Do you like this guitar and is it worth $1100? 02/25/20 edition

fanuvbrak

Angry Amoeba
kirn15jazzmaster-sonic.jpg

Ron Kirn Signature Jazzmaster, (front bridge), (back), (headstock/neck), (spec sheet), (case). I've had Ron Kirn's fine work before, the last one being a "Barnbuster" Tele style. Like the Tele, this one oozes the same vintage vibe of the Jazzmasters from the golden era of Leo Fender. Like Leo, Ron doesn't use CNC machines and uses more of a hand-made process than most other builders today. He hand-applies genuine Nitrocellulose lacquer, free of the additives most companies use in their nitro finishes today. Although he outsources guitar necks, they are finished in the same nitro that he uses on the body. He also levels, crowns, and polishes the frets on every guitar to ensure maximum playing comfort and the best action. A fret level and dress alone runs around $175; it's standard on all of Ron's guitars. The original Jazzmaster model followed on the heels of the bright, cutting sound of the Strat and Tele, with a more mellow tone, a tone that was hopefully going to compete with the fat humbucker tones of Gibsons of the era. Big name players like Jimi Hendrix (in his early days), Robert Smith (Cure), and Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine), J Mascis and Elvis Costello are noted for their love of the Jazzmaster. Specs include alder body, '62C shaped maple neck with vintage tint and vintage roundover fretboard edge, rosewood fretboard, .850/.970 neck depth at 1st/12th frets, 9.5" radius, 25.5" scale, 21 medium jumbo frets, clay dot inlays, bone nut, 1 5/8" nut, Mastery bridge, locking vintage Gotoh tuners, hand-wound RK Custom neck and bridge pickups, parchment pickguard, standard Jazzmaster control layout and G&G Tolex/wood case. The Mastery bridge and tailpiece are a vast improvement over the original Fender design which aren’t conducive to the best tone and tend to pop out of the string slots. You can read about them here. I'm not sure about the year. Spec sheet indicates a start date of 11/26 but the hang tag indicates 1/16 so it's officially a '16 model. Although not spec'd for it, there's some nice flame on the headstock and neck. If you've got a surf jones and want something that's actually better than a base model USA Fender, here you go. Excellent condition with a super nice set up by Martin. Original price was $2600 plus shipping. Get it now for $1100 less, just $1499(HOLD-Mike W 2/24). Includes original G&G case, tags and paperwork.
 
For a nitro-finished no CNC Jazzmaster $1500 isn’t a bad price. But it’s still just another boutique Fender copy.
 
The price was $1499. But, yes, probably worth it, if someone likes JM (I prefer Strats)

Original price was $2600 plus shipping. Get it now for $1100 less, just $1499(HOLD-Mike W 2/24)

And this reminds me I haven't looked at the Chris Guitars site in a year or two.
 
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Yes and yes. If you've ever actually played a Kirn you would know it's like getting a masterbuilt Fender for about half or less.
 
I think if it's in great shape with no issues it's worth $1,500. That sounds about right given the pedigree of the builder. I bet it's amazing.
 
$1,100 seems reasonable. Not sure why they are talking down CNC machines. They are more accurate than any person can be, and in most cases are just a starting point before hand sanding etc.
 
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