new bridge on vintage Fender JB

spiritofcatemac · #1 12-30-2012, 11:03 PM

I'v got to replace the bridge on my vintage ' 69 Fender JB, anyway the bridge is not original and does not aline properly the strings. I wounder if the

Official Fender American Standard High Mass Vintage Precision/Jazz Bass Bridge- String-Thru Body or Topload- Genuine Fender
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Fender-...item2c6afa48fa

would fit, or if I have to go with the

Official USA Fender Deluxe Precision/ Jazz Bass Bridge- Deluxe Chrome Plated Steel Bridge Plate
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-USA-Del...item53f12d8af8...

Thanks, Chris

atomicdog · #2 12-30-2012, 11:17 PM

Nothing wrong with hi-mas bridges, but they will change your sound.I find the vintage bridges to be more focused, more punchy.

Bobster · #3 12-30-2012, 11:26 PM

Hi,

How about just adding a set of threaded saddles to your current bridge? This will let you align the strings and keep the bass's vintage look.

Look on the right side of this page: http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bass_saddles.htm

Bob

C.Linton · #4 12-31-2012, 12:10 AM

You say the bridge is not original? Any idea what kind it is? Maybe you can post a pic? If I had to replace a bridge on a bass like that, I would get one a sclose as possiblle to what came with it stock,certainly NOT any kind of modern HM bridge. (BTW, is it a reissue '69 or an actual '69?)

rockinrayduke · #5 12-31-2012, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobster

Hi,

How about just adding a set of threaded saddles to your current bridge? This will let you align the strings and keep the bass's vintage look.

Look on the right side of this page: http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bass_saddles.htm

Bob

This is the way to go, just switch out the saddles with the threaded ones.

96tbird · #6 12-31-2012, 06:47 AM

Since your bridge is not original Fender, get the entire threaded saddle vintage bridge. Top left on this page. http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/b...uinefender.htm

spiritofcatemac · #7 12-31-2012, 07:15 AM

Thank you to every opinion. I is a original vintage Bass but the bridge is not Fender and there is no way to change saddles. It has a higher mass then the original. This bridges were installed also on Warwick basses in the 80's. The former owner installed this bridge as the original one would no let him slap as he liked to. I never changed it as it did the job more ore less for me. I brought now the bass in for service and I was recommended to change the saddle. I also was told the the original vintage bridge is not that precise for set-up as the newer ones and that was my main concern. Chris

spiritofcatemac · #8 12-31-2012, 07:24 AM

I found a foto...

96tbird · #9 12-31-2012, 07:32 AM

The vintage bridge when set up by someone that knows how ( takes five seconds to learn) is every bit as accurate as any fancy new bridge. Any one that says its not accurate is not to be trusted because they have no clue. The accuracy of turning a screw to intonate is entirely dependent on the ability of the person to control their muscles from spasms or palsies;

When you intonate a bass, there is NEVER perfection all the way up and down the neck. You have to compromise a bit. No matter what people say, there is no perfect pitch on a fretted instrument.

96tbird · #10 12-31-2012, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiritofcatemac

I found a foto...

Schaller.

JLS · #11 12-31-2012, 10:26 AM

Your BS detector should have started going off, right about then.

C.Linton · #12 12-31-2012, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Your BS detector should have started going off, right about then.

Indeed. Sounds like someone is trying to sell you a more expensive bridge. Get a proper Fender bridge with threaded saddles.

Bobster · #13 12-31-2012, 12:47 PM

As long as there isn't any mechanical issue with the Schaller bridge, don't change a thing.

Just set it up and go play!

Bob

96tbird · #14 12-31-2012, 06:22 PM

OP says it doesn't align the strings properly. Does he know the saddle spread is adjustable?

C.Linton · #15 12-31-2012, 06:44 PM

Looking at the pic again Tbird's right. No need for any kind of new bridge if you don't want one. Like I said, it sounds like the tech is tying to sell you a bridge you don't need.

walterw · #16 01-01-2013, 02:22 AM

not a fan of those schaller roller bridges (i think they're tone sponges) but you can obviously adjust the string spacing to your heart's content.

+1 to ditching it for a proper vintage-style bridge with the threaded saddles.