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Allen (or torx) key size for '87 Fender Jazz Special?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by buckthorn, Jul 5, 2018.

  1. Jul 5, 2018 #1
    buckthorn

    buckthorn

    Jun 21, 2013
    Black Earth, WI
    I recently pulled this bass out of the closet after buying it used years ago. With new strings it plays great, but I'd like to raise the action of the strings a little. The string-height screws (two per string) are so tiny, I can't even tell whether they are allen or torx, much less which size. Anyone know the type and size?
     
  2. Jul 5, 2018 #2
    sissy kathy

    sissy kathy Back to Bass-ics Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    Arbutus, MD
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2018
  3. Jul 8, 2018 #3
    buckthorn

    buckthorn

    Jun 21, 2013
    Black Earth, WI
    Thanks. That pdf says "American standard bass". Are you sure that covers the JBS? I did pick up a 1/16 wrench and it was nearly impossible to use. I managed to finally get in into a couple of the saddle screws, but it was too hard to work the others. I'm kind of at a loss.Is it possible that this bass takes a 1.5mm?
     
  4. Jul 8, 2018 #4
    sissy kathy

    sissy kathy Back to Bass-ics Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    Arbutus, MD
    That's the same wrench that the precision takes. The jazz special is a hybrid between the two, that is the correct wrench.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2018
  5. Jul 9, 2018 #5
    Matt Liebenau

    Matt Liebenau

    Jul 7, 2013
    Ogden, Utah
    There is probably “stuff” in where the hex key goes. You will have to find a way to clean them out. In a pinch, working part of an old guitar string around in there can have some success, otherwise, you’re stuck scraping with a dental pick or something similar.
     
  6. Jul 9, 2018 #6
    sissy kathy

    sissy kathy Back to Bass-ics Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    Arbutus, MD
    I'm sorry. It seems I've misled you. After further research I believe the JB special was only made in Japan and may in fact be metric. I'd check the neck, if it was made or crafted in Japan it should say so.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2018
  7. Jul 9, 2018 #7
    buckthorn

    buckthorn

    Jun 21, 2013
    Black Earth, WI
    No apology necessary. I appreciate your trying to help, so thank you. Yes, I think it was made in Japan. So maybe it is a 1.5mm after all. Obviously it's a tough piece of info to track down.
     
  8. Jul 9, 2018 #8
    charlie monroe

    charlie monroe Gold Supporting Member

    Feb 14, 2011
    Buffalo, NY
    A JBS is in fact Japanese and wears metric hardware.
     
  9. Jul 9, 2018 #9
    sissy kathy

    sissy kathy Back to Bass-ics Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    Arbutus, MD
    A suggestion, Sweetwater carries some Fender Japan instruments and they have pretty good customer service. Call and see if you can get some assistance from them. .(800) 536-8463
     
  10. Jul 9, 2018 #10
    buckthorn

    buckthorn

    Jun 21, 2013
    Black Earth, WI
    Ok, thanks.
     
  11. Jul 9, 2018 #11
    MonetBass

    MonetBass ♪ Just listen ♫ Supporting Member

    Sep 15, 2006
    Tulsa
    Save yourself a lot of time and anguish by buying a full set of both American and metric hex wrenches. Then find one that fits.
     
    Matt Liebenau and Lownote38 like this.
  12. Jul 9, 2018 #12
    Lownote38

    Lownote38

    Aug 8, 2013
    Nashville, TN
    ^^^^ This! I have a full set of standard size and a full set of metric size for this reason. So many things use these hex wrenches. Some are standard, and some are metric.
     
  13. Jul 10, 2018 #13
    buckthorn

    buckthorn

    Jun 21, 2013
    Black Earth, WI
    It *is* a 1.5mm. String heights have been adjusted and I'm much happier with how it plays now. Thanks everyone.
     
    Lownote38 and charlie monroe like this.