It's a nightmare scenario--time for panic mode (MIM bridge content).

knigel · #1 05-21-2010, 04:16 PM

Ok, maybe the title is a bit of an exaggeration...

I am in the process of refinishing my 1992 MIM Fender Jazz. These were the ones with, I believe, the same size pickups. I bought a set of Seymour Duncan SJB-3 pickups, knowing they would quite line up with the original bridge. But they don't line up on either the E or G for either neck or bridge--each side looks like it needs to move out slightly (or E up, G down knahtamean?)

So, can anyone recommend a replacement bridge that won't break the bank that would allow the strings to line up better? I would rather spend more money for better alignment, but I am POOR--but I also need to be able to play this bass! I would also prefer a direct drop type, but I ain't askerred of a little woodworking.

I did indeed search, but I didn't find the information I was looking for.

knigel · #2 05-21-2010, 04:16 PM

ARGH, I should have put this in hardware/repair. Sorry.

danomite64 · #3 05-21-2010, 04:24 PM

You could find threaded saddles for your existing bridge, or live with it the way it is. If you can, post a pic; the alignment doesn't have to be perfect for things to work properly. Maybe yours is close enough.

FunkMetalBass · #4 05-21-2010, 04:30 PM

Hipshot A-style bridge. They can even drill out the routes so that it fits into the original Fender holes.

spaz21387 · #5 05-21-2010, 04:33 PM

or get a badass 2 bridge

knigel · #6 05-21-2010, 06:22 PM

Hmmm, maybe the saddles will do the trick. Brass ones....

Anyone use the Gotoh 201 in this situation? I may try the BAII, but those are getting harder to find (not impossible).

spaz21387 · #7 05-21-2010, 06:22 PM

bestbassgear always has them

knigel · #8 05-21-2010, 06:36 PM

Yeah, it's mainly a cost thing. 80 beans is a lot for a bridge right now. Maybe in the future...

knigel · #9 05-21-2010, 06:49 PM

I think threaded saddles are going to do the trick. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

Pilgrim · #10 05-21-2010, 08:05 PM

Or just ignore it. The sound won't change - strings don't need to line up with pole pieces.

knigel · #11 05-21-2010, 08:10 PM

Ignore it....that's the cheapest idea yet!

walterw · #12 05-22-2010, 09:27 AM

the threaded guys are a real improvement, both because of the spacing thing and the fact that when you do spread the strings out to line up properly, it forces the saddles in towards each other, holding them together tightly. this prevents the rattling and sliding around, and seems to improve tone and sustain a little.

the ones from allparts are like $20.

knigel · #13 05-22-2010, 11:10 AM

Yeah, and basspartsresource has them for 15. Honestly, I may do the threaded solution even if the string don't have to line up perfectly. It's an inexpensive trick for a little more set-up flexibility.