Last Updated on March 25 by Monty Python
Do you have what it takes to be a good, rather, excellent guitarist? If not, then here is your answer. Squier Jazzmaster is regarded by the experts as a killer guitar for the money it comes at, which suits the needs of novice guitarists by far.
The Squier Jazzmaster is one among the three variants which inherited the majority of the features associated with the 1958 Jazzmaster original. The versatility of this guitar with some tried and tested features carried over makes it the most optimal choice among budding guitarists.
It has some exciting upgrades which are fresh and unique to this variant only. In a way, you could say that it covered up some of the limitations of the prior model and made it apt as per the contemporary needs of the guitarists. The weight is perfect with all the good aesthetics while the performance is impressive, to say the least.Also, check out the best guitar under 300 dollars.
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Features to Consider
The Squier Jazzmaster is the answer to all those guitarists who were struggling to get a decent brand new guitar at the right price. This one coming from Squier is in itself a great advantage. Let us see some of the most considerable features of this Squier Jazzmaster below:
Construction and Design
The 6-string, right-hand oriented Squier Jazzmaster electric guitar comes with a lightweight body of basswood type. The Maple neck is what you will get with this one. The Jazzmaster asymmetrical shape is a certain thing here with an offset body.
This stuff mentioned here is known to be the design distinctive features of the Jazzmaster variants. The cut of this instrument makes it extremely comfortable for a guitarist as the instrument sits quite well either you are standing or seated. The color options range is quite diverse.
It includes the Surf green, Candy Apple Red, Fiesta Red, 3-Color Sunburst, and Vintage White. The pickguard of the model is white-black-white along with the controls and the 3-way selector switch given as well. You will find the dapper-looking glossy finish of this guitar to be flawless and elegant. Learn more about Orangewood Oliver Mahogany Live Acoustic Guitar Review
Neck
A lot of guitarists over the years have fallen in love with the Squier Jazzmaster neck. This specific version got that love affair going well in the much same manner. You will be thoroughly impressed with the classic ‘C’ shape profile with the bolt-on maple-type neck. The unique selling point of such a neck is its instant comfort and superb playability.
You will find it with 21 x tall and narrow frets along with the parchment dot inlays which does a great job in retaining the look and feel of the vintage 60s variant. The fretboard comes with a radius of 9.5 inches with a scale length of 25 inches.
These are pretty good numbers for supporting better guitar playing. Playing with such a shorter length provides an impeccable experience and this Squier Jazzmaster delivers the uncompromising comfort which it promised.
On top of that, the tinted gloss finish is great not just for looks but for also allowing you to play flawlessly even when your hands are sweating. The response of this neck is what made so many rock stars in the early 1960s chose to go with the Jazzmaster as their go-to guitar.
Performance
The Squier Jazzmaster electric guitar without any doubt is among the most playable guitar instruments in the market. It rates even better than the established and high-end Tele and Strat instruments.
All this is credited to the impeccable neck profile of this particular variant, which has been already discussed in a separate section above. This excellent neck profile complements quite well to the offset body shape. Having this guitar held with its neck a bit away with the shorter scale length will provide an outstanding experience, which is not possible with the Strat model.
The fretboard might show some slight roughness especially when you go about bending the strings but you will find the fret edges to be superbly smoothened. The strings’ action could be slightly high but you wouldn’t find the playability to be compromised at all. If you even some minor adjustments with the tremolo bar, you will not be budging the tune of the instrument.
It will remain reliable and stable. It is imperative to mention here that the Squier Jazzmaster electric guitar will provide negligible buzzes and rattles. Therefore, it will allow you to move quickly from up to down of the fretboard with no discomfort at all.
If this is your main guitar in the studio then it is advised to change its strings, bridge, and the classic tremolo bar with the more steadfast alternates. The strings are good but still need to be ideally replaced with the heavier ones for even better performance.
Sound
The sound of this Squier Jazzmaster electric guitar is undoubtedly great. However, it is not that good to compete with the classic Squier Jazzmaster tone. The pickups are quite outstanding to provide with the vintage sound where you will find every pickup with distinct tonality.
If you are good with the settings of your amp then you will surely have all the settings perfectly. The sound of this instrument is best described to be unique which is not what you could get from a Tele nor the Strat.
In fact, that unique sound is quite creamy, clean, and rich coming right at the neck pickup. The rhythmic circuit is so special which is known for working exceptionally well to provide guitarists with less intense and deep tonal variety.
This makes it an excellent choice if you are looking to go solo. The Squier Jazzmaster is indeed a little bit complicated but it is learnable. Once you get a good hold on the rhythm along with the required lead settings and amp gain, then the sound experience will be outstanding.
Make sure that all the knobs and the other controls of the instrument are quite sensitive with any lighter touch even. Therefore, it will allow you to make all the quick fixes in the settings with ease. Moreover, the intonation of the equipment is quite good. But, to maximize the countless tonal options, you need to do well with the settings of the intonation. Ensuring that would allow you to play this instrument just like a jazz master.
Pros
- Perfect to weight at 8.35 pounds
- Excellent construction and finishing
- The instrument can hold the tune well
- Excellent sound with multiple tone options
- The quality of bolt nuts is the best
- The novice wood truss rod plug seems to be quite good
Cons
- E-string at the high end seems to be cut poorly
- Tuners aren’t as good as the VM series
- Tremolo and bridge aren’t that reliable
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Conclusion
The Squier Jazzmaster is a great instrument that will enable guitarists to play on with no stopping at all. The versatility of this guitar is great which will provide you with some excellent sound options than you could have ever thought about.
The guitars tie the knot between modern electronics and classic looks. This will help you in getting the desirable tonal possibility which isn’t that good with the Tele and Strat variants. As this Squier Jazzmaster quite closely mimics the design of the Jazzmaster classic of 58, so you will experience that how convenient it is to play.
On top of that, it comes with the rosewood fretboard along with the advanced jumbo frets. This is good to play it seamlessly. However, there might be a need to replace the strings, bridge, and tremolo bar for excellent playability.