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I won a lefty CIJ Jazzmaster from eBay for £370. Got it with a gig bag (crap).

It's in OK condition. Not great. Not bothered about the cosmetics but a few problems include:

One of the tuners has the bushing missing to the post is leaning to the side. Any idea where I can buy 1 from?

I'm sure somebody has wired the controls weird. I don't understand them at all. They don't make any sense after 30 mins of playing.

It has a mustang bridge on it. Seems fine.

I'm not used to rosewood. Feels so dry. The neck is a bit flat and the frets are too big for me. Guess I'll get used to it. It's starting to grow on me. Gonna change the strings as these look about 10 years old.

Amber wrote: One of the tuners has the bushing missing to the post is leaning to the side. Any idea where I can buy 1 from?

GPR?

Amber wrote: I'm sure somebody has wired the controls weird. I don't understand them at all. They don't make any sense after 30 mins of playing.

I guess you're asking what they should be like .. there are two different circuits, rhythm and lead. Above the strings there's a slide switch - when it's down, the lead circuit is engaged, when it's up, the rhythm circuit is engaged. Leo's bright idea was that you could change from one differently tweaked sound to another just by flicking the one switch.

Rhythm circuit - only the neck pickup is active. The volume and tone are controlled by the two rollers next to the slide switch above the strings.

Lead circuit - pickups are selected by the selector switch on the lower horn - with the switch forward the neck pickup is active; back, the bridge pickup; centred, both are active. Volume and tone are controlled by the knobs below the strings near the output jack.

Thanks Mezcalhead,

I think I've figured it out. I don't notice much response but I guess it's due to the old strings and CIJ pickups.

The tortoiseshell pickguard on mine looks really good unlike a lot of Japanese JM's. It's nowhere near as red as some I've seen.

2 piece body as well. Overall, pretty happy and know once I get used to it and set it up right it's be great.

Amber wrote:I don't notice much response but I guess it's due to the old strings and CIJ pickups.

The linear taper (does anyone know the rationale for these BTW?) on the volume pots might be a contributing factor as well. I know they threw me for a loop when I got my first JM.

I take it I'd need vintage size bushings? Does it matter if I get fender or aftermarket?

I think either the Gotoh or Shaller bushings might work. THe gotoh's are a tad wider, but with a small file they can be made to fit.
But, I have no idea of the age of your guitar, but perhaps it might be a good idea to replace the tuners?
I got a '93 MIJ Jazzmaster and when I got it (used) the tuners were all pretty worn out. So I got a set of Gotoh's (simelar to the ones found on the AVRI instruments) and they are very nice...

Gotoh bushings fit exact because thats what cij uses, AV,CIJ are all gotohs.Fender is gotoh also.

Mez said GPR, get these Fender {gotoh} ones
Shipping's $5 worldwide so maybe you should buy some other stuff to make it worth it.If i had a spare i'd just give it to you but i dont....maybe someone will tho!

we await pics of your new JZ!

Thanks for the replies. I'm starting to think the neck is twisted. When I look at it from the nut downwards, the low e side looks lower. Also the 12th to 15th fret are unplayable on the low e string.

Before I take it to a tech, is there any way to check for sure before I email this guy?

I would pay to have it setup but I'm broke now. It's about time I learnt to do it all myself. Just worried about damaging the neck.

Well I took it to a local tech. He said it's not twisted. Just isn't tight enough for the strings (48 - 11 I think with a think wound G) He just said it could do with a setup (I'm sure it could!) I can't afford £35 for now I think I'll try it myself.

It stays in tune fairly well (I don't have the whammy bar though) The g - high e strings really ring out. They sustain so well it's quite strange. The bass strings sound a bit thin but I'm used to a 56 for the low E in standard tuning.

Here's some pics



Thought I'd post a pic of the pickguard too. It's a lot nicer than a lot of Japanese JM's I've seen



Possibly mods for future: Novak pickups. Maybe new tuners in the future. Do something about the bridge. I didn't rattle till I added a high E after a week of playing it with 5 strings. I might sand the back of the neck and refinish the headstock in nitro and add a full decal. It bothers me the way it looks now. I've definately realised I like Jazzmasters. The weight for standing up is perfect. It balances so well. My JM is pretty heavy. Heavier than my Japanese Strat from the 90's.

Any idea if the body could be ash?

Nice!  I always find it awkward looking at lefty guitars,it just ain't right from my perspective.

^Lefty's are sexy and better than righty's. they just look way sexier...

Amber wrote: Thanks for the replies. I'm starting to think the neck is twisted. When I look at it from the nut downwards, the low e side looks lower. Also the 12th to 15th fret are unplayable on the low e string.

Before I take it to a tech, is there any way to check for sure before I email this guy?

I would pay to have it setup but I'm broke now. It's about time I learnt to do it all myself. Just worried about damaging the neck.

Cool! I have the same one, yours looks like the finish is brighter.  Yeah the Cij pickguards have improved.

Puke+Cry wrote: ^Lefty's are sexy and better than righty's. they just look way sexier...

Yeah, in a Freak Show/Bearded Lady kind of way.

OH NO!

Hey now, don't be baggin' on the CIJ's!  I love mine (ESPECIALLY 'cause it's a LEFTY  ) but I got it brand new, so it's up to me to mess it up rather than a previous owner.  But seriously, I also have a CIJ 72 RI Tele Custom, and an American Tele, and the quality of the CIJ is right up there.