I still _vividly_ remember being 15 and *horrified* that the bridge on my *brand new* sonic blue Jag-Stang had sunk following a band practise, turning my WEAPON OF GRUNGE into a sitar How lucky that kids (young _and_ old) nowadays can have access to such helpful, thoughtful and funny content such as this. Party on, Mike. 💕
I had a Japanese Jaguar in high school that I begged my parents for for months, and it had the same problem. Talk about being underwhelmed, and extra sad that I just didn't have the knowledge to address it then.
Thankfully, my local library had a book about how to setup various Fender electric guitars, from tuning heads to the many various bridges, with diagrams showing all the areas that could be adjusted and how to adjust them. As it was the time before the internet was as widespread as today, if they didn’t have that book, it likely would have taken me a long while to figure out those little holes were actually how you adjusted the bridge height, and “cigar” tube height/spring tension. Never been a trem player, so I always just tighten the trem springs to where it basically acts like a hard tail. Improves sustainability and overall stability of the guitar
I was horrified when I bought the mastery bridge and it did the same =) I paid almost 200 bucks for it. But the threadlocker solved the problem. You can't fool physics, no matter how much money you offer to it😄
I bought the original Jagstang the VERY DAY it was first released back in 1995. I’d just graduated high school and had just gotten my first paycheck from my first job. It was $365 and I remember thinking it was soooo expensive. But I hated it. I only wish I’d have thought about the collectible/resale market before I traded it like a month later. I will say, though, that I def came out on top. Some guy that I worked with wanted it and said he had “an old beat up Gibson” he didn’t really enjoy playing anymore. It ended up being a 1976 SG, all original. So, yeah, I traded him and I still don’t feel bad about it.
I had a red Jagstang back in the day, and couldn't get along with it either. The neck was wonderful, but it sounded dull and I didn't have the expertise back then to make it good. I can't believe the prices of Jagstangs now! I can see a Squier one being released in the future
I had the reddish/orangish one, as well. It was a long time ago, but I just remember it sounding very thin...not at all what I anticipated a guitar designed by Kurt should sound, lol. And of course, I knew zero about doing mods and upgrades. I mean, we didn’t even have internet yet, so I suppose that’s understandable.
@@soyburglar77 Problem in the days was also the fact, we didn't know that artists knew they had to modify all these offset Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Jag-stangs and such. And the fact that Squiers mostly needed to be modded to be reliable.
I pretty much have the same story, but I almost didn't get the Jagstang. There was a Squier Super-Sonic in sparkle blue hanging on the wall below the Jagstang that reeeeally caught my eye. I thought hard on that one. I remember the guitar store being very cool and they let me take the guitar and make monthly payments on it. That won't happen in today's world lol. I still have the Jagstang to this day and ended up acquiring that Super-Sonic 10 years later.
When I was in music retail doing sales I said the EXACT same thing about poorly made and/or poorly setup guitars and how It is the probably the biggest deterrent to beginners. Especially younger ones. Killer video. I loved setting those vibratos up🎉
Agreed. I’m in love with the mustang vibrato since a long time. I used it on stage and studio, my mustang is my trusty guitar. They are very unique guitars with so much charm. (Plus they look very pretty) .
Ironic that Kurt said he preferred the Japanese electronics, but obviously he cared more about the tone than he did the durability, since they would ultimately end up in a pile of sawdust on-stage 🤣🤘🏼
iirc he preferred the Japanese electrics because they were cheap and they had smaller frets and slimmer necks. I doubt he was really even thinking about the electronics.
So many good tips I’ve picked up from this tutorial, as I get to know my (new to me) Squier Vintage Modified Mustang. Would love to see video for setting up and INTONATING a mustang. I haven’t found much content - other than this vid - on the balancing act required to intonate this jewel. I have, on order, a bridge from Warmoth and a replacement tailpiece as well. One of the set screws for the, ‘cigar’, is stripped (didn’t want the hassle of what’s required to remove the offending screw. These parts are not very expensive and I’m not so very facile with tools ;-) ). Thanks SO MUCH for the content you offer; very helpful to this, “offset noob”. Peace!
All I can say is this; Dude, where have you been all my (youtube) life?!?! I love the “daves world of fun stuff” channel, he has shown me a lot of different techniques for setup work and routines that I was already using, but even some I didn’t know before! I would blend his ideas and theories into mine and bam, then I saw this video! While I hate, absolutely deplore beards, it’s okay cause your a Trekkie, and a big dork! Just like me!!! And your a good player as well, couple that with the just easy and funny way you seem to be, I’m gonna say this; keep it up! This is awesome! Thank you so much for ....... using the entirety of the package if you will! You have a fan and fellow geek!!!!
Thank you Mike for making this video. It was a great reminder of how the FDS vibrato works. I hadn't messed with one since my first Fender guitar, a 1976 Mustang in natural ash, almost 30 years ago. a couple weeks ago I was asked to mod a tele with one of these systems and I couldn't remember much about it so i did some looking and found this video which brought it all back. Great work and thanks again.
Thank you Mike for this video on setting up a Jag-Stang. I bought a 1977/1978 Fender Mustang from Guitar Center Hollywood and have been fighting with the tremolo so much but since the guitar is vintage, I didn't want to swap out any parts. Your video gave me a lot of hope that I could alleviate most of the tuning issues with a proper set up. - Justice Constantine
Just got one of the jag-stang reissues and loved it - that is, until, in just a few hours: * the brige sank all the way in on the high E side * I couldn't figure out how to get it restrung * the springs inside the body came unhooked from their posts I have no idea how I would have solved all that without this video. It plays perfectly now. I've never been so happy with a guitar. Thank you!!
Actually you've just opened my mind with this type of bridge. I mounted a chinese copy on my squier bullet mustang, and wondered why I wasn't able to put the strings in the right position... Those two screws, my gosh, I m so stupid I didn't know they were there, THANK YOU
Just played a 1977 fender mustang blonde on blonde at my local guitar shop the other day. I have never been more in love with a guitar it was quite the darling. Mothers birth year, played beautifully, such a comfortable instrument and probably the best tremolo I've ever used. Couldn't knock it out of tune if I tried, and I did pretty hard. I need to go back and get it soon but the price kills me haha. Have a good one mike!
Thanks for posting this video. While I’ve setup my JS, there are still a few tiny aspects of the setup that still don’t feel quite right but wasn’t really clear on what I could do to improve them further. I REALLY wish that the part where you did the shim had made it to the finished video as that is a major point that I want to see in EXTREME detail to make sure I don’t miss some minor, but crucial aspect. I want to see EXACTLY every step and any tricks or possibly unorthodox methods you might use and what you are looking for in an ideal setup. I do appreciate all the little tidbits of advise you spread thru out the video. I will be referring to it over the next few days as I make adjustments to my Jag-Stang! Thanks!
Brill learnt so much from your channel bought a beautiful £250 UK 2012 Squire Jazzmaster it was set up ok but after watching your tuitions it now plays beautifully with a deep clean and nourished fingerboard .yes the original trem is fine when set up .your channel is addictive
Thanks for this video!! I have a Fiesta red 96 jagstang. I just put a dimarzio SD in and man I love that guitar. I've also built a jazzmaster and and currently turning a 64 JM body into a beast. Thanks to you I've finally found the curtis Novak pickups. I've been lookin for a humbucker that drops into a jm no problem. And without your channel I would be very clueless. So thank you for teaching me about these awesome offsets. Not many get it and there's certainly not enough info out there on them. Please continue what you are doing! Sorry for the novel 😅 I went Steven King style for a sec, maybe John Grissom. Much love!
Great video. In regard to the bridge posts, I used the white plumbers telfon tape (that's what I had) on my standard jag bridge and they don't sink but are still fully adjustable. Did that over four years ago.
These really are just funny shaped Mustangs with a bridge bucker. My very first guitar tech kind of project was refurbishing my brother in laws very neglected 1998 made in Japan Fender Mustang. He didn’t want me to take it, but it was so bad that I stole it out of their house when they were out of town. I learned soooooo much from that project. I had to do a little of everything except dressing the frets.
Hi Mike! I've been following your channel for a bit, but I haven't commented until now. Thanks to this video, my Kurt Cobain Mustang now has a working tremolo. I was scared to try to do anything to it but watching this video on repeat gave me the confidence to tackle it. So thank you! 😁
Thanks for all the good advices on fixing and getting back to life to all those guitars! I watch many of your clips and dawn you're a great artist, really enjoy your guitar style, you ROCK man! 🖖🤘
Thanks for your public service to the Mustang-playing community. Please, keep it up! However, the three different spring mounting-grooves do NOT (primarily) change how far the spring is stretched - they change how much leverage (“moment-arm”) the spring has, against the force exerted by the guitar’s strings, on the ’cigar’ tailpiece. On this topic, the adjustment which allows raising or lowering the cigar, is there to fine-tune the moment-arm of the string’s force against the vibrato-springs (the ‘other side’ of this force-equation). by the way, you want the extra-low strength (purple) thread-locking compound. (I think it’s used in watch-repair…) Much easier to break free, in the future!
This video inspired me to set mine up, put some new Pick ups in. Great unique guitar that I decided to pull out more. Of course now they are reissuing again. Oh well, can't beat an original December 1996.
a very much needed video . im building my first mustang from a warmoth kit. but very inspired by the slash signature lp ananconda burst . its going to be beautiful once done.
I took my Mustang for a "Platinum Setup" at my local guitar Center. The luthier wrapped the bridge posts with some kind of tape so that it wouldn't rock back and forth... 🤦♂️ Time to remove that tape...
This was SO helpful! Thanks for all the guidance and non-judgmental information- you clearly know what you are doing but don't make us feel dumb for not knowing. haha
I've always loved the sound of Mustangs, but have never gotten one because the vibrato system has always seemed like some esoteric mystery. My son has been hinting that he might want a guitar and a Mustang is the perfect size for him. How that I can figure out how to set it up, it might be on the birthday list for him. For this, thank you Mike.
@@Puisheen his birthday isn't until June, but it gives me time to hunt down the right guitar. Especially given the pandemic shopping methods making instrument shopping that much less fun.
Thanks for the video, I was so unimpressed with my Mustang constantly being out of tune that I just locked it…. It’s now extremely stable ha. But yea I’ll give the excellent advice a try when I replace my strings.
Would love to know more details about the soldering - What temp, technique, things to avoid? I'm changing some pickups but never soldered before and I'm convinced I'll kill something! Jag-stang looks cool!
@@Puisheen Do have a follow-up! My friend runs a pedal company and gave me an extra soldering iron. Heated it up to 400, and it just STRUGGLED to desolder the big lump on my volume pot (worried I might have even burned it out becuase it sat heating for so long). However, it did heat up enough to desolder the cables from the other points. Do you think this is an issue with the iron, my technique, or the solder used? I even had to just use wire clippers to remove the pickups from my JM, since they couldn't completely be removed :/
this vid is really helpful! i got a mustang a couple weeks ago and followed the video in setting it up - I had an issue with 6th string being in tune on 12th fret and all over the fretboard and guitar going out of tune after using the whammy bar. and lowering down the cigar seems like solved these issues. thanks a lot! now all i need is get me some of those fluids you were using and apply those.
Ngl ive been taking extensive notes on neck, bridge and tailpiece setup from this video. I bought myself a Squier CV Mustang as an early birthday present and i want to get it as good as i can possibly get it after i get it in the mail. Wish me luck, Your Offsetliness
Great video on the Jag Stang repair. Funny side note I had my TV on the back ground while you were your working on the wammy bar springs , I was also watching the Three Stooges episode were Curly is at a fancy dress ball and has a large Spring stuck on his pants 👖 and every time he takes a spill on the dance 🕺 floor he keep popping back up like a returning whammy Bar 🤣😉. sorry for silly side note but that is the hazards of watching UA-cam guitar repair videos and the three Stooges at the same time.
Oh man I bought one of these when I was 16 back in the 90’s. Worked my butt off for it. First thing I did was put a tune-o-matic bridge on it. I hated the pickups on it. It was a weird love hate relationship with that guitar.
Your videos are so good! Thanks for all the knowledge you bestow onto us. I also appreciate your positivity even when things may not be going your way...
I actually use a little drop of red loctite on my guitars. I find its a little more sturdy and lasts longer than blue loctite. I don't know where the stigma of red came from, it doesnt say anywhere on the package that it's permanent, just that it's stronger than blue. I use it on all my bridges and saddles and it feels nice and sturdy :)
I was shocked to see a jag stang or Craigslist for $1800 so I went to Reverb and noticed they’ve TRIPLED in price in the past couple years. Inexplicable. These sold for around 600 for as long as I can remember. Crazy.
This video has been very helpful in adjusting the setup on my new 2021 Jag-Stang. When I received it, the box was unopened but Fender forgot to include the little bag containing the hex keys and trem arm. So I have a question for you: what size hex key is used to adjust the tailpiece height? I can't seem to find the answer via google searches, Fender's website, or any youtube videos. Thanks in advance, Mike!
So many people saying their bridge sank, maybe I’m lucky but I’ve literally never noticed this on my mustang and I’m very particular and notice most small things.
I got some Antiquity pickups for my Jazzmaster and I'm trying to remove the stock pickups. I have the same problem that you had, every wire has been twisted on before soldering. It's very frustrating! Do you have any tips for getting them off please?!
@@Puisheen Thanks a lot for the reply, I'll have another try in a bit. I only have a solder sucker so I'll try that. I may need to get some solder wick?
@@dalegreen8695 That stuff is great for really getting rid of most of the solder, but your sucker should also be good for this. It's just a pain either way, I'm sorry!
@@Puisheen I had another go with the sucker but I'm still struggling. I only have basic soldering skills so it's proving a real challenge! I'm considering a prewired upgrade wiring harness. I'd like the 1 meg taper pots you recommended. Thanks for your advice.
Great video. I'm getting so frustrated how every model of guitar I look at ultimately has all these reviews saying it's made like a piece of crap. And then I don't know what to buy because I need a guitar that will last a long time and meet the specs I need (why is it so hard to search for a slim C neck?!)
Great job! Far too few know how to setup offset guitars. Besides myself, you, and a couple of other guys hardly anyone has an idea. A shame really as their lack of knowledge contributes to the poor image of these guitars. And we both know they have no issues and can made to be perfectly playable and lovable in stock condition.
Shimming with trading card is a great idea. I thought of using playing cards, but trading cards are cooler. Probably thicker too. I knew you were Hank McCoy, the X-Men’s resident genius.
Amazing run-through of the setup @Puisheen Loved every minute of it. Going to do a setup of my Jag-Stang now in celebration of this. What is your go-to polishing method / products? Thank you again. Subscribed!
Hey man, nice video, thanks for sharing!!! Let me ask you something? Is it possible to turn the piece where you fit the whammy bar, in order to use on a left-handed guitar? thanks!!!
Hey mike, glad you started this channel, I’ve read your blog for years. One thing you said here threw me, you called a mastery a fixed bridge, is it not supposed to move? The mastery on my 62 jag moves just like a mustang bridge
Do you, by any chance, know what the string gauge was on the original 1964 Mustang? I see a lot of opinions, but what was the gauge of the Fender factory installed pre-CBS Mustangs?
@Puisheen Question: I'd like to buy one, replace the tuners with locking tuners, and install a roller nut. Does anyone make a roller nut to fit this guitar? Great video!
World needs offsets. Offsets need Mike. World needs Mike.
@@Puisheen I want a jagstang but my wallet say noooooooooo and yes we need more offsets
They teach that syllogism in Logic 101, I believe. :)
@@Puisheen you are the bob ross of offsets
Based
there aren’t enough jag-stang videos, and there aren’t enough dynamic vibrato videos! THANK YOU
Jag-Stang Precision bass : ua-cam.com/video/_rNXGadcKLE/v-deo.html
I still _vividly_ remember being 15 and *horrified* that the bridge on my *brand new* sonic blue Jag-Stang had sunk following a band practise, turning my WEAPON OF GRUNGE into a sitar
How lucky that kids (young _and_ old) nowadays can have access to such helpful, thoughtful and funny content such as this. Party on, Mike. 💕
I had a Japanese Jaguar in high school that I begged my parents for for months, and it had the same problem. Talk about being underwhelmed, and extra sad that I just didn't have the knowledge to address it then.
Thankfully, my local library had a book about how to setup various Fender electric guitars, from tuning heads to the many various bridges, with diagrams showing all the areas that could be adjusted and how to adjust them. As it was the time before the internet was as widespread as today, if they didn’t have that book, it likely would have taken me a long while to figure out those little holes were actually how you adjusted the bridge height, and “cigar” tube height/spring tension. Never been a trem player, so I always just tighten the trem springs to where it basically acts like a hard tail. Improves sustainability and overall stability of the guitar
I was horrified when I bought the mastery bridge and it did the same =) I paid almost 200 bucks for it. But the threadlocker solved the problem. You can't fool physics, no matter how much money you offer to it😄
Mike, you did an incredible job on Ports guitar! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳
Tonyyyyyyyyy
@@Puisheen thank you so much!!! Just got a jag stang and I've been struggling to keep it in tune! You are my offset savior!!!
My friend had one in high school back in late 90s and it was great guitar. Cheers Mike :)
HEY BUDDY!!!!
I bought the original Jagstang the VERY DAY it was first released back in 1995. I’d just graduated high school and had just gotten my first paycheck from my first job. It was $365 and I remember thinking it was soooo expensive. But I hated it. I only wish I’d have thought about the collectible/resale market before I traded it like a month later. I will say, though, that I def came out on top. Some guy that I worked with wanted it and said he had “an old beat up Gibson” he didn’t really enjoy playing anymore. It ended up being a 1976 SG, all original. So, yeah, I traded him and I still don’t feel bad about it.
I had a red Jagstang back in the day, and couldn't get along with it either. The neck was wonderful, but it sounded dull and I didn't have the expertise back then to make it good.
I can't believe the prices of Jagstangs now! I can see a Squier one being released in the future
I had the reddish/orangish one, as well. It was a long time ago, but I just remember it sounding very thin...not at all what I anticipated a guitar designed by Kurt should sound, lol. And of course, I knew zero about doing mods and upgrades. I mean, we didn’t even have internet yet, so I suppose that’s understandable.
Same here. Ive owned both a Jag Stang and a Mustang and never could bond with either. They would always go out tune and sounded really weak.
@@soyburglar77 Problem in the days was also the fact, we didn't know that artists knew they had to modify all these offset Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Jag-stangs and such. And the fact that Squiers mostly needed to be modded to be reliable.
I pretty much have the same story, but I almost didn't get the Jagstang. There was a Squier Super-Sonic in sparkle blue hanging on the wall below the Jagstang that reeeeally caught my eye. I thought hard on that one. I remember the guitar store being very cool and they let me take the guitar and make monthly payments on it. That won't happen in today's world lol. I still have the Jagstang to this day and ended up acquiring that Super-Sonic 10 years later.
RIP Scarlett, sacrifices had to be made for Port's sake. Thanks for sharing, Mike. My 3 year old also enjoyed watching, I think you have a new fan!
Yaaaaaay young viewers! Makes me feel like PBS!
When I was in music retail doing sales I said the EXACT same thing about poorly made and/or poorly setup guitars and how It is the probably the biggest deterrent to beginners. Especially younger ones.
Killer video. I loved setting those vibratos up🎉
Agreed. I’m in love with the mustang vibrato since a long time. I used it on stage and studio, my mustang is my trusty guitar. They are very unique guitars with so much charm. (Plus they look very pretty) .
I looooove Mustangs so much.
The papyrus "rip in peace" *chef's kiss*
Ironic that Kurt said he preferred the Japanese electronics, but obviously he cared more about the tone than he did the durability, since they would ultimately end up in a pile of sawdust on-stage 🤣🤘🏼
Nah dude did have guitars he cared about.
Strats though, if they were on stage you know they'd end up a pile of sawdust.
iirc he preferred the Japanese electrics because they were cheap and they had smaller frets and slimmer necks. I doubt he was really even thinking about the electronics.
@@seanmckelvey6618yeah this is the reason why, i believe earnie bailey himself said that and i think kurt may have even mentioned it in an interview.
So many good tips I’ve picked up from this tutorial, as I get to know my (new to me) Squier Vintage Modified Mustang. Would love to see video for setting up and INTONATING a mustang. I haven’t found much content - other than this vid - on the balancing act required to intonate this jewel. I have, on order, a bridge from Warmoth and a replacement tailpiece as well. One of the set screws for the, ‘cigar’, is stripped (didn’t want the hassle of what’s required to remove the offending screw. These parts are not very expensive and I’m not so very facile with tools ;-) ). Thanks SO MUCH for the content you offer; very helpful to this, “offset noob”. Peace!
You have such a gift for explaining this tutorial. Amazing work! Waiting on my lefty Jagstang reissue to arrive!
Thanks for the guidance. Just bought a horrendously set up Mustang second hand and about to take it apart...
Dude your thoroughness and passion is inspirational.
The Jagstang sounds great.
What a beautiful guitar also.
All I can say is this; Dude, where have you been all my (youtube) life?!?! I love the “daves world of fun stuff” channel, he has shown me a lot of different techniques for setup work and routines that I was already using, but even some I didn’t know before! I would blend his ideas and theories into mine and bam, then I saw this video! While I hate, absolutely deplore beards, it’s okay cause your a Trekkie, and a big dork! Just like me!!! And your a good player as well, couple that with the just easy and funny way you seem to be, I’m gonna say this; keep it up! This is awesome! Thank you so much for ....... using the entirety of the package if you will! You have a fan and fellow geek!!!!
2:38 bout spit up my coffee with that Taps recorder solo -- RIP in peace LOL!!!
Thank you Mike for making this video. It was a great reminder of how the FDS vibrato works. I hadn't messed with one since my first Fender guitar, a 1976 Mustang in natural ash, almost 30 years ago. a couple weeks ago I was asked to mod a tele with one of these systems and I couldn't remember much about it so i did some looking and found this video which brought it all back. Great work and thanks again.
Been playing catch up with your vids on offsets. Now a subscriber. Great stuff, Mike. Best, Pete.
Thank you Mike for this video on setting up a Jag-Stang. I bought a 1977/1978 Fender Mustang from Guitar Center Hollywood and have been fighting with the tremolo so much but since the guitar is vintage, I didn't want to swap out any parts. Your video gave me a lot of hope that I could alleviate most of the tuning issues with a proper set up. - Justice Constantine
Justice, I'm so happy I could help!
My old Mustang build has never been setup properly so this was most helpful.
I watched the video again and now my Mustang has the perfect setup. I was able to raise the bridge, shim the neck and adjust the Vibrato to be stable.
Just got one of the jag-stang reissues and loved it - that is, until, in just a few hours:
* the brige sank all the way in on the high E side
* I couldn't figure out how to get it restrung
* the springs inside the body came unhooked from their posts
I have no idea how I would have solved all that without this video. It plays perfectly now. I've never been so happy with a guitar. Thank you!!
Actually you've just opened my mind with this type of bridge. I mounted a chinese copy on my squier bullet mustang, and wondered why I wasn't able to put the strings in the right position... Those two screws, my gosh, I m so stupid I didn't know they were there, THANK YOU
Not stupid! They're hidden!
Just got my first mustang with this vibrato. Really helpful vid! ❤
Your timing is impeccable for this mustang job I am working on 🤩
Same! I got a 96 Fiesta red jagstang im working on.
I wish my first guitar was a Jag-Stang
That would have been freaking awesome
one of my several dream guitars, honestly. Kudos for demystifying it a little!
Thank you for this video. Helped me figure out how to navigate the problem with my bridge.
Just played a 1977 fender mustang blonde on blonde at my local guitar shop the other day. I have never been more in love with a guitar it was quite the darling. Mothers birth year, played beautifully, such a comfortable instrument and probably the best tremolo I've ever used. Couldn't knock it out of tune if I tried, and I did pretty hard. I need to go back and get it soon but the price kills me haha. Have a good one mike!
Now I finally know. How those Mustang cigar trems worked was the final trem system mystery I hadn’t yet uncovered.
What a phenomenal comprehensive breakdown on that vibrato. Maybe theres a mustang is in my future...
Thank you, Jesse!
Thanks for posting this video. While I’ve setup my JS, there are still a few tiny aspects of the setup that still don’t feel quite right but wasn’t really clear on what I could do to improve them further. I REALLY wish that the part where you did the shim had made it to the finished video as that is a major point that I want to see in EXTREME detail to make sure I don’t miss some minor, but crucial aspect. I want to see EXACTLY every step and any tricks or possibly unorthodox methods you might use and what you are looking for in an ideal setup. I do appreciate all the little tidbits of advise you spread thru out the video. I will be referring to it over the next few days as I make adjustments to my Jag-Stang! Thanks!
I did a complete u-turn on the Jagstang, I hated it back in the 90s, I like it now.
Thanks Mike for the Mustang bridge setup tips.
Brill learnt so much from your channel bought a beautiful £250 UK 2012 Squire Jazzmaster it was set up ok but after watching your tuitions it now plays beautifully with a deep clean and nourished fingerboard .yes the original trem is fine when set up .your channel is addictive
that lock tite stuff is amazing every one should have a tube of that if they take care of thier own guitar.
Thanks for this video!! I have a Fiesta red 96 jagstang. I just put a dimarzio SD in and man I love that guitar. I've also built a jazzmaster and and currently turning a 64 JM body into a beast. Thanks to you I've finally found the curtis Novak pickups. I've been lookin for a humbucker that drops into a jm no problem. And without your channel I would be very clueless. So thank you for teaching me about these awesome offsets. Not many get it and there's certainly not enough info out there on them. Please continue what you are doing! Sorry for the novel 😅 I went Steven King style for a sec, maybe John Grissom. Much love!
Too kind, I appreciate it!
Wish we had a video like this when I had a CIJ Mustang! (2006-7)
Can't see one of these without thinking: "what's the frequency Kenneth?".
Oh good one
@@Puisheen other than Peter Buck I dont think I've seen anyone else use one of these.
@@dezb1 Unknown Mortal Orchestra. If you don't know them, check them out.
@@dezb1 I've seen a few but blanking hard on who right now. But you're right, they're rare on stage
That was actually Kurt’s jag-stang. That was a great video. The shock of seeing a shaven headed Stipe.
Great video. In regard to the bridge posts, I used the white plumbers telfon tape (that's what I had) on my standard jag bridge and they don't sink but are still fully adjustable. Did that over four years ago.
Teflon can work! I just prefer the thread locker method
These really are just funny shaped Mustangs with a bridge bucker. My very first guitar tech kind of project was refurbishing my brother in laws very neglected 1998 made in Japan Fender Mustang. He didn’t want me to take it, but it was so bad that I stole it out of their house when they were out of town. I learned soooooo much from that project. I had to do a little of everything except dressing the frets.
brilliant video as always mike ! love learning about offsets and offset set up from your channel
Hi Mike! I've been following your channel for a bit, but I haven't commented until now. Thanks to this video, my Kurt Cobain Mustang now has a working tremolo. I was scared to try to do anything to it but watching this video on repeat gave me the confidence to tackle it. So thank you! 😁
Thanks for all the good advices on fixing and getting back to life to all those guitars! I watch many of your clips and dawn you're a great artist, really enjoy your guitar style, you ROCK man! 🖖🤘
Thanks for your public service to the Mustang-playing community. Please, keep it up! However, the three different spring mounting-grooves do NOT (primarily) change how far the spring is stretched - they change how much leverage (“moment-arm”) the spring has, against the force exerted by the guitar’s strings, on the ’cigar’ tailpiece. On this topic, the adjustment which allows raising or lowering the cigar, is there to fine-tune the moment-arm of the string’s force against the vibrato-springs (the ‘other side’ of this force-equation). by the way, you want the extra-low strength (purple) thread-locking compound. (I think it’s used in watch-repair…) Much easier to break free, in the future!
This video inspired me to set mine up, put some new Pick ups in. Great unique guitar that I decided to pull out more. Of course now they are reissuing again. Oh well, can't beat an original December 1996.
They're really great guitars. I'm looking forward to the new ones!
Another great video Mike. Think i may dig out my jagstang this weekend.
Exciting! They're really great guitars, kinda makes me wish I also had one to dig out
a very much needed video . im building my first mustang from a warmoth kit. but very inspired by the slash signature lp ananconda burst . its going to be beautiful once done.
I took my Mustang for a "Platinum Setup" at my local guitar Center. The luthier wrapped the bridge posts with some kind of tape so that it wouldn't rock back and forth... 🤦♂️ Time to remove that tape...
This is beautiful!!! Got that thing sounding amazing!
Perfect video. Great guitar 🎸
This was SO helpful! Thanks for all the guidance and non-judgmental information- you clearly know what you are doing but don't make us feel dumb for not knowing. haha
I want a 24in scale guitar, I'd love Omar Rodriguez Lopez sig model but I'll prolly just have to build my own if I don't get a mustang or jag
Yes love a jagstang
Jag-Stang Precision bass : ua-cam.com/video/_rNXGadcKLE/v-deo.html
I've always loved the sound of Mustangs, but have never gotten one because the vibrato system has always seemed like some esoteric mystery. My son has been hinting that he might want a guitar and a Mustang is the perfect size for him. How that I can figure out how to set it up, it might be on the birthday list for him. For this, thank you Mike.
Happy birthday to your son!!!!!
@@Puisheen his birthday isn't until June, but it gives me time to hunt down the right guitar. Especially given the pandemic shopping methods making instrument shopping that much less fun.
@@sepherus Then let me wish him an outrageously preemptive happy birthday
Just the video I was expecting. I have a jagstang and a mustang ♥️ Love short scale guitars
They're wonderful. I really need to get a Mustang at some point
Thanks for the video, I was so unimpressed with my Mustang constantly being out of tune that I just locked it…. It’s now extremely stable ha. But yea I’ll give the excellent advice a try when I replace my strings.
Would love to know more details about the soldering - What temp, technique, things to avoid?
I'm changing some pickups but never soldered before and I'm convinced I'll kill something!
Jag-stang looks cool!
I can probably manage a vid on that at some point!
@@Puisheen Do have a follow-up!
My friend runs a pedal company and gave me an extra soldering iron. Heated it up to 400, and it just STRUGGLED to desolder the big lump on my volume pot (worried I might have even burned it out becuase it sat heating for so long). However, it did heat up enough to desolder the cables from the other points. Do you think this is an issue with the iron, my technique, or the solder used? I even had to just use wire clippers to remove the pickups from my JM, since they couldn't completely be removed :/
this vid is really helpful! i got a mustang a couple weeks ago and followed the video in setting it up - I had an issue with 6th string being in tune on 12th fret and all over the fretboard and guitar going out of tune after using the whammy bar. and lowering down the cigar seems like solved these issues. thanks a lot! now all i need is get me some of those fluids you were using and apply those.
Ngl ive been taking extensive notes on neck, bridge and tailpiece setup from this video. I bought myself a Squier CV Mustang as an early birthday present and i want to get it as good as i can possibly get it after i get it in the mail. Wish me luck, Your Offsetliness
mustang vibratos are a strange beast but i feel ready for a REAL offset. I cant play a Strat-bridged Jagmaster forever, a mans gotta have ambition
Great job!
Love your Tshirt!!!
nice, very helpful.
Love this channel. Keep it up bud,
Great video on the Jag Stang repair. Funny side note I had my TV on the back ground while you were your working on the wammy bar springs , I was also watching the Three Stooges episode were Curly is at a fancy dress ball and has a large Spring stuck on his pants 👖 and every time he takes a spill on the dance 🕺 floor he keep popping back up like a returning whammy Bar 🤣😉. sorry for silly side note but that is the hazards of watching UA-cam guitar repair videos and the three Stooges at the same time.
Oh man I bought one of these when I was 16 back in the 90’s. Worked my butt off for it. First thing I did was put a tune-o-matic bridge on it. I hated the pickups on it. It was a weird love hate relationship with that guitar.
That was very informative. Thank you.
God the jagstang...sounded terrible without a few modifications but it was and still is one of my prized guitars
Once again a great video!!!
Your videos are so good! Thanks for all the knowledge you bestow onto us. I also appreciate your positivity even when things may not be going your way...
Amazing video! And dude I love the way you play guitar, true master!! You rule 🤘
I actually use a little drop of red loctite on my guitars. I find its a little more sturdy and lasts longer than blue loctite. I don't know where the stigma of red came from, it doesnt say anywhere on the package that it's permanent, just that it's stronger than blue. I use it on all my bridges and saddles and it feels nice and sturdy :)
Happy new year Mike
Happy new year!
I was shocked to see a jag stang or Craigslist for $1800 so I went to Reverb and noticed they’ve TRIPLED in price in the past couple years. Inexplicable. These sold for around 600 for as long as I can remember. Crazy.
Nice work. I love my mustang but I did hardtail it. I may take another look at the vibrato to see about those adjustments you demonstrated.
This video has been very helpful in adjusting the setup on my new 2021 Jag-Stang. When I received it, the box was unopened but Fender forgot to include the little bag containing the hex keys and trem arm. So I have a question for you: what size hex key is used to adjust the tailpiece height? I can't seem to find the answer via google searches, Fender's website, or any youtube videos. Thanks in advance, Mike!
Sadly I don't personally retain any of that info, but I'm certain if you contact Fender they could give you the specific sizes!
@@Puisheen I figured it out tonight. For posterity, the tailpiece is adjusted with 2.5mm hex, and the bridge is adjusted with 1.5mm.
So many people saying their bridge sank, maybe I’m lucky but I’ve literally never noticed this on my mustang and I’m very particular and notice most small things.
I got some Antiquity pickups for my Jazzmaster and I'm trying to remove the stock pickups. I have the same problem that you had, every wire has been twisted on before soldering. It's very frustrating! Do you have any tips for getting them off please?!
Try solder wick and a solder sucker, that should make it a lot easier with most of the stuff removed first. So frustrating!
@@Puisheen Thanks a lot for the reply, I'll have another try in a bit. I only have a solder sucker so I'll try that. I may need to get some solder wick?
@@dalegreen8695 That stuff is great for really getting rid of most of the solder, but your sucker should also be good for this. It's just a pain either way, I'm sorry!
@@Puisheen I had another go with the sucker but I'm still struggling. I only have basic soldering skills so it's proving a real challenge! I'm considering a prewired upgrade wiring harness. I'd like the 1 meg taper pots you recommended. Thanks for your advice.
@@dalegreen8695 Hey, good for you for sticking with it. This kind of thing makes me wanna walk away!
Great informative video! So inspiring...
Thank you!
Great video. I'm getting so frustrated how every model of guitar I look at ultimately has all these reviews saying it's made like a piece of crap. And then I don't know what to buy because I need a guitar that will last a long time and meet the specs I need (why is it so hard to search for a slim C neck?!)
Dug seeing the old Craftsman screwdriver. Grew up with those and haven’t seen them in a while!
I still have all the same basic tools from my childhood!
Great job!
Far too few know how to setup offset guitars. Besides myself, you, and a couple of other guys hardly anyone has an idea. A shame really as their lack of knowledge contributes to the poor image of these guitars. And we both know they have no issues and can made to be perfectly playable and lovable in stock condition.
what an amazing first guitar to have
Shimming with trading card is a great idea. I thought of using playing cards, but trading cards are cooler. Probably thicker too. I knew you were Hank McCoy, the X-Men’s resident genius.
Thank you for this awesome video
Amazing run-through of the setup @Puisheen Loved every minute of it. Going to do a setup of my Jag-Stang now in celebration of this. What is your go-to polishing method / products? Thank you again. Subscribed!
"Sonic Blue" my friend.
Hey man, nice video, thanks for sharing!!!
Let me ask you something? Is it possible to turn the piece where you fit the whammy bar, in order to use on a left-handed guitar?
thanks!!!
Thank you so muchhhh
Hey mike, glad you started this channel, I’ve read your blog for years.
One thing you said here threw me, you called a mastery a fixed bridge, is it not supposed to move? The mastery on my 62 jag moves just like a mustang bridge
It should not! It's designed to stay in place. Could be a fit issue with your body inserts or maybe the post bolts aren't tightened down
Thanks for the reply, I had a .75 shim in there, and as a result the bridge was sitting very high, switching to a .25 it doesn’t move at all
The t-shirt is nice nod to the Jag-Stang’s papa. 😏
Do you, by any chance, know what the string gauge was on the original 1964 Mustang? I see a lot of opinions, but what was the gauge of the Fender factory installed pre-CBS Mustangs?
Can you please share the wiring diagram? I got a JB and original Single coil. Thanks.
What oil did you use for the fretboard? I'd love to see a video about maintenance for maple fretboards!
Just a little bit of lemon oil, nothing too fancy!
@@Puisheen Ahh i thought it was other vegetable oil, that bottle was huge haha
@@gstrfst EW NO lol
@Puisheen Question: I'd like to buy one, replace the tuners with locking tuners, and install a roller nut. Does anyone make a roller nut to fit this guitar? Great video!
okay so you had a car die and an interface die within the timeframe of recording an episode? that is ruff, but it doesn't stop Mike Adams, AT ALL
How can I set up my bridge low without the strings being too close to the fretboard? 😭😭
How low does the cigar have to be? Mine are pinching the fatter strings a bit. 😂
A Mr. Rogers moment was at hand....lmao