Annoying Jaguar Story

[regimentle]

I'll be a bit vague because while I think crooks should be called out, I know that the owners of this forum shouldn't be held responsible for any slander directed towards dealers that don't know/don't care what they are doing.

I just moved to the Pacific Northwest and found a store with a couple Jaguars.  One was an all original '65 and the other was a refinished black '66.  I have a black JM, but the price difference between the two was 1000 dollars and beggers cant be choosers.  I took the guitar into the little room they have and my gf and I plugged it in.  It felt good, sounded good, but I immediately noticed some fishy stuff: no blocks or binding, real worn in neck but the headstock was almost pristine with what was obviously a repro logo, looking like it came off a MIJ/CIJ reissue.  Whoever changed the logo probably shot it with some clear cloat, as it looked BRAND NEW... the headstock in general I mean, not just the logo.  New tuners, new tailpiece assembly, new guard, etc rounded this guitar out.  At 1800 bucks there was no way I was gonna buy it.

But the problem I had was when I went up there and showed interested in the original '65, as it was more expensive but obviously a good investment, the owner of the shop went as far as to say he "wouldn't be suprised if the neck on that refin was off some other guitar... maybe a Mustang of Musicmaster" in hopes that I'd veer towards the most expensive one.  Before I showed interest in the '65, he blamed the weird neck issues on Fender's "transition period".  Right.

I'm kind of baffled by that.  Admitting that only when pinned against the wall or to make another, better sale... it makes me sad because the '65 is perfect, a bit overpriced, but a good guitar, but I'm wondering if should support this man's business.

[Naturality]

Hmm.. sounds like that's a '66 reissue. They had dot necks. Here's an example

[Stereordinary]

Heh-heh, sounds like Old Towne Music in Portland!    Mind you, I'm not bashing them, actually it's by far my fave gear store in town.  The guys there just sometimes don't know what they're talking about.  They mean well, they do.  Support them if they're an independent dealer, just trust your instincts.

[regimentle]

Wasn't a 66RI.  Had a 66 neck stamp.  They just admitted that they didn't believe it came off a Jaguar.  Sadly they didn't admit that to me until they knew I knew what was up.

And Stereo... you might be on to something hehe.

[Naturality]

Still though, an Offset's an Offset and if it sounds good and plays good that's always a plus. See if you can get them to lower the price or go for the '65 (they're usually prettier) 

[fullerplast]

This is the kind of story that's sadly all-too-common and gives dealers a bad name. Of course, they aren't ALL bad, but so many are. I know first hand that a dealer who plays it straight and tells the truth typically doesn't make a whole lot of money... and the reason being is that he has to rely on other dealers for stock... or resort to ripping off grandma at the yard sale. Like anything else, the almighty dollar (and the quest therof) triumphs.

The best weapon is knowledge... which you have. Good for you to call them on it. As for giving them additional business... my opinion is to go for it, if the price is right. Take advantage of a decent deal if you can get one, because someone else will... and the store won't be hurting either way (nor will they change their ways).

[mjet]

Wasn't a 66RI.  Had a 66 neck stamp.  They just admitted that they didn't believe it came off a Jaguar.  Sadly they didn't admit that to me until they knew I knew what was up.

And Stereo... you might be on to something hehe.

Did you see the neck stamp? Musicmasters & DuoSonics had a different number (16) before the month than Jags (15) from '65-'66.

[sonicblue64]

Sounds too fishy, walk away.

[donnyII]

what part of the PNW do you reside in?

[regimentle]

NE Portland.