First post here

[samgguillem]

Hi! I've been playing for a bit guitar and offests always interested me. Then i found this page and ive found a lot of useful things here but i still have some doubts. Okay, heres the questions:

Is the JMJM a good option for a first jazzmaster?

and

Can you put baritone strings in a bass vi?

thx anyways

[UlricvonCatalyst]

Welcome to the forum,

I posed the same question about baritone strings a while back and couldn't get a definitive answer. As you're probably aware the top string (at least the top string) could be just a bit too short to reach the final tuner. It probably varies from set to set, or possibly even from string to string when they're being manufactured.

That's a big part of why I opted for a CV Baritone Tele, due to its shorter scale length. If only it had a Jag/JM tremolo!

[LeftyJ]

Is the JMJM a good option for a first jazzmaster?

Are we talking the Squier version here?
I've not tried one first hand, but it's good to know these are a bit different from a traditional Jazzmaster: it has pickups that are P90-voiced and hotter than regular Jazzmaster pickups. It also has a quite different bridge type (Adjustomatic, a Gibson style bridge). I've read mixed things about these, but I'm sure someone here who actually owns one will be able to confirm or debunk: some sources on the internet say the JMJM bridge is radiused differently than the fingerboard of the guitar - the bridge has a 12" radius whereas the fingerboard has a more curvy 9.5" radius. So adjusting the action will always be a bit of a compromise which will affect playability. However, other sources say it does in fact follow the radius of the board. Worth checking though! No problem either way, because filing the saddles will easily resolve this.

Can you put baritone strings in a bass vi?

There are various baritone string sets out there in gauges like 012-068 and 014-068 which will fit on a 30" scale guitar. The extra bit between the bridge and the trem may be an issue with some sets though. D'Addario EXL157's (014-068) for example have a wound part of 100 cm (just over 39 inches) so should be fine.

[hulakatt]

Is the JMJM a good option for a first jazzmaster?

Are we talking the Squier version here?
I've not tried one first hand, but it's good to know these are a bit different from a traditional Jazzmaster: it has pickups that are P90-voiced and hotter than regular Jazzmaster pickups. It also has a quite different bridge type (Adjustomatic, a Gibson style bridge). I've read mixed things about these, but I'm sure someone here who actually owns one will be able to confirm or debunk: some sources on the internet say the JMJM bridge is radiused differently than the fingerboard of the guitar - the bridge has a 12" radius whereas the fingerboard has a more curvy 9.5" radius. So adjusting the action will always be a bit of a compromise which will affect playability. However, other sources say it does in fact follow the radius of the board. Worth checking though! No problem either way, because filing the saddles will easily resolve this.

This is all very true but it also remains a very popular and wildly loved JM among players who own 1 Jazzmaster and who own multiple Jazzmasters.

I'd say it is a very good Jazzmaster but it is not a traditional Jazzmaster. It is also a good first JM but it is also worth playing it against a more traditional JM to see if you prefer the JMJM or the more traditional style more. They play a little different due to the bridges and they sound quite a bit different due to the pickups which look the same but have wildly different construction under the hood.

Also, hi! Welcome to the board! It does move a little slow compared to other forums but is still full of great threads and posts with some wonderful members.

[RumorsOFsurF]

Welcome to the group! Be warned, this place will make you want to buy more gear.

[MayTheFuzzBeWithYou]

Hi Sam!
Good to have you here!

Regarding the VI: I recently got myself one of those beasts and wondered the same… I‘d say in case you should be having a hard time finding a string set (long enough) you could always get a regular VI set and leave the bottom string out and move all strings „one down“ - so the A string to the E saddle, the D to the A saddle and so on - so you would just have to look for a single high b string (or „a“ in that case).

The JMJM is a highly regarded guitar that definitely „punches above its weight“ - but so do many Squiers these days… I‘d personally suggest to look into the Squier Classic Vibe counterparts as well (which do come with a radius fitted Mustang style Bridge these days) - as those give you more colour options and have their appointments closer to vintage specs.

Besides the Bridge and the pickups, the third big difference is the „modern“ (closer) distance to the vibrato - which may have its benefits in a steeper break angle (setup wise, maybe no shim needed) - but it also looks different (purely aesthetic) and might also sound different (in the sympatetic overtone range behind the bridge at least) - which may not matter to the majority - but it does to some (including me).

[Veitchy]

I do like the neck shape on the JMJM - just a bit fuller than the CV. For all other specs I prefer the CV - i just can't get along with the shifted vibrato plate. It puts my hand too far forward with regular length arms.