Jazzmaster Bridge Options

[jalane]

Greetings!  I'm planning a Jazzmaster build, and since i'm a lefty, i don't think i'll be able to use the standard Jazz tailpiece.  I wouldn't be opposed to slapping a Tune-o-matic on there, but i'm not sure how the tone would be affected.  So my questions are:

1) How is tone generally affected by tremolo vs. hardtail bridges?

2) How does the angled pocket required for a Stop-Bar tailpiece affect playability/tone?

3) Does a recessed tune-o-matic feel/sound significantly different than a traditional tune-o-matic w/ StopBar?

4) Does anyone know where to find left-handed Jazzmaster Tremolo Tailpieces?

Thanks

 

[tfarny]

1. people with a preference usually prefer hardtails, the others say it's apples v. oranges. I say if you won't use the trem you should always get a hardtail. You will as a rule get more sustain out of a hardtail.
2. Not at all.
3. Because the bridge sits higher on a tradition tuneomatic, palm muting is a bit different. I find a lower bridge is easier to palm mute on. Never used recessed TOM but I'm guessing tone / sustain are the same as regular.
4. Hah! Best of luck on that one.  :headbang: :icon_thumright:

 

[mullyman]

I was just looking at the Jazzmasters this afternoon and after seeing their trem hole I was wondering if it could be done hard tail, Floyd Rose, Vintage 6 etc... Then, I stopped myself and wanted to kick myself in the nuts. It starts out as a block of wood. The only difference is the body shape. In all reality you can ask them to drill for just about whatever trem you wanted to use. Now, if you're a purist you'd probably want to go with the standard Jazzmaster trem.....but I'm not a purist. I'm leaning towards trying the hard tail if I go with a Jazzmaster then buying the Babicz bridge for it. Interesting.

I gotta say, I love you guys but I hate you. Being on this forum makes me jones for a new guitar. You guys are going to get me either broke, killed or both. arty07:
MULLY

 

[jalane]

Thanks for your feedback guys.  I'm a little torn over what to do because it seems like the bridge and tailpiece would be a contributor to "the jazzmaster sound".  My whole reasoning for doing this build is that Lefty Jazzmasters basically don't exist (except for the CIJ models that i'm not really a fan of) so i had wanted to build one that was faithful to the originals.  Obviously a friggin' tune-o-matic wouldn't exactly be a faithful recreation.    That being said, i'm not entirely opposed to going the hardtail route if that's the only option.

Another thought: would there be any issues with just using a right-handed tailpiece?  The bridge itself is symmetrical so that wouldn't matter.  Other than the obvious issue of the tremolo arm being on the top instead of the bottom, is there anything i'm not thinking of?

 

[rockskate4x]

I think that'd be pretty cool actually. That trem setup didn't seem to bother stevie ray vaughn, and if it does bother you a bit just take the darn bar off.

 

[Mor Paul]

There's a '64 Jag. Lefty, but right handed bridge.
http://www.axesrus.com/axehardware.htm

There's a lefty Jazzmaster trem on there.

 

[jalane]

i think we have a winner.  righty tailpiece it is.  thanks for your help guys.

 

[TBurst Std]

I think the main Qs should be:
Do you want a trem or noT
have you tried  a JM trem

JM trems play and feel totally different than other trems. Make sure you like it first

 

[-CB-]

1) How is tone generally affected by tremolo vs. hardtail bridges?
2) How does the angled pocket required for a Stop-Bar tailpiece affect playability/tone?
3) Does a recessed tune-o-matic feel/sound significantly different than a traditional tune-o-matic w/ StopBar?
4) Does anyone know where to find left-handed Jazzmaster Tremolo Tailpieces?

1. Depends on where you mount the hard tail.  If you mount it close like W does, you'll get a snappier attack, more "quack and pluck" to the string.  Mount it back a ways, with long sections of string behind the bridge, and you get a softer attack.

2. The angled pocket does not hinder tone nor playability - some say it increases playability.

3. Again, depends on where you put the string anchors.  Let W do it, and you have a strong attack.  Do your own further back... and you have a softer attack.  Note - I dont think strings are long enuf to put a string thru in the same place as a traditional Jazzmaster trem bar.

4. I believe all of them were right handed only in USA guitar, short runs of lefty in the far east guitars.  You dont want a trem... you want a string thru, placed further back, and a recessed TOM