Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

[girlafraid]

I really like the feel and look of the japanese jaguar and jazzmaster, but apaarently this whole line of guitars have some kind of problem with the bridge. Could anyone please explain this to me, or tell me what i can do aobut it. Thanks guys!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

The only "problem" is some people have problems keeping 'em in tune when they use the whammy bar.

www.jag-stang.com has lots of info about these type of guitars.

-X

 

[Citizen Insane]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

Hello.

One problem most people have with the Jag/Jazz bridges is that the string grooves on the saddles are too shallow. If you pick a string hard enough, the string can slip out of the groove.

Another problem is that the height adjustment screws on each saddle can loosen over time and lower the string toward the fretboard, causing the string to buzz.

IMO, the easiest (and best) way to fix both problems is to purchase a set of Fender Mustang bridge saddles; they fit into the Jaguar bridge without modification. The string grooves are deeper so the strings won't slip out, and there's no need to worry about string height since the saddles are readily made to match the curvature of the fretboard.

You can also buy the whole Mustang bridge; like the saddles, it's a direct replacement for the Jaguar. You can find both at Allparts

I have Mustang saddles in my Jaguar, and I can honestly say that they're a significant improvement.

:burnout:

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

yeah... jag-stang.com has most of that... I've never had any problem with loose or lowering screws on the saddles... You can cut grooves in the saddles to prevent string slippage.

By far the stupidest thing on the jag bridge is the fact that it can rock back and forth, throwing your intonation off. The bridge was made to rock with the trem. The common solution for this is to wrap the bridge poles in electrical tape. A mustang bridge will be easier to install and work beter.

many go the TOM route. More go the Mustang Route. Despite its quirks, I feel the jag bridge is essential to the jag sound, and I've left mine stock.
dan

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

The problem is that there is not a steep enough string angle behind the bridge.

I've mentioned this alot: a steeper string angle behind the bridge usually improves the tone of most guitars because a steeper string angle behind the bridge seats the strings more firmly against the top of the individual saddles.

I've always thought Jaguars and Jazzmaster had plinky acoustic tone and less sustain compared to Strats and string through Teles.

Lew

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

The problem is that there is not a steep enough string angle behind the bridge.

I've mentioned this alot: a steeper string angle behind the bridge usually improves the tone of most guitars because a steeper string angle behind the bridge seats the strings more firmly against the top of the individual saddles.

I've always thought Jaguars and Jazzmaster had plinky acoustic tone and less sustain compared to Strats and string through Teles.

Lew

absolutely true. to cure this you can use a "buzz stop", basically a bar that bolts on top of the front of the trem, and holds your strings down at a steeper angle. The downside is the trem sometimes snags on it... but who actually uses those things anyways (on a jag anyways... mine creaks, needs wd40). This also holds the bridge together more firmly, stopping the buzzes that occur from the sloppy engineering in the bridge, hence the term "buzz stop"

I like the jag's stock tone, so I don't use one of those things. Plinkiness and no sustain are inherent jag traits and make the guitar unique. (then again bad pickups and cheap wood are unique epiphone traits, but whatever)

Use high guage strings. I use Daddario 11 chromes on mine (flatwounds), some even use 12 guage strings. These are what the guitar was designed for, as that was what was available and mostly used in the early 60s when the guitar was designed. These make the guitar more solid.
dan

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

Just a bump...I thought danglybanger's post was worth re-reading.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

Use a Buzz-Stop and a Warmoth Modified Mustang bridge...

It stops all these problems...

Then change the pups to Seymour Duncans..............

You'll have a real guitar that sounds very sweet then... (Think Lenny - I know SRV played a Stratocaster, but it just sounds sweeter on a modified Jaguar)

Check out my pictures and you'll see a modified Jazzmaster with these mods...

 

[girlafraid]

Re: Fender Jaguar/Jazzmaster Bridges... Whats their problem?

thanks to everybody who helped out. I just didnt want to buy the guitar and then realsie it had some horrible unfixable problem! I think we know what i shall be getting for christmas now...