It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:06 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Bridge adjusting 'n stuff.
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:30 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:04 pm
Posts: 48
Hi y'all,

I've been playing bass for about 5 years now, and I own a '93 MIM Jazz (got it a few months ago).

What's bothering me is the bridge. I recently adjusted it to lower the strings a little bit, and now the action is perfect, but I have noticed a couple of problems.

You know those little saddles that the strings sit upon? Those drum-like things that you can adjust up/down and forward/backward. When I finger pick the strings, the saddle for the E string moves a little to the left because of hitting the string. Meanwhile, because of the pressure put on it when in tune, the G string saddle moves to the right. So I've got the E and G saddles moving away from the center. This leads to an uneven distance between the strings.

When I lower the saddles, frets start to buzz and I sometimes hurt my hand on those small metal screws that are sticking out from them. When I adjust them high, the string action gets uncomfortable. But that still doesn't make the "E&G" problem go away.

Second thing: I don't know if it's supposed to be like this, but my strings are off center with the fret board. The E string is about 5mm away from the edge of the board at the 20th fret, meanwhile the G string is about 2mm away from the edge on the 20th fret. Also, the nut itself seems like it's made to have the strings a little off center. I'll try to upload a picture later so you guys can see better.

Now - the above issues are purely cosmetic and I'm basically asking out of curiosity. The guitar is still very nice and plays like butter - no sound issues whatsoever.

But, I'm asking this to all more experienced Jazz Bass owners out there - do you have the same bridge problems as I do? Are there any special ways or guides to adjust the bridge? And what about the strings - are they off center for a purpose, or is it just on my bass?

...or can it be just the effect of crappy Mexican manufacturing? (Although from what I read, the early production MIM guitars were just assembled down south from American parts)

Thanks.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:02 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:52 pm
Posts: 2588
Location: Out there on the road
New nut and new bridge. Both can be done really cheap, and anything would be an upgrade.
Are both the saddle screws touching the bridge base?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:42 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:04 pm
Posts: 48
zod wrote:
Are both the saddle screws touching the bridge base?


Yes, they are touching the base. I'll try to post some pics today.

I'll probably buy a new Fender nut and bridge. But before I do that, does anyone have any other suggestions?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:34 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:04 pm
Posts: 48
Ok, here are the pics to better illustrate the problems:

First, a shot of the bridge. The E saddle moves to the left when I'm finger picking, the G string moves to the right because of the pressure the string puts on it.

Picture: http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/236/hpim6859vr2.jpg

Now the nut. Kinda looks like the distance between the E and the A strings is uneven.

Picture: http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6915/hpim6861yl2.jpg

Looking down the fretboard towards the body; this picture shows best how off-center the strings are.

Picture: http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9371/hpim6862by9.jpg


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:52 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:32 am
Posts: 785
Location: H-TOWN DAWG!!!!!
bad $@! 2 bridge hell yah

_________________
Nice goggles!!!

for those who know who Shaun White and and Dan Kass...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0PqyvHx ... D&index=40


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 6:25 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:18 am
Posts: 5
Sounds like you need good ole set up ..check the service tab on this site and it will walk you through it.....as far as the string to close to the edge you can try loosing the neckplate screws and shifting the neck ....fenbass


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:35 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:04 pm
Posts: 48
Problem solved, bought a new nut and a new bridge today, all regular Fender issue.

This topic can now be closed/deleted.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: