NGD: Fender Roadworn Jazzmaster

[Ice Tre]

I bought a used Fender 60's Roadworn Jazzmaster on Reverb. I have a '62 AVRI, and wanted to get a second Jazzmaster that would be similar for a good price that I could use for alternate tunings. This one arrived needing some setup work done-- the strings are too high and probably need changing, the neck needs an adjustment, and the pickup heights need adjustment. But for an initial checkout, I tuned it to standard tuning and gave it an initial listen. It didn't sound as good as my '62 AVRI but it didn't sound bad. With new strings, string height adjustment, neck adjustment, and pickup height adjustment, we'll see if it improves.

I measured the output of the pickups and was surprised at how low the DC resistance was-- the neck was 6.54k and the bridge 6.44k. By contrast, my '62 AVRI pickups are each 8.10k. The Roadworn supposedly has '65 AVRI pickups, right? I wouldn't have though the difference would be that much.

Also it appears that the body is slightly thinner than my '62 AVRI. Here's a photo:

http://www.robroper.com/misc/roadworn_j ... full-2.JPG

[Ice Tre]

Update on this for anyone who might be interested:

I did the following mods and adjustments:
1. I took the neck off and made a slight adjustment.
2. I rewired it to disconnect the jazz circuit.
3. I rewired it for 50's wiring, so the volume and tone knobs are more useful.
4. I put GHS Nickel Rocker 10 strings on.
5. I adjusted the pickup heights.
6. I lowered the string heights.

The result is that the guitar sounds MUCH better now. It has a lot of highs, but when you roll off the tone control, it is very chimey. Playing chords are actually MORE clear than my '62 AVRI. The output is a little higher than before the mods, but lower than my '62 AVRI. But that's ok. Overall I like the guitar now. I originally bought it for drop and alternate tunings, but I might keep this one for standard tuning, and use the '62 AVRI for the drop and alternate tunings.

[vistavision]

4. I put GHS Nickel Rocker 10 strings on.

This! I've been running GHS Nickel Rocker 10s on my single coil guitars since the late 90s. The mid-range bump from the wound strings really fills out the tone. My G&L and Tele are very happy with them.

[Larsongs]

Indeed they have AV65 Pickups.. From what I've read they aren't as hot as 62's... But, many choose the 65's for just that reason..

You're lucky to have both...

Enjoy!

[Ice Tre]

I replaced the original bridge with a Mastery. I can't tell any difference in tone, frankly. But no chance of the strings slipping out of this thing, that's for sure.