My Jazzmaster arrived today (pics included)...

[Sullivan]

First off, lemme say Ishibashi is awesome. Ordering was much easier than I expected, the guitar was well packed, and if I had been home when they mailman came on Saturday I would've had the guitar in TWO DAYS. As it was, I picked it up this morning, for a grand total of three business days.

Now, on to the guitar. It looks fantastic. First impression is the fit and finish are as good as anything I've seen, and it plays very well. The neck feels very comfortable to me. Not much in the way of buzz, just a little on the low E. Needs a little setup, but overall I'm really pleased. I think we're going to get along just fine.

My ONLY complaint has to do with the binding. It looks great on the face of the fretboard, but from the side, it looks like they just finished right over it like the rest of the neck. It blends in with everything else. See the last pic below. Is this par for the CIJ B+B course? Small gripe, really, and I can live with it, just curious.

[eupat]

very very nice!
it just needs aged pups covers and knobs.

[Sullivan]

Yeah, I probably would go with aged covers, but I'm pretty set on going all black with it. Might just change out the pup covers and knobs, but I'm at least going to see how it looks with a black 3-ply pickguard as well.

[eupat]

Black is a good issue! that's what I got on my MIJ Jag
Black with oly white is awesome !

[idiotbear]

Sullivan, that would be the JM I'd order from Ishibashi if I had the readies right now. The day I see a vintage Oly White '68 is the day I get in massive trouble with the missus, 'cos I'd have to buy it.

Now get some Novaks, Lollars or Antiquity IIs in there, and bob's your uncle. A super duper fine guitar.

[woody]

Very nice guitar, Sullivan. Who was your contact at Ishibashi?

[Gw10101]

Awesome! You have chosen well. how long was the time on shipping, seems like you just ordered it, what, two weeks ago?

cheers
greg

[Deckard]

Very nice. And recieved within 3 business days from Japan 


I do have to ask where did you find that guitar on the Ishibashi site? because i can't find it (not B&B or Matching HS) the only colours i find are CAR, ULP, OLB sunburts, white and black and then i only find them via searching google and going to the pages from the images listed under JM66-88. Where are these variants to be found? are there any more colours?

[Gordon]

This... Is... Beautiful.

[luau]

Congrats! That's a beauty.

[glimmertwin]

I love the blocks & bindings look - you ought to get some witch hats for it!

...how much did it all cost with shipping if you don't mind my asking?

[JetBlue]

Congrats! It's a beauty. 

[berlinbetty]

  I didn't care for the finish on the binding, either.  Here's my epic about it if you care to read it...

index.php?topic=4455.0

index.php?topic=4482.0

[Green angel]

I've got the same, i've just made some "little" modifications...

[Sullivan]

Hey berlinbetty, thanks for the threads. I just might do the same. Looks like a PITA, but the results are very nice.

glimmertwin, it will probably get black witch hats. Cost + shipping came to $809 at that day's exchange rage.

Deckard, someone here posted a link showing what Fender Japan had availabe. I can't find the link now. The model number is JM66B-106 for B+B. I think they offer them in VWH, CAR and OLB.

woody, my contact at Ishibashi is Rachel Maurer. Just e-mail web-shop@ishibashi.co.jp and she should respond. She's the international salesperson.

idiotbear, kinda leaning towards Antiquity Is, but might go with alnico II Novaks.

eupat, your avatar pretty much seals the deal on a black pickguard. Your Jag looks amazing.

Think that covers everyone. I'll post more pics as progress is made.