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FAO: Fender Jaguar owners - The Bridge


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#1 Fran

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Posted 09 May 2009 - 08:49 AM

The stock Fender Jaguar bridge is a common cause of problems for the new Jaguar owner, there are various solutions to the various problems you may encounter.
This is a cause for debate amongst some Jaguar users, however, the most important thing is to find a solution that works best for you. There is no right or wrong way written in stone somewhere in the corridors of Fender.
On this forum this is a common topic within this section, we get the same questions over and over again. So..

There are some set-up tips in the FAQ section on this website and also on http://www.fenderjaguar.net/setup.htm where this topic is covered in depth.

After years of answering peoples questions concerning the Jaguar bridge on Youtube i thought for quick access i will put up some information here that i hope will answer some of the newer users questions.

Common Problems

1/ The bridge rattles and buzzes
2/ The grub screws work themselves loose
3/ The bridge moves back and forth
4/ The bridge slips down during playing
5/ The intonation screws are too long
6/ The strings jump on the saddles

At this point its worth considering a few things about the Jaguar. Firstly it was designed with the intention of players using heavy gauge strings like 12s or 13s. This does help with some of the problems but it does not mean it is the best answer to the problems, modern players generally use smaller gauge strings so if you dislike heavy gauge strings you can dismiss that solution.
Secondly, the bridge is supposed to move/rock back and forth. That is part of the design and how the tremolo system works, the bridge rests on two screws that forms a pivot whenever the tremolo is used. Fixing the bridge may jeopardise the tremolos performance, the guitars tuning AND you may encounter excessive string breakage.

Common Solutions

1/ There is a device called a 'buzzstop' that is available from various stores and ebay for around £25.00. It screws to the tremolo tailpiece and works on the principle of increasing the string angle over the bridge increasing pressure reducing buzz.
A second solution is to raise the saddles via the saddle grub screws (so that the grub screws are slightly submerged in the saddles), then compensate the height by lowering the whole bridge via the two bridge post screws. Also lubricate all parts with something like vaseline, lypsol, grease, etc.)
2/ The grub screws probably wont be tight in their threads, this is common. So they work themselves loose with vibration. To stop this happening you need to stop the vibration within the thread, again- vaseline, lypsol or grease works well. You could even try PTFE plumbers tape or candle wax, some users have applied 'Super Glue' but its difficult to make any adjustments afterwards.
3/ The bridge should move back and forth as pointed out.
4/ The grub screws on the two bridge posts can also work themselves loose with vibration, this means the bridge slips lower over a period of time with guitar constantly going out of tune.
The solution is the same as with the saddle grub screws.
5/ Once your intonation is set up, if the intonation screws are too long you can cut these shorter with a hacksaw or simply snip them with the cutter part of a pair of pliers.
6/ Increasing the angle of the strings helps 'string jumping', whether you do it with a 'buzzstop' or raising the saddles. You can also file a small groove in each saddle with a triangular needle file. So that the saddle looks a little like a Mustang saddle.

Another common solution is to fit a Fender Mustang bridge, but some players still experience problems afterwards. That aside, the Jaguar bridge is a better bridge in respect it offers a lot more adjustability.

This information also applies to the Fender Jazzmaster bridge as it is the same.

I hope this is useful to people, and like i said.. find the solution that works best for you. :)

#2 mcconnachiea

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Posted 09 May 2009 - 11:44 AM

Mad-Mike got a vid up for this:



You wasted your time fran :P
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Robbmonster said:

Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken

#3 Fran

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Posted 09 May 2009 - 01:04 PM

You wasted your time fran :P

That depends on what Alex does with this thread.
I put it here as easy access for new members, instead of having to answer the same questions over and over again OR people like you giving incorrect advice.
Mikes video is new, if you could be bothered to look i have had a Jaguar set up video on Youtube for two years with over 1,300 viewings. There is also Hurbs set up which is years old. Get with it man.

#4 mcconnachiea

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Posted 09 May 2009 - 02:11 PM

I was just jokin

But I hope it gets on the FAQ. Give Alex a PM
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Robbmonster said:

Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken

#5 Purplehaze19x

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Posted 05 June 2009 - 06:44 PM

Fran knows his Jaguar bridges. I bought a Jag from him and it was set up perfectly, i didnt have to ajust anything. No buzzing, raddles, jumping strings or ajusting screws working loose. All the ajustment remain the same to this day and its my main workhorse.

#6 Fran

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Posted 15 June 2009 - 02:35 PM

:-cool

#7 mcconnachiea

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Posted 15 June 2009 - 02:38 PM

:o

u got stiky'd fran!

I spent AGES looking for this thread...... I forgot to look right at the top >.<
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Robbmonster said:

Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken

#8 Mad-Mike

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Posted 29 June 2009 - 01:41 PM

Actually, Fran did not waste his time as I was kinda inspired to do my way after seeing his vids on youtube, since I do some weird unorthodox stuff (exchanging parts off of different bridges...etc).

#9 robert(original)

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Posted 02 July 2009 - 06:18 AM

bravo, and well put kind sir.

#10 The Big Cat

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Posted 10 September 2009 - 01:06 AM

Greetings from the land of Queen Catherine Zeta Jones (Wales, UK). I bought my Jap jag when they came on the market in Oct 1987 and straight away had it professionally set up. The bloke who did the work used a kind of glue called Lok-tite to cement the grub screws in position and they've only ever moved when I've taken a screw dirver to them. I've not used a plectrum for about ten years and so pulling the strings hard is part of my rhythm & lead styles. This used to produce problems with my ultra thin 8 gague high E string jumping off the saddle. Not any more, for about 5 years ago i simply hacksawed a deep groove into the saddle which now holds the string snugly until it snaps (about every third recording session). My tremelo unit locking button used to both rattle and slide into the lock position when I didn't want it to. I've remedied that by using a small circle of carbon fibre that bikers use to protect their machines from scratches & weathering and which are called "strips n dots". I simply cut a slot out of the centre and slid it inbetween the button and the main trem unit plate where it acts as a little pad or buffer. The rattle stopped and the button now only moves when I want it to.

#11 Fran

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Posted 11 September 2009 - 11:46 AM

Hey, how is Catherine these days? Not seen her in ages.

Thanks for the ideas, its cool to know how different people find different solutions. :-cool

#12 The Big Cat

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Posted 14 September 2009 - 04:28 AM

Since posting my last reply I've come up with an idea for tightening up the whammny bar holder which tends to unscrew itself during violent bar activities. As you know the bar slots into the cylindrical holder which in turn is held in position by a nut that can only be accessed by removing the "Fender" stamped plate. You can tighten the holder by hand or with a pliers but the first is not really effective and the second could maim the holder's chrome. My idea (to be tried during my next change of strings) is the dismantle the trem unit, put the holder cylinder into a vice and drill a hole through it at a right angle. This hole can then be used to put a hex key, nail or any other small bar of metal through so as to act as a turning lever that can be used to effectively re-screw the cylinder tight. My true sovereign and imperatrix Queen Catherine of Zeta, has sadly setled down with some old American bloke, but I stil hope that her heir in waiting, Crown Princess Charlotte of Church will one day leave her handsome young rugby playing chap for a more mature Jag-toting Welsh muso. PS, there might be photos of my legendery "Catwoman" Jag on this site shortly.

Happy trails. THE BIG CAT

#13 dogfayer

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Posted 29 January 2010 - 03:49 PM

Hi,

Instead of adding an ugly buzzstop...
Couln't we just deeper the grooves on the saddles ? ;-)

#14 funtoosh

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Posted 29 January 2010 - 04:27 PM

the buzzstop does sth. slightly different - it changes the angle, and it keeps the strings behind the bridge from vibrating too much.
solid: framus diablo (2001) // hollow: framus stella (’60s) // bass: squier bronco

#15 dogfayer

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Posted 29 January 2010 - 05:44 PM

Slightly different ? I admit u should upgrade a MIJ or a CIJ Jag (or what else...) with a buzzstop. But... Here I talk about an AVRI. Do you find it normal to do such a fix in on a 1700 € Fender instrument ? I'm just deceived with mine... :-tired Shouldn't I ? :mrgreen:

#16 Fran

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Posted 30 January 2010 - 06:57 PM

Do you find it normal to do such a fix in on a 1700 € Fender instrument ?

No.
Its a joke, and one we've all lived with for years.
Considering the price of the AVRI Jag (and even CIJ models at £500) you'd expect the guitar to perform well straight out of the box brand new. Unfortunately this is'nt usually the case and its abysmal on Fenders part to be quite blunt. Despite the guitars traditional intentions/set up you would think they would have corrected the problems concerning modern set up, but technically speaking, vintage reissues remain exactly what they are, warts and all.
I'd advise new buyers toward the MIM CP range now. Unless you are looking for some 'period correct' vibe/sound/look i dont see the point in vintage reissues anymore. I kind of feel sad typing that but things have moved on quite a bit in the last couple of years.
Amen.

#17 punkacc9

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Posted 13 February 2010 - 11:56 PM

that skide switch on a jaguar trem, ive read that ut use to have use on the usa jags as took lock the spring or sumthing? why dont they do this on the mexicans or just get ride of it and make a flat plate instead of leaving a useles slide there?
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2008 black HH hardtail jaguar

#18 lazyjedeye

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Posted 30 March 2010 - 09:35 PM

I have the vibrato lock on my cp jazzy and jag?

#19 hoddyman

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Posted 03 April 2010 - 11:07 AM

The buzzstop modification is, of course, completely reversable.
Something here should be said about neck angle. There are, undoubtably, minor variations in neck angle [to the body, as viewed from the side] between different individual jaguars. This affects string tension over the bridge as much as anything you could do behind the bridge. One may wish to shim their guitar neck. Some Fender necks I've seen come from the factory already shimmed. It's just one more thing you can do, [or un-do], to change the tension of the strings.

#20 Fran

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Posted 04 April 2010 - 08:34 AM

Good point. Removing and shimming a neck seems extreme to some people though, unless you are use to setting guitars up it can be a scary thought.




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