TECH TALK OFFSET VIBRATO COMPARISON
Ever since the Jazzmaster first hit the scene in 1958, the rest of us have been playing catch-up. It’s true that Leo Fender’s unique vision wasn’t universally accepted at the time but, in the modern era, the offset body shape and sound is as beloved as ever, breaking from its former underdog status and taking its place among the other revered models of the Fender factory line-up.
Among the features that keep players coming back to the Jazzmaster (as well as its slightly younger and shorter sibling, the Jaguar) is the offset vibrato. It’s responsive, stable and musical. When set up correctly, its range of pitch is as impressive as its ability to snap right back in tune.
While vintage vibratos are coveted and the US-made reissues work just fine, human nature all but requires that we find ways to build a better mousetrap – and two of the scene’s biggest contenders have done just that.
Of course, we’re talking about the Mastery and Descendant vibratos, each with its own spin on the more than 60-year-old Fender design. With thoughtful improvements and a few tweaks that make them well suited for a number of different playing styles and preferences, one (or both)
