• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Jaguar. Help!

G

GradyBass

Oct 15, 2006
187
4
Paris, France
#1
OK So I've got terrible GAS for a hot rod red Jaguar. I know they're MIJ, and while I do one day hope to get a custom shop J, I had a dream last night where i was playing a jaguar. But there was more.

I have questions!!

COULD I fit a BAIII bridge on there AND a swanky bridge cover? And for that matter PUP covers? I think that would be a really cool mod for the Jag, and I've not done any cosmetic retooling, and I think it would look awesome.

Also, what are the big benefits of going from stock to a BAIII bridge?
 
#2
I love the BAII on a P-bass, but--for some reason--a jazz bass (as the Jaguar essentially is) benefits (IMHO) more from the "ring" inherent to either the stock bridge or, in my experience, the Hipshot Vintage bent plate with the quick-string release. There is a larger pickup cover available at basspartsresource.com, but I'm considering going with the Hipshot, then the classic bridge and pickup chrome covers; the MIM jazz has a routing hole where the pickup cover would attach, but I don't know if this is true of the Jag; current owners can tell us; let's see pix when done, and I'll send mine.
 
#3
I played a red Jag at Sam Ash today. I was hoping it would be a lighter version of the Jazz. No such luck. Those suckers are heavy!

Has nothing to do with the OP's question, but just thought I'd throw that in.
 
#4
Whatever bridge you go with you will want to make sure it is adjustable for width. I replaced my Jaguar OE bridge with a Gotoh unit only to realize the mounting holes had been drilled a little off center. I had a large gap on the treble side and the low E string was almost at the edge of the fingerboard. Because I have since taken the Gotoh off and gone back to the original.:crying:
 
#7
I understand my desire for a change is slightly limited (and probably based out of pure ignorance) but I see it commonly referred to as a "must have upgrade" or a "step up bridge" or "Standard upgrade." Pretty much what I mean is if you all jump then I'll jump, too. ;) I assume the more substantial BA bridge would increase adjustability and stability over a factory fender bridge. Please correct me if I'm wrong!

And the cover (with the Fender F) on there should fit, yeah?
 
#8
Is the BAIII "ONE Better" than the BAII?

I am ignorant too as I had never heard of a Badass Bridge until a couple of years ago (I was a Gibson and Fender guy that didn't surf sites like TB).

I bought a Geddy Jazz that had a BAII and HAD to have one on my MIM Jazz fretless. Do I notice the difference in sustain? Ahem... sure,:cool:

Anyways, I would love to hear why I should rip out my BAII for a BA III (or is it BA IIV?):bassist:
 
#9
GradyBass said:
I understand my desire for a change is slightly limited (and probably based out of pure ignorance) but I see it commonly referred to as a "must have upgrade" or a "step up bridge" or "Standard upgrade." Pretty much what I mean is if you all jump then I'll jump, too. ;) I assume the more substantial BA bridge would increase adjustability and stability over a factory fender bridge. Please correct me if I'm wrong!
Click to expand...
You're wrong. I have never done a bridge change that made a difference in sound or adjustability. All they've ever done is add weight. And you should never do any mods to a bass because people on Talkbass think you should or because your hero plays a bass with that mod. You only do mods with a specific purpose in mind.
 
#10
I've brought my Jag into a great local luthier, and they said they weren't sure the stock Jazz bridge and pup covers would fit. I wasn't in the mood to order the parts to find out if they were compatible, so I haven't gotten an answer either.

I've recently put DR red strings on it, and I bet it'd look even better with the added chrome from the ashtrays.
 
#11
JimmyM said:
You're wrong. I have never done a bridge change that made a difference in sound or adjustability. All they've ever done is add weight. And you should never do any mods to a bass because people on Talkbass think you should or because your hero plays a bass with that mod. You only do mods with a specific purpose in mind.
Click to expand...

Mass/weight changes sustain. You might not hear it but some do. By the way swanky covers did not fit over my jag. I left the stock one on cause bridge cover looked cooler and it was lighter.
 
#12
JimmyM said:
You're wrong. I have never done a bridge change that made a difference in sound or adjustability. All they've ever done is add weight. And you should never do any mods to a bass because people on Talkbass think you should or because your hero plays a bass with that mod. You only do mods with a specific purpose in mind.
Click to expand...


Then why is it considered a "standard upgrade" and why do people believe the factory bridges are so "chintzy?"

And I know that there are bridge upgrades that increase adjustability. Owning 4 warwicks and NO fenders, I'm not aware of the quality or adjustability of Fender Bridges. I know about Warwick 2-piece bridges, with adjustable tailpiece, and adjustable saddles for height, width, and distance from bridge/neck.

And no, my hero didn't recommend this.

Sorry I'm wrong. :rolleyes:
 
#14
Touché.

However, I'm still not convinced. I'm sure there are actual logical reasons people upgrade- or switch out, rather.

I will talk to my luthier/repairdude and see what he thinks about things. Thanks all for your input, though!

So will the bridge cover with the "F" fit over the factory and/or BA bridge? And the ashtrays won't fit? Aren't they standard J pups?
 
#15
OK, let me try to give you a serious answer now that I've thought about it. Some people do like the aftermarket bridges. They might be slightly more adjustable than the stock Fender bridges. However, people can tell me that they improve the sound until they're blue in the face, and I will never believe them. Same for the Fender bridges' alleged flimsiness.
 
#17
GradyBass said:
why do people believe the factory bridges are so "chintzy?"

And I know that there are bridge upgrades that increase adjustability. :
Click to expand...
Some say the bridges on the MIM and Squiers are made of inferior metal. I don't know if that is so but the Jaguar uses the vintage bridge which IMO is all you should need.

You can adjust string height two ways on each string and the speaking length backwards and forwards. what other adjustments are needed? Lumbar support?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back