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Post subject: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:20 pm
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I just got a Blacktop Jazzmaster. It's perfect except for the horrible humbucker in the bridge (Which I'm going to replace), but most importantly.... the AWFUL bridge.

I've heard people complain about the bridge buzzing and the saddle screws loosening themselves, but my bridge is AWFUL. Why has Fender never fixed these bridges? I am considering returning the guitar because of how horrible it is.

The problems are:

1.) The buzzing. I was able to fix this for the most part using Loctite Blue like people have suggested, but it didn't completely eliminate the buzz.

2.) Strings keep coming out of the grooves.

3.) (the Most annoying) I can't lower the action to my preference because of the design of the bridge. If I lower the saddle, the string will rest on top of the metal part of the saddle, and buzz against it.

I hate the bridge, I"m so frustrated and don't know what to do. My Mexican strat was a PERFECT guitar, and thought that getting another Fender would provide me with another flawless guitar, but this bridge is horrible.

I don't have a lot of money, what are my options? Should I just return the guitar?


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:45 pm
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From you response, I'd say just return the axe. Try a Jaguar or a Soapbar PRS.

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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:31 pm
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Yukiko wrote:
From you response, I'd say just return the axe.


+1

You might give the Classic Player Jazzmaster a look-see. The trem is relocated closer to the bridge for an increased break angle over the saddles and the floor of the neck pocket has been angled to put some pitch into the neck/body interface. With a set of custom Novak pickups, the guitar will do everything you expect from the Blacktop model without any of the aggravation.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:56 pm
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Increase the neck pitch angle with a shim, then raise you saddles slightly to bring the action back to spec. This will increase the break angle over the saddles, thereby solving your problem :D


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 11:04 pm
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I'm sending the Jazzmaster back, and taking a serious break, possibly permanently, from guitar. I'm so frustrated, I can't believe how many problems guitars can have, it's unbelievable.

My Mexican Strat was PERFECT. The bridge was simple, and I had NO problems. Why does fender continue making this Jazzmaster with a bridge that is such an issue? There are hundreds of people online with the same problem. I'm just done with it all, really, I'm so frustrated and angry. The only way I can make the strings not come out of the groove, and not to buzz against the bridge is to raise the action REALLY high. It's ridiculous. And I don't have 1,000 dollars to spend on a Classic Player.

I'm just so frustrated.


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 7:54 am
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As pointed out earlier in the thread , the Classic Player models solve the problems of the originals. Some prefer the original set. I appreciate the new refinements present in the Classic Players. According to MF, the Classic Player models are $799.

http://backstage.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... tId=518687


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:42 am
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Yukiko wrote:
As pointed out earlier in the thread , the Classic Player models solve the problems of the originals. Some prefer the original set. I appreciate the new refinements present in the Classic Players. According to MF, the Classic Player models are $799.

http://backstage.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... tId=518687


+1

If there is any shortcoming to the Classic Player at all, it's the limited number of finishes the guitar is available in.

The day FMIC releases one in Ocean Turquoise Metallic or Sea Foam Green, I'm on it!

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:25 am
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The classic player looks amazing, but I can't afford it. The blacktop I got was 450 dollars, while the classic player is almost twice that.

I don't know what to do, I'm probably going to just send it back. It's so frustrating.


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:29 am
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Sounds like you ought to send it back. Seems that's what you want to do. Hope you still have your MIM or find what you're looking for.
Welcome to the forums!!


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 12:05 am
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Wow, 'had a Jazzmaster for 16 years and it's likely the fave Fender, unless you count the '62 Reissue Jaguar, which has the same bridge.

Never had a problem of any kind and love the Jazzmaster.

'Sounds like you and the instrument are not a good fit. Best of fortune in solving your dilemma.


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:02 am
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Whatever happened to a mustang bridge FTW?!?!? I heard that works loads better and is pretty much a drop in replacement... and only like $20 http://cgi.ebay.ca/FENDER-MUSTANG-STYLE-BRIDGE-JAZZMASTER-JAGUAR-/280663627332?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item4158db1644

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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:30 am
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You do have a couple of cheaper options. You could by a buzzstop for about $40 or grab a jag bridge at stewmac.com for about the same price. Either would solve your problem.

I'm a big fan of the jazzmaster bridge (it takes some time to love) and wouldn't recomend a buzzstop for a more traditional jazzmaster because I find it changes the sound, but I'm guessing the blacktop doesn't sound a whole lot like a traditional jazzmaster anyway (not a criticism, its just different).

If you find the the humbucker in the blacktop appealing you might also dig the additional sustain a buzzstop would give you. If you like the guitar, other than the bridge, and would like to keep it, that is probably your best way forward.

I do question fenders decision to include the standard JM bridge on the blacktop line. As I say, I love the bridge but it can be tempermental and might not be the best option for a guitar model not necessarily aimed at the core jazzmaster market - if there is such a thing. It could also be a frustration for newer guitarists or guitarists playing in a more vigoruos style (the target audience for the blacktops I would guess).


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:25 am
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Are you seriously going to let a bad experience with 1 IMPORT model guitar turn you off from playing guitar all together? Sell it or trade it for something better and move on. All guitars can have many various problems if not properly set up and regularly maintained.


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 12:46 pm
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Hey DerGeist or anyone else that might have experience with the Stop buzz

Will that significantly tighten the tension of the strings?.......i had another post on the subject.

I love the guitar and at the volumes I play at a little string buzz doesn't effect me lol……….but the floppy stings to me are a real deterrent.

I have a stop buzz on order…………just waiting for the call.


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Post subject: Re: HATE the Jazzmaster bridge, unplayable guitar.
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 2:26 pm
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I don't have a buzzstop on my JM but a friend of mine has one on his. The buzzstop increases the break angle going into the bridge. It won't really do anything for the string tension. It may change how easily strings slide over the bridge which may give you a stiffer feel (it may have been in my mind).

The other option is much heavier strings. I'm generally a pretty light guage sting guy .009s on fenders and .010s on Gibsons but I will happily play a JM with .010s or .11s.


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