REPLACEMENT "FENDER" BRIDGE

[lowphatbass]

I'm going to be replacing the bridge on my 75P in the near future. Years ago I replaced the bridge on my 83J with a sweet, cast unit that actually had Fender script on it. It was massive, looked good and performed beautifully. I've looked but not found anything, does Fender make replacement bridges that are not the usual folded stamped steel pieces? I'm not really looking to upgrade for tonal reasons, the original bridge is just worn out so I may look at a "stock" replacement but I would LOVE to find one of those old "custom shop" units to throw on. Anybody know of these? Are they still around? Would they ever fit my P?
Thanks!
LPB

 

[Musiclogic]

I know the bridge you are talking about. I have seen two in my life. You might want to contact Fender directly, or google one of the Fender registry's, who also might be able to turn you on to one.

 

[Bard2dbone]

Wasn't that back in the early '80's (say '82-ish?) that Fender started doing some major variation on the original themes?

I remember a guy who had an all walnut P with two P pickups, one in about the usual spot, and one around where a J bridge pickup goes. And they weren't normal P pickups, either, lots of rounded edges and light colored plastic (white or cream, in stead of black.)

That bass had a much more serious bridge than the usual Fender stamped metal piece.

I suspect that's what you're looking for.

 

[lowphatbass]

That sound about right. I got the bass new in 83 and proly did the bridge and active pups around 85 or so. Man I loved that bridge, pretty slick piece. I'll find one eventually, I hope.

 

[Bard2dbone]

That was around the time they did this really cool nut on the Strat.

If you got a Strat with a tremolo bridge back then, it didn't have a regular nut. The thing I'm remembering was Fender's answer to the Floyd Rose locking nut. It was a clamping nut that was operated by a lever. In clamped position, the lever followed the lower curve of the headstock. When you needed to change your strings, you just grabbed the clamp lever/arm thing and pulled it down. Change 'em. Tune a couple of times to get the stretch out of 'em. Flip the clamp back up. Viola locked at the nut.

Apparently they wore out too easily, or broke, or something.

Next they went with a roller nut. It was more reliable, less strain on the materials and all. But they discontinued it as well. I don't know why. I liked both of those designs in the short run. I never got to really try them out long term, though.

 

[Turock]

Wasn't that back in the early '80's (say '82-ish?) that Fender started doing some major variation on the original themes?

I remember a guy who had an all walnut P with two P pickups, one in about the usual spot, and one around where a J bridge pickup goes. And they weren't normal P pickups, either, lots of rounded edges and light colored plastic (white or cream, in stead of black.)

That bass had a much more serious bridge than the usual Fender stamped metal piece.

I suspect that's what you're looking for.

You are describing a Fender Precision Elite.

 

[Bard2dbone]

Then it sounds like he wants an 'Elite' model bridge.

Although I'm inclined to roll my eyes as I say "Good luck with that." because I haven't seen one since the '80's.

 

[Turock]

Then it sounds like he wants an 'Elite' model bridge.

Although I'm inclined to roll my eyes as I say "Good luck with that." because I haven't seen one since the '80's.

Actually, the early 90s American P Deluxe had the same (or very similar) bridge.

 

[Musiclogic]

Bard, it was the "Cam Clamp Locking System" I think that is what they called it.....not sure anymore...it was developed by the same guy who designed the Torsion Bar design in Washburns "Wonderbar" Tremolo. Both had a limited duration of effective usability before malfunctioning....maybe they didn't last long as options....LOL

 

[Bard2dbone]

I don't remember them specifically, though. I do remember the Elite series, because a friend had a walnut P.

Are you aware of availability for one of those bridges?


edit: Whoa! Someone jumped in here while I was typing! Cam clamp, that's the one. For a couple of months it was an awesome idea. Then it wasn't anymore.

 

[Musiclogic]

Was just on Ebay, saw a bridge very similar(Asian Aftermarket piece) looked the same but with no "Fender" script on it

 

[Musiclogic]

Gotcha Bard watch out for the fat Ninja poster

 

[lowphatbass]

Thanks folks! I'll hunt around but from the looks of it I may be settling for a stock replacement. Would be nice to beef it up a bit but I just feel a BAII would look out of place on this bass, was hoping for some sort of compromise. I'll try to hunt down a pic of this bridge and keep you posted.

Thanks Again,

LPB!

 

[Musiclogic]

ummmmm...this bridge....right??

 

[lowphatbass]

That's got to be it! There are some details I don't recall seeing, but it's been over 15 years. To me that's a darn good bridge that would feel at home in the 60's, 70's or 80's. Thanks so much for the pic! I one you one!

 

[Musiclogic]

Not a poblem, Some info I came across, this bridge was on the Elite basses, and made in limited production from 83 to 85. It was Fenders second attempt at production Active basses

 

[tonedeaf]

I've got one of these bridges. It came on a Jazz bass (not original, obviously) that I traded for a few years ago. I've always been mildly curious about it, even looked it up here a few times, but just got around to figuring it out today.

Here are some pics. I'm looking for a black bridge for this bass, so I'd sell this one if anyone was interested. Anybody have an idea what it's worth? One of the screws is broken, but otherwise it's flawless.