New Jazzmaster - somewhat disappointed

[Supernautilus]

I just got my very first Jazzmaster. It’s a Squier Classic Vibe 60s. I got a great deal on a new one so I bought it on a whim. Structurally and visually, I love it. The issue is the pickups. Not the tone, but the size.

I guess I was unprepared for just how HUGE Jazzmaster pickups are. They’re even bigger than P90s. And unfortunately, it completely interferes with how I strum. On any other guitar, I tend to have my hand float around the bridge pickup, with my fingers touching the body often. But these pickups are so huge they get in the way lol.

I’m not sure what I want to do now. I’m considering swapping these out for standard humbuckers maybe. It’s a shame though, as I like how the stock bridge pickup sounds.

Any other Jazzmaster owners deal with this problem, or is it just me?

 

[solspirit]

It doesn't bother me.

 

[beaubrummels]

Squier makes an Affinity HH Jazzmaster, one with a Strat hardtail and one with a TOM bridge. The TOM one is active, but you can replace all that.

 

[Chistopher]

Perhaps view it as a chance to make you a more versatile player?

 

[solspirit]

Perhaps view it as a chance to make you a more versatile player?

:beerchug:

 

[Mincer]

I think the pickups are what makes it a Jazzmaster. You can try lowering the pickups a bit, and as a last resort change them entirely. When buying a model I've never owned before, I usually have to try out the ergonomics from a store or a friend before I buy it. Some things simply don't work for me, and I can't get used to it.

 

[Supernautilus]

When buying a model I've never owned before, I usually have to try out the ergonomics from a store or a friend before I buy it. Some things simply don't work for me, and I can't get used to it.

Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head there. This was my mistake. I should have gone to a store and sat with one for a while to get familiar with it.

Oh well, no worries. I was expecting to do SOME kind of modding to it anyways. After sleeping on it, I think I'll get an HH pickguard and swap out the pickups for something else. I'm thinking a pair of Phat Cats might sound good. We shall see.

Thanks for all the responses guys.

 

[strat dude]

For me there are multiple things about the JM I don’t like, so no judgement there. But the way I look at it is I could get used to it, but I don’t want to. That being said I really wanted one of the J Massic purple ones, I just hated playing it.

 

[larryguitar]

Not saying you should stick with something you don't like, but at least give it some time. For the longest time I had trouble with Strat's (even though my first guitar was a Strat) since the middle pickup got in my way. With some concerted effort, I got to the point I could play one without an issue, though even now it takes me a minute to 'recalibrate' when I pick up a three pickup guitar.

My point being, don't give up too soon; you're more flexible than you realize, and learning to play an instrument with completely different sounds is worth a bit of effort.

Larry

 

[GuitarStv]

I've found that different guitars that require a different touch end up improving my playing when I stick with 'em long enough to get comfy.

 

[Supernautilus]

Not saying you should stick with something you don't like, but at least give it some time. For the longest time I had trouble with Strat's (even though my first guitar was a Strat) since the middle pickup got in my way. With some concerted effort, I got to the point I could play one without an issue, though even now it takes me a minute to 'recalibrate' when I pick up a three pickup guitar.

My point being, don't give up too soon; you're more flexible than you realize, and learning to play an instrument with completely different sounds is worth a bit of effort.

Larry

Yeah, that’s a good point. I’m not in any particular rush to mod it. So maybe I’ll just keep it as is for a while and see what happens. I appreciate the encouragement!

 

[jeremy]

i think keeping it stock for a while is the best plan. its a new toy and itll take some getting used to. they have been making these things for 60+ years and theyve had those pups from the beginning. it hasnt been an issue for me when playing, but i can see it being a bit of an adjustment for others. if, after a while, its still an issue then swap. you could get rod magnet style humbucker sized p90s to keep some of that flavor

 

[zionstrat]

Yes definitely second the motion to hold on to it for a bit..

Jazz Masters are different in many ways... The offset body the bridge and especially the pickups... They definitely don't feel like strats and telecasters...

But all the things that are bothering you right now provide the character that makes the jazzmaster a killer guitar...

Those wide thin pups give you great clarity but plenty of umph for drive... My guess is in 6 months you will find them perfect for Jazz Master oriented music.

The bottom line is that it just takes time to get used to things.. when I'm teaching hybrid picking and have a student who isn't getting it quickly, I'll ask them to do nothing but hybrid picking for 2 weeks... For the first week and a half they hate me and usually it's the 13th day where it becomes unbelievably cool!

 

[solspirit]

I just put my JM away after having it out and playing it for about a month. It's not my everday player or my favorite guitar, but it sure is fun once in a while.