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Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
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Playability
70
Sound
68
Build
52
Value
73
Score
63
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Playability
72
Sound
67
Build
54
Value
74
Score
64
FIND IT ON:
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Show Full Spec Comparison
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster vs Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Specs Comparison
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
General
Brand: Fender Squier Fender Squier
Year: 2011 2018
Configuration: SS HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: China China
Series: Artist Contemporary
Colors: White Green, Gray
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Basswood Poplar
Bridge: Adjusto-Matic Bridge with Vintage Style Floating Tremolo Tailpiece 6-Saddle Adjustable Bridge Fixed
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Vintage-Style Standard Die-Cast
Fretboard: Indian Laurel Indian Laurel
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: White Dot Cream Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Modern C Modern C
Frets: 21 Jumbo Nickel Silver 21 Narrow Tall Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 12"
Nut: Plastic Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 42.5mm (1.675'') 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Single-Coil Jazzmaster (Single Coil / Passive) Squier SQR Active Ceramic Humbucker (Humbucker / Active)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Single-Coil Jazzmaster (Single Coil / Passive) Squier SQR Ceramic Humbucker (Humbucker / Active)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Bell
Pickup Mods: Multi-Voicing None
Volume Controls: 2 1
Tone Controls: 2 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Black & Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's switch options
Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's switch options

Reasons to Get
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster over Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST

Pickup Mods
Multi-Voicing vs None
Changes the voice (tones or gain) of the pickups
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
SS vs HH
Beautiful cleans
Nut Width
1.675'' (42.5mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 12'' (304.8mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Reasons to Get
Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST over J Mascis Jazzmaster

Release Year
2018 vs 2011
From a more recent year
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Plastic
Good quality nut with rich tone
Pickups
HH vs SS
High output without hum
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.675'' (42.5mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output
Value Score
74 vs 73
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster vs Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST

Bridge Pickup
Single-Coil Jazzmaster vs Squier SQR Active Ceramic Humbucker
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Single-Coil Jazzmaster vs Squier SQR Ceramic Humbucker
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Basswood vs Poplar
Different Body Wood
Nut Material
Plastic vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster vs Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Laurel
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Number of Frets
21
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs Narrow Tall
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Prices

    SET PRICE ALERT

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    Hand Size Comfortability

    After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both favor small hands .

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST:
    Big Hands
    Small Hands

    Beginner Friendliness

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST meets only 4. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Tall frets
    • Narrow nut
    • Comfortable neck
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    New Player Friendliness

    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
    • Comfortable shape
    • Easy-to-use bridge
    • Tall frets
    • Comfortable neck
    • Comfortable fretboard
    • Narrow nut
    • Short scale
    • Locking tuners

    Sound Quality Comparison

    The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

    Woods Used in Both

    Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
    Maple
    Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
    Laurel

    Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

    There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster

    Basswood wood pattern used for guitar building
    Basswood

    Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.

    Woods Used in the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST

    Poplar wood pattern used for guitar building
    Poplar

    Poplar is a cheaper and heavier alternative to Alder wood. It terms of tone, it emphasizes the low-end and has cutting mids. It's relatively soft compared to most body woods. Find out more about Poplar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Pickup Configuration

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster has an SS configuration while the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST has HH pickups.

    SS is the classic Telecaster configuration. It's used mainly for playing clean or with low-gain distortion, and it's very popular for the country genre because of their brightness. It doesn't give you as much versatility as a Strat SSS configuration, but you might like the cleaner look of a guitar body with fewer pickups.

    On the other hand, Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

    Pickups Quality

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Blues and similar genres.

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's pickups are Passive while the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's are Active.

    Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

    Winner: Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster.

    Versatility Comparison

    Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

    Switch Options

    Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

    Only the Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster comes with some kind of pickup modification: Multi-Voicing.

    Multi-Voicing means the pickups come with multiple ''voices'', which means they can change the tone and gain by a simple switch or knob. Piezo, Fishman and similar are considered multi-voicing pickups.

    When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

    Winner: Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster.

    Final Sound Quality Scores

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
    Pickups 70
    Sustain 65
    Versatility 78
    Tuning Stability 60
    Sound 68
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
    Pickups 60
    Sustain 90
    Versatility 49
    Tuning Stability 70
    Sound 67

    Build Quality Comparison

    When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster compares to the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST.

    Country of Origin

    The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in China.

    China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

    Winner: Tie

    Nut Material

    If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster has a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

    On the other hand, the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST comes with a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

    Winner: Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST.

    Fret Material

    Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

    Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

    Winner: Tie.

    Bridge

    The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

    The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's brige is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

    On the other hand, the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

    Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

    Winner: Tie.

    Tuners

    Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's are Vintage-Style while the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's are Standard Die-Cast

    Winner: Tie.

    Neck Joint

    Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

    Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

    Winner: Tie.

    Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
    • Multi-Voicing Pickups
    • Tremolo
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
    • Synthetic Bone Nut
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Neck-Through Build
    • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
    • No Weight Relief
    • No Luminescent Inlay
    • No Tremolo
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    Final Build Quality Scores

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
    Quality of materials 41
    Features 60
    Quality Control 55
    Build Quality 52
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
    Quality of materials 56
    Features 50
    Quality Control 55
    Build Quality 54

    Playability Comparison

    Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

    Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

    Nut Width

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Nut Width
    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Nut Width
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Nut Width
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Nut Width

    The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 42.5mm (1.675''). This is a 0.5mm (0.018'') difference

    This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

    Scale Length

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster and Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's Scale Length
    Both have the same scale length

    The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

    In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

    This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

    However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

    Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

    Neck Profile

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Neck Profile
    Both guitars have the same neck profile

    No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

    Both the Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster and the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

    Fretboard Radius

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's Fingerboard radius
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Fingerboard Radius
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's Fingerboard radius

    Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

    In this case, the Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST.

    Fret Size

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster and Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST Frets Size
    Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

    Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

    Final Playability Scores

    Fender Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
    Chord Playability 70
    Solo Playability 70
    Playability 70
    Fender Squier Contemporary Active Jazzmaster HH ST
    Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
    Chord Playability 50
    Solo Playability 80
    Playability 72