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Squier VM Jazz Bass Height Adjustment Screws

#21
Agree - that if you use the correct hex tool they will last longer than flat head type screws. I invested in a real nice one made by Bondhus (1.5mm hex) with a ball end and it has been fantastic to use and NEVER strips out the heads.

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#22
Bassamatic said:
Agree - that if you use the correct hex tool they will last longer than flat head type screws. I invested in a real nice one made by Bondhus (1.5mm hex) with a ball end and it has been fantastic to use and NEVER strips out the heads.

It's this one - Invalid Link Removed
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I'm sure you would agree....

If you use the correct tool for the fastener - and use it correctly - they ALL work well and last well. The cause of failure is usually operator error.
 
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#23
stereophonic said:
Yeah 3M x (insert height here in millimeters). I don't know if there's a difference between calling them 3M vs 3mm, but when I was looking for them on ebay, all of the results that were useful to me showed up as 3M x (height in millimeters)
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The M designates it as metric and is normally before the diameter, eg, M3 x 0.5. The values are in millimeters.
The second value is normally the thread pitch (distance between threads). The second value could be the length though, in an advertised value, especially if only one thread pitch is available for that particular diameter.

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#25
stereophonic said:
Hello,

I need to get new Set Screws for my bridge for adjusting the height of the strings on a Squier VM Jazz Bass. The problem is that I can't find specifications of the screws that I need so that they fit. Does anyone know the measurements that I should be googling? Or maybe a link to a store page where I could buy them directly?

Thanks.
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Just got my Squire VM and have the same problem....the allen wrench doesn't fit well strip easily. I'm using the allen supplied by Fender and it is sloppy. No idea if it's the wrench or driver. Some strings adjust OK. String tension is huge and the screws need to be tight fitting and clean or they strip. I had to take the tension off A string to get the screw to loosen. Pain in the ARS.....
 
#27
Should replace the bridge with one of these, it’s a better and more correct era bridge than the stock one... 294CCE2E-8DE3-4EFA-8536-ECCE06BF7A8F.jpeg
 
#28
stereophonic said:
Would this be compatible with my bridge saddles?: Nickel Metric Guitar Bridge Height Screws | Allparts.com

On that website it seems like the only metric screws are all with hex heads. I was hoping to find something with a regular Slot style screw head because the hex heads seem really weak and easy to wear out.

The reason I need new screws in the first place is because after the first time I tried to adjust my saddle height, the screw heads got rekt by my tool and so now they don't turn. But it may be that the stock screws that came with the guitar were just made badly...
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Try loosening your strings before attempting to adjust your saddle height, or maybe a (tiny) drop of light oil on the saddle screw threads before working them.
 
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#29
The Bass Clef said:
The set screws on the VM bridges are very soft metal and strip easily. I also recommend getting a replacement bridge (or saddles /w screws).
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When a string has about 40 lbs of tension that means there is about 10 lbs of pressure on each saddle screw. Don't expect a 3 mm grub screw to be able to move that kind of pressure. LOOSEN YOUR STRING BEFORE RAISING THE SADDLE.
 
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#30
sissy kathy said:
When a string has about 40 lbs of tension that means there is about 10 lbs of pressure on each saddle screw. Don't expect a 3 mm grub screw to be able to move that kind of pressure. LOOSEN YOUR STRING BEFORE RAISING THE SADDLE.
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It doesn't change the fact the metal these set screws are made of is super soft and super low quality... a lot like pot metal or pewter. No matter how carefully you do it, they will eventually strip out. And on many of these screws, the tolerances are inconsistent from one screw to the next, from the factory. I've set up several of these basses for people.
 
#31
stereophonic said:
What about this one [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
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Yes I did adjust the height without loosening the strings. The tool that came with my bass was bad because it didn't make good contact with the screw holes, so it rounded them out. Since then I've replaced 1 screw that got rounded out beyond use, and I bought a new 1.5mm hex wrench which fits well. Now I STILL do height adjustments without loosening the strings, and the screws are turning well.
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I am having the exact problem with new VM Jazz and of course you adjust without loosening the strings........I suspect non jiving specs.....the screw could be high and the wrench low and there is enough slops to round the wrench or screw. I too only have trouble with one screw. They should really use a larger beafier screw.......so I'm looking for 3m screw and 1.5m allen
 
#32
stereophonic said:
I've noticed that my bridge is causing some rattling noises and I want to ask if it would be a good idea to upgrade to a slightly better one? I feel like the squier stock one is very flimsy. I just want something that will hold the strings well without rattling and have the grooves for the height screws to keep the saddles aligned. Budget for this would be below 30-40 dollars since the bass itself is cheap.

Any suggestions?
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often the ratttling is caused by the set screws being set evenly in height and buzzing against the base plate or rattling in the threaded hole itself because it's loose. easy to find -just play each string and place your finger on its saddle. you'll feel the buzzing under your finger.
 

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