Would you....

[86runner]

Buy a 66 Jazzmaster, all original in great shape with a Mastery (original bridge included) for around $4400, (there's also a very lightweight (7.25lbs) 66 in excellent all original condition without a Mastery for about $4700) or a 61 all original except the following - decent body refin in seafoam green nitro, Mastery (no original bridge) and Seymour Duncan SJM-1s (no original pickups) for $3500? The slab board Pre-CBS is calling to me. Just want to make sure I make the right decision. I'd strip the 61 and send it off to Danocaster and probably source some vintage pickups. Probably put an extra $1000 into the 61, then would have a 61 for about the same as the 66, though it would never be all original. What say ye?

Thanks!

[Jaguar018]

Just do what makes you happy, amigo; you don't need us internet strangers for this one. Seems like you already know what you want.

[86runner]

Just do what makes you happy, amigo; you don't need us internet strangers for this one. Seems like you already know what you want.

Thanks! I'm new to vintage offsets and their pricing, etc. Having never played either, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't making a terrible decision if I went with the 61. Lots of people with LOTS more experience with these things here than me. I figured if anybody would know, it would be you guys. With that said, if you had a gun to your head, which way would you go?

[Jaguar018]

With that said, if you had a gun to your head, which way would you go?

Me? Well, I don't really covet Pre-CBS guitars much, as I LOVE Fender neck binding, and especially necks with blocks and binding. So it would be 66 every time.

You have some interesting things to consider:

Some people really love the 'originality' factor
Most 'vintage' people prefer the Pre-CBS era Fenders
Many of those same people aren't into refins.

Who are 'these people' really? Does it matter? Maybe when it comes to resale, but having a good guitar in your hands that YOU are happy with is worth infinitely more.

[PJazzmaster]

Very good advice already from Jaguar018. Most people do actually play better (with more passion and less fear) on a non museum piece vintage guitar. My instinct would tell me: if you want to gig and rehearse with it: go for the cheaper one (the '61), but a refin in the color of your choice will also cost you up to 1k. What is also very important is the neck shape, the neck of the '66 is likely wider and rounder.

[wooderson]

I wouldn't be interested in the '61 - refinished, without original pickups, you're likely paying a sizable premium (over American Vintage/Danocaster/etc.) for old wood.

I'd rather have a Staytrem than Mastery, so I'd probably go with the lighter weight one.

[kimson]

Sheesh, weren't CBS JMs a lot cheaper just a short while ago?

But since you asked, and mind you I'm in no way a vintage connoisseur, for me the '61 just seems like an expensive and laborious way to get a non-original/non-collectible guitar.

Assuming the '66s were otherwise somewhat comparable, the cheaper one seems like a better deal, but personally I'd pass on all three and wait for something with a more reasonable price.

[86runner]

I appreciate all the advice! I've decided to pump the brakes and wait for a good deal on an all original pre-CBS. I tend to get tunnel vision when it's something I have my sights set on, and am not good at being patient. I appreciate the perspectives from people outside the situation as it let's me see it from a different angle. I needed that! I'll be on the lookout!

[Marc]

I've become increasingly keen on the CBS grey bobbin sound so the 66. Although I prefer the feel of unbound smaller necks. If I went vintage again I'd seek out a late 64 as unbound with grey bobbins spec pups.

[kracdown]

My '66 is the best JM I've ever owned, that is including a Danocaster refin '62 slab board, with original electronics. Wait for a more original slab board with ONLY a refin or grab the '66.