JAZZMASTER REVIEW #6: Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster + Demo!

[@cjkoegl]

Fender, if you're listening: Give this man a signature Jazzmaster please! What an ambassador, and as always, love your playing Mike.

[@warburgaby]

GREAT test 😍

[@BrandonSorianoMusic]

Pancake signature :o

[@johnc.o.6758]

I would buy this guitar so fast. Hey Fender...

[@kiim_caam]

Yo why hasn’t he gotten a signature yet…???

[@toneranger]

I second that 👍🏻

[@noire1991]

Loved the video. Not enough people are commenting on how good of a player you are. You made me grab my guitar and start noodling around.

[@msnewpers]

I just want to mention to anyone who watched this outstanding video that I have the Am Pro II, I play with 10's and love the trem, and I am a pickup snob who always changes out pickups and I love the pickups on the AM Pro II. I prefer the somewhat "warmer" JM sound that you hear in Mike's excellent demos, and that is a bit of a deviation from what many consider the "true" (i.e. vintage) JM sound! Mike is a Jazzmaster afficianado par excellence. I'm someone who has long loved the JM sound from so many of my favorite bands, but I've never actually owned a JM until now. So for those of you who have never owned a JM, and don't necessarily have the same expectations that an expert like Mike might have, I think this model might be the perfect gateway drug. To me the versatility and expressivity of this guitar makes it an incredible instrument that stands on its own!

[@brackendale1986]

I agree, the fact that I can get a strat middle/bridge sound on the middle setting is awesome. I put 10.5's on it and noticed a slightly tall fret, but thats the only complaint. I love this guitar.

[@nickfrijns8769]

Thanks for this comment. Just ordered one myself, and I kinda felt that Mike' critique of the pickups weren't really applicable to me nor the fact that you can't use 11s. This was just what I needed to hear. Also loved the JM for years and years and I'm finally getting one

[@sgd5k292]

@@nickfrijns8769 Having received mine back in Sept of 2022 after a 9 month wait, I play this beautiful guitar nearly every day and still love almost everything about it. The only thing I am thinking of changing is the vertical slide switch. I like to change lead tones in the middle of some instrumentals and the black slide switch is very easy to miss. I might replace it with a toggle, but boy, hate to do that especially if I would have to route out the cavity to accommodate the toggle. At this time I just practice switching a few times before a song that requires it, and that seems to work well. I have also found slide switches available that have higher (longer) and even different color levers. Lastly, after watching a video of Rick Beato and friends test out light gauge strings for tone and playability, I switched to 8's and man, do I love them! The Panorama still works very well. Tried 7's, but they were a little too slinky for me. Did I say I love this guitar?

[@deinemuddaskatet]

@@nickfrijns8769 I`ve been wanting to get this guitar for a while now. Why can't you use 11`s? I always play them normally and love them.

[@PintsofGuinness]

this might be the best guitar review on youtube. i wish more people would go into this kind of detail in reviews. not to mention so many reviews feel like glorified advertisements, whereas this video felt genuinely honest about everything.

[@lomoholga]

That’s because the high majority of KZbin reviews are glorified ads It is the modern infomercial- these various music gear corporations use KZbinrs as a free or extremely cheap third party marketing wing of the companies lol

[@PintsofGuinness]

@@dreyn7780 ....right

[@itskyyuuuu]

You enjoy someone repeating themselves 8 times? You simple boy?

[@SoggyBacco]

im personally more of a mustang/jaguar guy but you're the one person i can watch talk about a jazzmaster without getting bored. love this kind of content keep it up

[@etherboy3540]

I watched the whole thing and I don't even own a Jazzmaster. This is a really good review that I actually learned stuff from. Also, happy birthday!

[@Puisheen]

That means a lot! Thanks for spending time with me!

[@TheTargetedScapegoat]

Yeah - imagine if you were about to buy a JM and played string gauges .11 and over? Thanks Mr P.

[@ChillingsworthSurfingham]

Awesome! Fender should hire you!

[@graememckerracher4970]

It’s testament to Mike’s quality content that I watched a 58 minute review of a guitar that I have no intention of buying. 👏 and the playing was 💯 as ever.

[@likethehotels]

That's got to be the single best guitar review video I've ever seen in my life. You've got me rethinking my Mexi and wanting a pro II. I'd say job well done. Fender, hire this guy already.

[@chrisparker5278]

Jazzmaster: the most underrated guitar ever. To my ears the perfect tone

[@chrisparker5278]

@Neon Thunderbird now the boomers have left music and their influence is waning, the jazzmaster has a chance at becoming THE guitar. If only Fender would stop releasing models with terrible vibratos and bridges! 55mm string spacing… wtf‽ Whoever is calling the shots in the design team cannot play guitar!

[@allrain]

​@@chrisparker5278 please define boomers, since the musicians that popularized Jazzmasters are 60 year old guys lol

[@chrisparker5278]

@@allrain Born in the 50s

[@NintenDub]

​@@chrisparker5278 do we really need low end jazzmaster to be 2500$ though. The answers no. I hope the jazzmaster stays at the bottom until I'm dead.

[@MelodyCarroll-rx8tk]

I don't even play a jazzmaster but, man, this is by far the most fascinating video I've ever seen. The whole spring thing just pulled me in and I couldn't turn away. Fender should definitely give you a job.

[@Eagle_eye__]

Most legit review/format I’ve ever seen on KZbin. The pace reminds me old school tech/science shows

[@doublevries]

Beautiful jazzmaster and nice sound! Excellent review! This made me decide to order this JM today! This will be my first JM. This guitar has everything I am looking for in a JM. Even more. I am very curious! Nice that Fender also does something with your criticism. Keep up the good work! 👍🎸

[@mraycgz]

This is just about the best product review I’ve ever seen. On any platform. About any product. Makes me want one, and a bigger spring.

[@ellandwill]

Came for the opinions; stayed for the playing. Every time. Superb all around! 🙌

[@El-Scorcho]

I love how thorough your reviews are, and you're easily one of the best players on KZbin! Thank you for putting so much effort into your content!

[@AlxMldzn486]

Mike, you spoke to my soul with your comments on the American Pro I Jazzmaster. I fell in love with the shell pink/all rosewood neck model when I saw it, and went full send when I found a used one, with next to no knowledge of offset guitars. It’s a beautiful guitar, but immediately it felt like the bridge was too wide for the neck, and the pickups were not giving me that Jazzmaster sound. Popped in a master bridge and some Fender Pure Vintage ‘65 pickups and it plays like a dream. Your videos have taught me a lot about Jazzmasters, I greatly appreciate the level of detail you bring, no different in this excellent review. Thank you for the content, great playing, and happy belated birthday!

[@MrMiskut]

Dude I am so proud of you for being able to influence Fender. I have been a 30 year offset player and love all your videos and love all the insight that you have that matches up a lot with my opinions. Thanks for being you

[@donnysarian]

This was one of the best guitar reviews I've ever seen! You have a new subscriber too! Thank you so much! 🎸

[@gaigedespain3857]

the demo with the guitar mill body was genuis to add

[@saturnsaturnsaturn999]

Don’t even own a JM but was hooked on every word of this! Beautiful guitar and great vid. And….OMFG GOLD SCRATCHPLATE.

[@acledfloyd]

You were not kidding when you said this was going to be an extensive review.

[@LoFiJazzfingers]

I've been lusting after one of these for the last year and can now proudly say own one of these beautiful guitars. It's a fantastic instrument! Love your content Mike!

[@juancristobal6765]

@Fender give this guy a job as an product manager! I am from Germany and I work in engineering. This man is someone that develop new products!

[@dansweeney4497]

and now it's $1899! I really want to get this guitar, but that is one spicy meatball. Thank you for your superb reviews, Mike. Your reviews are THE ones to watch to get an honest take on Jazzmasters.

[@ARWest-bp4yb]

Mike rockin' some Slacktone! 🎸🎸👍👍 (we need a Jazzmaster emoji!)

[@thebreakfastmenu]

That December 63 Jazzmaster is awesome

[@conorfowler]

Knowing how long this has been in the works, I just wanna say thank you for how much time, effort, and consideration clearly went in to this. I appreciate how much detail you include in these reviews while still making it easy to understand. Happy birthday too!

[@towardstar]

Ive watched many videos on these and I was always skeptical but you showed what this thing can do (what I want it to do). Totally changed my mind

[@noyesplease9522]

I'm getting more and more excited about Jazzmasters. I guess it's just work, save money, buy. No matter how long it takes

[@purpl3882]

Hey man squier have some amazing jazzmasters I have a vintage modified and I love it. The electronics are not the best my pots are super scratchy but hey I bought it for 400 euros.

[@quentindorseymusic]

I honestly can’t believe you’re 40 you look great man! But oh yeah excellent review, I’ve been waiting for this one forever and I’m gonna buy one of these now.

[@anyapossomhandsacker518]

Amazing review/demo! I'm always blown away at the level of detail and thought that you put into these videos!

[@aaronfinney1740]

This is the exact type of offset nerdery I am here for. Demo six was awesome.

[@royalblue2229]

I love the length of this video!

[@DougKingJax]

It was as long as it needed to be.

[@royalblue2229]

@@DougKingJax I mean, I agree lol

[@rootsradical]

Very cool deep dive into the dark night here. Side note, nearly every time I watch your reviews I end up pausing them to go pick up my Jazzmaster and play or adjust something. Happy birthday, thanks for the vids and being a good Jazzy representative.

[@Puisheen]

I love hearing this

[@wharman1]

BRILLIANT EXPLANATION! The "A-Ha" moment at 29:01 was explosive. That makes so much more sense. Watching to the end to see how this can be remedied...

[@analogkid8]

That cutaway shot of the vibrato in action was worth the price of admission! Nice work Mike

[@stefank2629]

What a fantastic video. I had the AmPro II Jazzmaster and a 60s Am Original Jazzmaster at the same time and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the panorama tremolo. Thank you for making me feel less incompetent. I kept the Am 60s Original as it was a better guitar all round for me.

[@Puisheen]

Stefan I'm sorry you had to deal with that! Not your fault at all!

[@DanWallaceMusic]

Has the issue been fixed?

[@jsetov]

Fantastic review! I'm actually working on a guitar design right now and this gave me so much to chew on. Damn, that's a great feeling! Thanks for all you do, man. Happy belated 40th.

[@DGoetz26]

Love your deep dives and tech tips. And when B7’s are actually back in stock anywhere, I will use your Bigsby setup tips when I install on my LP Special. But all that aside….you’re one of my favorite players on KZbin. Love your style and tone.

[@jackclausen1962]

You are my favorite guitar content creator on youtube and your tone demos never cease to absolutely rip. Thank you for the videos you make, you are great at it

[@Puisheen]

I’m honored!

[@obahrey5197]

Mike, this video was amazing! I'm probably gonna rewatch every review you've made before I buy my first Jag or Jazz! You're the king of edutainment videos!

[@vincentribeil3832]

Mike, you might think this video is too long, but I can assure you that I loved every second of what’s in there. Bravo and Happy 40!

[@besaliju]

Very thorough, been very interested in JM's so this was as comprehensive as possible, thanks

[@MD-mh6iu]

When I started this video I owned 3 Strats, 1 Tele, 2 LPs and an SG. Before the video ended I have a AM Pro2 JM in Dark Knight arriving in a few days. Thanks for a comprehensive review! I’m excited about my first JM. Also… I have an AM Pro 2 Strat and love it.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

M D congrats on grabbing a JM! I also have a Pro II Strat ( 3 single coils) and love it

[@jayyyyjacks]

So great to get a new video/ review! I lived off your videos in the deep pandemic times. Really enjoyed Thank you

[@taitoradephx]

This was the swiftest and most enjoyable hour I have ever spent learning about guitars on KZbin. I have always wanted a JM, and I'm willing to invest in the best model, but I also want the best model for me. Thank you for your amazing combination of luthier skills, playing skills, and your obvious love of music.

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

Wow Dude, nine minutes into this vid, and you are the best reviewer I’ve ever come across!!

[@kimrosez]

The fact these are made in US lefty jazzmasters is what really convinced me i needed one in my life. Yes, it's a modern take, it has its pros and cons. Agreed Safetipost tuners are THE TUNERS and i would've loved to have seen 1 Meg in lead (reverse taper 1 Meg -for lefties-...: rare...push push 1 Meg, ditto...). I use 11-47s but they are Thomastik Jazz swing flatwounds and no issue with very limited downward travel on the panorama... ? Happy 40th ! :)

[@Puisheen]

Kim you’re the best, thanks!

[@gorlagOv]

I like to tinker, that’s why I think always go back to Fender. Very well done video, thank you for the advice about the spring. Working for Fender seems like a good fit in your future.

[@henrystewart3882]

at 6:34, I have never really put much thought into looking at the location of the numbers on the knobs, and this is helping me change that! I always just assumed that on 10 the number 10 should be closest to the floor. I do like when the pickguards have a little tick mark on them that lines up with the knob to be a larger visual indicator though. I will definitely do this to my jazzmaster build!

[@jackw.2084]

Never clicked a KZbin notification faster!

[@UplyftSky]

After drooling over this guitar for a year (wanted jazzmaster for like 5-6 yrs) .. stock shortage due to covid.. finally got it this week. so happy with the guitar. this video definitely helped while i was waiting. :)

[@monkeyrebirth]

I think we just witnessed the new standard for "in-depth" reviews! Also - GOLD pickguard. Great stuff

[@Puisheen]

Oh god I hope not I never wanna make a video this in depth again lol

[@solfest9508]

I've been waiting for this review, and I was not disappointed. Great work👍

[@toneranger]

Mike Fender need to up their Customer Service game bigtime and not only answer your helpful calls but give you a Signature Guitar. Love your content and I'm not even a big fan of Offsets but I just ordered the purple FSR Squier

[@mattfrancis8476]

Great review. Now it makes sense when I threw some 11-52's on it it was pretty much bottomed out. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@HoiPolloi]

Happy Birthday, Mike! Thanks for the review!

[@tmcwilliams]

As well as the wealth of information, one of the best things about Mike’s reviews is his effortless and interesting playing. Lovely stuff.

[@ClairvoyantEntertainment]

wow ive watched hundreds if not thousands of reviews and this one really stands out. Thanks, amazing review!

[@drewbert7]

Man that was the best playing I've heard in a while

[@copperaudio9664]

A masterpiece Mike - Thank you!

[@georgespencer3973]

Happy 40th, Mike! Ahh, to be 40 again… Your playing is awesome. And I don’t think the video was too long at all for a Jazzmaster enthusiast viewer. Loved it.

[@chronicmango]

Thanks for all this Mike. I also just want to say thanks for multiple playing styles in your reviews. So many reviewers only do blues rock or P&W sounds. It’s nice to hear someone with a little post hardcore/shoe gaze playing since that’s more how I play usually.

[@EzriIkramS]

waited for this for so long… much obliged good sir!

[@monovision566]

Demo 6 has vibe for dayyyyyyyyys

[@anthonypolimeni2043]

Dude I’ve always loved the sound of, now that I have heard you master the specific tones I love it ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@DoodlezMusic]

If I was to drop almost 2k on a new Jazzmaster, I would definitely not get an American pro II, and would rather wait a little bit more and get myself an American Original instead. I got into offsets back in june 2021, and got myself a Vintera Jazzmaster. I love the hell out of that guitar because it has everything you'd expect from an ACTUAL Jazzmaster, nothing fancy. trem placement is correct, vintage bridge, pickups that are wound the way that jazzmaster pickups should be wound, a proper rhythm circuit and a 7.25" inch radius (I don't mind it, but I would rather have a flatter neck because I would like to be able to bend a full step without my notes dying mid way through hah) Speaking of that, I would really really be interested to see a review of the Vintera series jag/mustang/jazzmaster! Love your vids, Mike!

[@19cubbies69]

Yeah. I had a brand new pro ii and sold it to get a like new AO Jazzmaster for about same price I didnt care for the pickups and the neck on pro ii. I have a Am Pro I w maple neck and it just feels better to me than am pro ii rosewood The Pro I sounds more stratty and dare say tele'ish which a lot of people dont like, but I like it since I have other JMs that sound like Jazzmasters. Pro I trem is fine

[@Aniki82]

I used to focus a lot on 7.25 radius as what made a neck good to me And it is in deed very nice for a good hand around and thumb on the root note.. But now I know for sure that the nut wide is in fact the most important to me, 42mn (small vintage) is perfect and the most important. I guess a somewhat fatter neck with 9'5 and 42mn would probably be the best neck shape to me!

[@DoodlezMusic]

@@Aniki82 Guess what? The American original has 42mm nut width and 9.5" radius!

[@flapjack413]

Hell yeah, I second that thought... I'd love to see a Vintera Jaguar on the bench!

[@allrain]

Eh idk if a purity test is the way to go with offsets. Artists that made them "famous" used to mod the hell out of them, it tells you something. Maybe it's because for lefthanders like me their the only option but these Am Pros area godsend!

[@Aniki82]

I enjoyed this video a lot! W❤️ Happy birthday!!

[@WilliamHaisch]

58:25 Lol. I had the same reaction when I turned 40! I feel your dismay! Great review!

[@EBlonk]

Just wow, this is how you review a Guitar. Thanx… fully enjoyed this video, Every single minute of it. Happy birthday.

[@ChickenLittleOfficial]

literally a perfect video to explain the jazzmaster tremolo system. Thanks for sharing!

[@rossamundbrennan7248]

I loved this so much, thank you! It was really lovely to see you smiling when doing the demos. Loved how in depth you went, and it was great to see the guitar mill body show up. Fascinated to see what you do with it next. I hope you had a wonderful birthday 💜

[@Puisheen]

I appreciate the heck out of you, friend

[@PedalPlayhouse]

Thank you so much for the time you took and the care in evaluating all the aspects of the Ampro2 here. As an owner of one I really appreciate how much I’ve learned of my model and also hearing you play it brought a smile to my face several times as I love the tones the guitar gets with and without pedals. It is the most versatile guitar I’ve owned and I’m by no means a traditional player so I definately love this modern tonal freedom. The ART DECO pickguard!!! Also I may ask you about my bar because like yours it is a bit looser then I wanted.

[@Nononowhoawhoawhoa]

The panning shots while playing were great!

[@missionmindmusic6251]

Very informative video. Love your playing and tone. Very inspiring

[@The2ndProtectsTheRest]

I have this same guitar, and I absolutely love it! You’re review was amazing and absolutely does this guitar justice in every way! I’m a big fan of your channel! Keep up the amazing work!

[@GamerPastHisPrime]

What an incredibly well done video and happy birthday! (I turn 40 next week). I always find your videos so informative, and about two years ago after watching a couple videos, I was able to buy my first Jaguar. It’s a 2017 MIM 60’s Jaguar Lacquer in fiesta red, and I really love it. Shortly after, I bought a white Vintera Jazzmaster. It’s funny because when I first got into guitar as a teenager, I really didn’t get the appeal of these guitars… and now I really love them. I actually have that Texas Tea 60th anniversary Jag coming this week (I know people are unhappy with many aspects of it), but I’m excited to get it. Thanks for showing me the way.

[@scottworsham]

DEMO 2 FTW. Happy you're back, sir!

[@autistichead8137]

My main daily guitar. I absolutely adore mine. Unbelievably versatile.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

also, a mint guard would look pretty cool on that

[@cliffsadozer]

I watched the whole video! I’m now inspired to add a bass circuit to my parts-caster and see what that is all about. Thanks for all you do Mike!

[@jasont5319]

That was a great watch . Being left handed and finding a mystic green one available last year I had to jump on it . Yip , same baffling string change trem arm fun within owning it for a day . Threw some 10’s on and away we went . Thinking of getting some Montys pickups installed but all in all I’m very very happy with my new Jazzmaster . Thanks for the review Mike J

[@kevinkeith3530]

Yes I'm a lefty too and had to jump on the only one I could find available. Mercury... Cream city has one more in Wisconsen for any other poor lefties in the dark midnight

[@S1P1G3]

Worth the wait for your thoughts on the guitar. Lots of helpful information and options. Now I just need my order from August to get off back order. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and Happy Birthday 🎂🎉

[@johnmckelvy7155]

So nice to see a JM review that features indie/ambient playing, as opposed to the bluesy stuff you normally get.

[@coolwall6319]

Happy Birthday Mike! Your videos are getting better and better!

[@fredderbuter350]

Just found your channel a few weeks ago and I'm learning a lot! You make learning fun and interesting! Also I love the Deep Sea Diver shirt. Jessica is one of the people who made me interested in guitar pedals.

[@brunoadamm]

I was wondering if it was her; actually, I paused a DSD KEXP session and framed Jessica in a similar position, then I've started Puisheen's video and I was like "I know you from somewhere"

[@killroy123]

What a wonderful review. Thorough and entertaining. Thank you so much!

[@lucamoqi]

I was really looking forward to this video but man, I didn't expect it to be 1 hour long and I loved every minute of it! It's always a pleasure when you deep dive so much into a guitar's specs, pros and cons etc. And oh, I really missed hearing the "Mike Adams riff". I don't want to sound cocky but Fender acted a bit funky with you, do they actually know you're like the Offset Guru in the guitar community? Haha. Btw, I can't wait to see how you're going to mod that JM. And oh, I know I'm late but hey, happy 40th birthday Mike, cheers from Italy!

[@Puisheen]

Eh, I'm sure nobody meant any harm. I can imagine it's weird having some guy tapping you on the shoulder like "Hey your spring has a problem" all the time. I do have good friends at that company. And thank you or the birthday wishes!

[@lucamoqi]

@@Puisheen oh yeah, I get what you mean, I just wish they were a little bit more concerned about us Offset people haha. Well, we can always count on you!

[@johnperry9082]

Me too looking forward to see how you mod this one.

[@henryhester1897]

I love your undying understanding of the Jazzmaster. Just bought a clean Squier sunburst Jazzmaster Vintage Modified Custom. It will get a Mustang bridge, black Bigsby, and black pick guard. A few Wilkerson Humbuckers ($36). Oh and the guitar was only $225!!

[@daevidjael]

Ooo tricky... I rather like the gold... The deco though has a certain something! Once again a great and evenly balanced review and happy birthday!!!

[@MarkBourassaJr]

Your special brand of benevolent criticism pleasures my heart in immeasurable ways… I take great pleasure in knowing you thought of multiple things/measurements/and tests that the dudes down at fender most certainly overlooked. Lololololol!!! “December 63..” “He doesn’t know that!!!” Hahahahha

[@itspaddyd]

About the 22nd fret: It's not about getting the high D, its about bending up to the high E! Not really feasible on 21 frets :) Also you say about the pickups that they are muddy but maybe try changing the pots first if you're going for both - they might feel better with 1Meg and may change your opinion! You never know

[@guitarz]

Fantastic review once again great video awesome riffs

[@mastermachetier5594]

I watched the whole thing and as always your amazing. Thanks for all the great advice over the years and happy birthday !

[@johnperry9082]

With my Pro II that I waited over a year for sitting in the stand next to me, I watched transfixed at this review. I learned so much about my Jazzmaster I had no idea about, having never touched one until I picked mine up a few weeks ago. The only thing I needed to change was the string height. Once I got that sorted It's the only guitar I'm picking up lately. After watching this fascinating video I can see there are several things I can do to improve my Jazzmaster in the future. Had to subscribe.

[@kevinkeith3530]

Ya my action was pretty high too from factory. Luckily very easy to fix.

[@chris60036]

I’ve owned one of these a year now - most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned! Best guitar

[@SystemHive]

oh man I need a full version of demo 2 its so GOOD!

[@SIXX2772]

Love your longer vids my man.You play the best riffs for me man. lol