I still _vividly_ remember being 15 and *horrified* that the bridge on my *brand new* sonic blue Jag-Stang had sunk following a band practise, turning my WEAPON OF GRUNGE into a sitar How lucky that kids (young _and_ old) nowadays can have access to such helpful, thoughtful and funny content such as this. Party on, Mike. 💕
I had a Japanese Jaguar in high school that I begged my parents for for months, and it had the same problem. Talk about being underwhelmed, and extra sad that I just didn't have the knowledge to address it then.
Thankfully, my local library had a book about how to setup various Fender electric guitars, from tuning heads to the many various bridges, with diagrams showing all the areas that could be adjusted and how to adjust them. As it was the time before the internet was as widespread as today, if they didn’t have that book, it likely would have taken me a long while to figure out those little holes were actually how you adjusted the bridge height, and “cigar” tube height/spring tension. Never been a trem player, so I always just tighten the trem springs to where it basically acts like a hard tail. Improves sustainability and overall stability of the guitar
I was horrified when I bought the mastery bridge and it did the same =) I paid almost 200 bucks for it. But the threadlocker solved the problem. You can't fool physics, no matter how much money you offer to it😄
Just got one of the jag-stang reissues and loved it - that is, until, in just a few hours: * the brige sank all the way in on the high E side * I couldn't figure out how to get it restrung * the springs inside the body came unhooked from their posts I have no idea how I would have solved all that without this video. It plays perfectly now. I've never been so happy with a guitar. Thank you!!
I’ve owned a ‘65 Mustang since 1985 when I was 15. Bought it for $10 in pieces. It’s never been right. I think it will be now. Thanks you for this great video.
I bought the original Jagstang the VERY DAY it was first released back in 1995. I’d just graduated high school and had just gotten my first paycheck from my first job. It was $365 and I remember thinking it was soooo expensive. But I hated it. I only wish I’d have thought about the collectible/resale market before I traded it like a month later. I will say, though, that I def came out on top. Some guy that I worked with wanted it and said he had “an old beat up Gibson” he didn’t really enjoy playing anymore. It ended up being a 1976 SG, all original. So, yeah, I traded him and I still don’t feel bad about it.
I had a red Jagstang back in the day, and couldn't get along with it either. The neck was wonderful, but it sounded dull and I didn't have the expertise back then to make it good. I can't believe the prices of Jagstangs now! I can see a Squier one being released in the future
I had the reddish/orangish one, as well. It was a long time ago, but I just remember it sounding very thin...not at all what I anticipated a guitar designed by Kurt should sound, lol. And of course, I knew zero about doing mods and upgrades. I mean, we didn’t even have internet yet, so I suppose that’s understandable.
@@soyburglar77 Problem in the days was also the fact, we didn't know that artists knew they had to modify all these offset Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Jag-stangs and such. And the fact that Squiers mostly needed to be modded to be reliable.
I pretty much have the same story, but I almost didn't get the Jagstang. There was a Squier Super-Sonic in sparkle blue hanging on the wall below the Jagstang that reeeeally caught my eye. I thought hard on that one. I remember the guitar store being very cool and they let me take the guitar and make monthly payments on it. That won't happen in today's world lol. I still have the Jagstang to this day and ended up acquiring that Super-Sonic 10 years later.
How’d I MISS THIS?!? I did a setup on my 1995 JagStang (original owner) a couple months ago and it works with me perfectly. But I would’ve loved to tear it down WITH this video just for fun 😁 I just played it today, still perfect, then I see Trogly reporting the JagStang is BACK for summer 2021! I’m more excited for this video than monitoring vintage sale prices… mine is for playing, not for sale!
You know, Todd Rundgren went thru a Mustang phase…and he whammy’d like crazy. I’ve often wondered what kind of attention his stage guitars got prior to touring…as I’m sure they were worked over much like this video showcases. I respect any and all who embrace the Mustang. We’re all a special kind of crazy.
Agreed. I’m in love with the mustang vibrato since a long time. I used it on stage and studio, my mustang is my trusty guitar. They are very unique guitars with so much charm. (Plus they look very pretty) .
When I was in music retail doing sales I said the EXACT same thing about poorly made and/or poorly setup guitars and how It is the probably the biggest deterrent to beginners. Especially younger ones. Killer video. I loved setting those vibratos up🎉
Ironic that Kurt said he preferred the Japanese electronics, but obviously he cared more about the tone than he did the durability, since they would ultimately end up in a pile of sawdust on-stage 🤣🤘🏼
iirc he preferred the Japanese electrics because they were cheap and they had smaller frets and slimmer necks. I doubt he was really even thinking about the electronics.
So many good tips I’ve picked up from this tutorial, as I get to know my (new to me) Squier Vintage Modified Mustang. Would love to see video for setting up and INTONATING a mustang. I haven’t found much content - other than this vid - on the balancing act required to intonate this jewel. I have, on order, a bridge from Warmoth and a replacement tailpiece as well. One of the set screws for the, ‘cigar’, is stripped (didn’t want the hassle of what’s required to remove the offending screw. These parts are not very expensive and I’m not so very facile with tools ;-) ). Thanks SO MUCH for the content you offer; very helpful to this, “offset noob”. Peace!
Actually you've just opened my mind with this type of bridge. I mounted a chinese copy on my squier bullet mustang, and wondered why I wasn't able to put the strings in the right position... Those two screws, my gosh, I m so stupid I didn't know they were there, THANK YOU
Thank you Mike for this video on setting up a Jag-Stang. I bought a 1977/1978 Fender Mustang from Guitar Center Hollywood and have been fighting with the tremolo so much but since the guitar is vintage, I didn't want to swap out any parts. Your video gave me a lot of hope that I could alleviate most of the tuning issues with a proper set up. - Justice Constantine
Oh man, jag-stang is such a great hunk of guitar. Props for your bro for giving his guitar to his kid. When i have kids they ain't touching my meteora ;)
This video is everything I ever wanted, thank you. Lovely guitar - and great to see a more in depth dive and understanding on a Mustang vibrato, you have a way of explaining these things that just makes perfect sense!
Thank you Mike for making this video. It was a great reminder of how the FDS vibrato works. I hadn't messed with one since my first Fender guitar, a 1976 Mustang in natural ash, almost 30 years ago. a couple weeks ago I was asked to mod a tele with one of these systems and I couldn't remember much about it so i did some looking and found this video which brought it all back. Great work and thanks again.
Fascinating. Once again you've probably made a go-to vid for anyone wanting to deal with an offset system - the Mustang vibrato in this case. If the kid gets into playing it sounds like he could go hunting for some more sparkly pickups one day.
Man, I am just loving your channel recently (watched all 6 “On The Bench” episodes today)! Your Bigsby video was a big help. Thanks so much for the awesome work!
I’ve recently run into an issue with a new Gretsch where depressing the Bigsby causes everything to go sharp until I pull UP on the bar to bring things back to pitch (like what was happening with the Jag-Stang in this video). Do you have a recommendation on where to lubricate the Bigsby itself like you did with the vibrato in this video? The nut slots are nicely cut and smooth so there is no binding there at the moment. Thanks so much!
All I can say is this; Dude, where have you been all my (youtube) life?!?! I love the “daves world of fun stuff” channel, he has shown me a lot of different techniques for setup work and routines that I was already using, but even some I didn’t know before! I would blend his ideas and theories into mine and bam, then I saw this video! While I hate, absolutely deplore beards, it’s okay cause your a Trekkie, and a big dork! Just like me!!! And your a good player as well, couple that with the just easy and funny way you seem to be, I’m gonna say this; keep it up! This is awesome! Thank you so much for ....... using the entirety of the package if you will! You have a fan and fellow geek!!!!
Some of your tips here have been lifechanging for my jag-stang, I can actually use the vibrato now - it’s a miracle. Definitely vouch for having the cigar lower, huge difference. THANK YOU
Just played a 1977 fender mustang blonde on blonde at my local guitar shop the other day. I have never been more in love with a guitar it was quite the darling. Mothers birth year, played beautifully, such a comfortable instrument and probably the best tremolo I've ever used. Couldn't knock it out of tune if I tried, and I did pretty hard. I need to go back and get it soon but the price kills me haha. Have a good one mike!
Thanks for this video!! I have a Fiesta red 96 jagstang. I just put a dimarzio SD in and man I love that guitar. I've also built a jazzmaster and and currently turning a 64 JM body into a beast. Thanks to you I've finally found the curtis Novak pickups. I've been lookin for a humbucker that drops into a jm no problem. And without your channel I would be very clueless. So thank you for teaching me about these awesome offsets. Not many get it and there's certainly not enough info out there on them. Please continue what you are doing! Sorry for the novel 😅 I went Steven King style for a sec, maybe John Grissom. Much love!
You're a great teacher dude, I've learned so much about fender vibratos watching you. I would love to see you work on a stratocaster vibrato and maybe a floyd rose, if that's something you dig of course? Anyways, I'm a gibson guy and I'm fixing to build my first jazzmaster because you now have me so intrigued with the instrument. Thank you for your extremely inspiring, entertaining and informative videos!
Brill learnt so much from your channel bought a beautiful £250 UK 2012 Squire Jazzmaster it was set up ok but after watching your tuitions it now plays beautifully with a deep clean and nourished fingerboard .yes the original trem is fine when set up .your channel is addictive
Thanks for posting this video. While I’ve setup my JS, there are still a few tiny aspects of the setup that still don’t feel quite right but wasn’t really clear on what I could do to improve them further. I REALLY wish that the part where you did the shim had made it to the finished video as that is a major point that I want to see in EXTREME detail to make sure I don’t miss some minor, but crucial aspect. I want to see EXACTLY every step and any tricks or possibly unorthodox methods you might use and what you are looking for in an ideal setup. I do appreciate all the little tidbits of advise you spread thru out the video. I will be referring to it over the next few days as I make adjustments to my Jag-Stang! Thanks!
Great video. In regard to the bridge posts, I used the white plumbers telfon tape (that's what I had) on my standard jag bridge and they don't sink but are still fully adjustable. Did that over four years ago.
Hi Mike! I've been following your channel for a bit, but I haven't commented until now. Thanks to this video, my Kurt Cobain Mustang now has a working tremolo. I was scared to try to do anything to it but watching this video on repeat gave me the confidence to tackle it. So thank you! 😁
Thanks for your public service to the Mustang-playing community. Please, keep it up! However, the three different spring mounting-grooves do NOT (primarily) change how far the spring is stretched - they change how much leverage (“moment-arm”) the spring has, against the force exerted by the guitar’s strings, on the ’cigar’ tailpiece. On this topic, the adjustment which allows raising or lowering the cigar, is there to fine-tune the moment-arm of the string’s force against the vibrato-springs (the ‘other side’ of this force-equation). by the way, you want the extra-low strength (purple) thread-locking compound. (I think it’s used in watch-repair…) Much easier to break free, in the future!
These really are just funny shaped Mustangs with a bridge bucker. My very first guitar tech kind of project was refurbishing my brother in laws very neglected 1998 made in Japan Fender Mustang. He didn’t want me to take it, but it was so bad that I stole it out of their house when they were out of town. I learned soooooo much from that project. I had to do a little of everything except dressing the frets.
a very much needed video . im building my first mustang from a warmoth kit. but very inspired by the slash signature lp ananconda burst . its going to be beautiful once done.
This video inspired me to set mine up, put some new Pick ups in. Great unique guitar that I decided to pull out more. Of course now they are reissuing again. Oh well, can't beat an original December 1996.
Ah yes, the Jagstang. I remember when it was released and thinking "um...OK Fender." Still kinda feel that way about it but damn this video super informative and really well done.
I hear that. I have to admit that I was put off by the body shape for a long time, I really think Kurt's original sketch was far more attractive. I will say that it's grown on me in the last couple of years. If I had one, I'd do a pickup swap and an electronics overhaul and I think I'd be happy. Maybe stick with two Mustang pickups instead
Thanks for all the good advices on fixing and getting back to life to all those guitars! I watch many of your clips and dawn you're a great artist, really enjoy your guitar style, you ROCK man! 🖖🤘
Ngl ive been taking extensive notes on neck, bridge and tailpiece setup from this video. I bought myself a Squier CV Mustang as an early birthday present and i want to get it as good as i can possibly get it after i get it in the mail. Wish me luck, Your Offsetliness
Thank you so much, there aren't many resources for the mustang dynamic vibrato. And a lot of the ones that do exist (you are an exception) just say its just garbage and buy a strat. Which there is nothing wrong with strats just not my deal, mustangs for life
this vid is really helpful! i got a mustang a couple weeks ago and followed the video in setting it up - I had an issue with 6th string being in tune on 12th fret and all over the fretboard and guitar going out of tune after using the whammy bar. and lowering down the cigar seems like solved these issues. thanks a lot! now all i need is get me some of those fluids you were using and apply those.
Wow, it's like a million times better after! Old man moment: It blows my mind that these guitars are now working their way over to a second generation that would have no idea of the context from which they were created. In fact, they were born after these guitars had their production run. Crazy.
Certainly the slow march of time takes us farther and farther away from Nirvana's huge influence on music, but believe it or not I meet younger folks all the time who talk about Kurt as if he were still here. The kids are alright!
I've always loved the sound of Mustangs, but have never gotten one because the vibrato system has always seemed like some esoteric mystery. My son has been hinting that he might want a guitar and a Mustang is the perfect size for him. How that I can figure out how to set it up, it might be on the birthday list for him. For this, thank you Mike.
@@Puisheen his birthday isn't until June, but it gives me time to hunt down the right guitar. Especially given the pandemic shopping methods making instrument shopping that much less fun.
Thanks for the video, I was so unimpressed with my Mustang constantly being out of tune that I just locked it…. It’s now extremely stable ha. But yea I’ll give the excellent advice a try when I replace my strings.
Would love to know more details about the soldering - What temp, technique, things to avoid? I'm changing some pickups but never soldered before and I'm convinced I'll kill something! Jag-stang looks cool!
@@Puisheen Do have a follow-up! My friend runs a pedal company and gave me an extra soldering iron. Heated it up to 400, and it just STRUGGLED to desolder the big lump on my volume pot (worried I might have even burned it out becuase it sat heating for so long). However, it did heat up enough to desolder the cables from the other points. Do you think this is an issue with the iron, my technique, or the solder used? I even had to just use wire clippers to remove the pickups from my JM, since they couldn't completely be removed :/
I just subbed after your recent squire mustang review and you had some amazing setup and playing demos thst I haven't seen elsewhere. I love the personal backstories of whose guitars they are and also the explanations of why people often have issues with these types of guitars. It really does help to know what a good guitar is beneath the surface of a little bit of work and persistence.
Excited to learn about this bridge, it’s a black hole of my knowledge. I met Zakk three times. Every time he was super cool, chatted with the fans, signed stuff, and hung out for quite a while.
This was SO helpful! Thanks for all the guidance and non-judgmental information- you clearly know what you are doing but don't make us feel dumb for not knowing. haha
I took my Mustang for a "Platinum Setup" at my local guitar Center. The luthier wrapped the bridge posts with some kind of tape so that it wouldn't rock back and forth... 🤦♂️ Time to remove that tape...
Your videos are so good! Thanks for all the knowledge you bestow onto us. I also appreciate your positivity even when things may not be going your way...
5:50 I got a jag-stang for 200 dollars at flea market, and will freely admit to stringing it forward, through the cigar towards the neck. (Hey, it came like that!) But stringing it OVER the tail piece? That's some inventive screwupery. Good luck getting your high-e string into the saddle.
Great video on the Jag Stang repair. Funny side note I had my TV on the back ground while you were your working on the wammy bar springs , I was also watching the Three Stooges episode were Curly is at a fancy dress ball and has a large Spring stuck on his pants 👖 and every time he takes a spill on the dance 🕺 floor he keep popping back up like a returning whammy Bar 🤣😉. sorry for silly side note but that is the hazards of watching RU-vid guitar repair videos and the three Stooges at the same time.
Oh man I bought one of these when I was 16 back in the 90’s. Worked my butt off for it. First thing I did was put a tune-o-matic bridge on it. I hated the pickups on it. It was a weird love hate relationship with that guitar.