AVRI vs. CIJ/MIJ only on PAY PER VIEW!!!!

[StevenO]

In my opinion, I would rather go with the AVRI than a MIJ/CIJ. Whenever I play a Japanese made Jazzmaster, they just don't feel right to me. They always seem to be lacking that certain something. I'm not a fan of the finish or the neck shape(and the finish on the neck, but that can be fixed a bit). I really like jazzmasters and always have, and I like them enough to spend the required amounts for them as long as it means I will use it, enjoy using it, and will get my moneys worth out of it. I don't mind spending the extra money if it means I'm going to get something that I will enjoy and won't need too many modifications. Of course, I wouldn't say no to a decent priced MIJ/CIJ jazzmaster. Remember, this is just me, but I over-all like the AVRI's a lot more than the CIJ and MIJs that I have played.

[Puke+Cry]

CIJ here. pretty satisfied with it, but i need to change some hardware

[Superfuzz]

CIJ for me, I'm really satisfied, the only mod I did is a TOM, but that's something that doesn't have anything to do with its manufacturer country, next mod will be bending the trem arm, it's to short and closer to the body compared with AVRIs..nothing to add, the finish is stunning, the rosewood of the fingerboard is amazing and the finish is superb..

[chrisjedijane]

AVRI for me - I'm really happy with it, the finish and general workmanship is great. The only mod that I've done on it is that I stuck a set of mustang saddles on it (i'm very heavy-handed), and I'm thinking about putting a treble bleed cap on the volume control, but that's it.

[luau]

I prefer my AVRI. Sounds better, plays better, looks better, feels better. If I were on a tight budget or just wanted a project, I'm sure I'd be pleased with a CIJ too as I've no doubt they are quality guitars for the price. I love my MIJ, but compared to my AVRI, it just doesn't stack up.

I honestly think an AVRI is a bargain for $1400. For those that don't think it's worth $1400, I'd be really curious to know what, if anything, you do think is worth $1400.

[Felix]

Good point, Luau.
Considering a cheap Gibson is $1500 with a discount, many Fender guitars tend to go no higher than that benchmark and still give you quality.
I'm with you on the price. It's not loveable price range, but I do think a $1300 AV is worth it.

[luau]

Agreed Felix. I'd love to be able to buy AVRIs for $1.98 just as much as the next guy. Compared to my $2k+ '56 Historic LP, the fit, finish and feel of -my- (I'm sure there are duds) AVRI is comparable. When I took my AVRI out of the case for the first time I was really really impressed with it. When I played it I was bowled over by how resonant and alive it is unplugged. Maybe I lucked out and got a good one, but it's more guitar than I expected for the price I paid for it.

[Pumpkin]

True,next to Gibson Fenders are cheap.Personally, i feel Gibson is way overrated and ridiculously over priced.

Also i wouldn't say cij's are good guitars for the price,they're good guitars period!

But really who gives a shit,as long as the player is happy it wouldn't make a difference if they were playing a tennis racket.

[Felix]

Yeah, right you are on that one. I just saw a brand new lp, the "jimmy model," for $6K+
I know it's a custom model, but that's just a ridiculous price.

[StevenO]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add this that to my previous post. One thing that helps me justify the price for an AVRI is that I'd rather spend the $1800 or so CDN dollars on a top of the line Fender then spend that much on a not-so-great gibson. Makes me feel better that way, and I truly don't mind spending that much money on something I know I'm going to enjoy. I also have found that the AVRI consistency in quality is much higher than the consistency with Gibsons of similar price and more. The Japanese made fenders are very consistent though, atleast the ones I have played, but still preferred the AVRI.

[a reminder]

CIJ for me cause it was quite easier to find it lefty... will be upgraded.

[Felix]

CIJ for me cause it was quite easier to find it lefty... will be upgraded.

Ah, yes they are southpaw friendly.

That's one of the reasons I became ambidextrous.

[sotoman]

you should add that fender japan has a HUGE variety of models comparing to fender usa...
CIJ mustangs even have competition stripes or matching headstock or both, they come in many colors and combinations,  and they are more interesting than AVRI's...

[Stereordinary]

I own a CIJ, because it was what I could afford when I wanted to buy my first Jazzmaster.  I've loved that I haven't had any beefs with modding it, and I definitely won't ever sell the guitar.  It's great and I love it.

However, I still plan on getting an AVRI.

[RumorsOFsurF]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add this that to my previous post. One thing that helps me justify the price for an AVRI is that I'd rather spend the $1800 or so CDN dollars on a top of the line Fender then spend that much on a not-so-great gibson. Makes me feel better that way, and I truly don't mind spending that much money on something I know I'm going to enjoy. I also have found that the AVRI consistency in quality is much higher than the consistency with Gibsons of similar price and more. The Japanese made fenders are very consistent though, atleast the ones I have played, but still preferred the AVRI.

+1  I looked at Gibsons, but you can't get a decent one for under 2K!  No thanks...I can buy two nice Fenders for that!  Plus I like the sound and feel of Fenders better...Maybe because that is what I've always played.