Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes

[bubbles]

Hello Everyone, I have a question hopefully someone can answer. I'm currently looking for a correct bridge for my '65 Jazzmaster. I notice that some bridges on the bay have little metal mounds around where the bridge adjustment screws go, and some are flat.

I seem to notice that almost all pics I see of circa 1965 Jazzmasters have these mounds, but sometimes not.
Which is correct? Should all 1965 bridges have the metal mounds, or what? Other examples I see simply have the holes there, and no mounds, similar to AVRI bridges.
Which year did they change?

Many Thanks.
Paul C

[weed_killer]

They changed as a result of the CBS takeover, so it likely took a while before all of the earlier bridges were used up. You could use either one and still have it period correct.

[andrewaward]

Late 1969/1970 was the year the domes got smaller on bridges,...........this seemed to coicide with the bridge covers loosing there "ears"

Your 65 should have the large domes

[fullerplast]

True in general, but there are variances in the size of those mounds. I have a '58 bridge with very small mounds. They are there, but small. It has beveled legs, rounded "feet", and three sizes of threaded saddles... so I know its an original bridge. I also have a few empty plates with smaller mounds, but not visible flat rivets like reissue bridges. Maybe some were sourced from a different machine shop?

Post a pic of your bridge. We can tell if its legit or not...

[andrewaward]

Yeah, its possible a few early models had those very small rivots (although out of approx 30 gold guard era JMs I've seen, I've never personally came across them - only thing different I've noticed in these were the flater rounded feet)..........

I have seen one on a late 59 refin recently...........but of course, its possible these bridges got lost or seized up in the 70s, and a new bridge was ordered from Fender at that time, and a "current" bridge would be sent. That would be my thinking.

And yes over the years the dome changed very subtley, until the big change in 69/70, and as I said the bridge cover changed then also - I would guess hand in hand with each other.

[bubbles]

Thank y'all so much. That's great information. It's strange, but I didn't see the bridge changes discussed on the "intricacies" website.
I really appreciate it. You guys are amazing.

[Guitarman555]

True in general, but there are variances in the size of those mounds. I have a '58 bridge with very small mounds. They are there, but small. It has beveled legs, rounded "feet", and three sizes of threaded saddles... so I know its an original bridge. I also have a few empty plates with smaller mounds, but not visible flat rivets like reissue bridges. Maybe some were sourced from a different machine shop?

Post a pic of your bridge. We can tell if its legit or not...

Was there a sound/ material difference between bridges in late 70's? I have seen one from 79 or 80 and not sure if it still sound the same. Many thanks

[Guitarman555]

Late 1969/1970 was the year the domes got smaller on bridges,...........this seemed to coicide with the bridge covers loosing there "ears"

Your 65 should have the large domes

Was there a sound/ material difference between bridges in late 70's? I have seen one from 79 or 80 and not sure if it still sound the same. Many thanks

[Guitarman555]

Here are pics of the late 70's bridge, thinking about purchase, but not sure if those still play same as 60's: