Fender American Standard 2008+ Black Intonation Saddle Screws

[chechunka]

I'm not a fan of the black springs and screws on the 2008+ American Standard Precision Bass hardware.

i.e.: Fender Bass Bridge, American Standard Precision / Jazz Upgrade

These Screws: Fender Precision/Jazz/P/J Bass Bridge Saddle Length Adjustment Screws, Twelve

don't work. They fit the saddles, but the screw heads are too wide to properly sit inside the insets on the back of the bridge.

Have any of you found a proper replacement that's nickel, or chrome?

Thanks!

 

[chechunka]

To anyone who has been down this path, or will be some day. He is the kind reply from Fender:

Unfortunately, we have only ever used black oxide screws with this bridge, we do not inventory a chrome/nickel version of that intonation screw. I have the specs on the screw if you would like to try and find from an aftermarket source:

Machine screws 6-32 x 1-1/2 HEX SKT BLX

Please let me know if you need anything else.

 

[chechunka]

I did some research and ordered these: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-9177286-Socket-Stainless-10-Pack/dp/B07D5TKLHQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6-32+x+1-1%2F2+HEX&qid=1586313222&s=hi&sr=1-3

My contact at Fender verified that he thought they would work, so I'll let y'all know.

 

[Turnaround]

I did some research and ordered these: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-9177286-Socket-Stainless-10-Pack/dp/B07D5TKLHQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6-32+x+1-1%2F2+HEX&qid=1586313222&s=hi&sr=1-3

My contact at Fender verified that he thought they would work, so I'll let y'all know.

I think you will find that they are exactly right.

 

[chechunka]

I think you will find that they are exactly right.

I'm really hopeful. Also, hopeful they look clean. I found some on eBay that also matched the specs, but the pictures had bits of dirt in the threads and even though they were listed as stainless steel they looks more like galvanized nails.

 

[JimmyM]

Don't forget to replace the springs, too.

Actually, this isn't a bad idea. I'm not particularly fond of the black screws and springs, either. I could never replace them with socketed screws, though. But I guess as long as you have an Allen wrench the right size, it's not a biggie.

 

[chechunka]

Absolutely! The springs are in hand and ready to rock @JimmyM .

On my other '08+ I just got the aforementioned fender saddle screws that don't fit, and had a luthier grind the ends down to make them fit. I don't have a grinder, and our music store is closed during this pandemic. Amazing store too btw (Mass Street Music - Lawrence, KS) they are legitimately one of the best in the country.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

My local hardware store has the entire Hillman Fastener "wall of drawers", including some chromed screws. I always look there first, and usually find a substitute that works. I've bought a few things from McMaster Carr, but you end up paying 4 times the cost of the screws in postage. Things like chromed Fender pup height adjustment screws are really hard to find though, just bit the Amazon bullet on those, Prime has gone from 2 days to 2 weeks, sign O' the times.

 

[chechunka]

Update: they fit perfect and make a huge difference in the aesthetics imo.

 

[JimmyM]

Update: they fit perfect and make a huge difference in the aesthetics imo.

You should leave it like that.

 

[chechunka]

You should leave it like that.

LOL

 

[Sachelis]

Update: they fit perfect and make a huge difference in the aesthetics imo.

That looks great! Where did you find the springs?

 

[96tbird]

Update: they fit perfect and make a huge difference in the aesthetics imo.

Great. Now get those saddles level with the base plate so they don't rattle on you. You've got some of them higher on one side of the saddle than the other.

 

[chechunka]

That looks great! Where did you find the springs?

I found them on reverb!

 

[Sachelis]

I found them on reverb!

And the height adjustment set screws (or do you have the specs for those)?

Looks good!

Thanks.

 

[JimmyM]

You know, I came thisclose to doing that. Never once thought about them till this thread, then when it got revived yesterday, I got to thinking, yeah, I think I'd like that. Then I priced everything, realized how much work it would be, and thought, eh, it's not so bad with the black

 

[chechunka]

And the height adjustment set screws (or do you have the specs for those)?

Looks good!

Thanks.

I got them on reverb also. I can't remember the exact part number.