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Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 2:46 pm
by jbarker745
So I know this is an oooollllddd problem but I'm reaching out for any advice. I just got a TVL Jazzmaster all factory a couple weeks ago, and the bridge height screws...do not stay in place at all. I set the bridge height and...well, when I first starting playing it a couple weeks ago it took a couple days for the bridge to settle back to the pickguard. Now it's maybe a song or two and I realize I'm fretting out because the bridge is back down to the pickguard...and forget about keeping the intonation right.

Before anyone suggests replacing the bridge, trust me: I know. But there's a global pandemic on, so I'm looking for makeshift advice till I can get my Mastery ordered and my repair shop is actually open. Is there something you can shove in under the bridge that maintains height? I assume this keeps it from "floating" but that's I guess fine? I can't imagine theres no juryrigged work-around someone's come up with in 70 years, but basically I keep seeing people say replace it. Again, totally agree, just not practicable for a bit.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 3:11 pm
by jorri
Maybe there is some nail polish or similar substance in the house you can use as threadlocker.
Maybe even some dilute PVA glue?
Even some kind of paint.
General goop would do the trick. Basically Loctite threadlocker is a painty-pva type rubbery substance when dry and that would work. . Bit of trial and error.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 5:04 pm
by jbarker745
I guess so. Basically cements it place right? But if the threading is so loose who cares? Thanks

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 5:17 pm
by timtam
Your TVL Mustang-style bridge (7702080000) comes stock with anti-sink bushings like the Staytrem/Marr bridges. Are yours not in place, or not working properly ?
Image
https://reverb.com/ca/item/4546585-fend ... dge-chrome

Parts manual ..
https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Orig ... 4-2014.pdf

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 5:45 pm
by andy_tchp
No need to replace.

Loctite threadlocker (blue or purple) is a product designed exactly for this. I'm not sure if delivery services are still operating where you are though, but if they are you should be able to order online.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 6:46 pm
by seawalker
Blue loctite from Amazon 8)

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:39 am
by fisonic
Loctite guide page 9.

http://wdarc.org/Loctite%20Guide.pdf

In short, use purple.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 5:45 am
by jorri
jbarker745 wrote:
Thu Mar 26, 2020 5:04 pm
I guess so. Basically cements it place right? But if the threading is so loose who cares? Thanks
Don't quite understand the sentiment. If it's so loose then this is what fixes loose screws.

Of course, I've used a Stagg that has fitting screws and yet Fender can't manage it. But good luck because that doesn't really exist.

Loctite THREADLOCKER. not superglue. Not "blue Loctite" the fluid is blue, the blue packet one is often superglue. My threadlocker is a red packet. Confusing terms since Loctite mostly known for cyanoacrylate superglue.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 6:50 am
by timtam
For the absence of doubt, it's Loctite 242. But like I said I'm curious why the anti-sink bushings on your TVL bridge aren't working.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:03 am
by jorri
timtam wrote:
Fri Mar 27, 2020 6:50 am
For the absence of doubt, it's Loctite 242. But like I said I'm curious why the anti-sink bushings on your TVL bridge aren't working.

Is it possible for you to turn screws anymore with that?

Try 243...

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/uk/en/ ... 243.html

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:11 am
by timtam
jorri wrote:
Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:03 am
timtam wrote:
Fri Mar 27, 2020 6:50 am
For the absence of doubt, it's Loctite 242. But like I said I'm curious why the anti-sink bushings on your TVL bridge aren't working.

Is it possible for you to turn screws anymore with that?

Try 243...

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/uk/en/ ... 243.html
242 and 243 are basically the same ... the medium strength blue stuff that every handyman uses (not just on offsets) that may still need to be taken apart again at some point in the future without too much hassle ...
https://www.greaseexpert.com/loctite-242-vs-243/

Loctite Purple (222): Low Strength Threadlocker.
Loctite Blue (242/243): Medium Strength Threadlocker.
Loctite Red (262): High Strength Threadlocker.
Loctite Green (294): Penetrating Threadlocker.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:10 am
by jorri
I misread as 424 not 242.

As long as no one's using superglue is fine.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:16 pm
by Debaser
I don’t use loctite, I use Teflon tape on the bridge post screws. This gums up the treads just enough to keep steady/absorb vibrations, but also allows adjustment. Same for the clear nitro lacquer I use do the bridge saddle screws.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:19 pm
by Debaser
timtam wrote:
Thu Mar 26, 2020 5:17 pm
Your TVL Mustang-style bridge (7702080000) comes stock with anti-sink bushings like the Staytrem/Marr bridges. Are yours not in place, or not working properly ?
Image
https://reverb.com/ca/item/4546585-fend ... dge-chrome

Parts manual ..
https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Orig ... 4-2014.pdf
Depends. My TVL did not have that bridge, and I bought it brand new.

Re: Jazzmaster bridge height screws suck...advice for quarantine?

Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2020 8:34 pm
by ChrisDesign
Debaser wrote:
Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:16 pm
I don’t use loctite, I use Teflon tape on the bridge post screws. This gums up the treads just enough to keep steady/absorb vibrations, but also allows adjustment. Same for the clear nitro lacquer I use do the bridge saddle screws.
Teflon tape is great. It will hold your threads without leaving any residue.