How to adjust Jaguar tremolo, bridge and pickup problems.

This video shows how to adjust the bridge. Fix buzzing tremolo. And add springs to bridge pickup.

[@na7v645]

One of the reasons the Jags and Jazzmasters buzz is the neck angle is often wrong. I don't know why but Fender doesn't appear to machine this correct angle into the neck pocket. If the neck has a 1 to 2 degree down angle it will increase the bridge height to the correct level and also increases the down pressure on the bridge. This down pressure will help the original bridge with the strings popping out problem and will also reduce buzzing. Stewart McDonald sells properly made neck shims in 1/2 and 1 degree angles just for this issue. I recommend these because unlike a small shim they won't decrease acoustic coupling between the neck and body. Some people think this doesn't matter but in my experience it does. If you notice all guitars like the Les Paul for example, that use Tune-O-Matic type bridges have this downward neck angle and the offset Fender guitars essentially use a TOM type bridge geometry. If you address the problem by changing the bridge to a non Jag bridge your treating the symptoms not the root cause. Using the correct neck angle is also a lot cheaper than the device from the UK. Once I used a 1.5 degree neck angle on my Jag all the setup issues got better as well. I got a lower action. However, if you shim the neck I recommend you go through a complete setup starting with checking your neck relief etc. Each guitar will vary slightly, My Jazzmaster sets up well at 1 degree while my Jag likes 2 degrees. Test with some strips of wood to determine the correct neck angle and then order a set of shims from Stew-Mac and then you don't have to buy several to try out. Important: 1 degree of neck angle = .062" at the front of the neck pocket. So, try 1/16" shims and 1/32" shims till you get the right angle (.062"=1 deg., .093"=1.5 deg., .125"=2deg.). Gotta love those Jags. Best Wishes, D.

[@davidcudlip6587]

You can also put your tremolo arm in a vise and give the end that goes into the tailpiece collet a good rap with a hammer. The slight bend your hammer put in it will make it tighter when it's re-installed. Old trick that works. Staytrem is back to shipping to the U.S. again. All vintage style necks adjusted the truss rod from the neck heel. Fender changed the design in the 60's. Some Vintage reissue necks are still made that way.

[@AndrewMartin-bs3dc]

Most the Johnny Marr signature bridges are a 52mm mustang bridge! Just double check with the supplier you order from, I believe there were a few runs that were not 52mm.

[@sionlewis1931]

Great vid - and you sound like Harry Dean Stanton too 🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍

[@christineblack4654]

lol for the trustrod cant you just take the neck off 4 screws. adjust and put back. you dont even need to take off the strings.

[@juliodavid49]

I've never done or seen anybody adjust the true rod while off the guitar. You don't have to remove the neck on any Fender to adjust the true rod. You adjust it as needed and re-tune it.

[@Orieus]

i sqeezed my collect with pliers 10 years ago and the arm is still nice and stiffly in place since.

[@studio31productions83]

Hey dude.... If u wanna get a staytrem... Im in the UK... more than happy to help get one over to you!

[@juliodavid49]

How much?

[@juliodavid49]

So can you still get me the Staytrem bridge? Let me know.

[@studio31productions83]

Sorry for the delay... been a crazy weekend... what’s the best way for me to private message you dude?

[@juliodavid49]

Go to my channel. Click on about and you will see my email address.

[@mantid138]

@@juliodavid49 did this deal work out? I was lucky enough to have a kind fellow in the UK send me a staytrem collet, bridge for my jag, and another for my VI. Stoked with how well they work!

[@yo_no_umbra]

@BravoFix staytrem are now available to shipping outside of UK.

[@juliodavid49]

Finally. But I got mine about a year ago. Had to pay a pretty penny for it.

[@ferro_liquido]

hey, do you know where can I buy it? Can't find it anywhere. Thanks

[@juliodavid49]

@@ferro_liquido I bought mine through Reverb.com. But I just checked and they don't have any for sale. And Staytrem in England seems to be out of stock also. Looks like they are getting pretty popular again. Try doing a pre order at Staytrem.com and and wait until the they are available again. Good luck.

[@yo_no_umbra]

@@ferro_liquido just check staytrem website.

[@ferro_liquido]

@@yo_no_umbra nice, thank you guys!

[@johneberly8944]

Very informative, I have the exact same guitar except its from 2000. My only problem is the bridge. Did the Mustang bridge drop right in? Do you have problems with either E string sliding off the sides of the fretboard? These are great guitars, so well made. I also have a CIJ Jazzmaster, and a MIJ Telecaster, and a CIJ Mahogany Offset Telecaster, all awesome. Thanks for posting this!

[@juliodavid49]

I bought a Mustang bridge for 20 bucks online and it fit right in with without any mods. The string spacing for the Jaguar is 52mm and the bridge is 54mm so not much of a difference. The strings do not stick out and it does not affect my playing. Just make sure you get the correct radius. Also some sellers will tell you if it will fit a MIJ. You can buy a Staytrem that is 52mm but it will cost you over 200 bucks. I agree the MIJs are great.

[@johneberly8944]

@@juliodavid49 Very good, I appreciate the extra info. I've looked into the Staytrem bridge fix prior to seeing your video which seems the best, but not at all cost efficient. StewMac recommended #1511 Gotoh TuneoMatic Bridge and #0167 Gotoh TuneoMatic Bridge with Standard Posts, but the modifications necessary seemed extreme. I'll go with the Mustang bridge, thanks!

[@isidroruiz8845]

thanks mate

[@giovannipaoloni5801]

I have a classic vibe jaguar and I have a problem with the bridge pickup, if i strum hard while i play the volume cut off automatically and I have to move the pickup a little bit to turn it on again, i dont know whats the cause of it i hope someone can help me( english is not my first language, sorry if my grammar is bad)

[@juliodavid49]

I can't say for sure without opening it up and looking at it but it sounds like one or both of the wires to the pickup is not connecting properly, probably at the solder point. Or it could a broken wire. Try to take it apart and see if you can find it. Good luck fixing it.

[@SystaggerMalakian]

Thank ou!

[@victorhugozulaicamaldonado8349]

¿Are all Tune o Matic bridge same?

[@juliodavid49]

Are you asking about the Jaguar and Jazzmaster bridge. Thats not really a tune-o-matic bridge. Tune-o-matics mainly are for Gibson guitars. If you want to put a tune-o-matic on Jaguar you have to do some modifications.

[@christineblack4654]

I dont mesure. pick ups should always be as low as possible. better looking but most importantly better sound. flush on all my guitars.

[@juliodavid49]

If that works for you then fine. Everybody does it a little different.

[@christineblack4654]

why is everyone talking about buzz. mine doesnt buzz at all. lmfao. just got it new.

[@juliodavid49]

Well mine did and that is why I fixed it.

[@jtops3000]

Seems like jaguars are a pain the ass.

[@valley_robot]

Absolute nightmare mate. Everything about them is a pain in the arse, they look cool though and sound great, I love mine

[@DronePsyche]

Wrong radius with that mustang bridge........

[@juliodavid49]

You're right, I just want back to the ebay description and did not notice that it was a 9.5. Wow I guess I assumed all Mustangs were 7.25. Nice catch, how did you know? But the good news is that I recently ordered a 7.25 Staytrem from the UK. Wow how did I miss that?

[@djcharmschool]

@@juliodavid49 I always assumed all jags & jazzmasters had a 7.25 radius so you're not alone.