Produced in limited quantities from 2014-2016, the Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster is one of the coolest new models released by Fender in the last few decades. But interestingly, it was only released under the Squier name. On top of that, it boldly features the eternally divisive Antigua Burst finish.
The Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster starts with the classic Fender offset body and an extra-long 30" scale. Tuned A to A, the extended scale is nice for traditional Baritone playing, but it's long enough that it could be converted to a bass VI. Although we all love the Jazzmaster vibrato system, this model was made with a hardtail design. Honestly, that decision makes the guitar much easier to play hard and keep in tune. Squier's greatest weakness is probably the lower-quality hardware, so you're better off with the more reliable hardtail than a wonky Indonesian-made tremolo. Another of Squier's weaknesses is electronics, but the Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster features Duncan-Designed JM pickups that sound fantastic.
Then we get to Anigua Burst... Some may call it hideous, but we think it's the perfect amount of ugly. So retro. So '70s. So ugly it's beautiful. Your grandmother probably had a couch cover that would match. Embrace it. In this case, Squier delivered the Antigua Burst so nicely on both the body and pickguard, and the block inlays/bound fingerboard look the part.
This Vintage Modified Baritone Jazzmaster was made in 2016, and it includes its original gig bag. It is gently used, and shows only minor play wear and superficial cosmetic signs of use. No dings or issues worth mentioning, but the finish slightly discolored on the 9th, 17th, and 19th side dots (it's a Squier). The setup is low and inviting—despite the long scale, it plays really nicely. The high-output, Duncan-Designed single-coils provide a distinctive, cutting attack, and they're nicely balanced. This Baritone sounds great clean, but it remains clear and articulate even with high-gain. The low A-to-A tuning is fun to explore, especially with pedals.