Who knows about 80s Japanese Jazzmaster pickups?

[Ozone7]

Hey gang.

Got my E Series Jazzmaster today.

Does anyone know if the pickups are authentic design or faux-Stratocaster?

Opening it up soon but it’s working so well I haven’t done it yet in case I mess it up!!

[HNB]

They are likely Stratocaster style construction. Don't let that put you off though. If it sounds good, it sounds good. I have a set of Japanese pickups in a Jazzy and I like them just fine. They have their own unique sound. I think people just let themselves get to hung up on what something should be like and don't let themselves just enjoy something for what it is. (Like the "it has to be full size pots" or "only orange drop caps or oil and paper caps should be used" kind of thing.) Let your ears decide. For example, a lot of people like Fender's 65 Jazzmaster pickups. I don't. I prefer Antiquity I's or II's personally. Everyone has their own preference. A good way to pick what you like without buying and trying is to use the OSG thread where there are recordings of a bunch of Jazzmaster pickups. If you use nice headset speakers it can give you a good idea of what you would like best if those stock pickups aren't doing it for you.

[jvin248]

.

The MIJ bobbins are taller and narrower than MIA bobbins.
MIJ's are not quite Strat bobbins but also not MIA bobbins -- producing an 'in between tone'.

[MattK]

Being E series, it might have the somewhat more "correct" pickups they used from 83-85 or so. I have an A serial and the pickup winds are midway between Strat and JM width.

[Ozone7]

Thanks.
Kinda had the impression an E was ‘86/‘87.

So the series after the “mythical” JVs.

I actually love the pickups on this guitar. The neck especially. But the noise is unsustainable.

I’m not sure if a set of Kinman Surfmasters would be a tonal improvement. My Kinman Jag is quieter than anything I have. But it’s probably 70% copper shielding tape. :-)

Will open her up this week. Plays so well though....