Hi,

I'm new here so here's some boring background first :

I'm more of an electronic musician than a guitarist, I mostly make (often improvised) droney/melodic/noisy electronic music with gameboys, toy keyboards, synths, effects, circuit bent devices, loopers, etc.

I don't have a guitar right now but I used to have an Epiphone SG for a long time, though I have to admit that once I bought my first analog synthesizer the guitar got quite neglected 😀. I actually still own the SG but it's in a friend's apartment in Paris and I live in Tokyo now. So, not really ideal to make noisy noises at home.

The only non-electronic instrument I've used recently is an electro-acoustic uke. I wanted to get a solid body electric uke but these things are either hard to find or insanely expensive. Or both. And a few days ago, I had a sort of small revelation : why not buy a nice Fender Jaguar ? I have more money to spend now than when I was a student and I deserve a nice and shiny new toy 😀.

After some browsing, I discovered the existence of the Jagmaster and of this forum. So, here I am....

And now, my questions :

As I live in Tokyo, it seems to be a good idea to find a guitar "made in Japan", right ?

I'm paid in yens, so I'm not really worried by the current exchange rate that's quite unfavorable for the Euro/Dollar.

Apart from the awesome look (and feel), what attracts me to the Jaguar is all these nice knobs and switches, and the electronic routing underneath.

And even though the Jagmaster has a much simpler setup, it seems to be the perfect guitar for experimentations/modifications. I make and modify electronic instruments and I'm definitely not afraid of a soldering iron, so as long as the mods stay in the electronic realm (i.e. no woodwork, etc.), I could do everything by myself if I decide to mod it.

As I haven't really played guitar in quite some time, I'd rather not get something too expensive. A new Jag HH is about 80 000 yens here, which is more than what I intend to spend (I also have to get some small amp or amp simulator, apartments are small here).

So, what would be in your opinion the best for me :

- a secondhand japanese Jaguar, and if so which version and at which price ?

- a secondhand Jagmaster (old japanese version) that would quite likely end up being modified later

- a new or secondhand Jagmaster (chinese version) that would also quite likely end up being modified later

- something else ?

Thanks for any advice/opinion and for the forum, I spent a few hours reading stuff here and digesting lots of valuable informations...