My best guitar

After the Classic Vibe introduced me to the Jazzmaster, I knew I had found MY style of guitar. Being in my 40s, I knew it was time to finally get myself a real Fender. I debated the Vintera, couldn't afford the American Vintage II, but then discovered a way to get a high-quality Jazzmaster for cheaper than either of those - import one from Japan!

I am so, SO glad I did. From the moment I opened the box, I knew this was a quality instrument. I could tell by how it looked and even more by how it felt in the hand. The neck is a little thicker, but I like it. The fretwork was immaculate. Not a scratch on the thing; it is just so beautiful! It didn't require much out of the box - a bit of fretboard conditioning and a change of strings, that's about it. I have played it nearly every day since I got it, and I've definitely admired it hanging on my wall several times a day.

I did do some upgrades, however. Most notably, the pickups. For whatever reason, the Classic Vibe sounded more like a real Jazzmaster to me, and this sounded more Stratty. A quick swap with custom handwound Alnico 2 pickups from Tone Hatch and this thing sounds AMAZING. I also swapped in an AmPro Mustang bridge, because the string spacing seemed off with the stock vintage style (and it was a bit buzzy). The only other upgrades were cosmetic - knobs for the pots and main pickup selector switch.

I would buy Japanese again, any day of the week. Especially now that I also own a Mexican-made Jazzmaster that runs roughly the same price (maybe a tiny bit cheaper) as I paid for the Japanese. The Mexican doesn't really feel even as good as the Squier that remains in my collection, but it's still a decent guitar. I haven't really been searching guitars anymore. I've found The One for me. Jazzmasters are so good. I wish I had tried one years ago, instead of wasting all the time with a Jagmaster, and thinking I wanted a Jaguar.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

lightweight, high quality Japan made Jazzmaster

Awesome Japan made JM with a Basswood body. The neck is a "U" shape with slightly chunkier shoulders which might throw off players used to the thinner C necks. The neck is a dark roasted maple which looks and sounds great. The tone from the V mod pickups is warm but full. I've heard some complain about CIJ JMs having strat like pickups but that's not the case here. These are closer to the Am Pro I V-mods with medium wide windings. The weight is 7.4lbs for the CIJ, so if you are looking for a lightweight Jazzmaster with a high quality finish and American made hardware (CTS pots) , this is it.