Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

To be fair, warranty work, which this is, has to be done by any authorized tech no matter if the customer knows how to do it themselves or not. So, if the bridge you buy doesn't work, that's no their fault. They have a solution, you actively refused it.

Well if it doesn't work I just plan to kinda chew them out cuz if the bridge does not fit then it is clear that actual body routing was done wrong somehow.
He should not assure me that the guitar is structurally and dimensionally correct if they know there is a problem.
Fender avri tele plates were legit drop in replacements before. He said it should still work so I'll still be a little mad if he's wrong

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[ErikH]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Well if it doesn't work I just plan to kinda chew them out cuz if the bridge does not fit then it is clear that drilling was done wrong somehow.
He should not assure me that the guitar is structurally and dimensionally correct if they know there is a problem.
Fender avri tele plates were legit drop in replacements before. He said it should still work so I'll still be a little mad if he's wrong

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He's sitting in a call center and probably never touched one to know for sure and is going off what's been passed on by those that do know. If the Standard MIM Tele bridge from last year works and the AVRI doesn't, then it's not the drilling but the saddles. The AVRI bridge has different dimensions, does it not? This Player Series is not the same as the prior MIM models so I won't be surprised if a AVRI bridge doesn't fit.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

The drilling was the same for the old mim lipless plate with block saddles and avri 3 saddle bridge plates. There's 4 screws and holes the same size and width and spacing in both the bridges and bodies.
So if the avri bridge doesn't fit it would mean the holes were off.
If the holes are off, the part that he was going to send, or that the service center would throw on, would not and could not fit either

He's sitting in a call center and probably never touched one to know for sure and is going off what's been passed on by those that do know. If the Standard MIM Tele bridge from last year works and the AVRI doesn't, then it's not the drilling but the saddles. The AVRI bridge has different dimensions, does it not? This Player Series is not the same as the prior MIM models so I won't be surprised if a AVRI bridge doesn't fit.

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[ErikH]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

My understanding is the issue is with the saddles themselves on the new bridge, not the entire plate. That's why they are putting the old block saddles on them under warranty until they can make new saddles that address the issue.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

My understanding is the issue is with the saddles themselves on the new bridge, not the entire plate. That's why they are putting the old block saddles on them under warranty until they can make new saddles that address the issue.

Exactly but since fenders part in their warehouse is the plate with the saddles on it as one assembly, he told me that's what they're throwing on at the factory now for ones just going out, and what they send to service centers or to customers as a fix, it's that whole Mexican bridge assembly.
But you have to remove screws and swap the pickup over so they insist a tech do it.

If that's the fix for the issue then the avri bridge should still work
Cuz all they're doing is throwing the old mim bridge on cuz it already has the saddles and it's just a quick swap

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[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

I'm still waiting to hear back from the shop, who are still waiting to hear back from Fender. They had to send them pics and measurements of the bridge and the saddles, to see if they can retro fit them, and there were issues with the pics and measurements.

Hurry up and wait, I guess...

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

I'm still waiting to hear back from the shop, who are still waiting to hear back from Fender. They had to send them pics and measurements of the bridge and the saddles, to see if they can retro fit them, and there were issues with the pics and measurements.

Hurry up and wait, I guess...

My bridge and saddles will get here Monday so it'll be probably Tuesday before I figure this out for myself
That doesn't mean yours isn't different so I hope yours gets sorted soon too.
I did not want to send mine to the service center because I knew it would probably be a time consuming process.
If I have to I guess I will.
If you get word that something's funny with routing after all I should like to know before I void my warranty ha ha

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[ErikH]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Exactly but since fenders part in their warehouse is the plate with the saddles on it as one assembly, he told me that's what they're throwing on at the factory now for ones just going out, and what they send to service centers or to customers as a fix, it's that whole Mexican bridge assembly.
But you have to remove screws and swap the pickup over so they insist a tech do it.

If that's the fix for the issue then the avri bridge should still work
Cuz all they're doing is throwing the old mim bridge on cuz it already has the saddles and it's just a quick swap

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Got it. They must've changed what they were doing since last I read about it. Originally, I believe, they were sending just the saddles to swap on to the current bridge.

I hope it all works out. I'm really fond of the Player Series and want one of the P Basses. Man, those are sweet.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

I'm just going off what the guy at the call center said though, and a little logic and induction, he may be mistaken or misinformed so we shall see. If my premise is wrong my conclusions will be wrong

Got it. They must've changed what they were doing since last I read about it. Originally, I believe, they were sending just the saddles to swap on to the current bridge.

I hope it all works out. I'm really fond of the Player Series and want one of the P Basses. Man, those are sweet.

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[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Got a call today about my Tele, and they are not able to just swap out the bridge saddles due to positioning issues. They will be shipping a new guitar for me to the shop where I bought it, as I am likely going to eventually mod the bridge and want it to line up correctly. Sadly, I will have to wait a few weeks for my guitar, as they are still in production and want to make sure that everything is good with the new run, before sending them out.

Fender should really offer some kind of something to those of us caught in the middle of this.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

What the heck...
That blows
Seriously hope mine is not the same
Wtf

Got a call today about my Tele, and they are not able to just swap out the bridge saddles due to positioning issues. They will be shipping a new guitar for me to the shop where I bought it, as I am likely going to eventually mod the bridge and want it to line up correctly. Sadly, I will have to wait a few weeks for my guitar, as they are still in production and want to make sure that everything is good with the new run, before sending them out.

Fender should really offer some kind of something to those of us caught in the middle of this.

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[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

What the heck...
That blows
Seriously hope mine is not the same
Wtf

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Hope not too, brother.

Kinda bummed. Called Fender to complain. They're sending me a T-Shirt, LOL.

 

[FuseG4]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Hope not too, brother.

Kinda bummed. Called Fender to complain. They're sending me a T-Shirt, LOL.

So this is so odd cuz just a few people on tdpri are saying they have already swapped to things like old mim bridges and highway 1 bridges no problem
others are saying they had the string through holes drilled wrong and had to return it.
It must be a crap shoot on the first run or something???
My bridge gets here tomorrow actually, ugh I hope I don't have to deal with returning this if new bridge doesn't look like a fit.
*HEAVY SIGH*

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Based on the pix I have seen of this problem, it is not possible to correct with existing Fender parts. They would have to manufacture a modern-style (i.e. non-ashtray) 6-saddle bridge with barrel saddles in order for a bridge swap to work. A six saddle bridge like this, with offset saddle adjustment screws, would be the only thing that would allow the existing string hole placement to be used.

What I am talking about is a modern (again, "modern" meaning non-ashtray) version of this basic saddle design used on the Fender 6-Saddle Vintage model:



This allows the string holes to be located anywhere behind the saddles, and still work.

Basically, Fender needs to make a run of these bridge plates with slightly offset saddle screw holes on the rear lip, install the saddles pictured above (from their 6-hole Vintage bridge) into them, then ship those parts out to certified repair centers. As cumbersome as that might be, it has to be cheaper than replacing entire guitars, and pissing off a lot of people who have already become attached to THAT guitar that they own.

Fender, if you are reading this, please PM me to discuss my consultant's fee.

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

As cumbersome as that might be, it has to be cheaper than replacing entire guitars, and pissing off a lot of people who have already become attached to THAT guitar that they own.

Needless to say, I am bummed about this, but honestly, I'm at the point in life where I realize stuff happens, and I hope that when I get the guitar, it's as good as the one I had to give back. Sure I bonded with it, but I bought it to mess around and try out different parts on it and such, so I'll be happy if the new one let's me do that.

In the grand scheme, a returned guitar, and having to wait for a new one is a small thing to deal with. And happily, I have my #1 to play while I wait.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Needless to say, I am bummed about this, but honestly, I'm at the point in life where I realize stuff happens, and I hope that when I get the guitar, it's as good as the one I had to give back. Sure I bonded with it, but I bought it to mess around and try out different parts on it and such, so I'll be happy if the new one let's me do that.

In the grand scheme, a returned guitar, and having to wait for a new one is a small thing to deal with. And happily, I have my #1 to play while I wait.

Well, that's a very accepting attitude. If you're happy with replacing the entire guitar, then OK.

Personally, I would have a hard time doing it, unless I got to try the replacement first. When I decide to buy, and then keep, a guitar, it's THAT guitar that I have decided this about...and I immediately start "bonding" with the instrument.

I also don't see why they can't just supply a replacement body of the correct color, and a bridge, to an authorized repair shop, instead of replacing entire guitars.

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Well, that's a very accepting attitude. If you're happy with replacing the entire guitar, then OK.

Personally, I would have a hard time doing it, unless I got to try the replacement first. When I decide to buy, and then keep, a guitar, it's THAT guitar that I have decided this about...and I immediately start "bonding" with the instrument.

I'm usually the same way, but honestly, I probably played a dozen Player Series Telecasters and they all felt really great. The neck fits my hand perfectly and the weight was right on all of them. As long as the guitar is set up well, and there are no issues with the neck fit in the pocket or a twist in it, I'm sure it'll be fine.

I hear you, though. It was MY guitar. The next one will be, too!

Ultimately, in life, I try not to sweat the small stuff. I stay happier that way!

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Wonder what they do with the old guitars that are returned in exchange; or is it established they're not letting you keep the old one, as well as the replacement?

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

Wonder what they do with the old guitars that are returned in exchange; or is it established they're not letting you keep the old one, as well as the replacement?

You have to return the one with the defect if you want the replacement.

Not sure what they will do with the returned guitars. I'm sure they will at least salvage everything but the body and the bridge. Otherwise, everything else can be re-used. I asked the Tech I spoke to at Fender and he didn't know or wouldn't say.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Player Series Telecaster Bridge issue

You have to return the one with the defect if you want the replacement.

Not sure what they will do with the returned guitars. I'm sure they will at least salvage everything but the body and the bridge. Otherwise, everything else can be re-used. I asked the Tech I spoke to at Fender and he didn't know or wouldn't say.

They can't ethically sell used necks and tuners and/or warranty returns as new. Does this mean they don't? Who knows?

This is another reason why I favor a surgical fix rather than the shotgun approach: It's so wasteful. Really, all they need to do is either: 1) make a run of those slightly modded bridge plates, and slap the 6-Saddle Vintage saddles/screws into them, or 2) supply a replacement body and bridge.

Here's hoping that they donate the returned guitars to prison or school music programs. They have worked with Wayne Kramer in the past, who runs Jail Guitar Doors. Perhaps they should be encouraged to hook up with him to deal with this issue.