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Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:06 pm
by Unicorn Warrior
After selling off a ton of gear, I’ve almost collected enough to land myself in vintage Jazzmaster territory. In the coming months, I’ll certainly be there. I’m really leaning 1 of 2 ways. Either pre 65’ with clay dots or a 66-67’ B and B Sunburst.

With that said, I wanted to pick anyone’s brain who may have some insight when buying a vintage JM or vintage guitars in general. I’ll start off by saying that I live in a very remote area and the only time I’ve ever even seen a vintage JM was in Nashville and another time I actually bought a 73’ which I returned due to it having a warped neck. My other experience of a buying vintage was an amazing 66’ Jag bought online from CME. So, online vintage instruments have been a 50/50 for me thus far.

After watching the market closely, I’m noticing it’s very up and down from one moment to the next. My ideal scenario would be for me to take the 6 hour drive to Nashville in hopes that one of the vintage shops were to have one in stock to try and it’s the perfect one and not too out of reach. But, that’s also a gamble of a wasted trip. At that point it’s up in the air as far as pricing and condition etc. The likely hood of being able to check out most vintage instruments is very minimal due to my location.

I’ve debated over and over about going Custom Shop because there is less risk of getting a lemon, but as appealing as it sounds to get a custom JM made in any color, it doesn’t scratch my itch for having the real thing. My main concern is not getting burned with a bad instrument.

I am asking for any and all tips/advice when navigating the online market?

Also, are there any reputable vintage dealers in the continental US that are recommended/excellent to deal with? I see a lot on Reverb, but was wondering if there were any avenues that were known outside of that.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 11:22 am
by Mondaysoutar
Just had a look on CME, and there’s 3 ‘66 Jazzmasters listed just now man. There’s also a Custom Shop ‘66 in firemist silver. As you’ve used CME for your vintage Jag and been happy with it, I’d probably speak to them again if I were you. Personally, if I was going for a vintage JM, I’d go pre-CBS, but that’s just me man.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 11:41 am
by jvin248
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My approach to the whole vintage thing is to take a modern guitar to one of the shops that deal in vintage instruments and have them do the work on it as if it were vintage, including a full PLEK for great fretwork and playability.

All those vintage guitars have had fifty years to wander through such a shop and that's why they play so well. They never left the factory in the condition they play in today.

The other problems you have to deal with is the vintage guitar market is at its peak right now plus the ever present danger of fakes and partscasters.

.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 1:13 pm
by Mondaysoutar
Weirdly enough, I’d never heard of this mad PLEK thing. Just looked it up there, certainly sounds interesting.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:05 pm
by Unicorn Warrior
Mondaysoutar wrote:
Sun Oct 04, 2020 11:22 am
Just had a look on CME, and there’s 3 ‘66 Jazzmasters listed just now man. There’s also a Custom Shop ‘66 in firemist silver. As you’ve used CME for your vintage Jag and been happy with it, I’d probably speak to them again if I were you. Personally, if I was going for a vintage JM, I’d go pre-CBS, but that’s just me man.
I’m not against CME, they’re reputable enough. I am considering them. I do feel they are a little steep on their price listings due to their platform. I’m sure they will come down from them, but I also feel that their marketing has directly impacted price inflation of offsets.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:39 pm
by Mondaysoutar
Unicorn Warrior wrote:
Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:05 pm
Mondaysoutar wrote:
Sun Oct 04, 2020 11:22 am
Just had a look on CME, and there’s 3 ‘66 Jazzmasters listed just now man. There’s also a Custom Shop ‘66 in firemist silver. As you’ve used CME for your vintage Jag and been happy with it, I’d probably speak to them again if I were you. Personally, if I was going for a vintage JM, I’d go pre-CBS, but that’s just me man.
I’m not against CME, they’re reputable enough. I am considering them. I do feel they are a little steep on their price listings due to their platform. I’m sure they will come down from them, but I also feel that their marketing has directly impacted price inflation of offsets.

Yep, I know what you mean man. CME is certainly dear. But, if you’re spending those types of amounts, I guess it’s less risky to go through someone like CME.
Had a look on Wildwood there, and although not vintage, they seem to have a healthy collection of heavy belter JM’s just now.

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 11:35 am
by PJazzmaster
Don't forget the OSG "Wanted" and "For Sale" Section ;)

Re: Jazzmaster Shopping Advice

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:44 pm
by Unicorn Warrior
PJazzmaster wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 11:35 am
Don't forget the OSG "Wanted" and "For Sale" Section ;)
I definitely have not forgotten. I’ve got my eye on it here too.