So you’re in the market for a new guitar and you’ve got your eyes set on the Squier Jazzmaster. Well, you’re in luck because this review is all about this electric beauty. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Squier Jazzmaster, from its sleek design to its versatile sound capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, this review will help you make an informed decision about whether this guitar is the right fit for you. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of the Squier Jazzmaster.
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Specification
The Squier Jazzmaster is a versatile electric guitar that combines classic design elements with modern features. It features a solid body construction, a maple neck, a standard fingerboard, and a set of pickups designed for maximum versatility. Let’s dive into the details of each component.
Body
The body of the Squier Jazzmaster is made of solid wood, providing a sturdy and durable foundation for the instrument. It is sculpted with the iconic Jazzmaster shape, which is known for its sleek curves and comfortable playing experience. The body design allows for easy access to the upper frets and ensures a well-balanced feel when playing both seated and standing.
Neck
The maple neck of the Squier Jazzmaster adds to its overall playability and tone. It offers a smooth and comfortable feel, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the fretboard. The neck is also designed to provide excellent stability, which is crucial for maintaining precise intonation and tuning stability. Whether you prefer playing chords or shredding solos, the neck of the Squier Jazzmaster is sure to meet your needs.
Fingerboard
The Squier Jazzmaster features a standard fingerboard with a 9.5-inch radius. This radius provides a comfortable playing experience, allowing for easy string bending and fast fretboard navigation. The fingerboard is crafted from maple, which enhances the overall brightness and definition of your playing. It also boasts 21 medium jumbo frets, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Pickups
One of the standout features of the Squier Jazzmaster is its versatile pickup configuration. It comes equipped with two high-output single-coil pickups, delivering a wide range of tonal options. These pickups can handle anything from bluesy cleans to gritty overdriven tones. The Squier Jazzmaster’s pickups are designed to capture the vintage-inspired tones that are synonymous with the Jazzmaster sound.
Controls
To further enhance its versatility, the Squier Jazzmaster offers controls that allow you to shape your sound precisely. It features a traditional dual-circuit setup, with separate tone and volume controls for each pickup. Additionally, it features a rhythm/lead circuit switch, which allows you to instantly switch between two different preset voicings. These controls give you the freedom to dial in the perfect tone for any musical situation.
Design
The Squier Jazzmaster boasts a classic and timeless look that pays homage to its vintage roots. Its sleek curves and elegant design make it a visually appealing instrument. Whether you’re playing on stage or in the studio, the Squier Jazzmaster is sure to turn heads.
Classic Look
The Squier Jazzmaster stays true to the classic look of the original Jazzmaster, with its distinctive offset body shape and pickguard. This design provides a retro aesthetic that appeals to musicians of all genres. It exudes a sense of coolness and sophistication that is often associated with the Jazzmaster model.
Finish Options
While the Squier Jazzmaster may not offer as many finish options as its higher-end counterparts, it still provides a decent selection to choose from. It is available in classic finishes like Olympic White and Sunburst, as well as more modern options like Surf Green and Sonic Blue. These finishes enhance the overall appeal of the instrument, allowing you to find a look that suits your personal style.
Build Quality
Despite being a more affordable option, the Squier Jazzmaster does not compromise on build quality. It is constructed with attention to detail, ensuring a reliable and durable instrument. The components are well-made and assembled, resulting in a solid and reliable playing experience. While it may not have the same level of craftsmanship as its premium counterparts, the Squier Jazzmaster is still a well-built guitar that can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Playability
The Squier Jazzmaster excels in terms of playability, offering features that make it a joy to play for guitarists of all skill levels. From the neck profile to the string tension, every aspect is designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind.
Neck Profile
The neck profile of the Squier Jazzmaster is comfortable and suitable for a wide range of playing styles. It features a modern “C” shape, which provides a balanced and natural feel in your hand. This allows for effortless chord changes and smooth soloing. Whether you have small or large hands, the neck profile of the Squier Jazzmaster ensures a comfortable playing experience.
Fingerboard Radius
The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius of the Squier Jazzmaster strikes a perfect balance between comfort and playability. It offers a slightly flatter surface compared to vintage-spec Jazzmasters, allowing for easier string bending and fast fretboard navigation. This radius is ideal for players who enjoy a versatile playing experience and want the instrument to be responsive to their musical nuances.
Action
The Squier Jazzmaster comes with a well-adjusted action right out of the box. The action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard and significantly affects the playability of the instrument. The Squier Jazzmaster strikes a sweet spot by providing a comfortable and playable action, allowing you to execute techniques like bends and vibratos with ease. However, individual preferences may vary, and adjusting the action to suit your playing style is always an option.
String Tension
The Squier Jazzmaster offers a comfortable string tension that strikes a balance between playability and response. The tension of the strings affects the feel and responsiveness of the instrument. The Squier Jazzmaster ensures that the string tension is neither too loose nor too tight, allowing for a comfortable playing experience across different musical genres. This makes it suitable for players who enjoy a diverse range of playing styles.
Sound
A guitar’s sound is crucial in capturing the desired tone and expressing your musicality. The Squier Jazzmaster is designed to deliver a wide range of sonic possibilities, catering to various musical genres and playing styles.
Versatility
The Squier Jazzmaster is renowned for its versatility, and it lives up to its reputation. The combination of its dual single-coil pickups and versatile controls allows for a broad sonic palette. From warm and mellow jazz tones to bright and twangy surf rock sounds, the Squier Jazzmaster can handle it all. Whether you’re playing in a band or recording in the studio, the Squier Jazzmaster’s versatility makes it an excellent choice.
Pickups
The pickups on the Squier Jazzmaster are designed to capture the vintage-inspired tones that are synonymous with the Jazzmaster sound. While they may not offer the same level of clarity and articulation as higher-end pickups, they still deliver a solid and authentic tone. The pickups provide a good balance between warmth and definition, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Tone Control
The Squier Jazzmaster’s tone control allows you to shape your sound precisely. With separate tone controls for each pickup, you can dial in the perfect amount of brightness or warmth for your desired sound. Whether you prefer a darker, mellow tone or a brighter, snappier tone, the Squier Jazzmaster’s tone control offers the flexibility to fine-tune your sound.
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Performance
The Squier Jazzmaster performs exceptionally well in both live and recording settings, making it a reliable and versatile instrument for musicians.
Live
The Squier Jazzmaster is a capable live performance instrument. Its solid construction ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for gigging musicians. The guitar’s comfortable playability allows for extended playing sessions without fatigue, while its versatile tonal options allow for seamless genre transitions during live performances. The Squier Jazzmaster is a dependable instrument that can handle the demands of the stage.
Recording
When it comes to recording, the Squier Jazzmaster shines. Its versatile pickups and tone controls allow for a wide range of tonal options, ensuring that you can achieve the desired sound for your recordings. Whether you’re aiming for a punchy rhythm section or a smooth lead part, the Squier Jazzmaster delivers consistent results. Its well-built construction ensures clear and reliable recordings, making it an excellent choice for home studios and professional recording environments alike.
Pros
The Squier Jazzmaster offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for musicians, especially those on a budget.
Affordable Pricing
One of the standout advantages of the Squier Jazzmaster is its affordable price point. It provides access to the iconic Jazzmaster design and sound at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners, intermediate players, or anyone looking to add a Jazzmaster to their collection without breaking the bank.
Authentic Jazzmaster Features
Despite being a more budget-friendly option, the Squier Jazzmaster retains many of the features that make the Jazzmaster a beloved instrument. From the offset body shape to the unique dual-circuit design, the Squier Jazzmaster captures the essence of the iconic model. It offers a genuine Jazzmaster playing experience and sound, making it an attractive option for players who want to experience the vintage-inspired tones of the original Jazzmaster.
Comfortable Playability
The Squier Jazzmaster is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasant playing experience for guitarists of all skill levels. Its well-crafted neck profile, fingerboard radius, and string tension contribute to a comfortable feel, allowing for hours of effortless playing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Squier Jazzmaster’s comfortable playability ensures that you can focus on your music without any physical hindrance.
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Cons
While the Squier Jazzmaster offers many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Lower Quality Pickups
One area where the Squier Jazzmaster falls slightly short is in its pickups. While they capture the essence of the Jazzmaster sound, they may not offer the same level of clarity and articulation as higher-end pickups. This can result in a slight compromise in tonal quality. However, for the price point, the pickups on the Squier Jazzmaster still perform admirably.
Limited Color Options
Another drawback of the Squier Jazzmaster is the limited color options available. While it offers classic finishes like Olympic White and Sunburst, the range of available colors is more restricted compared to higher-end models. This may limit your ability to find a color option that suits your preference or aesthetic.
Potential Setup Issues
As with any guitar, there is a potential for setup issues with the Squier Jazzmaster. While the guitar comes well-adjusted out of the box, individual preferences may vary. Some players may find that they need to make minor adjustments to the action, intonation, or string height to suit their playing style. It’s always recommended to have a professional setup if you’re unsure or prefer a customized setup.
Comparison to Fender Jazzmaster
When comparing the Squier Jazzmaster to its higher-end counterpart, the Fender Jazzmaster, there are a few notable differences to consider.
Differences in Quality
The most significant difference between the Squier Jazzmaster and the Fender Jazzmaster lies in the overall quality of the instrument. As a more affordable option, the Squier Jazzmaster may not have the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as the Fender Jazzmaster. The components and materials used in the Fender Jazzmaster are often of higher quality, resulting in a more premium instrument.
Price Comparison
Price is another notable difference when comparing the Squier Jazzmaster and the Fender Jazzmaster. The Squier Jazzmaster is significantly more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious players. On the other hand, the Fender Jazzmaster commands a higher price due to its higher-quality components and construction. Ultimately, the price difference reflects the overall quality and craftsmanship of the instrument.
Alternative Options
While the Squier Jazzmaster offers an excellent entry point into the world of Jazzmasters, there are alternative options to consider. Other guitar brands offer their own versions of the Jazzmaster, some at a similar price point to the Squier model. Exploring different brands and models may provide you with additional features, finishes, or tonal options that better suit your preferences. It’s always worth trying out different guitars to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Conclusion
The Squier Jazzmaster is an exceptional guitar that offers a blend of vintage-inspired design and modern features. Its classic look, versatile sound, comfortable playability, and affordable pricing make it a compelling choice for musicians of all skill levels. While it may have some limitations in terms of pickup quality and color options, the Squier Jazzmaster provides access to the iconic Jazzmaster sound at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first electric guitar or an experienced player seeking a reliable and versatile instrument, the Squier Jazzmaster is worth considering.
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About the Author
Michael-B is a Music Producer, Musician, and Formally Trained (and was Certified by the Recording Institute of Detroit in 1986) Recording Engineer. As of to date, He's built 3 home recording studios go back to 1987, where he wrote, played all the instruments, and recorded his music. Michael B is also a Writer, Chief Editor and SEO of TrackinSolo.com