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Boner Bass Club

So exactly how did the stock bridge (actually really nice quality) get by R&D to being sold for 5 years being that it was spaced too wide? Was that a deliberate design choice (and for what reason?) or was it a major product design/manufacturer blunder? Would this non-traditional spacing work on some other Fender bass? :eyebrow: Crazy.

the spacing didint bother me to bad but it was so clos eto the edge of the fret board i would pull the string off kind of muting the string
 
the spacing didint bother me to bad but it was so clos eto the edge of the fret board i would pull the string off kind of muting the string

Yes, that seems to be the consistent complaint. It's not so much the spacing itself, but how it relates to that neck/bass.
 
So exactly how did the stock bridge (actually really nice quality) get by R&D to being sold for 5 years being that it was spaced too wide? Was that a deliberate design choice (and for what reason?) or was it a major product design/manufacturer blunder? Would this non-traditional spacing work on some other Fender bass? :eyebrow: Crazy.

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I never ever had a problem with the bridge on my 92/3 Jazz. Its the only Fender bass I kept once I sold off most of my basses. The spacing wasn't noticeably different from my other Jazz or Precision.
 
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I never ever had a problem with the bridge on my 92/3 Jazz. Its the only Fender bass I kept once I sold off most of my basses. The spacing wasn't noticeably different from my other Jazz or Precision.

Don't get me wrong, I love the bass, and may or may not switch out the bridge. I mean, it's not completely unplayable or anything. It just puts the E and G strings very close to the edge of the fretboard. (especially the heavier/thicker E) One used to playing a standard Jazz spacing may pull the G string off the board on occasions in the heat of playing. (and apparently this does in fact occur) It's a difference of nearly 1/8th inch between strings, which is substantial. (standard J =3/4", boner J =nearly 7/8")
I'll use it at a jam session tonight to determine if it will be an issue for me. Like I said - it's a nice quality bridge and I really don't want to replace it. (I can always use the one I ordered for another project)

It's just curious why they went wider, or at least as wide as they did. A 16th narrower (still wider than standard) and no problem!
 
Here's my '92 American Standard Jazz. I'm her only owner.
 

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Don't get me wrong, I love the bass, and may or may not switch out the bridge. I mean, it's not completely unplayable or anything. It just puts the E and G strings very close to the edge of the fretboard. (especially the heavier/thicker E) One used to playing a standard Jazz spacing may pull the G string off the board on occasions in the heat of playing. (and apparently this does in fact occur) It's a difference of nearly 1/8th inch between strings, which is substantial. (standard J =3/4", boner J =nearly 7/8")
I'll use it at a jam session tonight to determine if it will be an issue for me. Like I said - it's a nice quality bridge and I really don't want to replace it. (I can always use the one I ordered for another project)

It's just curious why they went wider, or at least as wide as they did. A 16th narrower (still wider than standard) and no problem!

yeah i just play heavy so that is why i switched the bridge.. but she is singing good now
 
Took the red boner through it's paces at a jam session last night and it's a keeper! Very ergo/balanced and any dialed tones sat in the mix really nicely. The E string response as was prior noted was a tad low but once I get the Super 55's I'll A/B them w/the originals and the best sounding set will stay regardless. The TBX is pretty cool as it's like having 2 tone knobs in one. (actually that is what it is :rolleyes: but it's still cool! who knew?) From 5-10 and using a pick it can get into '80 Modern Rock territory. I have an active J w/flats that gives me more of a creamy old school sound, but this passive J provides the growly texture in spades. The guys commented on the tone and enjoyed the back-story on this model. It's funny because being that it was a short-lived model - I wonder if Fender will ever do a RI of it? As it sounds like from other owners reviews, it's a useable great variation on the J theme.

Oh, and the string spacing was never an issue over 3+ hrs of playing. I'd say my touch varies and I play w/fingers and a pick, but it didn't even come to mind the whole night. Everyone's different and for me it's very playable. The original stays.
 
These are actually my favorite Fender Basses. Mainly because they have the two extra frets. I really don't know how people can play a bass with only 20 frets unless they never play above the 12th.

Yes, that is a plus for sure, although I usually play in the lower (cash) register ;)

Design-wise, I think that's why they redesigned the standard J body - because of the full length 22 fret neck (compared to a retrofit 2 fret overhang board. So with the longer neck it needed a longer upper horn and the rest is history.
 
Yes, that is a plus for sure, although I usually play in the lower (cash) register ;)

Design-wise, I think that's why they redesigned the standard J body - because of the full length 22 fret neck (compared to a retrofit 2 fret overhang board. So with the longer neck it needed a longer upper horn and the rest is history.

The am deluxe had 22 frets as well, but had a much smaller horn....... but doesn't balance nearly as well.

A bent plate standard fender bridge is a must though.....
 
The am deluxe had 22 frets as well, but had a much smaller horn....... but doesn't balance nearly as well.

A bent plate standard fender bridge is a must though.....

Well, it might be because this bass was specifically designed (by George Blanda) to be what it was. The Am Deluxe sounds like it was probably more of a "let's update these basses w/22 fret necks on a 20 fret platform". More of a make-do than a purposeful design like the boner. I'm more sold on it every day I play it - just returned from a song-oriented band rehearsal and it sounded great in that context as well.
 
I miss my old Boner soooooo much.
It was a rare one. It was one of the last ones made. I believe in 93 they finished out the series. There were only about 10-15 made like this. No series/parallel switch,Maple board, ash body. Just a scant few exist...i know one of the other owners through just owning the bass. Ditched those lace pup for some passive Barts. Hands down the best bass i ever played.

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Heres th other one i know of
manny.jpg
 

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