Which sounds better is a matter of preference, and the Fender sounds really good. The Fender might sound more like the real J. It may play better as well. But I think the Squier is better because it's an archetype. The Squier was the most influential signature guitar of its era, and really got a ton of people playing Jazzmasters. The sound of its too-hot pickups is now a classic Jazzmaster sound. There are a zillion of these white guitars with those pickups and the anodized pickguard, and the big frets, and they have a distinct, aggressive personality. It's kind of like the modern-day equivalent of a TV-yellow Les Paul Special.
As Ben said, this sums it up exactly. Is the Squier a "real" Jazzmaster in terms of sound? No, absolutely not. But, it is an absolutely fantastic instrument, that sounds like I want to be in Dinosaur Jr, or make a real overdriven noise? Again, absolutely.
I've owned the Squier version for about 5 years now, LOVE the pickups in the Squier. If you swapped the scratch guard and all the electronics from the Squier to the MIJ you'd have the perfect guitar.
@@queeffersthrlnd1620 That was my point. I personally prefer the pickups in the Mascis to a true jazzmaster pickup, but prefer the glitter bomb purple of the MIJ.
@@queeffersthrlnd1620 Oh no! I prefer the Squier JMJM bridge pickup, but a traditional JM neck pickup! How can I be right and wrong at the same time?! 😹
I have the Squier J. Mascis pickups in a guitar I built and they're more like P-90s than Jazzmaster pickups. So if you want a Jazzmaster with really good P90's get the Squier version!
I share your opinion, the pickups on the Squier are my favourite too, I love them! The finish on the Fender is beautiful, but I favour sound over the aesthetics, so I choose the Squier and save some money as a bonus. Congrats for your channel, it's awesome!
Thanks buddy - yeah I definitely prefer the sound of the Squier pickups, but I totally get that they're probably not what people would expect of a usual Jazzmaster pickup. A really nice guitar for the money. The MIJ is absolutely beautiful tho!
I got a JMJM delivered to my home literally 2 days ago, it sounds great and plays so easily, I'm loving it and have no doubt it will become one of my go to guitars!
I've had the Japanese J. Mascis Jazzmaster since they came out, so when the Squier was released I didn't think I'd need that one too, but now I've changed my mind as they sound quite different. I've heard that the Squier does have P90 style pickups and that seems to be the case, judging by the sound and output. Mind you my Japanese guitar doesn't sound quite as thin through my Laney AOR as you were getting from the amp Sims.
Looks wise I prefer the Fender. I saw one in the flesh (or wood) in a guitar shop in Glasgow when they were in production and the purple sparkle finish is stunning. Sound wise I prefer the Squier - the bridge and middle positions are more to my taste, although I'm undecided on the neck position between the two.
The Fender sounds much fuller and like a traditional Jazzmaster. No surprise since it has the vintage JM pickups and 1Meg pots. That said, today's Squier's all punch above their weight. They're great stock or as a modding platform. Personally I'd rather own the Fender, but proudly own a 60's Classic Vibe JM Squier.
I had the Squier version for a couple of years and loved it. It was probably the best non-JV Squier l’ve ever owned. I thought pickups sounded terrific, especially the in between position. Can’t comment on the Japanese one but my general experience of other MIJ Fenders has often been they were nicely made and finished, but a bit clinical-feeling and let down by indifferent electronics.
❤ Dunsy, you're making me miss the one I sold almost a year ago. As you know, I had the Squier. The neck on it has to be one of the best necks on any style of guitar that I've ever played. I like the sound of both of them, but I have to agree, I like the hotter output from the Squier. Mine stayed in tune amazingly well and, I don't know about yours, but the only disappointment I had with it was the crap (not crab) pots. Mine were absolutely unusable other than to just turn off the sound. Still, they're so comfortable to play and inspiring. I wrote so many great (in my mind, at least 😂) riffs and songs while I had one that it's been a temptation to get another one again. Only reason I don't is that the tapped humbuckers in my Korean Greco cover similar aural ground and I can go full on mode with a quick flick of the switch. Still..... Another good one, sir!
You know you need another one! I haven't noticed any issues with the pots, tbh. But I genuinely play with them on 10 pretty much all the time, so I would never even be aware of anything! A really nice instrument at a great price.
The fender japan version of Jazzmaster pickups often are just masquerading strat pickups in a JM bobbin, and those sound like that to me. I had a set in a JM66 I have, and they came out pretty quick. I did have a Squier, they're pretty great.
I though the Japan version was an absolutely fantastic guitar - but the pickups were a real let down for me. But, I say that as a Rock Fella rather than a trad Jazzmaster fella.
I have both and they're pretty different guitars - despite being the same model! There are QC issues with my Squier but they're relatively minor - the top E tuner is a little loose, the bloody horn strap screw is a little wobbly.... aside from that... it's fine! Stays in tune fine. The neck is really amazing, the bridge is great. The trem arm locking system doesn't slip (like it does on the Fender) and the pick ups are great. It's lighter.. etc. The Fender has maybe overall better build QC - it feels more 'substantial'. However the neck is not so well shaped for my hands. The pick ups are fine - but no better or indeed 'worse' than the Squier. On the Fender guitar I've had the whole trem system re-set twice and yet again it's popped. It's heavier but this doesn't, for me, make it easier to play. Honestly considering the price difference.. if push came to shove I'd keep the Squier and flog the much rarer and WAY more expensive Fender J signature. I'd use a fraction of what I'd make to fix the small issues on the Squier...!!! Just my take. Having said all this - the Fender J Mascis Telecaster is the best of the lot!:)
I have to wonder whether the simple one wire solution to eliminating the tone control from the neck pickup would open it up to even more headroom & harmonics. One wire from the tone pot to the volume pot is cut, and the tail end of that wire coming from the tone pot is extended to the same terminal on the switch that the bridge hot is connected to. I stripped my JMJM and the basswood clear finishes to a golden blonde, four piece on mine.
I have a pre-2017 Squier, which has a rosewood fingerboard, which is one of the main differences between these two for me. I do love the finish of the MIJ, but the sounds of the Squier tops the Fender version in all modes. The MIJ just sounds too polite. If you want a JM JM, one of the reasons surely has to be that you want a sound within the ranges that J Mascis normally goes for - if so, then the Squier’s hotter pups are certainly the way to go. It’s a bit more forgiving in terms of playing, too, I’m thinking. One of the things I’ve found about more expensive Fender JMs is that they’re really precise and clear, so you have to be a bit more accurate. For a bit of a ‘play by feel’ fumbler like me, the Squier is great. Even at £500 now (I got mine for £350 a few years ago), it’s the best value guitar in terms of bang for your buck out there.
The Fender sounds much closer to an actual Jazzmaster. I wonder if they both have 1 M ohm pots as that's a big factor in the sound of these offsets. The 1 M ohm pot can be very bright full up but darkens quickly at 9-8. I like them both here. The Fender version looks so cool in purple sparkle but the Squier has its own cool too. Great demo Dunsy!
Squier version has p90 style magnets and screws. Fender version has pole piece magnets and wire, more like an actual JM. I’ve owned the Fender J Mascis. Regret selling it. It had an amazing neck.
@@gloryxkid I’m aware, yet my point about construction still stands. The Squier has actual P90 construction, whereas the Fender has a traditional Fender style rod magnet construction, albeit a narrower one than is normally seen on a Jazzmaster. I changed my pickups out for Novaks anyhow. I sold it because I got tired of the purple sparkle finish. I miss the playability of it. The Squiers are nice too. I wouldn’t snub my nose at one.
If you look up your serial number from the Fender on Fender's serial number page it'll give you a product page for this model and it says it has a bone nut (with a nut width of 1.650"/42mm).
Great video Dunsy! I agree with you I found the squier pickup sounds more pleasing to my ear, but that being said the fender seemed to have a little more clarity and note separation, did they feel more dynamic when playing? The Fender looks killer and the finish looks superior to the Squier. You are right though they are both great guitars in their own right and in their price range.👍
Yeah, I totally agree - the Fender has a much clearer tone (and I guess is more accurate for a Jazzmaster). Feel wise I found myself having to be a bit more careful in playing as the Fender definitely shows up any finger fubs! I've been happy with all the Squiers I've tried, I have to say and this one is a really excellent instrument. Sound wise this fits my playing perfectly.
I have a Squier JMJM and I swapped out the original P90s for Pure Vintage 65s (probably similar to the pickups on this Fender J Mascis). I found the P90s to be too dark for the kind of music I was playing (mostly country with a little surf). The "real" Jazzmaster pickups have taken some getting used to because they are so much brighter. I really need to turn down the tone control to compensate (3-4 on my guitar). While I'm getting a twangier sound with the Pure Vintage 65s, I kind of miss the original P90s. :)
The Japanese version is a stunning looking guitar but, for me, I definitely prefer the tone from the pickups in the Squier. But I appreciate that others may like the more traditional JM tones from the Fender.
Which sounds better is a matter of preference, and the Fender sounds really good. The Fender might sound more like the real J. It may play better as well. But I think the Squier is better because it's an archetype. The Squier was the most influential signature guitar of its era, and really got a ton of people playing Jazzmasters. The sound of its too-hot pickups is now a classic Jazzmaster sound. There are a zillion of these white guitars with those pickups and the anodized pickguard, and the big frets, and they have a distinct, aggressive personality. It's kind of like the modern-day equivalent of a TV-yellow Les Paul Special.
This is a great summation of where the Squier JMJM fits in the canon.
As Ben said, this sums it up exactly. Is the Squier a "real" Jazzmaster in terms of sound? No, absolutely not. But, it is an absolutely fantastic instrument, that sounds like I want to be in Dinosaur Jr, or make a real overdriven noise? Again, absolutely.
I've owned the Squier version for about 5 years now, LOVE the pickups in the Squier. If you swapped the scratch guard and all the electronics from the Squier to the MIJ you'd have the perfect guitar.
those arent jazzmaster pickups in the squier and are p90s so no
@@queeffersthrlnd1620 That was my point. I personally prefer the pickups in the Mascis to a true jazzmaster pickup, but prefer the glitter bomb purple of the MIJ.
@@axtonkahler7360 I Guess i was trying to say that liking the body but not the fundamental sound is basically not liking the jazzmaster
@@queeffersthrlnd1620 Oh no! I prefer the Squier JMJM bridge pickup, but a traditional JM neck pickup! How can I be right and wrong at the same time?! 😹
@@queeffersthrlnd1620 I guess your opinion makes mine invalid. Sorry to have disturbed your narrow little world.
The Fender Japan for me is much clearer and well defined also carries the bottom end better . IMHO.
Agree, bass is more emphasised which gives a better balance to my ear. Felt like a little bit more note clarity but that could be complete bollocks!
Definitely a more traditional sounding Jazzmaster. I think it would be a great one for cutting through a mix. Very clear.
Two great sounding guitars. I prefer the sound of the Squier as well
I have the Squier J. Mascis pickups in a guitar I built and they're more like P-90s than Jazzmaster pickups. So if you want a Jazzmaster with really good P90's get the Squier version!
They both seem to be great guitars, I just want the purple sparkles!
It's a looker, that's for sure!
Squier sounds great clean!
I agree - a really nice geetar for the money.
I share your opinion, the pickups on the Squier are my favourite too, I love them!
The finish on the Fender is beautiful, but I favour sound over the aesthetics, so I choose the Squier and save some money as a bonus.
Congrats for your channel, it's awesome!
Thanks buddy - yeah I definitely prefer the sound of the Squier pickups, but I totally get that they're probably not what people would expect of a usual Jazzmaster pickup. A really nice guitar for the money. The MIJ is absolutely beautiful tho!
I got a JMJM delivered to my home literally 2 days ago, it sounds great and plays so easily, I'm loving it and have no doubt it will become one of my go to guitars!
No one wins or looses. They both sound and look great. They sound a bit different but both sound good.
I've had the Japanese J. Mascis Jazzmaster since they came out, so when the Squier was released I didn't think I'd need that one too, but now I've changed my mind as they sound quite different.
I've heard that the Squier does have P90 style pickups and that seems to be the case, judging by the sound and output.
Mind you my Japanese guitar doesn't sound quite as thin through my Laney AOR as you were getting from the amp Sims.
Looks wise I prefer the Fender. I saw one in the flesh (or wood) in a guitar shop in Glasgow when they were in production and the purple sparkle finish is stunning. Sound wise I prefer the Squier - the bridge and middle positions are more to my taste, although I'm undecided on the neck position between the two.
The Fender sounds much fuller and like a traditional Jazzmaster. No surprise since it has the vintage JM pickups and 1Meg pots. That said, today's Squier's all punch above their weight. They're great stock or as a modding platform. Personally I'd rather own the Fender, but proudly own a 60's Classic Vibe JM Squier.
I had the Squier version for a couple of years and loved it. It was probably the best non-JV Squier l’ve ever owned. I thought pickups sounded terrific, especially the in between position. Can’t comment on the Japanese one but my general experience of other MIJ Fenders has often been they were nicely made and finished, but a bit clinical-feeling and let down by indifferent electronics.
Yeah, these pickups to me are absolutely fantastic. Suits my style (or lack thereof!).
❤ Dunsy, you're making me miss the one I sold almost a year ago.
As you know, I had the Squier. The neck on it has to be one of the best necks on any style of guitar that I've ever played. I like the sound of both of them, but I have to agree, I like the hotter output from the Squier. Mine stayed in tune amazingly well and, I don't know about yours, but the only disappointment I had with it was the crap (not crab) pots. Mine were absolutely unusable other than to just turn off the sound. Still, they're so comfortable to play and inspiring. I wrote so many great (in my mind, at least 😂) riffs and songs while I had one that it's been a temptation to get another one again. Only reason I don't is that the tapped humbuckers in my Korean Greco cover similar aural ground and I can go full on mode with a quick flick of the switch. Still.....
Another good one, sir!
You know you need another one! I haven't noticed any issues with the pots, tbh. But I genuinely play with them on 10 pretty much all the time, so I would never even be aware of anything! A really nice instrument at a great price.
The Fender is definitely brighter sounding to my ears.
I agree.
Fender MiJ for me, Dunsy 👍🏻👍🏻
You're a purplely sparkly kinda guy!
The fender japan version of Jazzmaster pickups often are just masquerading strat pickups in a JM bobbin, and those sound like that to me. I had a set in a JM66 I have, and they came out pretty quick. I did have a Squier, they're pretty great.
I though the Japan version was an absolutely fantastic guitar - but the pickups were a real let down for me. But, I say that as a Rock Fella rather than a trad Jazzmaster fella.
That’s spot on, I have the fender, switched to a set of Novak’s recently, couldn’t be happier
I have both and they're pretty different guitars - despite being the same model! There are QC issues with my Squier but they're relatively minor - the top E tuner is a little loose, the bloody horn strap screw is a little wobbly.... aside from that... it's fine! Stays in tune fine. The neck is really amazing, the bridge is great. The trem arm locking system doesn't slip (like it does on the Fender) and the pick ups are great. It's lighter.. etc. The Fender has maybe overall better build QC - it feels more 'substantial'. However the neck is not so well shaped for my hands. The pick ups are fine - but no better or indeed 'worse' than the Squier. On the Fender guitar I've had the whole trem system re-set twice and yet again it's popped. It's heavier but this doesn't, for me, make it easier to play. Honestly considering the price difference.. if push came to shove I'd keep the Squier and flog the much rarer and WAY more expensive Fender J signature. I'd use a fraction of what I'd make to fix the small issues on the Squier...!!! Just my take. Having said all this - the Fender J Mascis Telecaster is the best of the lot!:)
I had the Tele for a while, what a great guitar. Neck felt fantastic.
I have to wonder whether the simple one wire solution to eliminating the tone control from the neck pickup would open it up to even more headroom & harmonics. One wire from the tone pot to the volume pot is cut, and the tail end of that wire coming from the tone pot is extended to the same terminal on the switch that the bridge hot is connected to. I stripped my JMJM and the basswood clear finishes to a golden blonde, four piece on mine.
I have a pre-2017 Squier, which has a rosewood fingerboard, which is one of the main differences between these two for me. I do love the finish of the MIJ, but the sounds of the Squier tops the Fender version in all modes. The MIJ just sounds too polite. If you want a JM JM, one of the reasons surely has to be that you want a sound within the ranges that J Mascis normally goes for - if so, then the Squier’s hotter pups are certainly the way to go. It’s a bit more forgiving in terms of playing, too, I’m thinking. One of the things I’ve found about more expensive Fender JMs is that they’re really precise and clear, so you have to be a bit more accurate. For a bit of a ‘play by feel’ fumbler like me, the Squier is great. Even at £500 now (I got mine for £350 a few years ago), it’s the best value guitar in terms of bang for your buck out there.
As a fellow 'play by feel' man, I agree! Great guitars.
I prefer the look of the Squier one, but both sound great
I would be too worried about getting a ding on the purple sparkley one!
The Fender sounds much closer to an actual Jazzmaster. I wonder if they both have 1 M ohm pots as that's a big factor in the sound of these offsets. The 1 M ohm pot can be very bright full up but darkens quickly at 9-8. I like them both here. The Fender version looks so cool in purple sparkle but the Squier has its own cool too. Great demo Dunsy!
Squier version has p90 style magnets and screws.
Fender version has pole piece magnets and wire, more like an actual JM.
I’ve owned the Fender J Mascis. Regret selling it. It had an amazing neck.
@@kerstinover4536IIRC made in japan JM pick ups were basically Strat pick ups
@@gloryxkid I’m aware, yet my point about construction still stands.
The Squier has actual P90 construction, whereas the Fender has a traditional Fender style rod magnet construction, albeit a narrower one than is normally seen on a Jazzmaster.
I changed my pickups out for Novaks anyhow.
I sold it because I got tired of the purple sparkle finish. I miss the playability of it.
The Squiers are nice too. I wouldn’t snub my nose at one.
Dunsy has manifested Frampton in his summoning circle.
I'm all about that classic rock!
If you look up your serial number from the Fender on Fender's serial number page it'll give you a product page for this model and it says it has a bone nut (with a nut width of 1.650"/42mm).
Excellent info buddy, thank ya!
Great video Dunsy! I agree with you I found the squier pickup sounds more pleasing to my ear, but that being said the fender seemed to have a little more clarity and note separation, did they feel more dynamic when playing? The Fender looks killer and the finish looks superior to the Squier. You are right though they are both great guitars in their own right and in their price range.👍
Yeah, I totally agree - the Fender has a much clearer tone (and I guess is more accurate for a Jazzmaster). Feel wise I found myself having to be a bit more careful in playing as the Fender definitely shows up any finger fubs! I've been happy with all the Squiers I've tried, I have to say and this one is a really excellent instrument. Sound wise this fits my playing perfectly.
I have a Squier JMJM and I swapped out the original P90s for Pure Vintage 65s (probably similar to the pickups on this Fender J Mascis). I found the P90s to be too dark for the kind of music I was playing (mostly country with a little surf). The "real" Jazzmaster pickups have taken some getting used to because they are so much brighter. I really need to turn down the tone control to compensate (3-4 on my guitar). While I'm getting a twangier sound with the Pure Vintage 65s, I kind of miss the original P90s. :)
The Japanese version is a stunning looking guitar but, for me, I definitely prefer the tone from the pickups in the Squier. But I appreciate that others may like the more traditional JM tones from the Fender.
Squire😊
Nice comparison. Have you ever played a momose Jazzmaster? I have heard very good things about them.
I haven't, actually - I've seen a few of their Les Paul style instrument and they look fantastic, but they seem to command a price above my budget!
oh bloody hell now i need to buy another guitar
The Purple Color J Mascis guitar looks like it has a light purple pickguard?
Just the light, I think.