The mim is great. I changed the neck pickup and actually put the humbucker back in after trying a replacement. It’s a unique-sounding pickup that suits the guitar well.
The neck pickup is just “ok”, nothing great, just ok. The humbucker is rather impressive though! I have several MIJ Jag-Stangs, most with Duncan JB’s, and one or two stock, but I won’t be swapping out the bridge pickups in the MIM ones, they are a nice change of pace. I did have two blue MIM and converted one to the Prototype Mod, so that has a Duncan JB in it now.
Thanks for the video. I agree completely. I used a 57/62 in the neck. It was an extra pickup I had. It matches well because it’s low output just like the stock neck pickup.
I have JB’s in my KC Mustangs with the stock 250k pots, while you do get more highs with a 500k pot, the JB is just a better, more articulate, well balanced pickup regardless of the pot value. I recommend the JB, it’s my go-to pickup!
It’s not a drop in replacement but definitely possible. If you want to upgrade a MIJ pot to a full size CTS style, you will have open the hole in the control plate to accommodate the larger pot. You can use a t-handle reamer or a drill, does’t take very long if you have the tools.
The newer version sounds muted. The specs made it seem like it would sound better, i thought. Listening to the output of either guitar, however, the MIJ sounds better to me. Of course, one could easily make up for the difference in tone/punch with an eq pedal and a compressor pedal, but I am surprised by the tonal differences.
During the first run back in Sept/Oct 2021. I know they are doing another run, that’s probably why they are being put on preordered again, for the second run. Fender’s been doing more preorder stuff since it gives them a good idea of how many to make instead of doing a whole batch and hoping every unit sells. Business by the numbers.
The MIM necks are true 60’s “B” width necks. The MIJ necks are 1mm wider at the nut and almost 2mm wider at the 12th fret. This is common on many MIJ necks, not just Jag-Stangs. It’s considered a mix between a B and C width necks. The profile of the back of the neck is similar in depth, but obviously the MIJ neck makes the back feel broader.
@@baskah Overall, the MIM edges out the MIJ version in many respects. The issue I have with the MIM neck is the sharp fret ends and dry rosewood fretboards. Probably due to fast production techniques. Both of those issues can be solved relatively easily, but the MIJ necks are notorious for being player ready from day one. I own many MIJ Fenders and they never needed the fret ends filed. I do highly recommend the MIM version, especially if it’s your first Jag-Stang! Good luck!
I’ve got a CIJ 2004 Jag-Stang reissue (Sonic blue). Curious if you are aware of any possible differences with this particular run vs the originals and vs the new MIM model?? One bit that has confused me to no end is that marketing/spec sheets on the 2004 reissue couldn’t seem to decide if the body was Basswood or Alder. Not sure if they changed the body wood early in production or if it was a mistake. Are you possibly able to clear up this particular area of confusion or are you also as confused as I am? If they really did switch the body wood from basswood to alder, is there a way to tell if I got a basswood or alder body?? Great video btw. I would also add that the new MIM model has a much better fitting pickguard vs the MIJ and CIJ models. It looks MUCH cleaner. I would dare say it looks closer to Kurt’s actual Jag-Stang because of that. Kurt’s blue one appeared to have a thinner lower horn than his red one, which is what they used to model the production version.
As I recall, they were Alder for that run. The way you can tell would be by the shade of wood color in the neck pocket. One reason I did not cover that guitar is that they did not produce a left handed version for that run, only right handed. I know I’ve come across them a few times but I never really compared the CIJ to the MIJ. One of the reasons I did this video was because the differences between the MIJ and MIM versions were too great to ignore… and mostly for the better. The MIM Jag-Stang has been my go to for a while, it’s so much better than the MIJ in many ways. I had a segment about the pickguard but I ended up cutting it out. The switches and neck pickup holes are slightly out of alignment between the two, and the MIM’s pearloid is meant to look a little aged, plus its a better over all fit.
Thank you for the review. I was on the fence on picking up a pair of the new ones but will pass. I have 3 originals. I only modded one with 5k pots and changed both pickups.. At the very least they should of released the reissues with Texas special and H-3 to give us the last version KC used.
According to Earnie Bailey, Kurt wasn’t a fan of the stock Dimarzio H3 and Earnie swapped it out for a JB. This happened very early on, so those final concerts where he played the Jag-Stang most of the show, it’s got a JB installed…
The JB rocks in this! Aside from the dot inlays, are there significant differences in the necks between the two? I love the feel of my MIJ one but want to get a second one for a project.
I bought a Jag-stang MIM maybe two years ago and then recently I sold it for a few hundred less than I bought it and instead bought a used CIJ 2003 Jag-stang for roughly the same price I sold my MIM. I like the guitar but it had been played quite a lot and probably needs a new nut. Now I don't know if I made a mistake and perhaps should have kept the MIM one. I don't know I kind of preferred the color of the CIJ but now I don't know anymore.
I remember going to my local guitar store the day this model was released as if it happened yesterday. I was 18 and had just graduated from tech school and gotten my first job. And I used literally my first paycheck from said new job to buy this guitar! Talk about fulfilling! Lol. Unfortunately, it didn’t even come close to living up to the hype surrounding its release. It felt and sounded SO cheap, so I ended up selling it a couple of weeks after I bought it.
There is one big major difference, the shape of the control plate on all the new mexican mustangs and jag-stangs models isn't the same. It seems more accurate on the japanese models, more like the original 60s models. Just saying . .☕🌲🌲🌲
Thanks! Details like that and the neck pickup and both three position slide switches not being in the exact same spot between the MIJ vs MIM are details I don’t consider “big major differences” because it doesn’t effect the quality or playability of the guitar, but I appreciate the attention to detail! The necks on the other hand are considerably different. I’m doing a PART 2 video just about the necks! Hopefully I’ll finish it soon.
I have a Mesa Pre Amp as well, you can see it in my Teen Spirit and 1966 Jaguar videos. For the sake of doing a demo, the Twin is something more people can gauge the sound by.
@@jmtrainz2582 1) I wasn’t going for Bleach tones specifically, for that I would have used my Hi-Flier. 2) The sound I was getting when the bright was off was too dark in initial recordings, even when the treble was adjusted, I record directly into my phone, no post production EQ which is the real issue, so of the two sounds, too bright and too dark, I chose too bright. 3) I worked for 12 years at Fender’s East Coast Regional Service Center and have been a professional amp tech for 20yrs, I know what Twin’s sound like and own around 5 of them.
“First released in 95/96 and is now reissued in 2021”. I never said how many reissues there were, only that the video goes through originals and new ones. So thanks for your views!
The mim is great. I changed the neck pickup and actually put the humbucker back in after trying a replacement. It’s a unique-sounding pickup that suits the guitar well.
The neck pickup is just “ok”, nothing great, just ok. The humbucker is rather impressive though! I have several MIJ Jag-Stangs, most with Duncan JB’s, and one or two stock, but I won’t be swapping out the bridge pickups in the MIM ones, they are a nice change of pace. I did have two blue MIM and converted one to the Prototype Mod, so that has a Duncan JB in it now.
Thanks for the video. I agree completely. I used a 57/62 in the neck. It was an extra pickup I had. It matches well because it’s low output just like the stock neck pickup.
I’m a fan of the 57/62 pickups! I have two MIJ ‘62 reissue Strats (an 1989 and 1990) and I put 57/62’s in both of them, so glad I did.
@adamkachersky7240 can you put tele pickups on these guitars if you wanted to?
Great video! I like the 2021 version, although the JB one sounds best! The 500k pots really help Bring out life in it
I have JB’s in my KC Mustangs with the stock 250k pots, while you do get more highs with a 500k pot, the JB is just a better, more articulate, well balanced pickup regardless of the pot value. I recommend the JB, it’s my go-to pickup!
@@adamkachersky7240 I agree!
What was the DS-1 setting for this recording? It sounded like a Metal Zone 😀
Nice to see a fair comparison of any guitar really, between a MIM and a MIJ instead of just assuming Japanese made are best!
To be honest halfway through the play test I looked away and stopped hearing a difference which in my mind is a good thing
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but with the pots being smaller in the mij ver., does that mean you can’t upgrade them to a full sized pot?
It’s not a drop in replacement but definitely possible. If you want to upgrade a MIJ pot to a full size CTS style, you will have open the hole in the control plate to accommodate the larger pot. You can use a t-handle reamer or a drill, does’t take very long if you have the tools.
The newer version sounds muted. The specs made it seem like it would sound better, i thought. Listening to the output of either guitar, however, the MIJ sounds better to me. Of course, one could easily make up for the difference in tone/punch with an eq pedal and a compressor pedal, but I am surprised by the tonal differences.
Also, if you're going for that Cobain tone, you should turn down the tone on your distortion somewhat, IMHO. (And get your amp to the sweet spot)
The MIJ’s were high quality basswood the new are alder so it could be that. The pickups always sucked though lol
Where did you get a lefty mim? Everywhere I have checked says preorder.
During the first run back in Sept/Oct 2021. I know they are doing another run, that’s probably why they are being put on preordered again, for the second run. Fender’s been doing more preorder stuff since it gives them a good idea of how many to make instead of doing a whole batch and hoping every unit sells. Business by the numbers.
If you’re still looking, Sweetwater has lefties in stock now. Mine should be here tomorrow!
Hello Adam , thanks for the review . I'm confused whether to get the Jag stang or wait for KC fender mustang second release.
@Adam Are the new MIM necks as thin/slim as the old 90’s necks? It would be one of the most important things for me personally
Best regards
Chris
The MIM necks are true 60’s “B” width necks. The MIJ necks are 1mm wider at the nut and almost 2mm wider at the 12th fret. This is common on many MIJ necks, not just Jag-Stangs. It’s considered a mix between a B and C width necks. The profile of the back of the neck is similar in depth, but obviously the MIJ neck makes the back feel broader.
@@adamkachersky7240 Hi Adam thanks so much for your reply! As a slim neck lover I think the MIM is the one I would prefer then
@@baskah Overall, the MIM edges out the MIJ version in many respects. The issue I have with the MIM neck is the sharp fret ends and dry rosewood fretboards. Probably due to fast production techniques. Both of those issues can be solved relatively easily, but the MIJ necks are notorious for being player ready from day one. I own many MIJ Fenders and they never needed the fret ends filed. I do highly recommend the MIM version, especially if it’s your first Jag-Stang! Good luck!
@@adamkachersky7240 thanks a lot your information is gold
I’ve got a CIJ 2004 Jag-Stang reissue (Sonic blue). Curious if you are aware of any possible differences with this particular run vs the originals and vs the new MIM model??
One bit that has confused me to no end is that marketing/spec sheets on the 2004 reissue couldn’t seem to decide if the body was Basswood or Alder. Not sure if they changed the body wood early in production or if it was a mistake. Are you possibly able to clear up this particular area of confusion or are you also as confused as I am? If they really did switch the body wood from basswood to alder, is there a way to tell if I got a basswood or alder body??
Great video btw. I would also add that the new MIM model has a much better fitting pickguard vs the MIJ and CIJ models. It looks MUCH cleaner. I would dare say it looks closer to Kurt’s actual Jag-Stang because of that. Kurt’s blue one appeared to have a thinner lower horn than his red one, which is what they used to model the production version.
As I recall, they were Alder for that run. The way you can tell would be by the shade of wood color in the neck pocket. One reason I did not cover that guitar is that they did not produce a left handed version for that run, only right handed. I know I’ve come across them a few times but I never really compared the CIJ to the MIJ. One of the reasons I did this video was because the differences between the MIJ and MIM versions were too great to ignore… and mostly for the better. The MIM Jag-Stang has been my go to for a while, it’s so much better than the MIJ in many ways.
I had a segment about the pickguard but I ended up cutting it out. The switches and neck pickup holes are slightly out of alignment between the two, and the MIM’s pearloid is meant to look a little aged, plus its a better over all fit.
Hey I found a blue sonic jagstang for 800 bucks Candi’s is it worth it. Also it’s in mint codition
Thank you for the review. I was on the fence on picking up a pair of the new ones but will pass. I have 3 originals. I only modded one with 5k pots and changed both pickups.. At the very least they should of released the reissues with Texas special and H-3 to give us the last version KC used.
According to Earnie Bailey, Kurt wasn’t a fan of the stock Dimarzio H3 and Earnie swapped it out for a JB. This happened very early on, so those final concerts where he played the Jag-Stang most of the show, it’s got a JB installed…
The JB rocks in this! Aside from the dot inlays, are there significant differences in the necks between the two? I love the feel of my MIJ one but want to get a second one for a project.
Yes! I’m actually doing a follow up video just on the neck! The MIJ are wider, the MIM are 60’s spec.
Awesome video. Jagstang is one kc guitar I’ve never owned. Someday I will get one
Awesome video
I bought a Jag-stang MIM maybe two years ago and then recently I sold it for a few hundred less than I bought it and instead bought a used CIJ 2003 Jag-stang for roughly the same price I sold my MIM. I like the guitar but it had been played quite a lot and probably needs a new nut. Now I don't know if I made a mistake and perhaps should have kept the MIM one. I don't know I kind of preferred the color of the CIJ but now I don't know anymore.
I like the clean sound of the red MIJ better. Anyway, grunge is not dead 🤘🏿🥴🤘🏿
Great comparison.
Nice video mate! Appreciate
Love it Man.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video
You’re welcome!
I remember going to my local guitar store the day this model was released as if it happened yesterday. I was 18 and had just graduated from tech school and gotten my first job. And I used literally my first paycheck from said new job to buy this guitar! Talk about fulfilling! Lol.
Unfortunately, it didn’t even come close to living up to the hype surrounding its release. It felt and sounded SO cheap, so I ended up selling it a couple of weeks after I bought it.
Pickguard of the MIJ is 2 ply and the MIM 3 ply
The switches on the older one are bigger actually
There is one big major difference, the shape of the control plate on all the new mexican mustangs and jag-stangs models isn't the same. It seems more accurate on the japanese models, more like the original 60s models.
Just saying . .☕🌲🌲🌲
Thanks! Details like that and the neck pickup and both three position slide switches not being in the exact same spot between the MIJ vs MIM are details I don’t consider “big major differences” because it doesn’t effect the quality or playability of the guitar, but I appreciate the attention to detail! The necks on the other hand are considerably different. I’m doing a PART 2 video just about the necks! Hopefully I’ll finish it soon.
Where’s part 2??
Actually, where you at in general?? Truly hope tragedy hasn’t occurred and taken another too soon…
Twin settings?
Vib Channel
#1 Input
Bright Switch ON
Vol 2-3
Treb 5
Mid 5
Bass 3
No Rev/Vib
(Original 1966 Jensen Speakers)
@@adamkachersky7240 Nice, i have also twin, but i will change it to mesa pre.
@@adamkachersky7240 I think the sound will go messy If you use MID and treb over 6... So 5 is good.
I have a Mesa Pre Amp as well, you can see it in my Teen Spirit and 1966 Jaguar videos. For the sake of doing a demo, the Twin is something more people can gauge the sound by.
@@jmtrainz2582 1) I wasn’t going for Bleach tones specifically, for that I would have used my Hi-Flier. 2) The sound I was getting when the bright was off was too dark in initial recordings, even when the treble was adjusted, I record directly into my phone, no post production EQ which is the real issue, so of the two sounds, too bright and too dark, I chose too bright. 3) I worked for 12 years at Fender’s East Coast Regional Service Center and have been a professional amp tech for 20yrs, I know what Twin’s sound like and own around 5 of them.
Its a comparison of a $450 vs $1300 guitar to me it sounds almost the same expect when distorted
wrong its the 3 rd issue 95/96 japan 2004/2005 japan 2021 mexico 3rd issue
“First released in 95/96 and is now reissued in 2021”. I never said how many reissues there were, only that the video goes through originals and new ones. So thanks for your views!
Please never ever ever use a DS-1 this way.
Please never ever ever assume your opinion matters.
MiM is better in almost every way, but you really need a better pedal to play through😂
Eh, it’s a DS-1, everyone knows what to expect 🤷♂️
😂😂Imperial measurements, they're almost illogical