Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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- PAT. # 2.972.923
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Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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
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
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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
Your 65 should have the large domes
- fullerplast
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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...
Post a pic of your bridge. We can tell if its legit or not...
Q. Are we not men?
- andrewaward
- PAT. # 2.972.923
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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.
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.
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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.
I really appreciate it. You guys are amazing.
- Guitarman555
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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 thanksfullerplast wrote: ↑Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:26 pmTrue 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...
- Guitarman555
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Re: Vintage Jazzmaster Bridge Changes
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 thanksandrewaward wrote: ↑Wed Mar 23, 2011 12:30 pmLate 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
- Guitarman555
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