Jazzmaster Shopping Advice
Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:06 pm
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.
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.