Good morning/afternoon/evening depending on where in the world you are,
I’m in the market for a Jaguar after recent infatuation with the tone and look. I’m a touring musician and tend to prefer investing in American Fenders as 9/10 the slight bump up in quality goes a long way for me. However I understand how limited the options for American made Jags at the moment. The CIJ Jags are looking like a great alternative, especially considering I would love to get my hands on a custom colour one with a matching headstock! Thankfully, here in London there is a decent selection of FSR and 90s Japanese Jags on the market.
For anyone who has experience with these Jaguars: are the Japanese Jags any good? I have read about the basswood bodies that some of them have, and I’ve never been a fan of basswood personally. I wouldn’t mind upgrading tuners and possibly electronics, although I would prefer not to have to swap pickups out.
I’ve seen 2 different lake placid blue Japan Jags up for sale, both without binding and with dot inlays only (which is the look that I prefer). One is a 1997 model and the other is from this year 2024 and is a FSR. I love 90s Fender guitars, but would go for the FSR from this year if it means I’ll get better electronics and body wood.
Is it worth seriously considering the Japanese ones? Or spending more for an American made guitar if one pops up for sale with the visual specs that I’m after?
sorry for the long read, just want to make sure I can get the right advice to make a justified decision.
Any responses would be massively helpful as I’m a bit in the dark here. Thanks!
Rock on people!