Fender experts needed here...

[baileyboy]

Need some input from some Fender experts... I have an all original 1973 Fender Jazz. Often wondered why the G string saddle screw is longer than the others. The saddles do sit pretty far up on the bridge plate toward the neck, but I'm not sure if this was typical for early 70s J basses. Any thoughts on this? Thanks

[bass-flyer]

Not sure WHY the longer screw .... but it was used from '69 to '73.

[AphekGreg]

The G string saddle needs to be closer to the neck than the others, so they thoughtfully gave you enough length. Better than some bridges I've had where the screw isn't long enough.

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

It's longer because the saddle needs to extend the furthest, for intonation.

[jazz Bass 74]

Here's a scan from The Fender Bass: An Illustrated History discussing the change in the bridge between 70 -73:

[baileyboy]

Thanks so much for the replies... I really have to get that Fender book.

[mongo2]

My '73 P has the extended screw bridge. Fender moved the bridge back about a half inch closer to the end of the Precision body for a while starting around '70 timeframe so the saddles may have had to extend further to intonate (depending on the setup of the individual instrument). When intonating with the bridge further back there would be enough screw length for the EAD saddles but the end of the intonation screw for the G saddle could wind up inside the saddle too far, hence the longer screw.

Since the P and J used the same bridge the long screw bridge carried over to the J.

Here's two pix I found at Chicago Music Exchange to demonstrate (note the position of the bridges relative to end of the body):


'69 P bass.............................................. .................................................. ......'71 P bass

[baileyboy]

My G string saddle sits right at the very edge of the bridge plate, almost as far as it can before it would go onto the body of the bass. Good stuff here that helps it all make sense, thanks again.

[bass-flyer]

I really have to get that Fender book

A MUST have IMHO, if yer a Fender bass kinda guy.

[Flaked Beans]

Yup, they had longer screws.

my 71 jazz


and my 72 jazz