Fender Squier 60s Classic Vibe JAZZ BRIDGE

MVE · #1 02-28-2011, 12:27 PM

Does anyone have any experience with these Bridges?

I saw one on a Squire Classic Vibe Bass in Guitar Center and liked the look with the chrome bracket and brass saddles. I ordered one to replace the Gotoh on my fretless Jazz.

But then thought to myself? hmmm, you don't really know anything about these.

Anyway, can anyone tell me:
1. Are they standard 5 screw spacing?
2. has anyone had any issues with them, (like adjustment screws stripped, finish flaking off, etc...? )

Thanks

fenderhutz · #2 02-28-2011, 12:28 PM

Yeah don't replace a Gotoh with this bridge.

The metal is actually kind of soft and will bend if dinged or if a screw doesn't go in straight. It is a standard 5 screw bridge.

It's a cheap bridge, but decent for the price of the bass. Gotoh is a much better bridge.

When I tried it against my BadAss II is was noticeably not as clear and didn't sustain as well.

MVE · #3 02-28-2011, 12:38 PM

Thanks Fenderhutz,
I guess I probably just wasted 45 dollars.
The Gotoh is fine but I just don't like the way it looks. I like the look of the Fender high-mass vintage, but I don't want to fill and drill if I can find a good 5 screw.
I don't really like the curved back of the hipshot.
Any ideas? I might just go with the old school folded steal.

fenderhutz · #4 02-28-2011, 12:42 PM

Maybe an alternate.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Vintage-...ome_p_831.html

That Squier bridge might sound fine for your needs. I just know how my bass sounds with a BadAssII and the clarity and attack wasn't there.

fenderhutz · #5 02-28-2011, 01:00 PM

Some people claim bridge tones are "snake oil". I wish I would have AB'd those two bridges and recorded them.

MVE · #6 02-28-2011, 02:19 PM

Yeah, I don't know if I could tell a difference in sound or feel myself. I am more concerned with functionality, like well tapped screw receivers, general sturdiness and such.

I wish someone would do a comprehensive study on bridges. There is the conflicting ideas that high-mass equals better punch and sustain vs. a stiff low-mass (like aluminum) for better harmonic response but less overall sustain.

I've tried using different things, (pens, pencils, steel bolt, graphite rod, etc...) under the 5th fret to essentially act as a new nut and I could not tell a difference between them sound-wise at all.

The bridge on my Alembic screws into the wood and not the standard Alembic brass block. It has a much more acoustic quality to the sound than other Alembics I have played, but clearly many other things could be at play other than the bridge block.

5string5fingers · #7 02-28-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Maybe an alternate.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Vintage-...ome_p_831.html

That Squier bridge might sound fine for your needs. I just know how my bass sounds with a BadAssII and the clarity and attack wasn't there.

The screw spacing is slightly wider than a standard fender bridge on the CV HM bridges.

fenderhutz · #8 02-28-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5string5fingers

The screw spacing is slightly wider than a standard fender bridge on the CV HM bridges.

Yes slightly. But when I switched it didn't affect screw placement. Screw pulled down straight with no issues.

5string5fingers · #9 02-28-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Yes slightly. But when I switched it didn't affect screw placement. Screw pulled down straight with no issues.

I wish that was the case on mine. I'm going to have to fill and drill on my CV if I want a standard fender bridge.

fenderhutz · #10 02-28-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5string5fingers

I wish that was the case on mine. I'm going to have to fill and drill on my CV if I want a standard fender bridge.

Weird. I wonder if it slightly changed or something. Mine was sitting on a shelf for quite a while at a music store.

MVE · #11 03-04-2011, 02:40 PM

Fenderhutz,
I just got the bridge and you are absolutely right. The spacing is about 1/16 to 1/8 inch wider... I can't imagine what engineer would draw that up that way.
It is also nickle plated, not chrome. I do like the look of the nickle, but my control plate, knobs and tuners are all chrome.
I ordered a 15$ Wilkinson vintage chrome with brass saddles, maybe that will have the look I'm going for.
I should probably just leave well enough alone as this is a beautiful looking and as close to perfect sounding and playing J fretless as I have ever held... but can't stop tinkering.