The Ultimate Fender Squier Jazzmaster Shootout | J Mascis vs Classic Vibe vs Vintage Modified

Today, we look at (and hear) the differences between the Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster, the Vintage Modified Jazzmaster and it's more 'up-to-date' sibling the Classic Vibe...

Pickup sound comparisons: 4:13

[nathanielcooper]

This is how comparisons should be done. Thank you for not talking in between every guitar and defeating the purpose like so many people like to do.

[sleepwalking]

Just picked up the Mascis jazzmaster. I absolutely love it. A great choice for anyone doing 90s style alternative/grunge.

[chrisgeorge]

Probably the best Jazzmaster comparison video I've watched on YouTube

[clockwork]

Without a doubt, I’d spend my money on the Classic Vibe.
Fantastic shootout, including the Mascis lets you decide definitively.

[danielcarter]

i like how the vintage modified sounds a little deeper than the classic vibe

[alexk]

Nice comparison. I would understand if someone had different preferences, it's a matter of taste, but for me CV sounded the most Jazzmasterish.

[harmlesscreationsofthegree]

That vintage modified has such a beautiful thick tone, but I think the Mascis sounds bitier and almost as chunky, but with some extra mid/high clarity that puts it ahead. It’s a bit of a unicorn in some ways that thing. I don’t want to like it but it seems like a decent guitar. I can feel it pulling my wallet slowly out of my pocket

[chairmankaga]

Dang. The Mascis' bridge sounded so much better to my ears. More sustain, more depth. I want one...

[JustSomeGuy]

I got the Squier Jazzmaster Deluxe, which is a red version of the J Mascis. It's my second best playing guitar after the Johnny Marr Jaguar. It's ridiculously heavy, but sounds so great.

[ricklanders]

Lots of good sound samples, gave a really good idea of the differences. My personal preference based on this vid is 1. J Mascis, 2, VM, 3. CV Cheers!

[reverbchorusdelay]

The VM has a super warm vintage sound which I love

[Molekulasti]

Vintage Modified for me. Love that percussive attack on clean and the growl when overdriven. Shame they're discontinued.

[AJHillis]

This video made my decision harder by highlighting all the minute details!

The JM that I want is a combination of all 3. Satin neck, vintage tint, bone nut, rosewood board, I like the VM pickups the best, but want the mustang bridge, and really want the tremolo lock.

Guess it's time for a partscaster.

[jonartscc]

I have/had all three (sold the vintage modified a while ago) and the J Mascis is one of my favourite guitars I've ever played. The cv is great as well and the vm just has a certain vibe to it that I really liked although it's definitely my least favourite sound-wise.

[gregs]

Clean I liked the Classic Vibe, with overdrive I liked the Mascis

[chaseb]

I'm choosing between a jmjm and a Vintera, and honestly I think I'm gonna go with the Mascis. The neck feels so much nicer to play

[SeventhHarmonic]

Great demo. It lets me know I'm not missing anything with the Vintage Modified. I have the Mascis and Classic Vibe. Love the Mascis for the higher output resulting in more sustain and a great high gain sound. Love the Classic Vibe for the great clean tones, with nice attack on each note. Mascis is great out of the box. Classic Vibe needed additional setup. Really happy to have them both. In comparison to the Mascis and Classic Vibe, the Vintage Modified sounds more "plunky", lacking in sweetness and sustain, and I assume this is mostly due to its pickups.

[chiman]

Love that you’re playing Wish Fullfillment for the demo. Love that song! Good vid

[watermelon]

It’s so hard between the JM and the CV! I love the look and feel of the JM but I like the sound of the CV so much more!

[nickwebb]

Great review, superbly carried out 👍 and it’s been a real help, thank you 😊

Vintage Vibe gets my vote, closely follow by the JM Jazzmaster.
That Vintage Modifified sounds like it’s got really old strings, not good.