Hardtail Bass VI

[drewfx]

I'm guessing it's because you need a guitar spaced bridge that works with relatively BIG strings. And that though there are surely hardtail options that will work without modification, W doesn't want to spend time/money testing prototypes to verify somethings works correctly on what surely must be a low volume item.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Then what makes it different/better and why would I want to buy one?  What is keeping it a low volume item?

 

[drewfx]

Then what makes it different/better and why would I want to buy one?  What is keeping it a low volume item?

It's an unusual instrument, so it's never going to appeal to all that many people, simple as that.

But I certainly agree that a standard hardtail option would expand it's appeal, especially given the trem offered.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

It's not like asking for something that doesn't exist.  Schecter and even Fender does it.  I prefer no trem to trem anyway, so the idea of bad one is hard sell on me.  I realize you don't have to use it, so don't even put the bar in and it's a non issue.  It's just a no brainer if someone set out to make a better Bass VI, that would be the first thing designed out if it.

 

[kricha6431]

Good. That whole Jazzmaster string termination issue needs to be addressed by somebody who wasn't born in the 1800s.

Good one Cagey!  :laughing7: I like your comment!

 

[Seviro]

I'm also looking at doing up a bass6.  I think with the jazz/jag type bridge you might be able to unscrew to tension adjusting bolt all the way and remove the spring.  Then you could just put a nut on the end to lock it in place.  I might also add a rubber washer between the two plates just in case it rattles.  You might also be able to unscrew the tremolo arm mandrel and replace it with a cap screw to lock the plates together.  Either way should be easily reversible if you decide to switch back to having a tremolo.

*Disclaimer: I have no idea if this actually works, just my thoughts from looking at the tremolo parts online.*

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Or just offer a hardtail version.

 

[Pelagaard]

I'm also looking at doing up a bass6.  I think with the jazz/jag type bridge you might be able to unscrew to tension adjusting bolt all the way and remove the spring.  Then you could just put a nut on the end to lock it in place.  I might also add a rubber washer between the two plates just in case it rattles.  You might also be able to unscrew the tremolo arm mandrel and replace it with a cap screw to lock the plates together.  Either way should be easily reversible if you decide to switch back to having a tremolo.

*Disclaimer: I have no idea if this actually works, just my thoughts from looking at the tremolo parts online.*

That's ultimately what I've decided to go with, and I might even take it a step further and remove the little spacer from the underside of the faceplate and use self-tapping screws to really secure it in place.

The only question now is, are Matery Bridges worth the extra $120 over the bridge I can get from Warmoth...

 

[Cagey]

There's certainly nothing shabby about the Mastery parts, but I'm not sure I'd shell out what they want for the things. They price them like they're milled out of titanium billets.

 

[swarfrat]

But, you could have a decorative plate made and engraved with something like "Do Not Play On or Around"

I missed this way back when... but IMO all tremolos should come so marked.

 

[Cagey]

They're not all bad, but certainly the "vintage" units are.

 

[swarfrat]

That was meant to include floyds, bigsby's, and six holes

 

[Cagey]

Well, the Floyds actually work if you don't mind going around your thumb to get to your elbow. But, the other two - yeah. Vintage. Kukka.

 

[Phaedrus]

I'm also looking at doing up a bass6.  I think with the jazz/jag type bridge you might be able to unscrew to tension adjusting bolt all the way and remove the spring.  Then you could just put a nut on the end to lock it in place.  I might also add a rubber washer between the two plates just in case it rattles.  You might also be able to unscrew the tremolo arm mandrel and replace it with a cap screw to lock the plates together.  Either way should be easily reversible if you decide to switch back to having a tremolo.

*Disclaimer: I have no idea if this actually works, just my thoughts from looking at the tremolo parts online.*

That's ultimately what I've decided to go with, and I might even take it a step further and remove the little spacer from the underside of the faceplate and use self-tapping screws to really secure it in place.

The only question now is, are Matery Bridges worth the extra $120 over the bridge I can get from Warmoth...

I don't know how it all got so complicated, and maybe I am missing something, but-

The JM tremolo has a locking feature. it is quite simple- with it locked, there is no trem capabilty. Add the fact that if you don't have the arm on than there is no reason it would move, and seriously I can't see you having a problem there.

This way the guitar is essentially hardtail, for no special price, and everything is not only reversible, but actually "as made". 

The JM bridge in itself has its cons..But that is a different issue..The TOM/modified mustang change are quite known solutions if it bothers you..

 

[swarfrat]

One of the jazzmastera "features" its one of its minor flaws.. The length of strings behind the bridge. Just one more resonant system to damp.