Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

[Bramblepath100]

I recently came across a Blacktop Jazzmaster and love it. The struggle is the bridge, which seems to be general knowledge now, but for those uninformed, the bridge on the thing seems to be sub par at best, rattling screws and omnipresent buzz. I am seeking a replacement bridge for it and can't figure out which one will do the job well. I know the mastery bridge will be perfect, but I don't feel like dishing out 200 dollars on a 400 dollar guitar. I know people are hugely satisfied with Warmoth's Modded Mustang Bridge, but I have little actual information about it. I also heard of the Staytrem bridge, but again know very little about it. Any suggestions or comments?
Note: the guitar has a 9.5" radius neck, in case that helps.

I should clarify what I am looking for. I basically just want a new bridge that will not buzz as much, will have stability, and wwill (hopefully) add sustain. Thank you!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

Welcome to the forum.

The simplest remedy for the traditional Jaguar bridge saddles is a set of Mustang pieces and some means of firming up the two adjustable pivot points. Since the Blacktop fingerboard radius is 9.5", the normal Mustang saddles are not going to match properly.

I have no experience with Mastery.

I do have experience with and respect for StayTrem. I fitted the complete bridge and arm set to my Fender AVRI '62 Jaguar with ease. (Even the tailpiece lock stop works.) Obviously, these upgrades are a rather smaller proportion of the price of an AVRI than they would be on a Blacktop.

For me, an arm that stays where I put it, does not rattle in its socket and a system that commences to wang the moment that I waggle the arm is a delight.

 

[Bramblepath100]

Re: Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

Thanks for the quick response. I was also looking into an arm upgrade so thanks for that info. I am just beginning to work on my own guitar, so it is great to know it is fairly easily done. I was also wondering, because it seems the vibrato on the BT Jazzmaster is closer to the bridge, would a buzzstop not be an option? Also heard putting 12 gauge strings on the jazzmaster makes it sound great and reduce rattle even with the stock bridge. Is this true? And with 12s, shouldn't I be concerned about bowing in the neck? Sorry for the bombardment of questions, like I said, just starting out this stuff. And if I were to get the whole bridge replaced, a StayTrem would be a safe bet?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

The Buzzstop device increases the break angle that the strings take over the bridge saddles, on their way to the tailpiece anchor points. This, in and of itself, does not entirely prevent the strings from popping out of the saddle grooves or the saddles themselves shedding height adjustment grub screws and/or losing intonation.

The other thing that a Buzzstop does is deny access to the wacky metallic overtones that emanate from the lengths of string between the saddles and the anchor points. I happen to like and exploit these noises. I want listeners to be in absolutely no doubt that they are hearing a Jaguar.

StayTrem replaces only the parts of the Floating Vibrato that need replacing. On your MIM, and some MIJ/CIJ/CII variants, the bridge may not be complete. Often, the lock button is only there for show. An essential piece of flat steel is omitted beneath the cover plate. StayTrem used to be offered in versions to fit USA or "import" instruments. I cannot recall whether the "missing" parts are included in the version of the kit for "import" guitars.

If you wait long enough, somebody else will post in praise of the Mastery bridge and complain about the Stateside price of the StayTrem.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

Well I have a Mascis JM and the TOM works pretty well for me.

I know the break angle is a little more extreme than the regular JM's because of the trem placement but if you have a drill press installation of a TOM wouldn't be very difficult at all and the price wouldn't be prohibitive.

 

[Bramblepath100]

Re: Fender Blacktop Jazzmaster Bridge replacements?

Thanks again for the response. Great community so far. You've all been a massive help.