make these so amazing.

[@ImLOG4N]

I love my made in Japan offset telecaster

[@kevinhay7073]

I played a blue metal flake Jazzmaster in 1972.A friend had it and I played it everyday".Why didn't you get a Strat?"I asked him".I don't know" he moaned.

[@DangerAmbrose]

Firebird

[@zanzabar4ky7]

Jazzmaster pickups are not p90, unless you get a modern fender pickup and you get a p90 or an overwound strat pickup in a jazzmaster cover. To get jazzmaster pickups with jazzmaster coils you are looking at a squir 40th anniversary or a custom shop.

[@JukeboxGothic]

When we were young idiots (as opposed to old idiots) in Australia, the Jaguar was popular due to Roland Howard from the Birthday Party. A friend bought a pre L series pink one with clay fret markers and it was wonderful. Idiot took it to England and sold it.

[@danwilson9530]

I have two Jags, a 64 & a Marr, but no Jazzmaster yet. One day…

[@Dian2Gig]

Jaguar all the way! I have 2 Fender Blacktop Jaguar guitars, one with hum buckers and the other with P90's. I often wonder how they came up or decided to shorten the scale length. Jaguar's being 24" scale as opposed to Jazzmaster's 25.5".

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Antonio Banderas. Desperado. Fantastic film.

[@Dave062YT]

I've just bought a candy apple red 2011 Blacktop Jaguar 90 .Nothing like a regular Jag ,P90s no trem or fancy electrics .Personally I love the bare bones look and p90s sound amazing but might look for the more typical model next .I dislke jazz so much I dont think I could buy a guitar with the J word in the name ,even if they're fantastic guitars lol

[@YesItsWitticus]

Johnny Marr is amazing!

[@NazTrav]

7:10 "Fantasy offsets"- why do I picture Baxter in a white suit with a little person coming up to him pointing to the sky and calling out, "Da plane! Da plane!"?

[@itaintmebabe714]

Which offset is right for you? There I fixed it

[@michaelk7383]

Antonio Banderas?

[@tafflo2179]

the first time i played a jazzmaster i thought i broke the pickup switch because it wasn’t working but i was on the rhythm circuit

[@rondahlquist9881]

Would a Powers Electric count..?

[@microdot4374]

The 60s, Kurt Kobain, anything Indie or Jangley or Emo!!!............🤘🏼🤩🤘🏼🎸🎸🎶🎶🎵🎵...✍🏼

[@ItsVictoriaG]

Jaguar specifically for the short scale!

[@poesybeat]

Love my Jag, don’t connect with JMs at all. They’re quite different, particularly in how they sit in your lap and where the neck sits relative to your body (JM is extended out to the left of you like an SG). You’ll likely much prefer one or the other.

[@supersonicej]

Which or what? Did a drummer title this video? Also, reverse Firebird V or Suhr JM.

[@poochypoachy240]

The best fender offset is the meteora

[@BobPerrone]

Jazzmaster hands down. Very versatile. It's my main guitar.

[@MrSmiley1964]

I've owned both, I liked my Jazzmaster but sold it because of financial problems. I've owned two Jags but never could get into it. I want to like it and keep looking at the Johnny Marr Jag but I can't see spending that kind of money and then hating it.

[@writewheel]

Performer Jazzmaster for me (strat trem).

[@6bender]

The Johnny Marr is 7.25 radius.

[@midniterollercoaster]

Jaguar!

[@IDriveAnAudi]

I have CS versions of both and if I had to keep only one it would be the JM. FWIW I have never thought the Jaguar controls were confusing at all and I love the “strangle” switch. However, I’m a Telecaster guy at heart and own three of those.

[@teknomanning]

Jazz always I have a jazz. American pro 1 in seafoam. I’m 72 yrs old. I love that thing Gets hate though. Don’t understand

[@homegrownson]

Shame you each didnt have one in hand to demo on in comparison

[@6stringsandthetruth]

I bought Jaguar about 2 years ago. I absolutely hate it. The thing stays in its case and out of sight. I especially hate the bridge, what were Fender thinking when they came up with it?

[@MatthewBaron]

No love for the Meteora?

[@seabowe]

how could you? leave out the duosonic? the greatest offset of them all? "One offset to rule them all, one offset to find them, One offset to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them" its alot like a tele but even better because its an offset and even easier to play than a tele because its 24" scale rather than 25.75" and its tone is almost but not entirely unlike the tele and yet still exactly the same. It can be fully played sitting in an easy boy recliner. And finally it is absent the "de-tuning" or "un-tuning bar"

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Baxter doesn’t drink alone, yeah… with nobody else! 😅

[@sarahhey8654]

Jag-War vs Jag-Wire vs Jag-U-Ar 😢😂💛

[@michaeledmondsonrock]

That's why I love the J. Mascis Jazzmaster it DOES have P90's lol

[@lesterksi4521]

I got short fingers, so it's Jaguar

[@The-11]

Shagmaster vs. Shaguar

[@JohnColucci88]

ANTONIO BANDERAS?

[@gorlagOv]

I prefer the Jazzmaster to the Jaguar.

[@reneebear3641]

14:34 of comparing instruments without a playing test =\

[@jerrysparks8781]

Antonio Banderes

[@laska747]

I’ve never understood why the Jaguar doesn’t have a correspondingly smaller body to go with the shorter neck. It looks ungainly to me. My offset is a Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster which is an excellent guitar, great neck, TOM bridge and a tremolo moved closer to the bridge thus aiding useablity. The pickups are closer to P90s and certainly powerful, but maybe I may swap them for something more like the originals. It is heavy though, but that is a big body!

[@Aloysius1966]

Harley Benton JA-20HH

[@ciggy_]

A jaguar would easily win over the jazzmaster, no amount of theory knowledge will save you when you face a wild animal

[@vaiisgod8]

I have the Kurt model so now what lol

[@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7]

Antonio Banderas

[@Dram1984]

“Offsets are great guitars!” *Proceeds to change out hundreds of dollars worth of parts to fix its ‘quirks’* Never change offset fans, never change.

[@MinivanMegafun100]

Generally 99% of the offset problems are caused by incorrect setup. They’re not Strats or Teles and if you approach them the same way it’ll be wrong. I’ve seen experienced techs that don’t know how to properly set up an offset. Break angle over the bridge is the most important thing.

[@infoscholar5221]

I'm going to buy a Harley Benton Kit and fill it with wonderful Fender things, so this was helpful. Fender prices are obscene, and to no benefit.

[@tonywhetham8165]

Don’t discount the Mustang.

[@NoCoverCharge]

Secret is have both …problem solved

[@MayorMcCheese2000]

it is killing me trying to keep things under wraps.... You guys have no idea what's coming and you're gonna shit when you see it!

[@prisonmike4971]

Because who wanted to see you play them right?

[@Cuatroveintech]

came looking for this comment

[@ttturtle1863]

12 minutes in and I realise the boys have forgotten their guitars and are playing for time....

[@JDP-fm8ni]

SX Liquid from Rondo Music!

[@zacharyoliver1325]

Antonio Banderas...? LOL

[@jamesonpace726]

Jazz? Wot iz dis jazz of whitch U speak? Hoo-ha....

[@An2oine]

You left out the EVH Wolfgang. Best off set guitar.