OffsetGuitars.com

Hello all!

Just discovered the forum while doing research for a mod I want to do.

As stated in the title I have a Squier VM JazzMaster which I great except for the bridge and the lack of the tremolo! So I thought I would route the body for a standard JazzMaster tremolo and install a Warmoth Modified Mustang bridge.

From the measurements I've taken I believe the Squier will accept the mods. The part I'm unclear about is exactly where to place the tremolo route. Does anyone have a diagram of how to place the tremolo route? Also, is there a routing template for the tremolo or will I have to make my own?

Thank you for any advice.

Joe

Take 1, apply as needed.

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Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I needed.

Any tips on doing the routing. I have basic wood working skills, but have never tried to route a guitar. Also any tip on not scratching the body while routing?

Edit: After looking at the diagram, I don't see how deep the route should be. Can you tell me the depth?

woolbrig wrote:Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I needed.

Any tips on doing the routing. I have basic wood working skills, but have never tried to route a guitar. Also any tip on not scratching the body while routing?

Edit: After looking at the diagram, I don't see how deep the route should be. Can you tell me the depth?

This is what I've been seeing on the forum: "Trem cavity - 1 3/8""

Oddball wrote:This is what I've been seeing on the forum: "Trem cavity - 1 3/8""

Thanks for the info. I got my router template made, gotta practice a few times before I start cutting into the guitar!

can't wait to see the result

woolbrig wrote:

Oddball wrote:This is what I've been seeing on the forum: "Trem cavity - 1 3/8""

Thanks for the info. I got my router template made, gotta practice a few times before I start cutting into the guitar!

Before you take the route deep enough that the base of your router will sit on the body itself (rather than the template) cover the top of the body with masking tape, so you don't scratch the finish. The masking tape is also nicer to mark your center line, so you don't draw on your guitar...

Also, use a forstner bit in a drill press to remove much of the wood before routing- this way you put less wear on the router bit. It's also that I've found that the less you use a router, the safer you are

Uhm Andrew, what the hell is that and how much will you be selling it for?

I mean, I'm assuming it's a sort of Dano Hornet meets Bass VI thing..

valley_parade wrote:Uhm Andrew, what the hell is that and how much will you be selling it for?

I mean, I'm assuming it's a sort of Dano Hornet meets Bass VI thing..

It sold on eBay for like $150 last year... The pickups alone were worth more than that... Not my biggest loss, but still disappointing...

andrewdoeshair wrote: Before you take the route deep enough that the base of your router will sit on the body itself (rather than the template) cover the top of the body with masking tape, so you don't scratch the finish. The masking tape is also nicer to mark your center line, so you don't draw on your guitar...

Also, use a forstner bit in a drill press to remove much of the wood before routing- this way you put less wear on the router bit. It's also that I've found that the less you use a router, the safer you are

Thanks for the tips! I will be applying all of these tips for sure! I'm going to try to get it done this weekend if I have time. I want to take my Time and make sure I get it right!

First I want to thank everyone for the advice on how to do this. Without it, this mod wouldn't have gone near as smooth!

This was my first time to cut into the body of a guitar, so I'm sure I made mistakes, and I know it's not perfectly placed, but I guess it's ok for an amateur.

The bridge holes that were drilled in the body were a tad to far apart. I moved the post closet to the low E over about a 1/16". In hindsight, I should have moved the other hole. The high E is a little close to the edge of the fretboard. I may plug a redrill at some point, but it's ok for now.

Wasn't sure how to do the pickguard, so I jut drilled the holes bigger to allow the bridge post to pass through it. I got a little carried away on one side and made the hole a little big.

Once I got it back together I did a quick setup and gave it a try. Much better! I sounds really good and the goofy looking bridge is gone! Right now the tremolo is locked. Tomorrow I'll try to get it adjusted correctly. Never messed with a JazzMaster tremolo, so it should be an adventure!

Now... how can I hide the hole left from the old bridge...


Here are a few pics...

After measuring about 10 times and goofing it up a couple of times I finally got the route marked on the guitar.


Point of no return!


Drilled out and first pass with router completed.


Route completed.


What do you know, it fits!


The finished Project:

Good job! Looks great!

New poster here, I'm considering getting a Squier to do the same mod. I'm not sure if I missed it, but from what I understand, you were able to use the old bridge screw holes. I remember reading somewhere that the distance between them was off somehow, so how did you modify the holes to accept a standard bridge?

I wouldn't worry about that little hole. Maybe just put a pickguard screw there.

gooorio wrote:New poster here, I'm considering getting a Squier to do the same mod. I'm not sure if I missed it, but from what I understand, you were able to use the old bridge screw holes. I remember reading somewhere that the distance between them was off somehow, so how did you modify the holes to accept a standard bridge?

The holes for the Squier bridge are slightly further apart than the standard JazzMaster. What I did was re-drill the existing holes to be 3/8" and used a file to move one of the holes in about a 1/16" of an inch. Ideally I probably should have plugged the holes and redrilled, but it worked ok the way I did it.