Jazz master Ventures model

[Billyboygretsch]

This week is like waiting for a bus. Nothing for ages then 3 Ventures Jazzmasters on e bay at the same time. Does anyone have one or an opinion on the model. I am quite interested they look really good in my opinion

[David Martin]

I had one... Quite disappointing... Had to do considerable work on the fret ends and neck angle to make it any good... Not worth a premium price...

[Billyboygretsch]

Thanks David don't think I will bother. Will go for one of the new Centre Block Gretsch instead have tried one of these and like

[abstamaria]

I had some extra cash the other year, Billy, and ordered a masterbuilt Jazzmaster from Fender’s Custom Shop. This is a 1959-spec guitar, probably very close to what Bob Bogle used for “Walk Don’t Run. “



Our guitar is of course better finished than Bogle's and has an AAA-grade flame maple neck, which Bob’s guitar wouldn’t have had. It really sounds like the early Ventures.



Considering the prices that the Ventures model sells for, a customshop guitar to the correct vintage specification might be more satisfying.

Best,

Andy

[abstamaria]

I have no place for it in our repertoire but bought this Jaguar last year. The reason is that I wanted one so badly 50 years ago but could not afford it then. This is an off-the-shelf Custom Shop model and less expensive than the masterbuilt Jazzmaster and, it seems, the "Ventures" Jazzmaster. However, it is very nicely finished and quite nice actually. It plays well, too.

Andy

[Billyboygretsch]

Hi Andy. Both instruments look fantastic. Think you may be right about custom shop. The grain in the Jaguar looks very nice. I have a 1961 original which I mistakenly had resprayed about 25 years ago because the sunburst finish was well worn. Guess you would have to pay more for that today.
Will have to bite the bullet and go for one after all it is Christmas.
Had another go on the Gretsch 5622t not bad for sound but build and finish not the best. Doesn't sound much like a Gretsch should.
Bill