Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

[PFDarkside]

Something is calling me about this guitar. I love the look, I'm kind of dreaming about a HH fender guitar, and the offset shape would be a cool contrast to my Strats. This one rewires the controls to be more intuitive (the upper area is now a kill switch and two spin-a-splits, the lower switches are two pickup selectors and a low-cut, and the volume/tone are master controls.) I'd probably replace the pickups with real deal Dumarzios, probably a Super Distortion and 36th anniversary. (Although double cream JB/Jazz would be pretty cool too)

The only thing that's bothering me is the short scale. 24.75" of Gibson is only thing, but these are 24". For someone used to playing 25.5" scale guitars, does a Jaguar feel like a toy? Even with heavier strings to increase tension, is it going to be too weird?

None in stock anywhere that I can find. Maybe I can play the Squier Jag for scale length comparison?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

The Fender Jaguar is very much its own thang.

Yes, trying a Squier VM series Jag will give you some idea of how the scale length feels, though not the MIM, MIJ/CIJ or MIA neck profiles.

The short scale does take some getter used to. Some fingerings now fall within reach. Others become too bunched up for comfort. The whole guitar tends to feel clunky. Great for single note instrumental guitar melodies and Spaghetti Western chordal textures. You WILL NOT be shredding.

If you want the Offset Waist body looks and dual 'buckers, try a Jazzmaster-based Modern Player. Maybe, even, plan a Warmoth self-build?

Actually, even with a regular Fender 25.5" scale length, the Fender Floating Vibrato contributes numerous artefacts into the playing experience.





For further musings on the MIM HH Jaguar, use the forum search engine to find the countless threads that Astrozombie started about his example.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

Thanks for the insight as usual.

I think you are right, a Warmoth option would be more up my alley for what I really want. (Even a true tune o matic would be better suited for my usage)

And a standard Jaguar would still be cool, just for usage more along the lines you mention above.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

Stratocasters and Telecasters outsell Jazzmasters and Jaguars for a very good reason.

I have a modified Fender AVRI Jaguar (SD Antiquity pickups, Staytrem bridge and vibrato arm parts). I do not play it for fun in the conventional sense so much as for the sounds that only these guitars can produce.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

The balance is better than most non-offset bodies. 24" scale does kinda feel like a toy, though. I agree I'd go with a Warmoth- I don't kike the quirky bridge and switches. I think Fender continues to use them because of nostalgia, no because they actually work that great.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

In actuality, I think the Jazzmaster layout works better, especially when the big toggle functions as a true 3-way, along with the Fender standard scale length, but all that chrome looks so much cooler on the Jag rather than an expanse of pickguard.

Although I think the idea of using the mini pots as spin-a-splits is pretty darn cool.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

The roller pots tend to come in resistance values and tapers that, in my opinion, are unhelpful for applications such as spin-a-split.

The cable runs must be pretty annoying to arrange. Hot and ground to the selector switch. Coil split series links to the roller pots. How much outer insulation would you choose to remove?

 

[Lucky Eastwood]

Re: Fender Classic Player Jaguar HH experiences?

I have been eyeing on Jaguars and If I do get one, I'd tune it to CGDAEG. For the scale I think it would be suitable, and I would also go for a custom Warmoth with a hardtail.