JAGUAR REVIEW #5: Fender Johnny Marr

[@Artefracture]

I love that Marr went so much further beyond a choice of wood and finish and calling it a signature. every detail seems fussed over without "fixing" unique features in the way fender thinks it's "fixing" its pickups with the JM V-Mods. And aside from thicker strings, bigger necks on shortscales are a plus. TBH I'd just leave it in series with the strangle on forever. You made it sound so good.

[@Dulnlop]

Love the video, Mike!!! The polarity of the pickups are on purpose! In the release video, Marr said he liked the way the strings reacted to the magnetism of two pickups with the same polarity, like a tele.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

You can borrow my Root Jazzmaster if ya want

[@edwoodvine6793]

Pedro the Lion in the intro sounds amazing. The guitar work on control is massively underrated (as is David Bazan)

[@christopherrusso4461]

Came here to say this. David's progressions are unmatched. The way he creates background melodies with the guitar lines is amazing.

[@bmdsmith]

Agreed. Bazan is soooooo good.

[@chrischaney1963]

Which Pedro song was that

[@TeepleBass]

Penetration

[@gianttreeproductions3947]

@@chrischaney1963Penetration, track 3 off Control (2002)

[@kblcuk]

Ah, I love this guitar. Bought one of the first 300 (they came with booklet signed by Marr himself), my first US-made guitar that took some time to save money on; I'm very grateful to my then-girlfriend, who persuaded me to actually buy the guitar. Told me "look, you like the guitar, you want the guitar, then just get it, life is too short". The first ding happened already at the warehouse -- the worker accidentally dropped the guitar while taking it out of the box 😬 I didn't really care for that though, so they threw in a pretty good leather guitar strap as compensation. I also ended up finally replacing the bridge to a smaller Staytrem one (as Mike mentions in the video) last winter, which indeed made it much more playable on the upper frets. And the thing gets dings literally from someone looking at it the wrong way. I've always been getting compliments on the sound whenever I play it, and probably this is the guitar that will stay with me till the end.

[@christopherrusso4461]

David Bazan might be one of the most underrated players out there. His chord selection and the way he creates background melodies within them are unmatched. We'll done sir.

[@Puisheen]

Fully agree!

[@thebenefactor6744]

I almost got up to go to the fridge to get a snack. That's how convincing that patron infomercial was. You got me, Puisheen. And a great review to top it off.

[@valleysound1059]

I still can not understand how your channel is not one of the biggest on KZbin, you really have a knack of making these videos.

[@queeffersthrlnd1620]

Because he doesn’t make them often enough. You pretty much need to release 1-2 videos a week to expect success not 1-2 every few months.

[@AJNpa80]

He's the top of the top of the mountain in offset content, mefinks, quite an accomplishment, perhaps a mild limiting strap.

[@AJNpa80]

Jeez, just noticed it was 36k, thought it was more like 360k, for the king of a niche.

[@PaulBoudreau]

My favorite KZbinr giving my favorite guitarist’s JM a thumbs up makes my day

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

OH GOD, your t-shirt; thank you for reminding me and letting me cry tears of laughter for 10 minutes

[@normalregular]

The J Mascis Squier Jazzmaster is back in production sometime around June. Be interesting to hear your thoughts on that guitar as another example of an offset signature.

[@davidharding200]

I bought one. It was the only guitar I’ve ever returned in over 30 purchases. The neck was so flat and wide I found it impossible to play

[@garybratton7756]

Bruh, I’m pretty sure it’s “knock-out” (named after the stooges song, and based on an oxidized CAR jag Marr had.) Internet is wrong? I’m so happy to see you review/endorse this guitar! My first was a launch model in metallic K.O., but when they did it in Sherwood green I couldn’t resist.

[@FakeGlasses]

This is my favorite guitar. I replaced the bridge with the narrower bridge so strings wouldn’t slip off the fretboard. As a tele player, I love his changes to the normal Jaguar switches.

[@renmusical]

I think Johnny Marr might be the only guitarist that is inspiring me to get two guitars of his. This guitar and the Rickenbacker 330. Man I gotta save a f*** ton of money. Always love watching your videos Mike!

[@williamr3840]

Don't look at his book 'Marr's Guitars' then... or you'll be broke forever! :0)

[@AJNpa80]

Been dreaming of a Ric, wishing there was one that ticked 3 boxes. I could go 600 solid or 300 semi if there was one with a wide board, 620, Ricksound or dual mono even, and as far as body if it had the hole, a cat eye, round horn or cresting wave, wish the 480 had 12 and dual. If i was rich, I'd like checkered binding. I love Fire and Autumn glo. Just want to get my first 12 as a Ric when i reach a milestone. I guess the 1993 has most i just dont dig the pointy devil. Kind of prefer the jangle on the 620, so maybe adding rickosound. Thats the main seller next to the sound for me as I only play for my enjoyment in my room between 2 amps. To get one that splits the pickups , will be like swimming in sound. I use an aby for my current guitars. One going clean clean, touch of reverb, the other a pinch of something to separate that varies.

[@rvierra7235]

OUTSTANDING REVIEW!!! Thank you. I love Fenders of yesterday. Today, unless you are getting a true Custom Shop guitar, you dont know what you are getting. The fret issue, as you know, is not a new one or a "one of".....as is the fingerboard issue. The Marr stick is a $2500.00 guitar (give or take). At that price, you shouldnt have to worry about a single thing or issue out of the box. No arguing the fact that this is reflective of where Fender is today.

[@phillee7659]

By far the BEST and TASTIEST riffs to be demo'ing this guitar. Great work and perhaps the BEST demo and information on this guitar. Felt a connection brother. Thank you for this video. I have an olympic like yours, slapped a mint pickguard on it...gorgeous.

[@Puisheen]

Too kind! Thank you

[@SomedaySam]

I have one of these. Incredible guitar. I have been hoping you would review one someday. You have my thanks good sir!

[@mountshastabroadcasts]

I get so much inspiration from you honestly just playing guitar. You always look like you’re having an amazing time.

[@troutwithfingers]

great tones on that thing! love how thick yet clear that series positions sounds with the strangle. though for me i dont know if sacrificing the rhythm circuit would be worth it, as i think its a characteristic tone of the jaguar and i personally use it a lot.

[@musicmatty67]

Nice review. Incidentally, Beach Boys Alan Jardine and David Marks both used this exact Sig, Jaguar for the ‘Beach Boys 50th anniversary reunion tour back in 2012. Lots of nice KZbin clips of Mr. David Marks playing some great leads in concert with this guitar.

[@porkpiepilgrim5302]

For strings Johnny says that you need to use 11s on this guitar. I play 9.5s on most of my other guitar’s but once I put 11s on this wow! This guitar is awesome

[@trailingupwards]

You should use 11s, or above, on jazzmasters or jaguars which have a stock bridge.

[@AdamLevyGuitarTips]

Thanks, Mike! I've been very curious about the Marr guitar. I love my ’62, but I sometimes think about buying a Marr for touring. Not the same, of course, but seems to be a remarkably cool and utile guitar.

[@sixbladeknife44]

Lovely progression at 18:00 👌 I have a 2018 Marrguar in LPB, it took me awhile to bond with it initially but I’ve come to love it more and more with every passing year, very inspiring instrument. Mine doesn’t have the more orange-y tint to the headstock or neck, more of a natural looking tint. It also came with a beautiful and dark fretboard, very smooth…makes you wonder if Fender is having issues sourcing nice rosewood nowadays. No fret issues either. One strange thing though is that the guitar arrived with the nut not glued in which kind of shocked me when it slid right off the fretboard when I went to bend a string! I glued it in, so no problem after that. And it’s a chunky beast, just shy of 9 Lbs. Thanks for the review, sounds great ✌️

[@JoshLikesFuzz]

Re; the pickups not being RW/RP. There’s a few interviews with Johnny Marr and Tim Mills regarding their preference for non hum cancelling in the middle position, Johnny thinks it improves tone overall and counteracts string pull. Worth seeking out if you haven’t.

[@mgkatherman1]

How did you buff the rosewood? Love to hear your tips on that. Thanks!

[@jonskrabits2995]

I think its cool how Mike has become the offset Authority. He knows his way around an offset. Ive learned alot from him. I understand why he loves Jags and Jazzmasters, they are the best. More complicated? A little,but they can do so much more than a strat or tele.

[@thestalwartlovers7684]

I bought a black one back in 2018 and sold it immediately. It was one of the best playing guitars I’ve owned but it was just too buzzy/noisy. Maybe it was specific to that one guitar but I’ve owned over 10 vintage jaguars and never had that issue. Great review!

[@6bender]

I have a black one that I bought new and it had a grounding issue. The ground to the tremolo unit was disconnected. A simple fix and no more buzz.

[@jeanpat8946]

Unbelieveable demo ! I am a telecaster fan and this video knock me out the sound of this guitar is awesome !!! I did not expect such a killer guitar !

[@markjohnstonofficial]

I can 1+ that early run finish issue. I do really like the look of it all shredded but man you can breathe on my jag and watch the finish come off.

[@guitarz]

Came for the intro/outro jam stayed for the fantastic review

[@alpeterson]

Opening up with a Pedro the Lion riff confirms my love for you. haha

[@dukeofyorkshire355]

Thanks for a balanced and very insightful review. You seem to notice little things that a lot of other people don't see, which is dead useful to the rest of us. TBH, I can't really afford one at the moment (I'm definitely getting one though, if I ever come into some extra cash), but I'm 50% watching this video just so I can listen to your playing. The riffs and technique in this video are great, with no BS blues-rock guitar playing! Hope to get somewhere near to your playing one day. Looking forward to your next video.

[@cigan82]

when are you going to get around to reviewing the any or both of the fender tvl jazzmasters? Maybe a Novo serus J?

[@doug1274]

I have a Fever Dream Yellow Marr and the neck color fits that version much better, IMO. Almost looks like it has a matching headstock. I have the same issue you do with the trem bar being somewhat loose, so hoping you'll do an updated video with your fix for it. Other than that one issue, my guitar was/is perfect.

[@TheGBs1972]

I have the Metallic KO and mine also has the loose trem…not worked out how to fix it either

[@josephhess4057]

I have a loose trem on mine also. Was thinking about putting nail polish around it to make it a little thicker, but don’t want to screw anything up. Not sure if the hammer trick would work either since it is a different type of trem.

[@buckdmiller]

Penetration by Pedro..yes!

[@TomCarmony]

I was so stoked to hear that!

[@mrwiggles837]

I've got a 2012 metallic KO. I ended up putting a mastery bridge on it because of the string spacing issue you mentioned. the finish is really nice and not flaking at all and seems bulletproof. however my 2012 50th anniversary jag flakes like crazy, it has more chips than a bag of doritos. I wonder if it also had that same issue that some of the marrs had.

[@ectoplasm]

I love the orange tint of that neck. If I could get just that neck I'd totally pop it onto my Competition Orange Mustang. I've been debating getting this, but I'm a bit iffy on the price and leaning more towards the Kansas City Jaguar.

[@skellyngton]

Love this review and PROPS for your T Shirt - great to see a British kids TV outtake in this context!

[@Puisheen]

It’s my favorite!

[@Screaming-Trees]

I bought mine in 2015. The rosewood board is very figured. Much more than yours here. But I still had it plek'd and setup. After that it basically played itself. It's my only guitar to this day and it's a dream to live with and play. Guitar isn't my primary instrument though so my perspective is limited and probably the main reason why I don't have more guitars. Great review.

[@petethedutch]

The in series sound with the strangle made me go "Ooooh" out loud.

[@whwh7339]

The crystalline arpeggiated playing at 18:45 really unlocks what this guitar is all about. In my opinion there’s no finer “indie/jangle/post-punk” guitar on the market. Endless vibe

[@ZachariahConnor]

I’d love to see you review the Troy Van Leeuwen model

[@leamanc]

Thanks for this, Mike…love the review! I’ve always wanted a black Jag so I might set my sights on a black Marr. Lots to love about it. That decision to not go with RW/RP is a head scratcher.

[@chrisquinn9104]

Sounds different/better. Billy Zoom is a stickler on that as well

[@RADLADRICK]

I really love your take and insight on gear. I really like to have one of those guitars, I think Johnny Marr really got it right with that model too. To me that guitar is like a marriage of my Gretsch Setzer hot rod, and my Nash TK 54 telecaster. combined into one they seem to have all the elements / components of Johnny’s guitar. (Well 🤷‍♂️to me anyways it does.) Btw, you have a really good right hand attack on the guitar. I don’t think too many people notice this or think of that because you demo such great gear? Your right hand is your tone and your style and it is what we hear and it’s fabulous.

[@rayclenshaw9997]

Great review Mike - really interesting to get your take on this model. Plus you get extra points for that T-shirt 👌

[@nick16754]

I purchased one of the limited edition black Marr Jags in 2017, and I must admit it took me 3-4 YEARS to fall in love with it. I just didn’t understand its features, especially the circuitry. But more than anything, that string spacing of the original bridge was egregious and put me on the verge of selling. Once I got a real 52mm spaced Staytrem, I started to enjoy playing it and now I absolutely love it and embrace all the features/quirks. My only remaining complaint is my low E nut slot is quite close to the edge of the fretboard, and I regularly knock the string off when playing, unfortunately. I’d like to avoid getting a a new nut, but can I address this to any degree with a specific set of strings? Currently have EB 10.5s. Thanks, Mike, for another extraordinary review!

[@Puisheen]

Thicker gauges may help with the added stiffness, but ideally I would suggest having the nut replaced by a qualified tech

[@theplourde]

Thank you Mike for reviewing my dream guitar...even though I have planned out a custom (parts) Jazzmaster, this is at the top of my list.

[@6bender]

I love my black Marr. Fret work on mine is perfect. QC-wise It did have a ground wire disconnected when new. After almost seven years it only has a couple tiny pinhole finish chips. No mention here of the volume and tone controls. I find them practically useless. No range at all. This is the only Jag I have owned, or played for that matter, so maybe that's part of the design.

[@erickt1974]

Glad to see you back. Life's hard but being able to take a break and watch your videos is always a breath of fresh air. Do you plan on reviewing the cunife pickups fender released? I'm really interested in the cunife/cobalt set seeing as WR HB'rs already existed

[@Puisheen]

I may! Haven’t put that on the list, but if they come my way I’ll for sure talk about them on the channel

[@HarrisArt]

The Patreon commercial makes me giggle!! So great.

[@seanzinger]

Man sucks about the frets. That little commercial was hilarious 😅. Great review and killer PLAYING as always!

[@Incuensuocha]

I recently bought one of these and am blown away at what a great guitar it is. The tone, feel and overall build quality is Fender (non CS) at its best. I should say mine came with none of the fret and fingerboard QC issues mentioned in the video.

[@nickspearience]

Hey Puisheen- you think the newer 53mm bridge would benefit from a Mastery Bridge swap? What would be the benefit, you think? Any?

[@Joe_Andrus]

One of my biggest guitar sale regrets was selling my jmj, had an early one and the book was signed by Johnny too!

[@michaelkemp5408]

What’s a Hacker T Dog T-shirt doing on a Yter in the US? 😂 Also, I think these are the only guitar reviews I’ve found where the demos are worth listening to!! Great tunes buddy 👍😊

[@ryanhurley8170]

Great intro jam! Pedro The Lion’s CONTROL is such a killer album!

[@quetzalliesunabanda]

Excellent review! I have a question, the series sound is closer to a bridge humbucker or a neck humbucker? I mean, its like a good humbucker sound for high gain bridge humbucker stuff or its more like a jazz neck humbucker sound?

[@joaovalente3163]

You should do a review on the TVL MN Jazzmaster

[@BaBaBaBenny]

I gotta say, I was sorta drawn away from the guitar by that FANTASTIC t-shirt!

[@murfmurphy6212]

Thank you for doing such thorough reviews...always a pleasure to watch. The fret issues are disappointing on an otherwise excellent guitar

[@nirgoth]

Do both bright switches work on position 4? From Marr's video I got the impression that you could use both of them when the pickups are in series , but here you only use one

[@gregs6424]

Hi.At 6:00 you mention the bridge issue that caused the high E string to get too close to the edge (thank you for highlighting this!). Was the "Black on Black" model also affected by this? I'm referring to the black finish with black pick guard version. Asking because I'm looking into purchasing this model in the black, but don't want to deal with this issue. Thank you!

[@Puisheen]

Hey! Yes indeed, I've worked on more than one black-on-black model that had this issue. That's a cool guitar and don't let this problem worry you or keep you from buying one--the updated bridge is available aftermarket

[@dbob3405]

I have the Metallic KO. Only change was adding a Staytrem bridge. Great guitar

[@bryceadams5]

I never comment on videos, but that jam you lay into at 7:55 is so so so cool! I’m gonna have to sit down and pick that one out

[@youladsmike]

Mike, your T-shirt game is off the charts on this one

[@atomlow]

What do you think of the quality of the way Fender cut the synthetic nut? Mine looks like yours. Beyond that mine has the nicest rosewood neck, seems almost vintage with a nice shine on it. The fret work is great too.

[@raycoleman2351]

This is the video I've been waiting for!!! 🎉🎉

[@romiso70]

This is the review I'd been hoping you'd do for years (and I wasn't disappointed). I owned a Marr for a time and wasn't able to get along with the pickups and missed the rhythm circuit. Loved the neck though. How would you compare the Bare Knuckles on the Marr with the EP Customs on your gorgeous green Jag?

[@Puisheen]

I would say the EPs are a bit louder and have more mids, but the bridge pickups aren’t too far off from one another

[@jrm2fla]

I added scotch tape to my Squier Jag trem arm shaft to make it seat well. I like the original switching… lots of tones… (1, 1 + strangle, 2, 2+ strangle, sum, sum+ strangle = 6 possibilities) …. then the “top switch” ( rhythm circuit ) = 7 in all… BUT you explained the Marracini switching and it’s way cool… If there was a switch to go between parallel and “Series” then I’d have my cake and eat it, too.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great demo, lovely playing - thanks for this!

[@JeffBrumleyMusic]

Fantastic review, friend. Loved the one you sold me back in that early run - might have to check these out again.

[@Puisheen]

Jeff! I forgot about that one, that’s right!

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

Hey Mike, what's going on with Kali Kazoo, I tried searching for the songs and couldn't find them. I did find her youtube and I like the stuff you've collaborated on. What's up with that?

[@ronzgebonz7624]

First of all, thank you for that profound review and inspiring, noodeling-free sound demos of the Marrguar! Concerning the reverse-wound polarity: Marr argues on a vid on yt, that he didn't want RWRW-pickups because of the magnetic tension in opposite directions. For me, the absence of RWRP was a reason to buy a Marrguar. You just loose frequencies that, especially with low-output-PUs, are too sweet - and I don't have any mentionworthy humming issues with my Marrguar. But I upgraded it with a bone nut and a mastery bridge, which made this - amongst my many guitars - my most reliable and versatile one. The issue with the PU-switch isn't one for me, but dependant from the way you strum, your improvement can really make sense. Oh and I hope soon you spoil us with your Vibrola-deepdive, keep up your great vids!

[@tonyevans9999]

Nice review!! No RWRP is a Johnny Marr "thing", he says it makes a sonic difference. He's the Eric Johnson of indi rock maybe? It would bother me I'm afraid. I also don't find the series option usable day to day, but here with the strangle applied... yeah, it's ok and balances better with every other position, so while I'd not use it so much, it would at least be a valid colour in the crayon box as opposed to not at all.

[@NothingNowhereNoOne]

Howdy. Is the oxblood Troy Jizzmaster a good guitar? Which iteration of the jmaster do YOU recommend ?

[@09philj]

As of right now Fender only makes two Jaguar models in America: this one and the Mod Shop one, and the Mod Shop one is more like this than a traditional Jaguar. I know the Jaguar being a niche instrument is a factor, but it's funnier to think that Johnny Marr killed the Leo Fender setup.

[@sepherus]

Every time you play a Jag on here, it convinces me I should get one. Then I go play Jags and the best ones I can find I feel are just ok.

[@amandacatherine793]

Yay! So happy to see this one. I have the Fever Dream Yellow. Looking and sounding great, Mike. Your sharp beard trim is looking nice. Thanks again for teaching me something new.

[@TelecasterMaster1]

Excellent review as always, Mike! Thanks so much for the time you put into these reviews. Just curious, did you leave the plastic rings in the guitar that hold the bridge in place or did you remove them?

[@nedavine]

I just got an Am Pro II JM which has the series in the rhythm too. I was gonna swap the pickups making the push push useless, do you think the push push could be wired to do the same as the strangle switch here? The sound is epic nice.

[@mcfontaine]

What an amazingly detailed review my friend.

[@hectorvader4436]

Was hoping some the smiths but got even better stuff! I think it’s great when a signature guitar inspires things outside of what the signature artist may typically play!

[@adrianjimenezthegaminglege4892]

come on man you cant just play that amazing intro and ending then just start the video!! You''re amazing! that was AWESOME. THANK YOU

[@petesie80]

Been looking at one of these for a while...you made my mind up! Thanks bud.

[@lknez13]

Been really excited for this video and you totally delivered! Such a great guitar, and I don't just say that as a Johnny Marr fanboy hahha. Regarding the Smiths tunes, I'd recommend learning "What Difference Does it Make", such a fun riff to play :)

[@tidepoolbay]

When they first came out, all I could find/see was the white. Yes I have one of those bridges and it will be replaced. Yes the finish does just flake off mine.

[@TheSpiffyBiscuits]

Mike! Just when I think you couldn’t get any more brilliant you go and wear that t shirt!!! Makes me cry laughing every time I watch that clip. Also I have been patiently waiting for your thoughts on the Marr-guar and you didn’t disappoint! Thanks so much!

[@Puisheen]

Same here! It gives me a nice little boost whenever I watch it.

[@GregKernkamp]

Finally! Been waiting for this one! Thanks Mike! PS - Please teach me how to play like you!

[@AL_KING777]

Mike gave me the confidence to refer to my room, as “my studio”

[@Puisheen]

Your little music sanctuary

[@AL_KING777]

@@Puisheen Man, I was soaring high with the other eagles. It is little, now that you mention it.

[@genol9679]

I agree with you, there’s something about this guitar that makes you come up with riffs. This guitar kind of makes you play a little bit differently and more songs have come out of this guitar than any of my others.

[@samborn7120]

Thanks for the review Mike! I can attest Fender has not fixed the Nitro Finish problem. The finish was bubbling and coming off my 2021 JM and I bought a 2023 body to replace it… Sure enough the finish is starting to bubble around the upper control plate.. I’ve spent $2,300 for the guitar and then spent an additional $650.00 on a replacement body that is already deteriorating.. Big bummer.

[@Puisheen]

Ack that sucks! I'm sorry to hear about the continued finish issues!

[@ericjames7680]

Is there an adjustment for the nylon bushing inside so the arm stays in place? New bushings are $30.00 and MAY not be need to be replaced?

[@Stewbert_72]

Mike Music Zoo selling metallic Ko one minus signature on headstock , thoughts on how this affects value ?

[@luigigiannuzzi]

Another brilliant review, but I want to emphasize again your playing style, which is really amazing! The arpeggio at 18:02 is so intense it gives me chills. You really nailed it, Mike!

[@tagacale1733]

I own the limited edition yellow variant

[@fleshbhones]

I love that the designers kept thinking "How do we solve this problem...Nylon Insert? Nylon Insert."

[@BillHaleyInTheComments]

That shirt is a seriously deep cut, Hacker T Dog! Well played :)

[@tendingtropic7778]

i can't read the second sentence what does it say

[@powbobs]

@@tendingtropic7778 We’re just innocent men

[@CMHobbies]

Pedro the Lion-Penetration! Love the guitar riffs in that song.

[@jory8961]

Man I love when you jam during the videos….

[@GabrielRice]

I picked one of these up in January and had the same fret and fretboard problems... Would love to hear how you went about buffing out the fretboard! cheers

[@Puisheen]

Oh jeez, I’m sorry to hear that Gabriel. Super frustrating! To buff the frets and board, I used Micro Mesh pads to smooth out everything up to 12000. It did the trick, but with the frets the way they were I would ideally just start over, really take my time straightening everything out. The pads really did work great, though.

[@GabrielRice]

@@Puisheen thanks so much mike! that's super helpful. Luckily my frets are even at least, just a bit scratchy. but besides that this is my absolute dream guitar! appreciate your shared knowledge and entertainment endlessly, thank you :)