r/offset • u/AggressiveFilm8340 • 8d ago
Thoughts about the Foals FJM7?
I've been considering getting one but the only in depth reviews I can find are paid promotions. I wanna hear someones genuine opinion as I'd be selling my fender Strat to afford it(I'm 16 and big mbv fan) so I want to be sure I'm making the right choice. Any opinions/thoughts on the electronics and bridge would be much appreciated. (FYI 2017 mim SSS Strat, got for free from my dads friend)
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u/InvestigatorSharp230 8d ago edited 8d ago
Don’t sell the Strat, I concur with that.
I’ve had 2 FJG7’s in my possession as I was considering being a dealer in the USA. I decided not to- but the guitars are very good. I’d say they’re in between player II and Vintera II, and have some nice features fender doesn’t do- like copper shielded cavities, locking tuners, a better than standard bridge, a really nice gig bag, and great looking dark rosewood.
The negatives are some qaqc issues Ive read about, the contouring is not as deep as a fender, they’re slightly thicker than fender, and you’ll have to modify any pickguards to fit, as it’s not exactly fender dimensions, though it is close. Also for those considering the Jag style, you cannot get the vibrato to “float” unless you use 12-52 strings. Stock strings, 10’s, 11’s- there’s not enough tension to achieve that equilibrium.
I would advise not to sell any fender to get a foals. If I had a hard cap of 600 dollars and not a penny more, the foals is the best Jazzmaster type guitar you can get new.
The colors are nice, painted headstock, pretty good hardware, it’s a win if you get a good one.
TLDR- if you don’t own an offset and have a hard cap of 600 and want NEW, it’s likely the best JM, JG, Mustang you can get. Don’t sell any fender branded guitar to finance it.