Summer NAMM 2018: Squier Contemporary Series Active Jazzmaster HH ST offset

30 Jun 2018 by Jef |

5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 1 Minute

Squier Contemporary Series Active Jazzmaster HH ST · Source: Squier

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Squier has added a blacked out Active Jazzmaster HH ST to its Contemporary Series. This is a stripped back model with a modern look aimed at high-gain players needing a new riff machine.

Active Jazzmaster HH ST

With echoes of the Jim Root Signature model from a few years back, this new offset has a more muted look, the antithesis of what you normally get with Jazzmasters. It comes loaded with a pair of battery-driven ‘active’ 9-volt SQR ceramic humbuckers and has a hardtail bridge setup.

I’m expecting this one to sound a bit fuller than your average offset, with plenty of clarity, hopefully. The neck is a modern C-profile and it has 21 frets fitted to its 12”-radius Indian laurel fingerboard.

Squier Contemporary Series Active Jazzmaster HH ST in Black

Squier Contemporary Series Active Jazzmaster HH ST in Graphite Metallic

Squier Contemporary Series Active Jazzmaster HH ST in Surf Pearl

Stripped back

Because they have poplar bodies, these probably won’t be all that heavy. The bolt-on neck design should combine with the adjustable bridge and stopbar tailpiece to hopefully give stable tuning.

This model will be available in either Graphite Metallic or Surf Pearl. Both versions have chrome hardware throughout and matching painted headstocks.

I quite like the look of these two models. They will likely appeal to a broad section of players, as the offset design is a little leftfield. Combined with the active, stripped back look it all makes for an interesting guitar – and one that does not cost the earth.

RRP – GBP 400