This is a better side by side than most I watched. Everyone goes on about all the circuits and tries to sound all technical. Thanks for focusing on the tone, really clarifying. Kinda digging the darker tone of the jazzmaster
Thanks so much! Yeah I just personally wanted to hear the actual difference between the two guitars side by side and in a track, so thanks for the feedback. More comparison videos like this coming on my channel!
The jazzmaster sounds like a wise old traveller with a scarred face and stories to tell The jaguar sounds like the young excited teen about to travel himself and have those stories
That's the BEST description I've ever seen to desribe the tonal difference and that difference is why I choose my Jazzmaster over the Jaguar even though I want a few of those too. lol xD Thanks for this comment. I gotta commit this one to memory.
FINALLY !!! After years of searching for the perfect comparison video, you released the perfect and simple video I've been searching for! And amazing playing. Keep it up
The Jaguar sounds like a crystal clear sound happening right in front of you, but the Jazzmaster sounds like an old memory captured on film or played through a transistor radio
I don't know if this will matter to anyone persay, but the Jazzmaster was made for Jazz players, but was popular in the surf rock scene instead (after they could start grabbing them cheap because it had initially flopped) and the Jaguar was made for surf rockers but instead lounged in relative obscurity until Cobain got big on one and it kinda almost became a poster guitar of *that* scene... partly because they could grab them cheap because they had initially flopped.
Cobain was never known as a jazzmaster player. J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Lee and Thurston of Sonic Youth and various other punk musicians put the jazzmaster back on the map.
This is the most inspiring vid I've watched about the jaguar (my favourite guitar), specially because of 8:09. So beautiful! and the jag really shines in that colour. Cheers.
Great video. But, big but, JM Jag is VERY different from a regular Jaguar. They come with special Bare Knuckle pickups that have very low magnetic pull and under wound for low output. They are also not reverse polarity as on normal Jag so the middle position sounds different. Lastly, the removal of the jazz curcuit to me loses the warm tones possible with it. So, if you had done this with a regular Jag, it might have been a bit more helpful. But still, thanks and really nice playing.
@@44gg37 Is sounds brighter as has he as the High Pass Filter (s) on. Without engaging them the JM Jag has the same Darker/Warmer tones you'd find using the Jazz/Rhythm circuit on a regular Jag. Best of both worlds IMHO.
Clear comparison, intelligent thoughts from Ben Neal the player, and excellent playing it was too! As is pointed out below the Marr Jag is not a standard Jaguar, it's worth noting this point ...
Honestly, I can easily ear through my studio monitors that the jag is brighter here ! the jazzmaster tones are more mellow and deep while the jag's ones are sharper and brighter. Both sounds really good, great job !
I'm 68 years old and I've only been playing 3 years and I aspire to be able to play like you. I've always liked both guitars and would probably take the Jag but if you're looking at a new American made instrument, there is a big price difference between them. Thanks for the great video.
i've been playing for 20 years, and kudos to you for learning a new instrument - whenever people tell me they wish they knew how to play an instrument, i always tell them, "anyone can play guitar," but they act like if they didn't learn it by the time they were 12, they'll never be able to. the most important lesson i've learned over 20 years is play for yourself and you'll always enjoy it. if you're still looking at Jazzmasters and Jaguars, you might check out the J Mascis signature Squier Jazzmaster. the pickups are a lot hotter than the typical Jazzmaster, but it's by far the best electric guitar i've played for the price. really great feeling neck, too.
@@Bigsbeee I’ve heard similarly really positive things about the Squier Deluxe Jazzmaster, but haven’t played one myself. Must make a mental note to keep an eye out for one next time I’m at a music store. IIRC, it doesn’t have the exact same pickups as the J Mascis one, but they’re still hotter than the standard Jazzmaster ones. I’ve heard someone say the tone is somewhere between a more traditional Jazzmaster pickup and a P90, which sounds like a winning combo to me. Oh, and I don’t think it has a floating bridge like most offset Fenders do - which is either a pro or a con, depending on your tastes. My Jaguar (idk how standard this feature is) comes with a little lever on the bridge plate that allows you to lock the bridge down to stabilize it if you’re not interested in using a whammy bar with it.
I really like the clearity of the Jag's neck pick up. It's got an awesome kick and punchy tone. I thought the neck pick up on the Jazzmaster was a bit mutty. But, the middle position on the Jazzmaster was incredible and so well balanced. Yes, I do need both guitars in the end. Thanks for the video.
I'd have to go with the Jaguar myself .... just liking the cleaner, plunkier sound overall - I think all the sounds the Jazzmaster can do could be done with the Jaguar with EQ adjustment (amp EQ, pedal or EQ on a track)
I really liked the sound of the Jag here much more, though both sounded good. The extra hair on the Jazzmaster due to the output being higher sorta colored things a little. Real nice playing too! I even liked that little crunchy bit near at the end, especially on the Jag, and I'm not a crunch guy by and large. Nice use of open strings there. I play a lot in B and E because of that. So much fun to be had!
They sound very different from each other. Guess I need both. Nothing beats that jag for cleans and the jazz master is good for both clean and distortion. Also thank you for not doing the typical boomer blues lick when doing your review, you gave a good amount of styles that helped me determine what it would sound like the way I would use it.
From Leo: Thanks for your straight forward, side by side comparison. I have a JazzMaster but also like the tones from the Jaguar pickups. The 24" scale neck was just awkward for me to play. I am right in the middle of installing Jaguar electronics into a Strat style guitar. Hoping it will be the best of both.
My Dad has a 60"s jaguar that I think will be mine one day. But I feel that Jazz master. Wow I dig it ALOT! But I will love that specific Jag for sure.
A lot of the classic Jaguars have very bright and jangly pickups in them, but if you change them out with some Vmods, they actually sound a lot darker and thumpy. I've also heard that changing the plastic pickguard out for a metallic pickguard can add a much darker and grungier tone.
I was put onto the Jazzmaster by Norah Jones' lockdown mini concerts - I have the same Amp she plugs direct into and I just loved the "woody chunkiness" of the clean tone her Jazzmaster was putting out. After that I started to recognise the JM's distinctive "chunk" in other particular songs I loved, like "Watching The Detectives" I feel that the three guitars I have (tele, casino & mustang) are more than enough but the Jazzmaster speaks to me!
the jazzmaster really is something unique. Used to be a start guy, but now I own jazzmasters only. There is something organic about this guitar that you cant now if you never tried one
Amazing how different of a vibe they were. I like the deep mellow bottom of the Jazz but the Jag was definitely cleaner and brighter. Two very different moods.
To my ear a typical Jazzmaster sound is more in stratty territory and a typical Jaguar is in more tele territory. I am big into Jazzmasters and have never owned a proper Jag (only one with humbuckers that wasn't my thing)so my opinion is mainly from listening to Jaguars.
The opening looping was excellent. I would have liked to hear the same licks for each of the different amps at the end. Thanks for creating this video. I’m having a difficult time deciding between these two amazing offset guitars. I think it ultimately comes down to playing them both in person to make the determination. Great playing. Something in the way the Jazzmaster sounds makes me feel like it’s the better choice on a tone level.There’s a warmth and fullness in the Fender comparison that clearly comes through.
Thank you so much! Yes I agree, the Jazzmaster does seem to have a bit more body/warmth/fullness. The Jag is more that jangly bright thing I expected from both. Keep in mind that the pickups in the Jazzmaster are Lollars, not stock Fender pups.
Wow. Wonderfully enlightening! Thank you for a quality comparison of what we are all looking for. I loved the Jag tone in a mix as a lead/clean sound, while the JM was a bit dirty. However, when you combined a darker/dirtier guitar with a bright amp like the AC30, it really changed the complexity of the tone. The Vox really brought out the highs in an interesting and pleasing way. I'm torn because of that. I'll probably have to go and watch this again to get another listen! I'd love to hear you do some more amp comparisons! I'll def. be subscribing bro.
Thank you so much for the comment and the sub! Super interesting thoughts. It’s crazy how much different amps and even cabinets/speakers can make such a difference and bring out certain things in certain guitars. I’ll hopefully have some more comparison videos up soon!
I like the Jaguar more, but I definitely like pickups that are less compressed and have more room for picking dynamic and the ability to 'breathe'. The neck on the Jazzmaster was really deep and 'throaty' sounding in a good way. I don't think either sounded very good through the Marshall amp sound. The Jaguar sounded good on all of the Fender/Vox settings. The Jazzmaster sounded good maybe 70% of the time and did it's own kind of deeper sound on the Fender/Vox sounds. Good comparison. Very helpful!
I have a Jag, swapped out the pickups for Creamery '88s and it really pushes the front of the amp. I think the real difference here is that the Jag being tested is the Jonny Marr signature which has underwound low output pickups. Be interested to see the comparison with the in series option on the Marr Jag.
Wow. Just goes to show the importance of CONTEXT. Within the initial mix, I really felt the jazz master sounded better and more functional. But then on their own, I greatly preferred the jag! Guess I need them both 😵💫
That was fantastic! Thank you!! For me, the Jag just has that 'something different from everything else' vibe that appeals more. Dug the playing style, btw!
I’ve owned my Johnny Marr jaguar for 8+ years - it sounds and plays amazing. I just got a Nash Jazzmaster with Lollar pickups. It’s a whole different animal and I’m loving getting to know the instrument. These models are way too overlooked.
I bought an American Professional Jaguar a few years ago when I needed a short-scale guitar after surgery on my left thumb. I've barely touched any of my other guitars since, and that's because of the sound as much as the scale length.
@@BenNeal I really got into the Jaguars because of this too. When I was in a band with my friend, he would write a lot of songs with really stretched out chord shapes, and I found it way easier to play the songs when I picked up a Jag (CP at first then an AmPro like the OP). I found I was actually able to get really cool chord voicings with the scale length of the Jaguar. It let me stretch across more frets more easily. Some of the chords I really can’t even play on standard length guitars because of the fret spacing.
Nice comparison! The quick basic side by side comparison of short clips really helps distinguish the difference! BUT there is one thing almost nobody talks about and it has nothing to do with the guitar, the strings or the amps - and you demoed it yourself - that is the player's EARS!!!!!! As a former stereo and speaker salesman, we knew that women generally hear high pitched sounds better/more than men and vice versa! Now certainly there are a LOT more guys playing electric guitars than women (however that's changing). BUT even the guys have different HEARING RANGES!!! Some - like me - like a slightly brighter pitch than say the heavy metal listeners - HEARING RANGE - what's more pleasant to that individual's ear! Now, like you, I'm eliminating the neck thickness, fret board material, scale length and the dozens of other little things that can make one guitar preferable to another - not necessarily BETTER but more likable to the players ears and hands!!!!! YOU did that very thing and I'm glad! Why do so many country players choose a Tele style - probably because over the years those tones have become connected with country music - thanks you Mr. Fender! Pretty soon a certain soloist began a huge rock guitar career, Mr. Duane Eddie!!!! Completely different sound, different instrument types.... And we can't leave out the Ventures - different sound, different guitars, different amps!!!!! Ever consider why there are so many different FOOT PEDALS THAT TRY TO IMITATE, SAY, A BIG MUFF OR A TUBE SCREAMER? It's all really THE EAR and how the combination sounds to YOU!!!!! Great job here, Ben. Really enjoyed it!!!!!!
Something else to consider: (Full disclosure: I own both designs. A Mascis Squire and an AVRI Jag. Both have been upgraded with Mastery bridge & trems.) The scale length of the Jag will allow you to adjust the trem to pull the B string up a minor third. Why would you care? Well, one thing it makes possible: say you barre G,B & E at fret XII - 2nd inversion Em triad, the way it works out when you take B string up a minor third it gives you a root position Bm triad. The extra length of the Jazzmaster neck does not allow this. Tho, you can do it on a strat style all day.
Very inspired down to the nitty gritty video,excellent demo,what struck me most were both guitars' middle pick ups tones through the Vox,so evocative ,goospimples!Thank you for posting ,and please post more!
Was interesting. I like the shorter scale length of the Jaguar. But I had an idea in my head that I liked how Jazzmasters sound. I thought it was a bassier sound. But in reality, it's not, it's that it's less treble, more mid-range focus, more distorted and compressed. The Jaguar sounds more classic, nods toward Strat, cleaner, brighter, more scooped, less compressed, more extended range especially in the upper treble. But, it doesn't lack in the bass. So, I started to get sold more on the Jaguar. Especially as being more different to my main guitar, an ES-335 type with humbuckers. But, then that last demo with the JazzMaster on bridge pickup into Plexi sold me on the JazzMaster. It's the sound I love. It's Tom Verlaine, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and heaps of great indie rock. Be interested to here you compare the two short-scale guitars, Mustang and Jaguar. Because Mustangs can be affordable for that classic single coil sound. I'm just not convinced they have the extended bass of a Jaguar?
Awesome video brother, I loved both tones but the jazzmaster felt more in your face and definitely a tighter. These two guitars would be awesome making some stereo tracks in an album together. I liked the jazzmaster when the gain was pushed more. Great comparison
I've been playing guitar for 36 years and I'll never even come CLOSE to sounding as good as you do after 13. Life sucks. Meanwhile, I like the Jazzmaster better, even though the Jags always look cool as hell.
Speaking of apples to oranges (great playing btw)! The Jazzmaster's marriage of the P-90esque pickups with the classic Fender scale length/radius is just brilliant. But the slightly later Jaguar's input from the surf community shows. It has the more classically Fender pickups but with the enhanced shielding which is somewhat reminiscent of a Tele bridge in terms of just adding metal mass to the classic single-coil. It is also a tech's dream guitar; you can fix more or less any electronic issue without even loosening the strings (a huge buff if, like me, you do your own repairs). It also (in the classic format) has the strangle switch which is huge for fitting in the mix as well as individual pickup toggles which are more mod-friendly. My jag boasts about every possible combo and then some with minimal expenditure (basically two DPDT push-pull pots) and I love it. That said, having serious GAS for something with a set of true Jazzmaster pickups.
Great video, thanks. Perfect UA-cam. I prefer the Jaguar when it's played harder and it distorts and breaks up, but the Jazzmaster when it's clean and jangly. I also can't get over how much both sound like a Stratocaster when player on neck pickup through a Twin Deluxe amp. I'm sure you're Jimi Hendrix licks help!
Hello…very good…one thing note when talking about offsets is the body size compared to strays an télé guitars which is bigger…hence even though a jazzmaster has the same neck scale as a strat it doesn’t sit the same way and the neck actually feels longer…the short neck on the Jag combined with the offset body actually feels very much like a telecaster imho…love them all of course but when I gravitate to my Jag it can be for this reason…that and the jangle factor is more distinctive
I love the look of both-such a cool ‘50s space age’ vibe. But I’ve never felt I needed the sound of a Jazzmaster over, say, a Strat. I don’t really enjoy the sound of the pickups. The Jag, however, with the same great trem, chime, twang and jangle, and short scale that encourages strange extended chord voicing a definitely fills a gap. I use mine a lot.
Watched this a few days ago without headphones in a bus stop and thought there was no difference but at home using headphones they sound almost completely different!
Interesting how the Jag has a "sweeter" more scooped sound, the jazzmaster is more mids forward and "narly". I watched some videos on different scale lengths for acoustic guitars and there is some continuity here too. I'd be interesting in hearing/comparing a Jazzmaster with Jaguar pickups vs a Jazzmaster to take the pickups out of the equation.
This is a Johnny Marr Jag which is much softer and cleaner than a normal Jag. JM is my all time favorite guitarist, but I didn't like that version of Jag. I actually have a Squire CV 60s that sounds and actually plays much better. Most versatile guitar I've ever owned and I've been playing for 40 years.
If you take a Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster, and hold the first fret, of said guitar, up to the nut of a Jag, you'll see that all the frets line up perfectly. So, playing a Jag is like playing a Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster with a capo on the first fret... Check it out.
I have them both. Mustangs as well. I hear and play a JM and just love it. To some reason though the Jag always comes away with the more permanent spot on my Stand. Take that jag through an AC15 (proper) and it'll be the best sound. You'll have never heard the Jag sound like that and you'll have never heard the amp sound like that either. JM's rule Jags make me drool. Great video.
Unique moves, Ben. That's a welcome thing on UA-cam, where guitar cliches abound. I've always been able to tell Jazzmaster from Jaguar instantly, and your demo shows why: Jazzmaster gets deep vibrant tones that are great for blues as well as clean jazz. The Jaguar is a plinky sounding surf guitar with no sustain and no range. It would be interesting to add a Strat to the mix next time. In fact, swapping Strat, Jazzmaster and Jaguar pickups into the same guitar body. That would tell the tale.
Cool comparison. The Jag into a simulated AC30 is downright magical.
This is a better side by side than most I watched. Everyone goes on about all the circuits and tries to sound all technical. Thanks for focusing on the tone, really clarifying.
Kinda digging the darker tone of the jazzmaster
Thanks so much! Yeah I just personally wanted to hear the actual difference between the two guitars side by side and in a track, so thanks for the feedback. More comparison videos like this coming on my channel!
The jazzmaster sounds like a wise old traveller with a scarred face and stories to tell
The jaguar sounds like the young excited teen about to travel himself and have those stories
That's the BEST description I've ever seen to desribe the tonal difference and that difference is why I choose my Jazzmaster over the Jaguar even though I want a few of those too. lol xD Thanks for this comment. I gotta commit this one to memory.
the jazzmaster was designed for jazz musicians and the jaguar for surf musicians - so i guess this comment is historically accurate
@@snowgirl3522 the JM was originally marketed to the jazz players of the time, failed, & then was popularized shortly thereafter by the surfers.
I'll take the one who's been there done that
FINALLY !!! After years of searching for the perfect comparison video, you released the perfect and simple video I've been searching for! And amazing playing. Keep it up
Thank you so much! So glad you liked it! What did you prefer out of the two guitars?
Love them both
The Jazzmaster pickups seem to compress more, giving it a unique sound. Really like that
Dude the intro song you wrote is killer! And your soloing is amazing. great job!
Thank you! 🙏🏼
I watched this to decide on which I want of the two. I’ve decided I’m gonna walk out of the guitar store with both when I go
Haha perfect!
Me too, running and with the security guards behind me xd
Everything else in universe, less is more...
guitars More is More !!!
🚬🐕
I did that too
that's what I'm gonna have to do!
The Jaguar sounds like a crystal clear sound happening right in front of you, but the Jazzmaster sounds like an old memory captured on film or played through a transistor radio
Lol cheesy description
@@Noisehead101 thanks I made it myself
I don't know if this will matter to anyone persay, but the Jazzmaster was made for Jazz players, but was popular in the surf rock scene instead (after they could start grabbing them cheap because it had initially flopped) and the Jaguar was made for surf rockers but instead lounged in relative obscurity until Cobain got big on one and it kinda almost became a poster guitar of *that* scene... partly because they could grab them cheap because they had initially flopped.
Cobain was never known as a jazzmaster player. J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Lee and Thurston of Sonic Youth and various other punk musicians put the jazzmaster back on the map.
@@finnmccool1591 I guess it's a good thing I didn't say he played a Jazzmaster then, isn't it?
@@hokage102364 He wasn't known as a jaguar player, either.
@@finnmccool1591 That's literally his most famous guitar, but sure.
@@hokage102364 No, that would be the Fender Mustang. Or the acoustic he played on MTV Live.
The jazzmaster with good reverb is a match make in heaven.
It’s hard to get a better sound then that in my opinion
You definitely can’t get that sound without it!
The Jazzmaster is a match made in heaven with any pedal, amp and pretty much anything. You can make a Metalzone sing like a dove with it
Darn right!
Dude please decide to make more videos like these 🥰 it’s so good quality stuff!! The filming, the playing, your tone .. 😇🦦
When the beat drops :-o. Great video, love the tone you get!
Thank you! 🙏🏼
Perfect comparative view on both Fender models. The best on UA-cam! Thank you!
No worries, thank you!
This is the most inspiring vid I've watched about the jaguar (my favourite guitar), specially because of 8:09. So beautiful! and the jag really shines in that colour. Cheers.
Thanks so much! The Jaguar sure is a beautiful guitar!
Kid named fender
@@velocticz1382 waltuh
Great video. But, big but, JM Jag is VERY different from a regular Jaguar. They come with special Bare Knuckle pickups that have very low magnetic pull and under wound for low output. They are also not reverse polarity as on normal Jag so the middle position sounds different. Lastly, the removal of the jazz curcuit to me loses the warm tones possible with it. So, if you had done this with a regular Jag, it might have been a bit more helpful. But still, thanks and really nice playing.
Thanks, I knew it sounded different, way brighter than usual I think
@@44gg37 Is sounds brighter as has he as the High Pass Filter (s) on. Without engaging them the JM Jag has the same Darker/Warmer tones you'd find using the Jazz/Rhythm circuit on a regular Jag. Best of both worlds IMHO.
Jazzmaster is just a masterpiece and when you put reverb on its sound heavenly good
Clear comparison, intelligent thoughts from Ben Neal the player, and excellent playing it was too!
As is pointed out below the Marr Jag is not a standard Jaguar, it's worth noting this point ...
Honestly, I can easily ear through my studio monitors that the jag is brighter here ! the jazzmaster tones are more mellow and deep while the jag's ones are sharper and brighter. Both sounds really good, great job !
Great comparison. The Johnny Marr Jag might be my next guitar
I stopped caring which one was which as soon as you started playing. Great playing mate!
Haha thank you so much!
This was amazing m8, playing was class and I’ve never heard such an in depth comparison between a Jaguar and Jazzy.
Thanks so much!
That opening jam completely blew me away. Fantastic stuff
Aw thank you so much!
I think it’s more of a tonal preference. I really dig the slightly more grunge and deeper tone of the Jazzmaster while the Jag has a brighter tone.
Well yeah, tone is one of them. JM pups are quite unique. On the other hand they have different electronics, and most of all different scale lenghts.
Awesome vid, thx for the great comparison! Jazzmaster's warm tone paired with reverb wins me over every time!
the sound of the jazzmaster in middle with your tone on ac30 gave me thrill😳✨🔥
Exactly. That´s why I own a Jazzmaster and an AC30 (from 1964) . And a Jag.
I'm 68 years old and I've only been playing 3 years and I aspire to be able to play like you. I've always liked both guitars and would probably take the Jag but if you're looking at a new American made instrument, there is a big price difference between them. Thanks for the great video.
That's so nice, thank you!
i've been playing for 20 years, and kudos to you for learning a new instrument - whenever people tell me they wish they knew how to play an instrument, i always tell them, "anyone can play guitar," but they act like if they didn't learn it by the time they were 12, they'll never be able to. the most important lesson i've learned over 20 years is play for yourself and you'll always enjoy it.
if you're still looking at Jazzmasters and Jaguars, you might check out the J Mascis signature Squier Jazzmaster. the pickups are a lot hotter than the typical Jazzmaster, but it's by far the best electric guitar i've played for the price. really great feeling neck, too.
@@sordidsentinel or the Deluxe !
@@Bigsbeee I’ve heard similarly really positive things about the Squier Deluxe Jazzmaster, but haven’t played one myself. Must make a mental note to keep an eye out for one next time I’m at a music store.
IIRC, it doesn’t have the exact same pickups as the J Mascis one, but they’re still hotter than the standard Jazzmaster ones. I’ve heard someone say the tone is somewhere between a more traditional Jazzmaster pickup and a P90, which sounds like a winning combo to me.
Oh, and I don’t think it has a floating bridge like most offset Fenders do - which is either a pro or a con, depending on your tastes. My Jaguar (idk how standard this feature is) comes with a little lever on the bridge plate that allows you to lock the bridge down to stabilize it if you’re not interested in using a whammy bar with it.
What a nice comparison! Love the piece of music at 08:10 as well!
Thanks!
I really like the clearity of the Jag's neck pick up. It's got an awesome kick and punchy tone. I thought the neck pick up on the Jazzmaster was a bit mutty. But, the middle position on the Jazzmaster was incredible and so well balanced. Yes, I do need both guitars in the end. Thanks for the video.
I'd have to go with the Jaguar myself .... just liking the cleaner, plunkier sound overall - I think all the sounds the Jazzmaster can do could be done with the Jaguar with EQ adjustment (amp EQ, pedal or EQ on a track)
I really liked the sound of the Jag here much more, though both sounded good. The extra hair on the Jazzmaster due to the output being higher sorta colored things a little. Real nice playing too! I even liked that little crunchy bit near at the end, especially on the Jag, and I'm not a crunch guy by and large. Nice use of open strings there. I play a lot in B and E because of that. So much fun to be had!
They sound very different from each other. Guess I need both.
Nothing beats that jag for cleans and the jazz master is good for both clean and distortion.
Also thank you for not doing the typical boomer blues lick when doing your review, you gave a good amount of styles that helped me determine what it would sound like the way I would use it.
Thanks so much! I tried to show these guitars in a ‘real’ context. And I agree that both are essential!
Man keep making videos for sure. Good to watch, you rip and they have good vibes.
Thanks man, will do!
From Leo: Thanks for your straight forward, side by side comparison. I have a JazzMaster but also like the tones from the Jaguar pickups. The 24" scale neck was just awkward for me to play. I am right in the middle of installing Jaguar electronics into a Strat style guitar. Hoping it will be the best of both.
You’re welcome! Hope that Strat turns out well!
The guy in Agent Orange - punk/surf, put Jag pickups in a jazzmaster.
My Dad has a 60"s jaguar that I think will be mine one day. But I feel that Jazz master. Wow I dig it ALOT! But I will love that specific Jag for sure.
Get your own fcking guitar, L. So weird that you're expecting and waiting, taking for granted that your dad will "hand it down" to you in the future.
A lot of the classic Jaguars have very bright and jangly pickups in them, but if you change them out with some Vmods, they actually sound a lot darker and thumpy. I've also heard that changing the plastic pickguard out for a metallic pickguard can add a much darker and grungier tone.
Glad to hear someone else use "thumpy" to describe the Jag sound.
No sound like it.
Super interesting!
I was put onto the Jazzmaster by Norah Jones' lockdown mini concerts - I have the same Amp she plugs direct into and I just loved the "woody chunkiness" of the clean tone her Jazzmaster was putting out. After that I started to recognise the JM's distinctive "chunk" in other particular songs I loved, like "Watching The Detectives"
I feel that the three guitars I have (tele, casino & mustang) are more than enough but the Jazzmaster speaks to me!
the jazzmaster really is something unique. Used to be a start guy, but now I own jazzmasters only. There is something organic about this guitar that you cant now if you never tried one
Amazing how different of a vibe they were. I like the deep mellow bottom of the Jazz but the Jag was definitely cleaner and brighter. Two very different moods.
To my ear a typical Jazzmaster sound is more in stratty territory and a typical Jaguar is in more tele territory. I am big into Jazzmasters and have never owned a proper Jag (only one with humbuckers that wasn't my thing)so my opinion is mainly from listening to Jaguars.
The opening looping was excellent. I would have liked to hear the same licks for each of the different amps at the end. Thanks for creating this video. I’m having a difficult time deciding between these two amazing offset guitars. I think it ultimately comes down to playing them both in person to make the determination. Great playing. Something in the way the Jazzmaster sounds makes me feel like it’s the better choice on a tone level.There’s a warmth and fullness in the Fender comparison that clearly comes through.
Thank you so much! Yes I agree, the Jazzmaster does seem to have a bit more body/warmth/fullness. The Jag is more that jangly bright thing I expected from both. Keep in mind that the pickups in the Jazzmaster are Lollars, not stock Fender pups.
Incredible playing! Great production on the track and this video as well.
Thank you!
This was super informative man, thanks for the video. I think that Jazzmaster is exactly what I’ve been wanting. And this video helped confirm it
Wow. Wonderfully enlightening! Thank you for a quality comparison of what we are all looking for. I loved the Jag tone in a mix as a lead/clean sound, while the JM was a bit dirty. However, when you combined a darker/dirtier guitar with a bright amp like the AC30, it really changed the complexity of the tone. The Vox really brought out the highs in an interesting and pleasing way. I'm torn because of that. I'll probably have to go and watch this again to get another listen! I'd love to hear you do some more amp comparisons! I'll def. be subscribing bro.
Thank you so much for the comment and the sub! Super interesting thoughts. It’s crazy how much different amps and even cabinets/speakers can make such a difference and bring out certain things in certain guitars. I’ll hopefully have some more comparison videos up soon!
Faça isso novamente @BenNeal 🎸🎵 big hug from Brazil 🇧🇷
I like the Jaguar more, but I definitely like pickups that are less compressed and have more room for picking dynamic and the ability to 'breathe'. The neck on the Jazzmaster was really deep and 'throaty' sounding in a good way. I don't think either sounded very good through the Marshall amp sound. The Jaguar sounded good on all of the Fender/Vox settings. The Jazzmaster sounded good maybe 70% of the time and did it's own kind of deeper sound on the Fender/Vox sounds. Good comparison. Very helpful!
You really deserve much more attentions man. Keep up the good contents
Thank you so much!
both look and sound great!
That opening tune is great, and the difference between the two was definitely highlighted. I'd get both if I could.
Thank you! Yeah I agree, both would be great!
I have a Jag, swapped out the pickups for Creamery '88s and it really pushes the front of the amp. I think the real difference here is that the Jag being tested is the Jonny Marr signature which has underwound low output pickups. Be interested to see the comparison with the in series option on the Marr Jag.
Exactly!!
Wow. Just goes to show the importance of CONTEXT. Within the initial mix, I really felt the jazz master sounded better and more functional. But then on their own, I greatly preferred the jag! Guess I need them both 😵💫
This was a cool exploration. I feel more informed! And yet they both sound awesome... thanks Leo fender, you nutter!
Love the opening track. Jazz: hollow and haunted, Jag: needley and needy. Both have some great stuff to say, be a good two guitar band set up.
That was fantastic! Thank you!! For me, the Jag just has that 'something different from everything else' vibe that appeals more. Dug the playing style, btw!
Yes the Jag is amazing 😍
I know it’s a bit late but I do love this style video and would love to see more!
Me too! More coming for sure!
I’ve owned my Johnny Marr jaguar for 8+ years - it sounds and plays amazing. I just got a Nash Jazzmaster with Lollar pickups. It’s a whole different animal and I’m loving getting to know the instrument. These models are way too overlooked.
I bought an American Professional Jaguar a few years ago when I needed a short-scale guitar after surgery on my left thumb. I've barely touched any of my other guitars since, and that's because of the sound as much as the scale length.
Yeah that shorter scale on the Jaguar really makes it comfortable to play!
@@BenNeal I really got into the Jaguars because of this too. When I was in a band with my friend, he would write a lot of songs with really stretched out chord shapes, and I found it way easier to play the songs when I picked up a Jag (CP at first then an AmPro like the OP).
I found I was actually able to get really cool chord voicings with the scale length of the Jaguar. It let me stretch across more frets more easily. Some of the chords I really can’t even play on standard length guitars because of the fret spacing.
Nice comparison! The quick basic side by side comparison of short clips really helps distinguish the difference! BUT there is one thing almost nobody talks about and it has nothing to do with the guitar, the strings or the amps - and you demoed it yourself - that is the player's EARS!!!!!! As a former stereo and speaker salesman, we knew that women generally hear high pitched sounds better/more than men and vice versa! Now certainly there are a LOT more guys playing electric guitars than women (however that's changing). BUT even the guys have different HEARING RANGES!!! Some - like me - like a slightly brighter pitch than say the heavy metal listeners - HEARING RANGE - what's more pleasant to that individual's ear! Now, like you, I'm eliminating the neck thickness, fret board material, scale length and the dozens of other little things that can make one guitar preferable to another - not necessarily BETTER but more likable to the players ears and hands!!!!! YOU did that very thing and I'm glad! Why do so many country players choose a Tele style - probably because over the years those tones have become connected with country music - thanks you Mr. Fender! Pretty soon a certain soloist began a huge rock guitar career, Mr. Duane Eddie!!!! Completely different sound, different instrument types.... And we can't leave out the Ventures - different sound, different guitars, different amps!!!!! Ever consider why there are so many different FOOT PEDALS THAT TRY TO IMITATE, SAY, A BIG MUFF OR A TUBE SCREAMER? It's all really THE EAR and how the combination sounds to YOU!!!!! Great job here, Ben. Really enjoyed it!!!!!!
Sensacional observação! Big hug from Brazil 🇧🇷🎸🎵
Something else to consider: (Full disclosure: I own both designs. A Mascis Squire and an AVRI Jag. Both have been upgraded with Mastery bridge & trems.) The scale length of the Jag will allow you to adjust the trem to pull the B string up a minor third. Why would you care? Well, one thing it makes possible: say you barre G,B & E at fret XII - 2nd inversion Em triad, the way it works out when you take B string up a minor third it gives you a root position Bm triad.
The extra length of the Jazzmaster neck does not allow this. Tho, you can do it on a strat style all day.
I love all of that chrome on the Jag, but that darker Jazzmaster tone is undeniably better to my ears.
Another key to their sounds are the 1 Meg Volume and Tone pots; HUGE impact on the sound.
Very inspired down to the nitty gritty video,excellent demo,what struck me most were both guitars' middle pick ups tones through the Vox,so evocative ,goospimples!Thank you for posting ,and please post more!
One of the best comparisons I've watched. Subbed.
Fantastic playing! You make both those guitars sound amazing!
Thank you!
Was interesting. I like the shorter scale length of the Jaguar. But I had an idea in my head that I liked how Jazzmasters sound. I thought it was a bassier sound. But in reality, it's not, it's that it's less treble, more mid-range focus, more distorted and compressed. The Jaguar sounds more classic, nods toward Strat, cleaner, brighter, more scooped, less compressed, more extended range especially in the upper treble. But, it doesn't lack in the bass. So, I started to get sold more on the Jaguar. Especially as being more different to my main guitar, an ES-335 type with humbuckers. But, then that last demo with the JazzMaster on bridge pickup into Plexi sold me on the JazzMaster. It's the sound I love. It's Tom Verlaine, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and heaps of great indie rock. Be interested to here you compare the two short-scale guitars, Mustang and Jaguar. Because Mustangs can be affordable for that classic single coil sound. I'm just not convinced they have the extended bass of a Jaguar?
Nice playing, brother!
Cheers!
Man you play beautifully. I love both guitars but then again I'm a Fender man so. Great and informative video.
Awesome video brother, I loved both tones but the jazzmaster felt more in your face and definitely a tighter. These two guitars would be awesome making some stereo tracks in an album together. I liked the jazzmaster when the gain was pushed more. Great comparison
Thanks heaps Ben!
Instant sub, well done sir! Really nice job with the production, and your playing is outstanding :D
The tracks you made for this are really sweet too
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I've been playing guitar for 36 years and I'll never even come CLOSE to sounding as good as you do after 13. Life sucks. Meanwhile, I like the Jazzmaster better, even though the Jags always look cool as hell.
HAHA this also made my day 😂🙏🏼
It's the best JM vs Jag video I've ever seen!! =D
Awesome comparison!
Thanks!
Speaking of apples to oranges (great playing btw)! The Jazzmaster's marriage of the P-90esque pickups with the classic Fender scale length/radius is just brilliant. But the slightly later Jaguar's input from the surf community shows. It has the more classically Fender pickups but with the enhanced shielding which is somewhat reminiscent of a Tele bridge in terms of just adding metal mass to the classic single-coil. It is also a tech's dream guitar; you can fix more or less any electronic issue without even loosening the strings (a huge buff if, like me, you do your own repairs). It also (in the classic format) has the strangle switch which is huge for fitting in the mix as well as individual pickup toggles which are more mod-friendly. My jag boasts about every possible combo and then some with minimal expenditure (basically two DPDT push-pull pots) and I love it. That said, having serious GAS for something with a set of true Jazzmaster pickups.
Great video, thanks. Perfect UA-cam.
I prefer the Jaguar when it's played harder and it distorts and breaks up, but the Jazzmaster when it's clean and jangly.
I also can't get over how much both sound like a Stratocaster when player on neck pickup through a Twin Deluxe amp. I'm sure you're Jimi Hendrix licks help!
GREAT review - really helped me make my mind up - lovely playing too
Being a man of few words; just awesome ! Thanks
Thank you!
Got to have both! Tones are so varied 🎉😊
Agreed!
Great comparison video. Wonderful sounds
Thanks!
Hello…very good…one thing note when talking about offsets is the body size compared to strays an télé guitars which is bigger…hence even though a jazzmaster has the same neck scale as a strat it doesn’t sit the same way and the neck actually feels longer…the short neck on the Jag combined with the offset body actually feels very much like a telecaster imho…love them all of course but when I gravitate to my Jag it can be for this reason…that and the jangle factor is more distinctive
Finally really nice (simple?) comparison video, thanks a lot 5/5 !
Thanks so much! 🙏🏽
I love the look of both-such a cool ‘50s space age’ vibe. But I’ve never felt I needed the sound of a Jazzmaster over, say, a Strat. I don’t really enjoy the sound of the pickups.
The Jag, however, with the same great trem, chime, twang and jangle, and short scale that encourages strange extended chord voicing a definitely fills a gap. I use mine a lot.
The Jag is certainly unique! And awesome!
Feels like you should have much more than just under 1000 subs, keep it up man great quality video!
Thanks heaps!
Auto-play surprised me tonight. Nice way to start a video! Subscribed.
Thank you Auto-play!
Fantastic comparison. Great sounds and wonderful playing. I hope you continue to do this and find success.
that opening tune was killer. Great job!
Great video. Nicely done!
Thank you!
Watched this a few days ago without headphones in a bus stop and thought there was no difference but at home using headphones they sound almost completely different!
Yeah they’re crazy different! Goes to show good monitors/headphones make a difference hey!
Duuuuude! Sick tones, insane playing. Love it!!!
Thanks Domi!
wow - very very nice opening playing
Thank you!
Interesting how the Jag has a "sweeter" more scooped sound, the jazzmaster is more mids forward and "narly". I watched some videos on different scale lengths for acoustic guitars and there is some continuity here too. I'd be interesting in hearing/comparing a Jazzmaster with Jaguar pickups vs a Jazzmaster to take the pickups out of the equation.
Yeah that would be interesting!
This is a Johnny Marr Jag which is much softer and cleaner than a normal Jag. JM is my all time favorite guitarist, but I didn't like that version of Jag. I actually have a Squire CV 60s that sounds and actually plays much better. Most versatile guitar I've ever owned and I've been playing for 40 years.
Man even with the adjustments being different you could really here the extra power that those soapbars put out. Both great sounding guitars though.
Yeah I think they’re both really different! But both great!
2 similar looking guitars for 2 different purposes
Jazzmasters are not louder... It's the video and Jag model he has
After hearing this, glad I went with Jazzmasters. Good comparison.
Epic 🙏🏼
Good comparison, I love both
Great video ! Thank you ! On my CV jazzmaster, pickups sound clerear, and less muddy.
Great comparison thank you! I like them both and it would be a tough choice between the two!
Thanks Jonathan!
If you take a Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster, and hold the first fret, of said guitar, up to the nut of a Jag, you'll see that all the frets line up perfectly. So, playing a Jag is like playing a Strat/Tele/Jazzmaster with a capo on the first fret... Check it out.
This was a great video. Strats and Teles take the spotlight and thus there isn't as much knowledge on the other wonderful models from fender
I have them both. Mustangs as well. I hear and play a JM and just love it. To some reason though the Jag always comes away with the more permanent spot on my Stand. Take that jag through an AC15 (proper) and it'll be the best sound. You'll have never heard the Jag sound like that and you'll have never heard the amp sound like that either. JM's rule Jags make me drool. Great video.
Loved the Jazzmaster! 11:17
im here just for the playing
// cool stuff!!
JM for sure! Great video!
Thanks!
Unique moves, Ben. That's a welcome thing on UA-cam, where guitar cliches abound.
I've always been able to tell Jazzmaster from Jaguar instantly, and your demo shows why:
Jazzmaster gets deep vibrant tones that are great for blues as well as clean jazz.
The Jaguar is a plinky sounding surf guitar with no sustain and no range.
It would be interesting to add a Strat to the mix next time. In fact, swapping Strat, Jazzmaster
and Jaguar pickups into the same guitar body. That would tell the tale.
Thank you!
Yeah doing this comparison certainly pointed out how different they are!