Hardware recommendations?
- GuitarsnGravel
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Hardware recommendations?
Hello,
I'm building my first JazzMaster. The body is on its way. It is constructed from reclaimed cedar by Nomoonlaser. I'm a fan of their bodies.
I have a maple Carvin 22 fret neck with an ebony fretboard and Sperzel tuners. I am seeking knowledge.
What are some good authenticate sounding JM style pickups? Fender are an obvious choice, but I'm open to suggestions.
Who makes a good vibrato and bridge? Again, Fender is again the obvious choice but I'm open to alternatives.
I'm building my first JazzMaster. The body is on its way. It is constructed from reclaimed cedar by Nomoonlaser. I'm a fan of their bodies.
I have a maple Carvin 22 fret neck with an ebony fretboard and Sperzel tuners. I am seeking knowledge.
What are some good authenticate sounding JM style pickups? Fender are an obvious choice, but I'm open to suggestions.
Who makes a good vibrato and bridge? Again, Fender is again the obvious choice but I'm open to alternatives.
- Shorty Medlock 5151
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I bought used genuine Fender pickups for my Jag build and will likely do the same for the JM project that is next in line.
Nothing against aftermarket parts but my budget was $75 for the pickups. I did buy new Fender tremelo, Mustang bridge and CTS pots, etc.
Nothing against aftermarket parts but my budget was $75 for the pickups. I did buy new Fender tremelo, Mustang bridge and CTS pots, etc.
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I'll likely do the same. I want a traditional JM sound. My aim is to use it for Jazz type of sounds.
- UlricvonCatalyst
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
The Staytrem bridge is a good alternative which should 'cure' the low E string slippage that can occur if using the tremolo with light-ish strings. They also offer a traditional-style (curved) tremolo arm with a special collet which stops the arm swinging loose, but don't offer a whole tremolo tailpiece. Many people consider both products to be worthwhile upgrades.GuitarsnGravel wrote: ↑Sun Aug 14, 2022 4:13 pmWho makes a good vibrato and bridge? Again, Fender is again the obvious choice but I'm open to alternatives.
- marqueemoon
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
What radius is the fretboard on the neck? That’s going to determine your bridge options.
- JackFawkes
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I'm building a parts-Jag at the moment and went with a Staytrem bridge and AVRI vibrato; though like marqueemoon mentioned, the radius of your specific neck is going to determine your bridge options...
Jack
Jack
- marqueemoon
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I’m a Staytrem bridge fan too if it works with the radius.
I have one guitar with the Mastery vibrato and it’s nice and smooth, but also heavy and expensive.
People seem split on the Descendant vibrato here. I’ve yet to try one.
I personally can’t stand the MIJ vibrato or anything with a screw-in arm.
I have one guitar with the Mastery vibrato and it’s nice and smooth, but also heavy and expensive.
People seem split on the Descendant vibrato here. I’ve yet to try one.
I personally can’t stand the MIJ vibrato or anything with a screw-in arm.
- Nico
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
Easy way would be mustang bridge, AVRI trem. It's a sure shot.
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
12" Radiusmarqueemoon wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:25 amWhat radius is the fretboard on the neck? That’s going to determine your bridge options.
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I've been reading about Staytrem, it seems like a good option.UlricvonCatalyst wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:13 am
The Staytrem bridge is a good alternative which should 'cure' the low E string slippage that can occur if using the tremolo with light-ish strings.
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
I read that the Schaller roller bridge will work on a JM. Schaller bridges have always worked well for me and rollers seem like a smart option. Anybody here try the Schaller?
- UlricvonCatalyst
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
Although they ship internationally, it's probably more of a best option if you're in the UK. Otherwise import taxes will jack the price up a bit.GuitarsnGravel wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 4:45 pmI've been reading about Staytrem, it seems like a good option.UlricvonCatalyst wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:13 am
The Staytrem bridge is a good alternative which should 'cure' the low E string slippage that can occur if using the tremolo with light-ish strings.
As for the Schaller roller bridge, it's not a common modification, possibly because it doesn't work straight out of the box with JM/Jag/Mustang bridge thimbles, but if you can make it work for you, why not.
- JackFawkes
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
The flattest radius that Staytrem offers is 9.5" so your D and G would probably feel a little high on that 12" radius neck with that bridge, wouldn't it?GuitarsnGravel wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 4:41 pm12" Radiusmarqueemoon wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:25 amWhat radius is the fretboard on the neck? That’s going to determine your bridge options.
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
Yeah, I was wondering if I could jackup up the other 4 saddles to compensate. Decisions, decisions.JackFawkes wrote: ↑Tue Aug 16, 2022 12:02 pmThe flattest radius that Staytrem offers is 9.5" so your D and G would probably feel a little high on that 12" radius neck with that bridge, wouldn't it?
- GuitarsnGravel
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Re: Hardware recommendations?
The Schaller or the StewMac roller bridge are the way I'm going to go. Schallers allow for string width adjustment, which is a nice feature and their build quality is top notch. They have a 14" radius while the Stew Mac is 12". I've built around 10 partscasters and I'm not afraid to experiment. I'm not sure if I can get the bridge to rock, hoping the rollers will allow the arm to return to pitch.UlricvonCatalyst wrote: ↑Tue Aug 16, 2022 3:53 amAs for the Schaller roller bridge, it's not a common modification, possibly because it doesn't work straight out of the box with JM/Jag/Mustang bridge thimbles, but if you can make it work for you, why not.
Update: Ordering the WIlkinson roller bridge. I'm concerned with the strings hitting the edge of the bridge on the Schaller and the StewMac units. The Wilki is cheap, a third the price of the Schaller.