Exhaustive Jazzmaster Bridge Options List?
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- Опубліковано 27 січ 2017
- This video is a summary of most of the Jazzmaster bridge replacement options (see below for list). If you have other solutions, please leave a comment below!
•Mastery
•Staytrem
•Mustang
amzn.to/2IuQFMT
•Tune-o-Matic
amzn.to/2I3etZl
•Graph Tech
amzn.to/3JgPykP
•Import (part 008-1239-001 on eBay)
amzn.to/2WmMasB
FYI, now that I have a neck shim, I have gone back to the original Jazzmaster saddles and all is working out well...for the time being. :)
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It’s funny, I agree the Mastery looks a bit “futuristic”, but, on the other hand, that’s the point of an offset guitar. Jags were way futuristic in their day.
Randall Yeager good point. 👍🏻
Steampunk Gothic / Industrial is how i describe my Mastery.
Great video! For those who have a rattle problem, simply center the bridge! When the bridge posts contact the wells it will rattle.
TheFRiNgEguitars thank you. And thanks for sharing the info!
Got the Staytrem for my classic player. Works perfect. High quality. The original TOM/AOM style had buzzing in the screws.
They have mustang post drop in or retrofit for tune o matic jazzmasters.
Kewlbug cool! I really would like to get the Staytrem, but I just realized my fretboard radius isn’t 9.5 like I thought. The guitar shop only had a few radius gauges, but mine was more like 12” verses 9.5”. 😑
Nathan thanks for this video. I have an American reissue Jazzmaster so it’s 7.25 radius. I am exploring different bridge options. You cleared things up for me.
James Gretsch so glad it helped!
Well presented info. here Nathan , thanks.
I am an instrument maker with 35 years experience . Here are some of my thoughts for what they are worth.
Add a third issue to the list. That is 3 : Break angle . A solution to the string saddle jumping problem is to shim the neck pocket to pull the neck angle back / raise the bridge and therefore increase the break angle.
Problems with the Mastery 1- This is rigid / does not rock with the strings when the tremelo is used . Therefore will not stay in tune with tremelo use.This problem could be overcome by having a set of the support posts turned down to the original dimensions. I suggested this as an additional options to Mastery but they where rude and insisted that the rocking movement wasn't necessary. I have fitted several of the Mastery bridges and can confirm that they don't stay in tune with tremelo use. They may however overcome non-technical guitar players problems with keeping a rocking saddle in the right position.
2 - You can not intonate wound G strings with the Mastery despite the makers claims.
Peter Stephen thanks for the comment. Good information. I've actually added a shim to my neck & gone back to the original bridge. However, the guy who installed the shim did not put in one that goes the full length of the neck pocket (ala Stewmac). Instead it's just a small sliver of wood...which I'm not too excited about. I hear that type can warp the neck over time. You know what they say: if you want something done right, do it yourself! :)
@@NathanSink I see what you were talking about now! Very interesting and potentially useful in getting a better setup.
Thank you for the great suggestions, Peter! This could prove to be very useful in getting a much better setup on my Jaguar.
You cover so many things other videos cover, but all in one! Making it so I dont have to watch 10+ videos to find out what bridge I need!
James Houk glad to help!
You did a fantastic app Nathan. I am putting a roller bridge on my Jaguar. I bought a Jay Turser Jag and it came with the wrong everything. I am installing the Jazz Master Tremolo and the correct pick guard with P90 pickups. I will be doing a ugly part today and a set up tomorrow. Thank you.
Kevinpaul hope everything works out. Sounds like a fun & challenging project!
Thank you very much for all your research and information Nathan. I live in the UK and make you 100 percent right. There is a Fender version of a Tune-o-matic bridge called an Adjust-o-matic bridge which has the 9.5 radius but I agree the best option is to visit Ebay and search for a Mustang bridge made in China, this will have the correct radius. In the UK they are available for around 6 British pounds, about 10 US dollars, seems like the most pragmatic affordable option. Good man.
Glad to help. Thanks for the kind words!
The AOM doesnt have a 9.5 radius
Thanks for posting this. It’s super helpful.
Glad to help! Here’s a follow-up I did on the Staytrem, if you’re interested: ua-cam.com/video/Pci0ZXUf9Ug/v-deo.htmlsi=s7X1tixXAaGnF3OI
Thank you so much for this! I needed an overview. ❤
Glad to help! You might find this more in-depth video on the Staytrem I made helpful too: ua-cam.com/video/Pci0ZXUf9Ug/v-deo.html
Great video. I'm definitely going with the Staytrem. I can't justify the costs of the Mastery unless I was a professional player or it didn't cost a months rent! I went to go buy one but they're cutting back production and limiting only to UK sale (at least i'm in the UK, lucky me). Hopefully they don't spike up the cost because of this.
Lucke Gabriel Staytrem is limiting sales to only the UK now? That stinks for us on the other side of the pond. 😜 But yah, Staytrem seems to be the bridge of choice in the comments here. I think they should send me an advertisement check. 😂
fantastic job
Great information! I replaced the bridge on my VM Jazzmaster with a mustang bridge but still don't quite get enough tension over the high e to keep it in if i'm not careful. Also the string spacing is too close but it gets the job done. Like you said in the video its hard to justify a bridge that costs almost as much as the guitar.
CJSchecter96 I ended up going back to the original bridge. I followed all the recommendations like a shim (ua-cam.com/video/qTji2qMr5Ws/v-deo.html),Teflon tape (or clear nail polish, or blue locktite) on the saddle screws, & even 11 gauge strings. All of that worked great! However, I changed the pickguard to a gold anodized one (ua-cam.com/video/PvklHaIlzjI/v-deo.html) & now I have another weird rattle that I can't solve! It can be quite frustrating. 😑
Nathan, great info, thanks very much.
MrDblStop glad to help!
Thank you, Nathan! Your video was very informative and helpful. I went with the Staytrem (9.5" radius version), but I paid over 200 USD on Reverb! I know that prices on these UK-made bridges will only keep going up and up, so I went ahead, gritted my teeth and hit "buy". ;-/ Unfortunately, Staytrem will no longer ship these outside of the UK, so we're all left paying a premium for them elsewhere through a middle man (which Staytrem discourages, of course!). This one is going straight into my new Fender American Pro Jaguar (which I got an awesome deal on through Ebay seller Adorama). The reason I felt the need to buy this bridge over the (otherwise) well designed stock piece was due to the outwardly divergent string spacing at the heal of the neck where it bolts on. Unfortunately, I've seen this over and over with Fender: everything else on a new model being pretty much perfect EXCEPT for one, very important feature of the instrument. I'm just thankful I was able to find a good fix for it this time.
John Condor glad to hear you got ahold of one of the Staytrems. I wish they were still available to those of us on the other side of the pond. 😑 Since this video, I have gone back to the original bridge and shimmed the neck of my Jazzmaster. It seems to be working really well! Of course the original style bridge is very forgiving in the string spacing department. 👍🏻
@@NathanSink Yeah... but I just couldn't see paying that much for a guitar only to find something like that. Bending (E,e) strings near the neck heal are tending to slip right off the fret board. I just couldn't live with that. It would continue bugging me. Thanks again! :)
My solution on my offsets is a fingernail file groove in the saddles and clear fingernail polish to hold the screws tight. It takes about five minutes. Just go to your local drugstore fingernail aisle! About $3 total.
Jim Keeley that is definitely a viable option! Thanks for the comment.
Did the filing do the trick? About to order the staytrem......
Your obsession with perfectly even string spacing amuses me
Joel Middaugh like i said, it’s all my tele’s fault. 😜
If you own a Fender you will know that the strings do get off the neck pretty much on a lot of them. I put a Mustang brudge on a Jag and it is too far off the neck,
What an ignorant comment
Nice video!, What is the cheapest bridge that i can buy for have more sustain and when i do bends, keep the strings in their places? Thanks
I would say the Staytrem is the best value. It's not exactly cheap, but not nearly as expensive as the Mastery. Plus, for a while the Staytrem bridge wasn't available outside the UK, but now it looks like it is.
I have an SX Liquid offset and I replaced the bridge with a cheaper Jazzmaster bridge, but the strings tend to pop out of the grooves. I am looking for an inexpensive roller type or some kind of easily replaceable bridge that would have deep enough saddles to keep the stings in.
TJ Nugent hope you find something that works!
Hey man I actually watched your videos because I'm looking for the best JM replacement neck and 1 of my concerns is the radius on this? Is yours 16 inches (really flat) like the others that look like this on Ebay? How does that feel for you if so? Do you like it? Better or worse than standard Fender radius?
The neck is really well made. The radius, as far as I can tell, is actually more like 14". I know that's odd, but I measured it with a set of Stewart McDonald gauges, so I feel like it's pretty accurate. Some of the other measurements: 0.866" thick at the 1st fret, 0.905" thick at the 12 fret, and 1.65" nut. You may have already seen it, but I have a video talking specifically about the neck: ua-cam.com/video/iPlWpsW8HwQ/v-deo.html There is a Part 2 also. Anyway, the neck is really quite good. The frets did need a bit of leveling. Regarding the radius, it's just different than a typical Fender. It's more like a Gibson radius. I'd say if you really enjoy the Fender 9.5", then you might not like it.
Nathan - really cool rundown on alternative offset bridges. - Have you seen the new (2017) Fender Professional Series Jazzmasters and Jaguars with plated Brass NEW Mustang Bridge with new 9.5" radius? - I haven't seen them as a Fender Part yet - but they would solve EVERY issue I think - Love to see you include it in your Bridge Option list
Paspallum What?! No way! I had heard of the Professional series but didn't know about that bridge. Why has Fender waited so long?! They're just toying with us. Haha.
Paspallum I think the string spacing is still too wide.
Dan Higginson Fender just can't offer an easy solution, can they?! 😑
Nathan Sink haha, it's pretty annoying!
I’ve heard about that bridge on the professional series as well and I’ve also heard a good bridge is a modified mustang bridge that warmoth makes with a 9.5” radius. I never hear anyone talk about it as on option on UA-cam though. Lookin for more info maybe even an install video. I’m new to jazzmasters so I’m learning a lot right now. Great vid.
I'm trying a gotoh tune o matic with height adjustable saddles and adapter poles (metric to US) on my current build
Hope it works out! Report back with what you think. 😊
I'm going to try the Synchro Sonic Melita Bridge (Gretsch) with Conversion Posts - M8 to smooth 4mm posts, on my Jazzmaster
YorMajesty Khalifa Ali I've actually never heard of that. Thanks for the info. I'll have to check it out. 👍🏻
Good info. I honestly think that JMs sound best with their original bridges by a longshot. Masteries simply sound too strat like and graphtek sounds very dull and lifeless. That said 11 gauge strings or bigger are an absolute must. With a good setup and big gauges you should never have any issues with the original bridge. If you use flatwound strings, it's even better though I get that won't be the sound everyone is after.
Felix Blacksher thanks for the feedback!
I have got a fender stratocaster that has a jazzmaster tremolo set up and the bridge is set on the tremolo .its sounds great and I can't find any guitar set up like that .it was done in a factory. You know any thing about that. Its old.
Ruben Esquivel wow, that's definitely unique! I haven't heard of anything like that except for the new "Parallel Universe" series.
Your Jazzmaster is beautiful. I love the block inlays.
I can’t see the tape.
James Gretsch thank you! I’d love to get an American one like yours one day. 👍🏻
My new American Professional Jaguar has the "Mustang style" bridge that is a 9.5, the saddles are chrome plated brass and the post into the body have a nylon sleeves that the adjustment screws go through to stop them from moving once set.
Also, Schaller makes a roller bridge that will drop in, but that is a 12 radius.
Jeffy2n thanks for the info! Finding the right bridge for these offsets seems like a journey for everyone. Sounds like you got a good one. 👍🏻 Fender needs to sell those as a stand-alone product!
@@NathanSink Fender part number 770-9942-000 www.ebay.com/itm/770-9942-000-Am-Pro-Genuine-Fender-9-5-inch-Radius-Jazzmaster-Jaguar-Bridge/263725188763?hash=item3d673f069b:g:bbkAAOSwAy5auT7x
Fender in there owners manual, they give you the part breakdown for every part on this guitar.
Jeffy2n oh wow, cool!
MIJ Jazzmaster - added Mastery bridge and trem, not cheap. But: solid dependable tuning, dive bomb no problem and the arm doesn't fall out when you bend down to pick up your pick.
Nick Godwin thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
Hey Nate, thanks for the videos. They have answered things I couldn't find elsewhere ... and PRACTICAL. I love your use of silicone tape for the screws.
Question:
I just got a Jazzmaster-like Xaviere with the multigroove "vintage" saddles, similar to your one set. I'm not thrilled with them so far. Even after shimming the neck, creating more bridge angle and string tension, I find it hard to keep those E saddles sitting flat. Also, I have to believe those grooves wear the strings a lot more.
On the plus side, those saddles appear to solve another problem. The treble E string needs to run far to the left side of that saddle's center, just right of the allen screw, for the string to travel over the pole on the bridge pickup properly.
Can any of the other saddles allow me to adjust the string postion left/right like that?
I'll assume there had to be something wrong by milimeters with the drilling/routing of the bridge and/or bridge pickup to make that an issue in the first place, but it is what it is. 😄
Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, I think the vintage/original style Jazzmaster bridge is the only one that allows you options with string spacing. You could perhaps mix and match saddles with your bridge (for example have 5 mustang style saddles and one vintage style) if you had to. 🤔
I actually just bought a Staytrem bridge. About the time I made this video they stopped shipping to the USA. Now they've started back. Here's my most recent video on it: ua-cam.com/video/Pci0ZXUf9Ug/v-deo.html I highly recommend it!
@Nathan Sink Thanks for the quick reply! I'm just a novice, so I'll be fine for quite a while just getting used to the particular guitar. I have 12's on it for surfer music, which was the main intent of guitar. That helps with the stability. I think I might grind slightly the ends of some saddles, which collectively shifts them a little more over to the left. This will result in putting the treble E back to the middle of the saddle.
Great video! I ended up buying that eBay bridge after watching, hopefully it stops the buzzing.
PS: you need Affiliate Links to the products in your descriptions so you can get a cut of purchases!
Wesley Deimling thanks! Glad to help. You're right: I have a link...just need to use it! 😀
Sebastián Andrés I actually went back to the original bridge. The eBay one was about equal quality to the Squier one, I'd say. But I like the ability of the original one to use any string spacing you like. But I feel like you pretty much have to use something like Teflon tape, vasoline, etc to stop the buzzing of either bridge.
Got the Staytrem. Thanks for the info! Costs $95 total.
Dustin Koch congrats! How do you like it?
I literally bought it today after watching your video. I’ll update you when i get it in. I have the Jazzmaster 60s Classic Series with the Pau Ferro fretboard (which I love). The bridge is absolutely terrible. Everything else on the guitar is incredible. Thanks for the info!
Dustin Koch awesome. :) Glad to help. Enjoy that Jazzmaster!
Nathan Sink The Staytrem is a boss!!! There is so much more life in the strings (especially with bends of course). It is completely worth the $95. The notes are well rounded and articulate with no rattle. Yes, it has effect on the tone, but in a completely positive way. Super happy with my Jazzmaster now.
Nathan Sink And also, less than 10 minutes to switch them and set it up.
Just found out the mustang bridge has different pole spacings for the pickups and maybe to close to the sides of the fretboard. I am not sure if there is an inexpensive thorough solution ? Seeing as I live in the UK I think I will try to deepen the grooves or opt for a Staytrem for 65 British pounds ? The Staytrem has had fantastic reviews seems the complete answer ?
Garry Nathan yes, not only does the Mustang bridge have the incorrect radius, but it has larger string spacing. I think the Staytrem is probably the best: definitely a better value than the Mastery! I almost bought a Staytrem, but I measured the radius of my neck with a good set of gauges & realized that my after-market neck is a 14” radius! So now the Staytrem is not an option.
However, since I shimmed the neck & put Teflon tape on the bridge screws, I’ve gone back to the original bridge & I’m happy with it. 😁
That is strange because The Jazzmaster Modified specs state a 9.5 radius not 14 ? I have no radius gauges, probably a good investment ? It seems a lot of trial and error. Good luck for a total, final solution.
Garry Nathan you’re right about the Vintage Modified neck, but I have replaced the neck on mine. You can see the new neck at @16:40 in the video. 😊
The stuff about there being more lbs of pressure on each saddle might make sense to prevent the saddles from rattling... But there isn't any extra pressure going "into the body", since both are mounted to the body via two posts / thimbles.
Intonation on the Mastery is fine, as long as you use a plain G string. If you use a wound G string, it's impossible to intonate correctly - but then again, if you're using a set heavy enough to have a wound G string, you're probably fine with the original bridge.
It also isn't possible to perfectly match to fretboard radii with the Mastery - on flatter fretboards, the A and B strings will sit very slightly higher than the others. But again, unless you're using a 16" plus radius (which you might be, on a Warmoth neck for example) it won't be a problem.
The most critical flaw in the Mastery design is that it is a fixed, low friction design. Whereas the StayTrem can be ordered in a rocking configuration, as per the original design, the Mastery can't. This changes the charming and wobbly character of the vibrato to something more like a roller saddle bridge, which I personally don't like. I find it loses too much of the string energy as you use the vibrato, whereas the rocking bridges seem to store the string energy much better - because the speaking part of the string is the same as the tension / length changes.
Good video though!
Stay Trem is definitely the best option for what I need. John will also accommodate different fretboard radii free of charge, and is great to do business with.
Dan Katz no way! I didn’t know you could get the Staytrem in a different radius! That’s great, b/c I realized my after market neck is a 14” radius. Thanks for the great info on that & the Mastery, my friend. 👍🏻
Boo that they no longer ship beyond the UK.
Try a set of GHS thin core 10's. You'll get 10 gauge strings with less tension feel. Thanks for the video on the different bridges. Very helpful.
Kerosenetrewthe glad to help, & thanks for the tip! It's funny: I recently changed the pickguard on my Jazzmaster & now I've got this rattle that's driving me nuts. I can't figure out what it is. 🤔😝
@@NathanSink Hate rattles in my car, and especially hate rattles on my guitar! All of your wires tucked neatly in the body routes under the pickguard? Switches mounted flushed?
Kerosenetrewthe good ideas. I've double checked (taken apart) the bridge & the trem b/c I thought they were the culprits for some reason. But my next step is to take off the pickguard & check those things. 👍🏻
@@NathanSink Snag some painters tape and randomly tape things down. It'll at least help to isolate the area that is rattling. When you find a spot the tape is making a difference. Maybe it's the little intonation adjusters on the bridge or that little circlip that holds the adjusters in?
@@Kerosenetrewthe yeah, I'm thinking there is something underneath the pickguard I can tape down, or find some foam to isolate whatever is rattling. I've got a shim in the neck pocket and 11 gauge strings on, so outside of that I don't know what else to do. Just gotta track it down methodically, I guess.
Staytrem no longer sells bridges outside the U.K. Also there are different qualities of Mustang bridge. The Fender ones are good, but the "Allparts" bridge is made so the saddles are separate, and don't touch each other as they should. A good alternative to teflon tape on the height-adjustment screws of a Jazzmaster/Jaguar bridge is Locktite "blue" stuff. The blue stuff tightens screws without immobilizing them.
Grif Torres thanks for the info. Yeah, Staytrem seems to be the best bang for the buck. It's a shame they aren't sold outside the UK anymore.
exactly the same strings i just settled on for my jazzmaster.
cdreyes81 I've actually moved to 11s at the moment. But that's part of the fun: the journey. 😊
i tried couple of fender bridges and stumbled onto the fact that the Gibsen inserts fit tight inside the jazzmaster inserts and a adjustable roller bridge fit right in and adjusted to the neck raidios
Interesting! I might have to try it. How did you get the Jazzmaster bridge inserts out?
@@NathanSink the gibson inserts tap right in to the fender ones its a leap of faith if they didnt tap down flush it would be a nightmare so sink them in sink
@@tucanman9775 😂 gotcha!
Did I hear you say these bridges will also fit a Jaguar? .Just bought a 2011 Blacktop 90 and looking to upgrade it .
Yes, as far as traditional bridges the post to post spacing should be the same. HOWEVER, I think your guitar has a tune-omatic (TOM) bridge, so it will be different.
@@NathanSink It does actually you are right[I bought it online .not here yet] .Would a roller bridge made to fit an Epiphone LP work ?I'm thinking of fitting a Duesenberg Les Ŧrem
Great vid! Stewmac makes a Golden-Age bridge, decent price.
Moigle1 thank you! And thanks for the info. 👍🏻
I have it and it's not good
Hunter Gurnsey just curious: what don't you like about it? Cheaply made?
For how much did the replacemen bridge for? Do you have a video on how it sound with thw new bridge?
You can get the same type of bridge I got on eBay for $20-30. The part number is 008-1239-001. I don't have really good sound samples, but I had this bridge on my guitar when I recorded these videos: ua-cam.com/video/6lyg-SLNxtA/v-deo.html & ua-cam.com/video/Gt7QAVn8ltY/v-deo.html
Nathan Sink okay cool man yeah i saw a bridge on the wish app. For like 9$ but i was sceptical about it. But yeah ill defeneatly purchase it.
@@frankiietubetv bro whered u get it at that price?
Thank you for making this video! Until now I hadn't considered the impact on sound from the material of the bridge. so I was planning on getting a Mastery for my Mustang and a Stay Trem for my Jazzmaster, however I may do the opposite now as the JM is already quite bright. Cheers!
Matthew Krebs Glad it helped!
this may be a really stupid question but would it be possible to just get a file and make a deeper groove in the original saddles so the strings don't pop out?
Fera Losa not a stupid question! It’s absolutely a possibility. BUT, you have to do it just right to get the right break angle & no burrs.
do you know if anybody has tried it yet?
Fera Losa not personally, but check out the online forums.
Grooving the saddles more deeply sounds like it could be easy, but it's not. It has to be just right, or you'll be creating even more problems for yourself, and destroying the bridge saddles. I would suggest that you have a local luthier do the work for you -- one who works primary with electric guitars. Also, let them know what string gauges you will be using. Bring a new set with you for them to install. This work shouldn't cost very much. Get a solid estimate first.
I did some research (I'm in New Zealand) Fender won't release the bridge as a part yet.
Odd thing is - my vintage Jazzmaster has a 55mm string spacing and works - as does my Squier Jaguar (both with stock old school style bridges) - no issues with the strings slipping off the side of the neck at all - so not sure what the big issue is to have 52mm spacing on the mastery and staytrem - but.... if you read this review of the new Professional series Jazzmaster - WOW - its the first thing they notice - strings slipping off the neck - I'm wondering if the Professional series necks are too thin?
mmguitarbar.com/2016/12/31/fender-american-pro-jazzmaster-jaguar-first-impressions-and-in-depth-review/
Paspallum Thanks for the good info!
String spacing is also affected by the nut and the spacing of the grooves
staytrem 9.5 tom replacemet 111$ shipped to your door and it got here faster than stu-mac!! 5 days from UK to cali..
The Staytrem would be my choice. However, I recently realized that my replacement neck is a 14” radius! So it’s not an option for me. Thanks for the info!
Nathan Sink I've got crafted in Japan hardtail HH special Jaguar and it's got a tune-o-matic style Bridge, I wonder if it's the correct radius for that neck, I know J picked out that bridge special knowing it was not an exact match but if the Jazzmaster neck radius is the same as the Jaguar wouldn't that Jaguar Bridge be a good replacement for the Jazzmaster?
sam ward sounds like it would! I’m curious to know how much of a difference a mis-match of radius (bridge to neck) really makes.
If your still having trouble with the nut spaceing just take it out and reposition it its easily done. Videos everywhere on it.
Krusty Buzzard that’s true! I haven’t really had much trouble with it, but that’s definitely an option. 👍🏻
i put graphtech tusq sadlles in my squier jazzmaster its great option
Stamatis Stabos cool! Do you think it changes the sound at all?
Stamatis Stabos I'm getting the same thing done to my Squier
did you mean tusq nut? is there any graphtech nut that would fit in the squire JM VM? or did you use the nut for strat? do you think it would fit to squire vm JM?
Graphtech has nuts and saddles and both will fit the Squier vm jazzmaster/jaguar. I have the saddles on my vm jag and they work great.
mark Calundre I had the nut on the new neck of my Jazzmaster (in the video) replaced with a bone nut. I haven't tried Tusq or Graphite nuts before on my Jazzmaster, but I did try Graphite saddles on my telecaster. You can see how they compare in this video: ua-cam.com/video/BqqQd9SCeg8/v-deo.html
If strings buzz try getting heavier strings. They are closer to frets, but they move less, you’ll be surprised how easy and smooth it feels and sounds.
Wanmohan good point. I’ve currently got 11s on my Jazzmaster. It does make a difference...but bends are more difficult. I’m considering some hybrid type stings like Daddario Light Top/Heavy Bottom.
Yes, and fan frets can utilize those strings even more. As far as bends go, after gigging non-stop i find myself having no issue, in fact i go heavier on picks, strings, and bends get easier because my muscles do get stronger, but a few weeks from band will put you back to needing lighter stuff
Yes, and fan frets can utilize those strings even more. As far as bends go, after gigging non-stop i find myself having no issue, in fact i go heavier on picks, strings, and bends get easier because my muscles do get stronger, but a few weeks from band will put you back to needing lighter stuff
Wanmohan right on. Yeah, my Jazzmaster definitely doesn’t get constant use, so when I pick it up I’m not necessarily used to the thicker strings for bends. Fanned frets sound intriguing, but I’m not sure I’ll ever brave it. :)
The Mastery bridge is more than double than what I think is a ridiculous price to pay for a bridge. The Mastery bridge is $185 not including the shipping cost and on top of that the Squier Jaguar and Jazzmaster guitars now cost a hundred $100(up to $40 for international shipping) more than when this video was made.
The correct radius for the Vintage Modified Squiers is 9.5" not 9.25". Andertons sell a 9.5 version of the Mustang bridge but I'd still go with the Staytrem over it.
In the case of the Teflon tape fix use clear nail polish instead.
Also remove the 9 strings that come with the guitar and replace with 11's. If you keep the stock saddle I've seen a few people recommend going with flat 12's
If i buy a jazzmaster, is it 100 percent necessary i replace the bridge?
Not at all...but you may experience some rattles & your strings popping out of their grooves. If you do have problems, it will help to go up to 11 gauge strings & shim the neck. You can also apply some clear nail polish to your saddle screws to help with rattling.
1. Staytrem doesn't ship to USA anymore.
2. Mustang Bridge is spaced out too far (like you said) but also the two E strings pop out worse than a stock JM bridge.
3.
You can't use a Mastery bridge with a wound G. It won't intonate correctly as the wound G string needs to go towards the neck further than the B string. That would have to make the lower bridge section make a V shape.
Many Jag/JM players use flatwound strings with a wound G so this wasn't thought into the design unfortunately.
Until someone makes the Staytrem again for USA I would go with a regular JM/Jag bridge and just file a groove in the low E and A strings and put some clear fingernail polish on the saddle screws - I've used this setup for decades. You STILL will get some buzz from the saddles themselves vibrating together. It's a real challenge on some guitars.
Thanks for the good info. Yes, Staytrem needs a US distribution again!
Where can I get a staytrem bridge for a jm jm
Jorge Gracia www.staytrem.com is the only place, unless you can find one used.
Reverb.com (occasionally), but they're usually EXTREMELY expensive when you're able to find one second-hand. :'(
Staytrem is the best!
Mike Turzanski Yeah, I'm pretty much gonna bite the bullet & get one at some point.
I've been playing jazzmasters since high school and the day I bought a staytrem my life changed. The main reason I prefer staytrem over mastery are. 1-The price. Much more affordable. $80! That's a third the cost of a mastery.
2-I play a wound G. You can't adjust for that with a mastery.
3-No height screws. That's one of the main problems I have with a stock bridge.
4-The staytrem bridge actually rocks with the vibrato. Mastery is locked.
Mike Turzanski thanks for the info! That helps solidify my decision even more.
Respecting the summary because we all want sh*t to be right.
Note: A Jaguar is basically a Jazzmaster but with a Mustang neck.
and different pickups
The problem with my jazzmaster is that the high E side of the bridge sinks into the body after 20 mins of playing. its so frustrating
CONOR have you tried Teflon tape on the treble side screw (or fingernail polish)?
Staytrem won't sell internationally anymore.. only UK :'(
GunsNRoosendael Yeah...bummer.
from what i can tell just looking at it, the mastery bridge can have its two saddles set pretty wildly diagonally. Once you start really pushing those more extreme angles the swivel mechanism works to keep the intonation screws parallel to the strings whilst allowing the saddles to sit completely diagonally in the bridge. That way, the strings would not only have their height adjusted, but i imagine they're also pulled to the side a little as well, to compensate for the fact that they don't have the many grooves of the original Jazzmaster bridges. That's just looking at it though, someone who has one installed on their guitar could confirm or deny this
Nick Johnson I think you're right. Mastery has an installation video from 2011 on UA-cam in 240p. You'd think they might update that. 😜 I suppose the information hasn't changed though.
The Adjusto-matic takes a lot of shit, but mine has been rock solid!
Mark Knapke good feedback! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
carbon steel? like tool steel? might want to recheck those notes
RAASH which bridge in particular are you talking about? AISI (American Iron & Steel Institute) essentially categorizes steels into either Carbon, Stainless, Alloy, & Tool. Carbon makes up 90% off total steel production. So, yes, it's more than likely carbon steel.
huh, grew up in a machine shop. in that world carbon steel was synonymous with tool steel. maybe their jargon has me thinking the wrong way. when they talked carbon steel maybe they meant high carbon. i don't know. it just struck me a odd.
either way. thanks for taking the time to make the video. i'm sorting out a bridge for squier bass vi and a rondo corvus bari.
If you grew up in a machine shop, you've definitely got some good "real/world" knowledge. Who's to say what these things are made of. The only identifying methods I have are shiny=chrome plated, dull=nickel, magnetic=carbon...or something like that. Haha. Pretty rudimentary. :)
gotcha. my dad wrote a small book on metallurgy. he could tell what kind of metal something was by either looking at it or grinding it. i on the other hand, wasn't properly trained but i had to organize the steel and they would be fucking pissed if i marked them wrong. like they put a mis marked piece of tool steel in the saw and ruin the blade with out cutting the steel. i know one thing for sure. tool steel is way more expensive. i really can't see anyone making a guitar bridge out of it. it would be stupid expensive to machine because you'd have to cut it with diamond or similar. tool steel would negate the need for chrome plating other than cosmetic. but it's been a along time and i drank most of those memories away. the more i think about it, they must have been referring to high carbon steel when they were saying carbon.
The Jazzmaster Pro is the new new....
But if anything here I think the staytrem is the best, especially looks wise, brighter sounding? Well typically I like when there's more clarity in the sound, then get a bone nut, good setup..
But yeah, all fixed, just buy a Jazzmaster Professional series, they FIXED the bridge
Edit especially tune o matic would be horrible for a Jazzmaster, because with the tremolo you'd be grinding the strings in the bridge, how the staytrem is more of a ball, it eases the string gently
SEXY CHEESEBURGER name is for the LOLs: thanks for the info.
As from September 2018 Staytrem will be reducing production and as a result will have a very limited stock. For this reason they will no longer be shipping world wide and will only be accepting orders from UK buyers.
Matt Gehringer i heard that. I hope it’s only a temporary thing. 😕
Nathan Sink you and me both. I just bought a Squier VM Jaguar and am already having problems with the low E string (6th string) buzzing. The guy at the store, Kennelly Keys Music in Lynnwood, WA told me to wait 3 or 4 days so my guitar is exposed to the humidity in my apartment than bring it in so a guitar tech can make the proper adjustments. I requested having heavier strings put on at that time which he agreed would be a good Idea.
Matt Gehringer good idea. I actually shimmed mine as well. I had a luthier do it, but he ended up putting in essentially a strip of wood. So I ended up bitting the bullet & getting a nice shim from StewMac & put it in myself.
Nathan Sink do you still have the original stock Jazzmaster saddles on your guitar?
Matt Gehringer yes, I actually do. They seem to work fine with the shim & 11 gauge strings. And I love the fact that you can space the strings however you want.
If I had a machine shop I could make a bridge for them that would cure most every fault but unfortunately I dont.
is a vintage style jazzmaster saddle so bad?
Iggytommy I’ve actually gone back to the vintage style bridge & it’s working out fine. Granted, I have shimmed the neck and put 11 gauge strings on.
I have a friend who plays switched back from a mastery to the vintage style he and thinks it's fine. After listening to multiple blind audio samples of both I was surprised to consistently prefer the tone of the vintage style.
My JM neck is not binded....
I got the binded neck from China. Here are two videos about it:
Part 1:
ua-cam.com/video/iPlWpsW8HwQ/v-deo.html
Part 2:
ua-cam.com/video/xxZ2b2guKCk/v-deo.html
Staytrem not available outside UK
pgermain yeah, sucks huh?
@@NathanSink Especially that I just bought my jazzmaster last Saturday and was looking to buy one 🤬
pgermain congrats on the Jazzmaster! Yeah, those Staytrems rarely come up on eBay/Reverb either. 😒 Well, until you find one, there are always the work-arounds like tape on the saddle screws or fingernail polish. Or a shim, etc. Best of luck!
I'd love a Staytrem too, but my neck has a funky 14" radius! 😝
You cannot intonate correctly with a wound third on a mastery bridge
Victor Tomkinson good info! Thanks for the comment.
Great, apparently Staytrem only sell their stuff to UK residents now, they stopped international shipping...
Turbo_Doge yeah, that sucks. 😐
@@NathanSink Guess i'm gonna go with the China Bridge ^^
Great video Btw, really helped me to find the right bridge for my Jaguar ;)
Turbo_Doge glad to help! Hope it works out for you.
Any one try the descendant bridge?
I haven’t. I don’t think it was available at the time I made this video.
I am gonna state the obvious and you probably already know all this but it cant hurt. So to make a fender offset work properly this is the formula/steps
0.11 or higher gauge strings (they were designed by leo to have 0.12s or higher)
+
Neck angle increase with a shim (0.5 to 1 degree shimming required on most of them usually. some trial and error might be required to find the best angle for your guitar)
+
raising of the bridge (the shimming will stil make the action really low so dont worry)
=
A better break angle and more downward force on the saddles/bridge from the strings. This results in the strings staying in place in the saddles and the bridge to rock back and forth correctly and not getting stuck halfway.
This is not my opinion, this is how Leo MF Fender designed these guitars, if anyone wants to argue go argue with his patents amd design docs.
If you try to run with no shim, low bridge hight and thin string gauges these guitars just wont work, they are not desinged that way.
If anyone is still hellbent on trying to setup an offset as if it was a strat then get a Descendant tremolo. They let you adjust the break angle on the tremolo kit. I think this is the safest bet to try and artificially increase the break angle and thus the downward force/pressure on the saddles/bridge to keep everything functioning as it is supposed to do. Go give them a look. Why Fender sells most of its sub 1200 dollar models with 0.09 gauge, the bridge rammed into the pickguard and no shim or angled neck pocket I dunno, its pretty dumb. I assume its because of cost savings during assembly.
Regarding neck radius and string spacing, I only have one tip. learn to cut your own nut, this lets you eliviate/compensate/experiment with string spacing. It's a bit of a time and money sink but its well worth it in the end. Its weird how much the string spacing at the nut can compensate for funky radius stuff.
Last but not least, great video with a lot of info. I appriciate the effort so I can lazily watch instead of doing all the research. Since I live across the atlantic I am gonna see if I can get me some staytrem stuff, good shout out. thank you Nathan
Great info & thanks for the kind words! Overtime I think I have implemented all of the suggestions you listed. 😊 I still sometimes use 10 gauge strings & get away with it though. All the best to you!
I guess I got super lucky cause my jazz master came with its own bridge
🤔😂
Wilkinson rollerstyle TOM? 🤔
Victor Andrango should have thought of that one. Definitely viable. 👍🏻
Nathan Sink I have a Squier Mascis JM with a Wilkinson. Post spacing is slightly "off", so not exactly a direct swap. It took a lot of patience to get it right. But it is so much more substantial than stock AOM. Fairly stable tuning wise, as well. Not for those who prefer a very low action on this guitar though.
Victor Andrango thanks for the good info!
From Leo: You did a good job but left out the best option. Trade the problem guitar for a G&L Doheny. No more unstable bridge, no neck to bridge radius issues. All problems solved.
I like doheny, except it's look and sound for me normally
Well it’s different guitar, so no, it’s not replacable
MIJ and CIJ Jazzmasters have a 7.25" radius so a Mustang bridge will fit. It's what I have on my 2003 CIJ and it's great.
offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54689
jspanos500 thanks for the info. So glad UA-cam is allowing links again.
17:30 looks like the nut is crooked to me.
RcHydrozz could be, a tiny bit.
Of course you could just try a buzz roller that fixes straight on behind the bridge using two existing screws on trem plate which increases the string break angle improves stability and sustain.
I've heard from a lot of people that the Buzz Stop kills the "vibe" of the Jazzmaster/Jaguar. I'm assuming it reduces the harmonics you hear behind the bridge.
@@NathanSink Hey man, what gives with the pseudo physics lesson. I'm assuming it reduces the harmonics you hear behind the bridge.😂🤣😂
BARKINGattheMOON100 😜😂
You forgot about the Warmoth modified Mustang bridge
Jason Youn thanks for the info! I wasn't aware of that one. It still has the wide string spacing, but definitely a viable option.
Heres a simple fix folks,take the saddles from a tele six saddle classic bridge. Take old screw ones out,put tele ones in,no more string slipping,and adjustable to 9.5 radius.
Great idea!
I’d love to see a video of this. Never even seen a photo of anyone trying this.
I would have thought with the long break angle of the floating jazz trem that an adjust-o-matic would be perfectly fine for string movement and staying in tune issues. But it's a crime fender didn't get a 9.5 radius to match the bloody neck. Like wtf?? Who's running this company, I want names!
Jbeliski yeah, it seems like such a simple thing. 😜
Jbeliski -- Yeah. Probably some no-nothing suit guy there in the company keeps overriding certain design decisions by the builders. Incompetent "bosses" are dangerous for business and company morale (think Boeing, NASA, etc...)
set it up properly in the 1st place then fit staytrem bridge - check out:
www.premierguitar.com/articles/25516-diy-how-to-set-up-jazzmasters-jaguars?page=1
tonyk21463 Thanks for the link. Great info!
so your criticism of the mustang bridge is that it isnt 7.25, but... there are actually 7.25 mustang bridgers
Nope. Listen to @9:36. My criticism IS that the mustang bridge radius is 7.25. I was looking for 9.5.
Any bridge will rattle when you're shaking it on your hand Oo
andre falcao 😂 prob right.
Use plumbers ptfe tape
francis begbie yep, that helps. 👍🏻
I used the guidelines in this article in setting up my Jazzmaster, a 1 degree shim and didn't even use 11 or 12 gauge strings but Ernie Ball Mega Slinkys, 10.5-48, and have absolutely NO classic Jazzmaster problems. To paraphrase James Carville, "It's the setup, stupid."
www.premierguitar.com/articles/25516-diy-how-to-set-up-jazzmasters-jaguars?fbclid=IwAR1bk_AxqQegRx3a2EOJ6EzzEf3oyc42cvS8L5jTDz3c6tb4e_tM-DFg1YU&page=1
jltrem thanks for sharing. I agree that the shim probably made the biggest difference in my Jazzmaster. 👍🏻
@@NathanSink Thanks for the response. As soon as I got my Jazzmaster my first thought was "This needs a shim." And I meant no offense with the Carville quote.
I think most of these offset guitars benefit from neck shims. The break angle of the strings needs to be higher then when they ship them from the factory. Way to flat.
Agreed! I ended up installing a shim in my Jazzmaster. Oh, & I also went with a Staytrem in the end: ua-cam.com/video/Pci0ZXUf9Ug/v-deo.html
@@NathanSink Waiting for my Staytrem to arrive for my Classic Vibe Bass VI.
@@davidcudlip6587 oh yeah, you commented on that video. I'm a little slow. 😂
I will never understand why Leo felt that the Jazzmaster trem was superior. It had more wear and friction with this bridge. I don't get it. Get a roller bridge, nothing wears out, and your strings last forever.
vishnatoon good points. However, there are vintage "purists" out there who want the original version. Also, if the original bridge is set up like it's supposed to be, it will pivot on its posts & shouldn't wear through the saddles.
I install Gotoh tune-o-matics in every guitar with a tailpiece I have lol
Mastery is too expensive for me and Mustang and Jaguar stock bridges are kinda meh
What about the fretboard radius? I can only find Gotoh bridges with 12" (300mm) radius, my Jaguar is 9.5"
Playing a Jazzmaster is like driving a 57’ Chevy, I mean you could put in a manual transmission and a fuel efficient 4 cylinder... but why would ya?
Good point. Part of the allure of the Jazzmaster is the battle involved.
Nathan Sink Ill admit the high e coming off the fretboard from time to time is the thing that annoys me about them. I have 2 now an AVRI and an American Pro. I prefer the Pro bridge which I guess is a mustangs bridge? Anyway thanks for the info your video was informative for me.
Old Goat the Antichrist no problem! Glad to help. Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍🏻
Halon: components made from machined billets of 1060 steel, 7075 aluminium, ms-58 brass or Gr.5 titanium. baseplate thickness 2.5mm. modern 52.38 or vintage 55.56. Masterpiece. halonguitarparts.com.
Looks like good stuff, but how do you buy it? Is it all custom / made-to-order??
@@NathanSink just send them an email and they discuss what options you want for materials, sizes, etc....i bought the chrome plated ms-58 brass bridge plate and saddles and also the chrome plated stainless steel vibrato. Same price as mastery, equal if not better quality...especially the machined bridge base plate.
@@MrPhotomiked nice! Thanks for the info. 👍🏻
First thing to learn about Jaguars: It's Fender J-A-G-U-A-R (like the feline), not Jagwire ;-)
Luis Fonseca where I’m from they’re both pronounced the same, haha. :)
Put a Staytrem on my Marrguar and it’s work better than the stock bridge. Don’t understand why Fender & Mr. Marr put this piece of garbage on that Guitars
misanthropfi seems like everyone who has a Staytrem really likes it. 👍🏻
It looks to me like you should have just replaced the saddles and not the whole bridge. You want to avoid using cheap Chinese pot metal for stainless steel parts if you can.
Thomas De Lello I actually ended up putting the original Squier bridge back on. I liked the spring spacing options you have with it. BUT, I did shim the neck, & that helped a lot. I would buy a Staytrem, but the neck I have is like a 14” radius 😳 & they don’t make one that size. I’m not even sure if American Fender Jazzmaster bridges are stainless...but that would be nice.
I would consider doing this... I would take one of those cheap pot metal saddles like you're showing at 20:13 to a small machine shop that will do piece work and ask them to duplicate that same thing with a nice piece of bell brass...! All they'll need is the brass stock, a tap and die set and a drill press... You know, you gotta' be resourceful sometimes, right. Maybe you could have him make up a lot of them then put it on the market to sell and make your money back...! The thing to do is avoid the cheap Chinese pot metal and use the stainless steel bridge with your made up bell brass fabricated saddles and you'll be cool as a fart in a Champaign glass...! Note: "Pot Metal" means that they throw all their scrap metal into a smelting pot, stir it up and you get a very poor quality product and that's just what happens with the Asian made guitars. Heads up...!!! ( Let me know how you make out...! Do it...! )
Thomas De Lello haha. Sounds like a great idea. 👍🏻 Maybe one day if I get resourceful. 😊 As of right now, my bridge pickup stopped working, so first things first. It’s always something!
Just ask a machinist if he will do it and for how much money.
Guitarist in general have no science background . More vibration transfer to the body doesn't result in rose nance it will do the opposite , it attenuated the signal.
bluwng I see what you're saying. But in an acoustic guitar, for example, vibration transfer to the body makes the top of the guitar resonate & produces all the sound.
I have a degree in mechanical engineering, btw. 😊
Nathan Sink this isn't about acoustic guitars and you should be smart enough to know this. Don't pretend to play ignorance. Electric guitars are only impacted by disturbance to the magnetic field , pickups don't even pickup sound waves they are not radiophonic.
Thats rust ! The first place you get rust are where metal has been welded.
Vidar Mathisen @21:14 ?
Any one try the descendant bridge?
I don’t think it was available when I made this video. Looks a lot like the Staytrem, but adjustable for radius. I’m interested to hear anyone’s feedback. 🙂
@@NathanSink this is an older video I see!.. but cool of you to still be responding! You still have your jaguar? I just got my first offset yesterday. I have a couple really good Strats and a les paul but have been interested in a western/surfy jangle style guitar. I ended up with the classic vibe 70’s squier which seems to be a good entry level offset. I love upgrading budget guitars to make them pro level. Any suggestions for a new tremolo? The trem is my only real gripe with this thing.. it clunks and screeches pretty bad.
@@NathanSink I was leaning towards a fender AVR1 trem but don’t wanna waste money if there’s a better trem for a decent price that makes sense for a classic vibe I paid $300 for?
@@theoverstoker3430 I do still have my Jazzmaster (Squier Vintage Modified from around 2016).
@@theoverstoker3430 I made a video about the Fender Japan trem I bought (part #026-4248-000). Here’s the link if you’re interested: ua-cam.com/video/n_vaQGgRbdA/v-deo.htmlsi=Z5FCjAO1x7rlLndE I’m really pleased with it: no complaints. I did however replace the arm & collet with a Staytrem one, & that made it stellar. Here’s the video for that one: ua-cam.com/video/Pci0ZXUf9Ug/v-deo.htmlsi=jVoANcwAHOFU7i3M