Electric Guitars under $500

[Jordan]

Over the last few months I've been learning to play the guitar on an acoustic I've had for several years, and lately I've been getting the itch to jump into the world of electric noise. Being a college student, I have very little money to spend so it has to be under $500 (though I would love to buy one that's cheaper). Though I'm not yet sold on any guitar in particular at the moment, I've been looking hard at the Squier Jazzmaster. It's cheap, seems really versatile, has a pretty good sound, and Jason plays a Fender Jazzmaster (always a factor ). I'm sure some of you know a thing or two about guitars, so do you have any advice you could share?

[FuManchu]

While the Fender Jazzmaster is fun to play and can get some really amazing feedback and weird distortion (check out My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr, and Sonic Youth), my only gripe is that with older ones the strings had a bad habit of popping off the bridge when strummed vigorously.  It looks like the newer Jazzmasters, including the Squire version, has fixed this.  For around $300, I'd say go for it! 

If you're looking for a good distortion pedal to pair with the guitar, might I recommend the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff?  Perfect pair, like peanut butter & jelly. 

[Skelton]

The jazzmaster is my favorite guitar. It sounds great, looks great, and its just a cool guitar. There was a HM magazine poster from back in the day of Martin playing his sunburst Jazzmaster. That was all it took.  I picked one up back in 1999 for $200 (right place and the right time). It was made in Japan in 95. Fender Japan is highly sought after, however, I doubt you find a Japanese Jazzmaster for under $800. I'm not too familiar with the squier jazzmaster's, but i would they look good and the price looks good. The Jazzmaster Blacktop runs about $450 but it has different pick ups and less switches.  I've also seen Martin playing a Fender 72 telecaster deluxe. They are rad guitars. I have one of those also that I am willing to part with You can pick up a strat or tele in the $300- $400 range. Epiphone dot hollow bodies also go for about the same price. Hope this is helpful.

[Jordan]

Finally have the Jazzmaster, and it's great. Thanks all for your advice