G&G Standard Hardshell Case for Jaguar / Jazzmaster - Black Review

Hard Rock Jazzmaster? Different is Better

Glad Fender thought outside of the box on this model. After a 20-year drought, I finally bought a new axe and had contemplated this interesting Jazzmaster HH for some time. I used to have a ’61 Jazz so it’s always been my benchmark for Fender products - of course this HH is not intended to replicate the original sound, circuitry or quality, but the tonal versatility is why… read more it’s so good for covering a plethora of more metal and hard rock sounds like a comparable HSS Strat, while still maintain the distinctive edgy twang of the Jazzmaster/Jaguar body and bridge with its cool, not-for-the-masses design. Feels enough like my old one (larger frets and thicker neck aside) enough to bring back and play some old original songs confidently. I was really sold on the humbucker coil tap pull on the tone knob, but a chrome switch somewhere would be more useful, as the stock speed knobs don’t allow you to grab them easily to switch between single coil or humbucker. The neck pickup seems to have hotter output than the bridge pickup.Considering the price, value and playability, the HH is comfortable if not perfect to play, and the fit and finish is acceptable (the silver finish actually changes hue under certain light, pretty nice). However, while Sweetwater’s order, instrument set up and delivery process is as good as I had heard, my only complaint was that the pickguard had been somehow scuffed up; I had no idea why this should occur but when I first played the instrument I also left some pick scars, so I think Fender could work on some material quality control for the Standard-series level. (The 'hardshell' case I ordered was a disappointment, but that's another review.) There was some pickup switch noise as well as predictable Fender upper register fret buzz when I tuned down to D but that’s easy to adjust and it’s otherwise a good, fast neck for leads and comfortable rhythm playing. 4.5 stars

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No, Not Your Dad's Hardshell Case

The ‘standard hardshell case’ Fender subs out for this instrument looks nice with the stitching, plush lining and old-style look, but for the money it's otherwise cheaply made next to the real old ones. The Jazzmaster guitar I bought it for barely fits (was it made for Strats?), latches are thin metal which resist aligning and have difficulty closing (presumably because the… read more case hinges aren't very strong either?), and the wood used in the case top is wobbly. Sorry, do yourself a favor if you play out with your guitar and get the presumably more durable formed plastic case and save $.

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