View Full Version : Jazzmaster Bridge Issue?
el_goodo_maximo
August 8th, 2006, 10:33 PM
How real is the Jazzmaster bridge issue? I'm thinking of buying one, but I don't want to have to replace the bridge or put in a buzzstop, Do heavy strings (like they used back in the day) help at all?
Thanks
Charlie
Tinky-Winky
August 9th, 2006, 04:40 AM
I have never played a jazzmaster, but a friend went and played one to see if there was an issue, and there was unfortunately. However, I believe it is possible to either get the saddles filed by the guitar shop, or substitute mustang saddles which do not have the problem.
tremoloman
August 9th, 2006, 09:53 PM
I've own a CIJ and now a '62 AV Reissue. The bridge is fine - the issue is soem people experience saddles coming loose since there isn't much tension on them due to the design. (The Squier '51 suffers the same problem).
Easy solutions include:
1. Install a buzz stop
2. Use Loc-Tite on the saddle screws
3. Install a Mustang bridge
I chose to opt with option #1 for both my Jazzmasters. They cost $39.95, require no modification to the guitar, and install in minutes. I included a pic of my old CIJ Jazzmaster with a buzz stop installed. Look under the bridge and you'll see the buzz stop. It just forces the strings to put a lot of tension on the saddles which in turn will not come loose from playing any longer.
Don't hesitate to get a Jazzmaster... they are a beautiful instrument and have a sound and feel all their own! You won't regret it!
el_goodo_maximo
August 10th, 2006, 02:56 PM
Where can you purchase a buzzstop?
tremoloman
August 21st, 2006, 04:21 PM
Where can you purchase a buzzstop?The buzz stop can be found for sale on many places on the internet.
Here's a page dedicated to the complete issue at hand and how the buzz stop solves all problems related to the bridge: Whizzo Buzz Stop (http://www.northcoastmusic.com/buzzstop/)
I found it for sale at All Parts (http://www.allparts.com) for $45.00. Use the keyword "buzz" in the search bar. Or do a search on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=buzz+stop&category0=)... there is one on eBay for $13.00 right now.
Warmoth Direct both the standard fixed (http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/bridges.cfm?fuseaction=mustang_fixed) and a modified Mustang bridge (http://www.warmoth.com/hardware/bridges/bridges.cfm?fuseaction=mustang_modified) so that you can adjust the height on the saddles excluding the middle two. You could do that also. I like the added sustain from the buzz stop, so I'll keep it where it is for now.
havenfun0001
June 4th, 2009, 09:30 AM
I have a JM66-88 that I have just purchased from Ishibashi and I think I am going explode from excitement before it arrives. I played a heap of telecasters and strats in my local Australian music store and picked up the Jazzmaster because it looked so unique and instantly knew that this was the way I was going to go. It suited my playing style, and the tone is versatile enough to cover what I want. (I will upgrade the pickups after a bit more research to get the warmer tone). I will also either use the loc-tite blue or beeswax on the saddle screws for the inevitable buzz that will occur after it is played for a while.
My question is that after looking at some of the YouTube clips and listening to the Jazzmaster/Mustang music, I wonder if the strings are slipping more because of people doing deeper bends than these tremelo rigs are set up to do. It is almost like they are more of a a vibrato unit if you take my meaning. How far are people having to dive before the strings slip from the saddle? If I am using .11 gauge strings and not diving like Satriani or Vai, am I likely to have the problem of a slipping string without a Buzz Stop?
tremoloman
June 9th, 2009, 06:14 PM
I have a JM66-88 that I have just purchased from Ishibashi and I think I am going explode from excitement before it arrives. I played a heap of telecasters and strats in my local Australian music store and picked up the Jazzmaster because it looked so unique and instantly knew that this was the way I was going to go. It suited my playing style, and the tone is versatile enough to cover what I want. (I will upgrade the pickups after a bit more research to get the warmer tone). I will also either use the loc-tite blue or beeswax on the saddle screws for the inevitable buzz that will occur after it is played for a while.
My question is that after looking at some of the YouTube clips and listening to the Jazzmaster/Mustang music, I wonder if the strings are slipping more because of people doing deeper bends than these tremelo rigs are set up to do. It is almost like they are more of a a vibrato unit if you take my meaning. How far are people having to dive before the strings slip from the saddle? If I am using .11 gauge strings and not diving like Satriani or Vai, am I likely to have the problem of a slipping string without a Buzz Stop?
It's hard to say... it all depends what type of playing you do. The slipping strings is a design flaw but the buzz stop I installed on mine fixed the problem. The buzz stop increased sustain and gave the guitar a better overall tone. Best part it its completely reversible and no drilling/modification is required to install one.
I'm currently using .013 flatwounds and love 'em! It feels like playing a telephone pole sometimes but it's got such a bright and punchy sound. I'm not doing monster bends with these cables.
Here's my '62 American Re-Issue with the buzz stop:
mmasonmusic
October 9th, 2009, 03:08 PM
I have a JM66-88 that I have just purchased from Ishibashi and I think I am going explode from excitement before it arrives. I played a heap of telecasters and strats in my local Australian music store and picked up the Jazzmaster because it looked so unique and instantly knew that this was the way I was going to go. It suited my playing style, and the tone is versatile enough to cover what I want. (I will upgrade the pickups after a bit more research to get the warmer tone). I will also either use the loc-tite blue or beeswax on the saddle screws for the inevitable buzz that will occur after it is played for a while.
My question is that after looking at some of the YouTube clips and listening to the Jazzmaster/Mustang music, I wonder if the strings are slipping more because of people doing deeper bends than these tremelo rigs are set up to do. It is almost like they are more of a a vibrato unit if you take my meaning. How far are people having to dive before the strings slip from the saddle? If I am using .11 gauge strings and not diving like Satriani or Vai, am I likely to have the problem of a slipping string without a Buzz Stop?
I recently bought a 1991 CIJ Jazzmaster. I love the way it plays, but the low E does routinely come off the bridge. It may be that I play a half step down.
It doesn't come off because of bends. It comes off when I play harder strummed E chords... odd.
I have a mustang bridge, but it still comes off.
I also own a Fender Mustang, and I don't have any problems with guitar strings slipping.
TwangGrunty
October 24th, 2009, 06:40 AM
So I bought a Jazzmaster the other day, I love the tone and the way it plays. I dont exactly play Jazz.. www.myspace.com/themerrygorounds thats what I play.
Anyway, so we played our first gig the other day, and stupidly I decided to play the guitar I had only owned for two nights. The entire gig I was battling the E string falling off the bridge. It was a pain, but we survived and actually got an encore.
So today I went to the store where I bought it and managed to pick up a buzz stop. I put it on my guitar and then my top E string broke.. After restringing the guitar I started playing and the whole feel of the Jazzmaster has gone.. There is so much tension on the strings!
I play quite fast, and quite heavy but I also love the way this guitar feels. Ive heard the Mustang bridge can cure it slightly, but still not to the extent of stopping it completely.
Have i made a mistake in buying the Jazzmaster? I really want to learn how to utilize this instrument because she is beautiful, and sounds like an angel passing wind.
Any ideas?
Heres some pictures of her, I call her 'White Unicorn'
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/SpazMunt/jazzmaster.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/SpazMunt/jazzmaster2.jpg
And with the buzz stop:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/SpazMunt/jazzmaster4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/SpazMunt/jazzmaster5.jpg
EnglishJW
February 2nd, 2010, 07:22 AM
Have any of you who have installed the buzz stops noticed any difference in tone?
DrumBob
May 13th, 2010, 07:32 PM
Why no Buzz Stop? It costs $31, you screw it on, and it solves the problem of strings coming out of the bridge pieces. Simple. I have one and it's great. No more issues. I noticed very little change in the tone.
tremoloman
May 13th, 2010, 11:13 PM
TwangGrunty: Nice axe! What gauge strings are you using? The buzz stop cured my issues and I didn't really notice much difference in tension on the strings. Of course, I';m using .013s so these things are pretty thick. :)
EnglishJW: I definitely notice better sustain with the buzz stop in place. It didn't affect the tone one bit, just added some nice sustain.
DrumBob: I'm with you! The buzz stop is the way to go! :)
Meritone Music
June 3rd, 2011, 03:58 PM
I've got mustang saddles on mine plus a buzz stop... din't think the buzz stop made such a big difference sound/feel wise... but the mustang/buzzstop combo has completely cured the issue...
in action here doing yngwie style delay technique http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpAK929gAAQ&feature=related
hubberjub
June 6th, 2011, 05:54 PM
http://www.masterybridge.com/bridge.html
I've been told by Jazzmaster players that this is the answer.
Meritone Music
August 25th, 2012, 04:16 AM
How real is the Jazzmaster bridge issue? I'm thinking of buying one, but I don't want to have to replace the bridge or put in a buzzstop, Do heavy strings (like they used back in the day) help at all?
Thanks
Charlie
It's pretty real that issue... I solved it with a Mustang bridge (and buzzstop too, although not 100% necessary) ... I LOVE it now
Check out how versatile an instrument the jazz master is :dude
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEIagtnGMmA
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