What's more versatile: Telecaster or Jazzmaster?

Funkfingers

ICBM said:

Jazzmaster. Because it has a trem.

Telecaster ... because it doesn't have a vibrato.

If you do multi-string bending stunts, the last thing you want is a bridge that squirms about and allows the strings that you are not bending to go flat.



The correct answer to the OP question is that you should have one (or several) of each design.

ICBM

Funkfingers said:

Telecaster ... because it doesn't have a vibrato.

If you do multi-string bending stunts, the last thing you want is a bridge that squirms about and allows the strings that you are not bending to go flat.

You either pull the arm back slightly to stop it - if you put the lock on it, you can pull it hard against that so it doesn't go sharp instead - or bend both strings at the same time like Jerry Donahue.

You can’t play something like Wicked Game properly on a Tele, but there’s no song you can play on a Tele that you can’t play on a Jazzmaster - so the Jazzmaster wins.

All electric guitars are much more versatile than most guitarists seem to think (or want to admit...) but there are some things you can’t physically do on a hardtail.

stickyfiddle

JMs don't do the "unbent strings go flat" anything like as much as Strats do though. It bothers me a lot on a strat, to the point of never having a floating trem, but on a JM it's nowhere near as severe (i think?!) 

I'm firmly in the school of thought that there are no "more versatile" guitars, only players. You can play almost anything on almost anything and the player makes the biggest difference (major signature trem applications on a hardtail aside, of course).

I'd happily take a Tele or a JM to almost any gig.

Hattigol

The answers seem to be leaning more towards which is better rather than which is more versatile. 
By definition, a guitar with a vibrato must be more versatile than one without.....mustn't it?
I sold my Strat and Tele and my only Fender now is a Jazzmaster. Love it.

DrCornelius

JerkMoans said:

DrCornelius said:

Tele all the way, Les Zep through to smooth Jazz no problem. I’d say the JM has more character though imho , as others have mentioned the neck pu especially sounds like a warmer plinkier Strat to me - gorgeous.

You still lovin’ my ex?

That was your ex. Ewww...

She's happier now, feels safer and we dont talk about you at all.
Don't try to contact her on here - especially with any part exchange shenanigans as those days are over.

Henrytwang

I own both but prefer the Telecaster. Okay it doesn’t have a tremolo but it’s extremely versatile and been used on countless recordings. There’s always the option of a Bigsby if you must have a tremolo.

musicman100

Any guitar is only as versatile as the hands that hold it. 

RMJ

Yes but which looks sexier? That's what is most important surely.

proggy

musicman100 said:

Any guitar is only as versatile as the hands that hold it. 

How true.

Lebarque

What about if the Jazzmaster didn't have a trem? So I guess we're getting down to which pickups are more versatile: Tele or Jazzmaster?

RMJ

Lebarque said:

What about if the Jazzmaster didn't have a trem? So I guess we're getting down to which pickups are more versatile: Tele or Jazzmaster?

You can swap out pickups....

Jazzmaster is one of the most ergonomically comfortable guitars I've played. If that's even a consideration.

I own both and enjoy using both for different things. Jazzmaster makes we want to play clean wobbly stuff, but I also enjoy ripping on it too.

But the real answer is.....Les Paul

ICBM

Lebarque said:

What about if the Jazzmaster didn't have a trem? So I guess we're getting down to which pickups are more versatile: Tele or Jazzmaster?

Tele, just - but it's very close. The Jazzmaster also has the extra 'rhythm' circuit which contrary to what seems to be popular belief, is actually quite useful and makes it more versatile.

Or you could always do this...

Jota

musicman100 said:

Any guitar is only as versatile as the hands that hold it. 

Exactly.

Can we get an "Amen"?

ICBM

Jota said:

musicman100 said:

Any guitar is only as versatile as the hands that hold it. 

Exactly.

Can we get an "Amen"?

No...

Give Steve Vai a Les Paul Jr and he'd still be brilliant, but unable to do some the things he can do on his Jem.

mikeyrob73

Telemaster

Nikc

Who cares Jazzmaster's are just ugly 

JerkMoans

Nikc said:

Who cares Jazzmaster's are just ugly 

Sacrilege  

heavyrocker

Tele every time for me. Not even close in my opinion. You can always add a Bigsby if you really need one. Just look at the range of players in different styles who used Teles vs Jazzmasters.

Philly_Q

ICBM said:

Or you could always do this...

That should be screaming "too much hardware!" but it actually looks very cool.

Would be even better with a matching headstock.  

stickyfiddle

Philly_Q said:

ICBM said:

Or you could always do this...

That should be screaming "too much hardware!" but it actually looks very cool.

Would be even better with a matching headstock.  

Ya, give me that with a 'tron in the neck and I'd be quite a happy chappie, I think. Good colour too

(As if I need another Tele...)