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singlepup · . Joined: 10 Dec 2010 Posts: 4014 Location: San Diego

I was thinking it would be cool to have an offset with Strat trem, and noticed that these can both be had for under $200 USD.

Which would you choose and why?

(If you think I should just hold out for a Vista Jagmaster or the Fender Cyclone II, let me know... but I'm more inclined to try a cheapie)

Thomas · . Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Posts: 3172 Location: Glasgow, UK

The Vista Jagmaster is really worth holding out for and you can still get them for a decent price if you're patient.

I don't like Cyclones at all. They have a cheap feel, especially the necks. Mustang looks/size with a thicker body made it just uncomfy and heavy for the size. I had one for a few weeks, It holds the record for the guitar I'd kept for the least amount of time.

I've never tried the Cyclone II but I can't imagine it's any different apart from the pickups. I could be way off the mark tho as I don't have any personal experience with them.

speedfish · . Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 1141

I have both and they are great guitars. I prefer my Jagmaster because I've done so much modding to it.

sorry, but long scale.

Chinese version.
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Disciple of Pain

"I'm like the monkey screwing the skunk. I haven't had enough, but I've about had all that I can stand!"

singlepup · . Joined: 10 Dec 2010 Posts: 4014 Location: San Diego

Good feedback, thanks guys. I think I am going to hunt for a Vista Jagmaster, but I really want some sort of cheap interim guitar.

I have heard similar things about the Squier Cyclone, but I know Pens liked the one he bought...

*Speedfish: what sort of pups are in your silver sparkle Jagmaster?

speedfish · . Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 1141

Dillon · . Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 1347 Location: Colorado

Hard to compare the cheapies with the Vistas. The cheap ones aren't bad, but they're completely different guitars, Vista is of course on par with MIJ Jags / JMs / Mustangs. Me, I'm not a fan of the finish on the neck of the cheap ones, and I think the overall build quality isn't that great. No better than Squier Affinity strats / teles of that era. The ones I have played had tuning stability issues as well. Then again that can be fixed...it is a $200 guitar, and a good candidate for modding. I also much prefer the 9.5" radius.

speedfish · . Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 1141

Rox · . Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 1283

They're apples and oranges .
The Cyclone is 24 3/4 scale, Stangish body,
The Jagmaster 24'' scale , Jazzmasterish body.

If you dig 24 3/4 get the Cyclone . They're good stuff. Even the Squier one at that . You also can't go wrong with the Jagmaster . But the Cyclones ( even the Squiers are starting to disappear so if it were me that would be the one to get . They might be similar to a Mustang in looks but that's where it ends . Totally different animal . They make cool projects too.
A Jagmaster if you ever get the itch again you can get for a dime a dozen . Great guitar but plenty to go around . Grab a Cyclone .

JohnnyTheBoy · . Joined: 04 Feb 2011 Posts: 539 Location: Middle England

I've had both, and preferred the jagmaster over the cyclone...the cyclone had a mustang style pickguard and different pups when I got it, so it was prettier imo than a regular...
As for the differences, even tho I preferred the 24 3/4" scale of the cyclone to say a strat scale, I still found it to be a chunkier neck, especially around the cowboy chords than the Jagmaster's 24" conversion neck...which I have to say are fucking ace in thickness and feel!! Love em!
I reckon the Squire Cyclone's are a tad heavier, mine was! and body shape is larger than a stang, where as the jagmaster is pretty much Bob on to a Jag or Jazzer shape...
The Squire Duosonic uses a slightly similar 24" conversion neck to the jagmaster and that feels mighty fine too! My Duo was my main go-to-guitar....well, till I got my jap stang that is!!
So in a nut shell, both are cool guitars, but need the pups swapping out...imo Wink

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