r/Guitar • u/riyarar • 16h ago
QUESTION JazzMaster Gift Advice
hi! Im looking to get a JazzMaster for my boyfriend for, is there any specific sub model that’s better than the others? He mainly plays indie ish music. Thank you!
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u/moonharrier42 16h ago
Don't do it. Take him to a guitar shop and surprise him there.
Your heart is in the right place but there are so many variables ,chances are you wouldn't buy the exact one he wants. No matter what you buy, he will never get rid of it ---because you gave it to him. Then he's stuck with a guitar that he would not have picked out for himself.
Unless you know the exact guitar, pickups, color, finish, maple or rosewood neck let him pick the guitar
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u/akhnatwhat 16h ago
This. If you want to make it more of a surprise you can even make him wear a blindfold on the drive, he will be thrilled when the blinds come off and you are parked in front of the guitar store
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u/burritobandito90 16h ago
+1 to everyone saying bring him to pick one out. Either that or give a gift card.
I’d give him the budget going into it too. Cause this could go from $400 to $1000-2000 (or well beyond).
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u/Chamanomano 16h ago edited 16h ago
Wow, what a gift! For new ones, there's a few current models available - Player II, Vintera III Mid '60s, American Professional and then signature guitars like the Troy Van Leeuwen. They start at around $1000 and go over $2000. Jazzmasters have been around since the late 50's - used ones can be very inexpensive, or absurdly expensive.
Jazzmasters are amazing guitars. Do you have a budget you want to stick to to? I'm asking because it's also available in the Squier line (which is made by Fender) - the Classic Vibe Jazzmaster which goes for about $399 to $600 or so. Make no mistake, these less expensive ones are still really great guitars.
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u/OldYellersLastHandy 16h ago
Just commenting to say how stoked I am that the Jazzmaster seems to be having a moment right now.
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u/Only_Argument7532 16h ago
Bring him to a shop and let him pick. Jazzmasters are fussy guitars of the shelf and often need a bit of work to achieve perfection.
There are also different varieties and models with different specs that affect how the guitar plays and sounds.
Budget is also a consideration.
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u/WyndWoman 16h ago
MIM from early 2000s are usually good.
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u/Only_Argument7532 16h ago
Most of those MIMs are Blacktops or Classic Players with non-traditional specs. There were some Lacquer Series traditional JMs that were nice.
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u/EveryMorn 16h ago
That's a really nice gift, I'd be chuffed to bits!
Does he already have a Jazzmaster, or is it something he's always wanted? What's your rough budget?
There are lots of different Jazzmasters, and some people have very strong opinions on some of them, so that might be something to consider, too.
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u/riyarar 15h ago
he’s mentioned wanting a jazzmaster in general for a while now, I think my budget is around 1000usd so I can get him something that he’ll really like.
I think best bet is to take him there and pick it out himself :D
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u/EveryMorn 15h ago
Cool, taking him to have a look, and get to play the actual guitars is a great shout.
I'm guessing you're based in the US then, which means you also have a fairly robust secondhand market to tap into. You could look up used listing's beforehand, so you have backup options, for Vintera (II & III), Player, and classic 60's models, which would all be quality guitars within your budget. Another option would be looking at a Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster, Squier is the budget brand but the J Mascis is a quality guitar that should cost around half your budget new, and you could throw in some upgrades, like new pickups and still run under budget.
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u/riyarar 15h ago
Okay great thank you!!
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u/EveryMorn 15h ago
No worries, I hope both of ye have fun picking it out and playing it. It's a really nice and thoughtful idea for a gift, too.
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u/MichHAELJR 14h ago
There is a Made In USA stigma. Look at his collection and see if he buys made in USA stuff or if he buys made in Mexico or off brands from Fender like Squire. If he does then you have a choice:
Buy a Made in America Jazzmaster which is more expensive but an amazing gift. Heirloom kind of thing. If so, you know the cost. Take him to a store and let him choose the color and wood
Buy a made in America one on reverb or guitar center used. You’ll save a ton of money and you can get amazing used gear. (I got a made in USA telecaster for under $900.00 and it was amazing)
Buy a offbrand version. I dunno how he will like it if he is a bit snooty. There is something with art where some people like to make art with art. But that’s another post
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u/NickiChaos 16h ago
That title is one incorrect vowel away from being considered sexual harassment.
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u/SweetrollFireball 16h ago
Honestly the best thing to do is to say, “babe get in the car. We’re going to Guitar center to get a jazzmaster.” And let him pick the specific one. Guitar players can be super picky when it comes to their favorite guitars.