American Pro 1 vs Performer JM

[kane_suzuki]

Hi Everyone,

I’m about to buy my first Jazzmaster.
Because of my budget I’m going to choose between two of the most hated Fender JM out there
My options are an ex-demo 2017 American Pro or a new American Performer.

My main guitar is an AVRI Custom Tele and I’m looking for a brighter guitar with tremolo for indie pop/rock styles.
I had a Vintera Mustang and because of that I know I don’t want a Pau Ferro fingerboard. I want rosewood and better hardware so I’ll go American.

I will have to choose without trying the guitars so I would really apreciate the help and opinions of those who had the chance to own or try this guitars.

Thanks a lot

[bubba899]

I'd personally go for the American Pro. There's aspects of it that aren't ideal if you're after a traditional Jazzmaster that will have been discussed to death here, but from what you've said it should do the job nicely over the Performer, especially for the trem.

Whichever you go with, change out the V-mod/Yosemite pickups for an AV65 set or any other of the myriad great aftermarket pickups. If you're on a super tight budget, I'd take a look at the Duncan designed squire pickups over the V-mods, they're much closer to a proper jazzmaster pickup and can be had very cheap on eBay.

[timtam]

Worth checking if the ex-demo 2017 Am Pro has the early 56mm E-E spaced bridge. Easily swapped for the (9.5" radius) 52mm version that was eventually put on the later Am Pro's.
https://darrenriley.com/store/fender-am ... 709942000/

[patski]

The Am Pro JM is a gorgeous guitar. I don't understand all the hate. Blahblah "the pickups sound like a Strat" blahblah.

If you decide to go this route, play the crap out of it and YOU decide if you love or hate the pickups. If you can find an Am Pro at a good price, jump on it. The build quality is excellent, the neck is fantastic and just *slightly* thicker than a Modern "C". It's .820" at the 1st fret and .920" at the 12th if that matters to you.

[kane_suzuki]

Thanks a lot for the replies.
I think the American Pro will be my choice, even if I guess it will have the 56mm string spacing bridge. I hope the proper tremolo experience deserves the effort.

[bubba899]

Nice one! I've no doubt you'll enjoy it. Despite my comments on the pickups, I do agree with Patski that you should see how you feel about them yourself.

[jdr1014]

I love my AmPro JM. The quality and playability are top notch. I don't miss the rhythm circuit and don't mind the pickups. It sounds different than my AVRI 62 JM but- still sounds more like a JM than a strat to me. I may swap the pickups for some AV65s at some point....or maybe not - easy and cheap mod tho. The neck on the AmPro is wonderful IMO!