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Average Price: $349
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Description
The Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special is a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, perfect for musicians seeking a versatile electric guitar. While its offset waist and contoured body honor the classic Jazzmaster design, this model is a testament to thoughtful modification. The guitar's unique top-loading hardtail bridge ensures rock-solid sustain and reliable tuning, making it a standout choice for performers who demand stability.
Equipped with custom Duncan Designed single-coil pickups, this Jazzmaster offers a sonic palette ranging from smooth, glassy tones to dynamic, jangly crunch. Whether you're crafting moody melodies or driving rhythms, these pickups deliver a rich, articulate sound. The guitar's maple neck, designed for comfort with its C-shape and 9.5" radius, offers a seamless playing experience that both novices and seasoned players will appreciate.
Additional touches include '62 Jazz Bass concentric volume/tone controls and vintage-style tuners, ensuring a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional integrity. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special is a reliable partner in your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Alder body with polyester finish
- Maple, C-shaped neck with a 9.5" radius
- 21 Medium Jumbo frets, 25.5" scale length
- Top Loader fixed bridge for enhanced sustain
- Duncan Designed JM-101B and JM-101N single-coil Jazzmaster pickups
- 3-position toggle control for versatile sound options
- Vintage Style chrome tuning machines
Product specs
| Brand | Squier |
| Model | Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Butterscotch |
| Year | 2011 - 2016 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Brown, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Model Family | Squier Jazzmaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Squier Vintage Modified |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special have?
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The Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special is equipped with Duncan Designed™ JM-101B single-coil Jazzmaster pickups, which provide a classic, bright tone suitable for a variety of music genres.
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Is the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special suitable for beginner guitarists?
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Yes, the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable C-shaped neck and medium jumbo frets, which make it easier to play and navigate the fretboard.
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How does the tremolo bridge on the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special affect playability?
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The tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch bending and vibrato effects, enhancing the guitar's versatility for genres like surf rock and alternative music.
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What is the neck profile of the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special?
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The neck of the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special is a full-scale maple neck with a C profile, offering a comfortable grip for most playing styles.
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Can the Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special handle high-gain music styles?
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While primarily designed for clean and mid-gain tones, the Jazzmaster's single-coil pickups can handle moderate levels of gain, though they may not provide the same output as humbuckers for heavier music styles.
Videos
Oskar Zybart
WSZ: Jazzmasters - Fender vs Squier
WSZ: Jazzmasters - Fender vs Squier
Oskar Zybart
Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special 2011 Sunburst
2tu Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Butterscotch blond finish gives a unique, vintage aesthetic
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Seymour Duncan pickups provide versatile sound from jangly cleans to heavy crunch
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Ultra-playable neck with a smooth, comfortable feel
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Hardtail bridge enhances tuning stability and sustain
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Functions well in various genres, from shoegaze to metal
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Crafted in Indonesia, offering distinct quality from typical Squier models
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Feels like a high-end guitar, despite being affordable
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Alder body offers different tonal characteristics compared to basswood
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Resonates impressively, with groovy decay
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Stays in tune exceptionally well, even in alternate tunings
CONS
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Missing classic Jazzmaster rhythm circuit and vibrato assembly
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Stacked volume and tone controls can be cumbersome
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Pickup height adjustments can be tricky due to cheap hardware
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Lack of a tremolo system may be a drawback for some users
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Limited availability as it's no longer in production
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special.
User experience
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Models made in Indonesia are noted for superior quality compared to other Squiers, providing a reliable performance for gigging musicians.
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The guitar often becomes a favorite in collections, with long-term owners noting its comfort and playability even after several years.
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Users describe the neck pickup as "amazing," with a warm, full sound that's particularly effective when paired with fuzz effects.
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Finger-picking feels particularly comfortable, despite the nut being the same width as on other guitars.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners keep multiple units for alternate tunings, indicating its reliability and versatility for varied musical styles.
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Owners have used it for recording in unique setups like mobile "Backseat Studios," showing its versatility and portability for travel and recording.
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The Jazzmaster Special's design encourages fingerstyle play, offering a distinct feel that sets it apart from other guitars with similar nut widths.
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Build quality
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The thick poly finish, while visually appealing, can be prone to brittleness over time, requiring careful handling.
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Owners praise the necks as exceptionally comfortable, a standout feature for those who have played numerous guitars.
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Owners praise the uniform look of the butterscotch finish combined with the matching shade of the maple neck.
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Value and pricing
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A 2011 Butterscotch Blonde model in mint condition is considered a rare find, especially in markets like Europe, highlighting its desirability and scarcity.
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The Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster Special originally retailed for $499, but some users have found it used for under $200, highlighting its strong value proposition.
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Features and functionality
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The concentric pots are often criticized, with some users simplifying the setup to a single volume control for ease of use.
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The model is known to have a simplified Jazzmaster setup with separate volume knobs for each pickup and a master tone control.
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This model features stacked volume and tone knobs for each pickup, similar to a 60s Jazz Bass style.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners frequently replace the stock pickups; some opt for Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59s for a richer tone, especially in the bridge position.
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Owners suggest you can easily access pickups without removing the pickguard, facilitating quick modifications or checks.
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Some owners have reported modifications such as the addition of a tone knob where the output jack typically is, filling in pre-existing holes in the pickguard.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 5 Ratings
1201
The Original VMJM.
Honestly, I prefer this take version of the VMJM over it's post-2013 incarnation. It's pretty simple to use and sounds amazing! The big difference is with this version is Fender decided to use Alder as opposed to Basswood so tonally it's a bit different. The neck is maple and I actually prefer the shape of this maple over it's American Professional counterpart. The butterscotch version has held its value in terms of its price and I think if you're a fan of the Jazzmaster and looking for something affordable and cool. This is your guy. Obviously this isn't your vintage JM...(it's missing the rhythm circuit and vibrato assembly) but it's not trying to be.
115
Affordable guitar with outstanding neck!
The Squier VM Jazzmaster 2-tone Sunburst is an excellent range from Squier. It was crafted in Indonesia, which is not very common for squier, which normally outsources to China. The two single coil pickups sound excellent and with the help of the 3-way switch they provide a versatile and classic fender'ish sound. The neck PU sounds very warm, with the right settings you could achieve a cool jazzy sound. The bridge PU is very twangy and reminds a lot on a Telecaster. Both combined achieve a very clear sound which could be used for funk or any other stuff. The best thing about the guitar is the neck! It feels very smooth and comfortable. If you would hand me the guitar blindfolded, I would probably guess, that it's a quite expensive Fender. All in all an excellent guitar for the money. Very pleased with it :)
306
Really really good guitar
I had one for some months and use it in a lot of rehearsals with the band I was at the time, the sound is really good, I use to play some indie rock thing, but even for metal tones this thing can be really great
The neck is fantastic, stays in tune and its a gorgeous piece of equipment
Damn I miss that guitar... If I find one of those I might buy it again
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117
Very nice Guitar
I love the tone and i prefer these over "classic" Jazzmasters because of the bridge, but unfortunately they are no longer in production
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