Jazzmaster Bridge Issue?

[el_goodo_maximo]

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]

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]

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]

Where can you purchase a buzzstop?

 

[tremoloman]

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

I found it for sale at All Parts for $45.00. Use the keyword "buzz" in the search bar. Or do a search on eBay... there is one on eBay for $13.00 right now.

Warmoth Direct both the standard fixed and a modified Mustang bridge 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]

How far is it meant to bend anyway?

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]

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]

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]

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'

And with the buzz stop:

 

[EnglishJW]

Have any of you who have installed the buzz stops noticed any difference in tone?

 

[DrumBob]

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]

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]

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]

http://www.masterybridge.com/bridge.html

I've been told by Jazzmaster players that this is the answer.

 

[Meritone Music]

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