Members CannSound Posted August 1, 2013 Members Share Posted August 1, 2013 I'm considering getting a jazzmaster, I've never owned a fender guitar before, but I've tried out the Classic Player at my local shop. A classic player model is not in my price range, so I'm looking into getting a Backtop and doing some cosmetic and hardware modifications. I'm wondering if a standard tortoise shell pickguard (like the one on Fender.com) will fit on a blacktop, or whether I need to have one custom-made, and whether the body can support little things like new knobs and pickup covers. I'm also wondering how much work is required to switch the HB pickup to a classic JM single-coil. Also, any info you can provide on the guitar itself or your opinions on it would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lz4005 Posted August 1, 2013 Members Share Posted August 1, 2013 A standard Jazzmaster pickguard will have holes for the upper controls. I'm 99% sure the Blacktop isn't routed for the upper controls under the guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Special J Posted August 1, 2013 Members Share Posted August 1, 2013 Not sure it's routed for a JM pickup where the HB is. Probably not. A Phat Cat would probably work well there, if not. I've not been crazy about the feel of the Blactops for whatever reason. I see a lot of them used too, so I'm thinking I'm not the only one. If you can wait, I'd suggest scoping out a good deal on a used Japanese one. These are much more in the spirit of the original, and can really shine when loaded with the right pickups and harware combo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members onelife Posted August 1, 2013 Members Share Posted August 1, 2013 I believe there is a Blacktop that comes with the tortoise shell pickguard - perhaps you could find one of those Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted August 3, 2013 Members Share Posted August 3, 2013 I remember asking about the Blacktops, and I think I remember being told that the bridge route isn't meant for a Jazzmaster pickup. The MIJ ones are the way to go, since they sound like Jazzmasters are "supposed to." I have a Classic Player, and I love it, and if you like them, I've seen them used for $500ish. They are a little different than traditional Jazzmasters, but they have the spirit, if you will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members yanktar Posted August 4, 2013 Members Share Posted August 4, 2013 Why not go for the Squier J.Mascis Jazzmaster? It's cheaper than a Blacktop and, IMHO, much closer to the CP than the Blacktop. Doesn't have the locking trem, and a few other details, but I think you'll be happier--and no mods needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kayd_mon Posted August 4, 2013 Members Share Posted August 4, 2013 @yanktar My CP Jazzmaster is tied for my favorite guitar (at least in my collection). The Mascis one is pretty close to the CP, then? I'd like to check one out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members yanktar Posted August 4, 2013 Members Share Posted August 4, 2013 kayd_mon wrote: @yanktar My CP Jazzmaster is tied for my favorite guitar (at least in my collection). The Mascis one is pretty close to the CP, then? I'd like to check one out. Again, I'm not the greatest player but I thought the JM was a really good alternative to the CP, since the actual price is about half ($400 vs $800). I briefly got to mess with one at the local Sam Ash and was quite delighted with it. MUCH closer to the Classic Player than the Black Top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LuckisforLosers Posted August 4, 2013 Members Share Posted August 4, 2013 Anybody know if a normal humbucker fits in the neck spot of the blacktop jazzmaster? 'Cause if so I'm totally getting one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CannSound Posted August 14, 2013 Author Members Share Posted August 14, 2013 Thanks for all of the replies guys, it helped. But I decided I'd go with the BT, as I don't know enough about guitars to know what I want, and this sounds like it can give me some examples. I've read elsewhere that the pick guard fits, if there's someone who's ever in the same boat. I have it right next to me and I love it, but everyone has their own tastes. Thanks for the input, I'll come to you guys next time it's coming up on NGD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Danhedonia Posted August 14, 2013 Members Share Posted August 14, 2013 Enjoy! Guitars are for enjoying ...... if you're of a mind to do so, why not check back in a month and give us your reaction to the Blacktop in this thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jimtalkbox Posted August 14, 2013 Members Share Posted August 14, 2013 Blacktop JM - I think there are sellers on eBay that make a Tort guard for those, but the last I remember, they were PRICEY. ($60-$75) Also, maybe consider putting something like a GFS Surf 90 in the bridge. You could get something in the "neighborhood" of a JM pickup (brighter and twangy) for not much cash. Squier Mascis JM - I have one of these and it's a pretty solid guitar. However, if you want something really traditional, you'll want to swap out the pickups. They're fairly dark and hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CannSound Posted August 15, 2013 Author Members Share Posted August 15, 2013 Will do! I'll post pictures when I'm done with it, I'll probably end up getting some sort of a single coil, but that won't be for a while. I did notice that the humbucker is a little muddy, but it almost sounds like a compressed tone, which I actually like. I've got it set up through a Mustang Floor, loop, and a Vox Vigilante, and it sounds effing awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.