Squire makes an affordable jazzmaster with an unplayable bridge that doesn’t come w an Allen key And everyone’s just cool with it ‘ oh yeah by the way you will need to spend 300 extra dollars to get a functioning bridge just to play it.. It comes on the custo shop fenders but not these ‘ So it isn’t really an affordable guitar then. Ditch the strings, ditch the bridge, by some shims, bridge, new strings and tools and spend money on over seas sipping and wait to get all the parts so you can then work on it for several hours before you can play it. May as well just buy a fender custom shop guitar. And they know it’s a problem and troll you by making a great bridge that’s only available on a custom shop model Pretty fucked up
Fuzzman definitely earns the title “Lord” because this is the ULTIMATE guide to bridges. Thanks for the cons section of each because I never see these anywhere! Long live the Fuzzman! 🤟🏽
The CS is louder for sure (pickup height or dynamics of the picking hand?), but there's less note seperation than the Mastery. Also more low end and high end content than the Mastery, whereas the Mastery is more focussed. To me, the CS bridge is kind of like an Ash body - more highs and lows with less in the upper mids, whereas the Mastery is more like alder - more focus and upper midrange, and just a more balanced tone overall. But I think any of these bridges can work, just depends upon your flavour!
I can't hear any big difference in tone and certainly none of the reputed improved sustain from the Mastery. Great video - informative and well put together.
In my opinion, the tone of the vintage style bridge is the best. It's definitely bright and clear. I think my second favorite is the Staytrem though. Seems like a good value and fixes the problems with the vintage style. Unfortunately, I think the tone is a bit darker on the Staytrem though. I really wanted to like the mastery, but I just can't seem to get behind the tone of it.
Agreed! I just invested $220 usd in a mastery for my '96 MIJ JM . I was shocked by this comparison- the mastery seemed to be the thinnest sounding, next to the vintage- for my ear- but also comparison varied to some degree, respectively, as he toggled through pickup settings 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah I do have a descendent vibrato from Chris which is fantastic. I must get around to doing a video on it. Haven’t had one of his bridges yet though. 👌
Bought my MIJ lefty JM about 5+ years ago. Out of the box whenever I leaned over to check pedals etc the bar would fall out of it's hole. Plus it went out of tune after divebomb. So I got a mastery set. Absolutely solid as a rock now.
Staytrem is fantastic, paired with a shim on my Avri 65 Jag it has perfect intonation, comfortable string spacing and requires no maintenance. Combined with the shim I'd say it enhances the classic Jag sound without drastically changing it.. exactly what I was looking for. Staytrem is also durable used mine regularly over the past few years with no issues. Staytrem collet and trem arm are also really good.
Best video out here providing information. Mustang bridge on my Squire Jaguar is dropping on high e side and choking out strings. Unplayable. I didn’t know there was a shit ton of bridge issues on these guitars. They didn’t tell me this at the music store. Guess I’ll be investing in a Staytrem
That custom shop bridge is the winner for me, it seems to have a fuller sound, sustains nicely and looks the business. The weakest was the vintage. Whether any of this would be noticeable in a band mix is debatable. If I could get the custom shop one as an after market upgrade (and it wasn't too expensive) I'd be all over it. However, on balance and as a UK resident, the Staytrem would be my go to. Great video, nicely paced and with all the information you'd ever need, IMO.
I own a Classic Player Jazzmaster (Mexico) and, based on this video, I just purchased a Halon bridge. The original Fender bridge was like a toy compared to the substantial metal on this beast. OMG. So easy to set the height and intonation and the tone is huge and rings forever. Haris at Halon was very helpful and extremely fast with email replies. BUT the posts on the Halon were slightly larger in diameter than the thimbles on my MIM JM. Lucky for me I own a drill press. I screwed the posts off the bridge and inserted them in my drill press chuck (one at a time) and turned set the drill press to 1700rpms (my drill has an rpm readout). i took a file to the side of the posts while they were turning and filed them down to the correct diameter so they just fit the thimbles. It took about 20mins per post due to my constant testing and quality of the steel posts. Perfect fit. I considered drilling out the thimbles but i didn't think there was enough sidewall on them and didn't want to mess with enlarging the thimble holes on the guitar. I considered the mastery bridge but they looked a little weird for my taste.
Excellent video. The only one i felt was significantly different was the vintage style, which sounded a bit thinner. The others all sounded very similar, and i suspect than any differences would be overwhelmed by playing dynamics.
Great information supplied here. To my ears the Halon and Fender RSD sound superior to the other options. Thanks for the work you have done here! You earned a new subscriber
Update for anyone seeing this video now: Staytrem do ship overseas now. I’m receiving mine tomorrow in the US! Very excited. Thanks for this video as it made my decision easy. The best imo was the custom shop, but I distinctly heard overtones from both it and the Staytrem that were very pleasing to the ear.
The vintage style is a winner for me. The aggressiveness and instability on the strings provides a sound no other one can offer. If set up properly, which is rarely the case.
Been playing jaguars since they were cheap. I paid 184 bucks for my bascket case 64 and like 900 for my clean 63. Anyways i used a stock bridge for years i later picked up a no wire abr1 when gibson custom shop started making them. I made aluminum slugs that dont rock threaded for the abr1 post threads. I also play giant fat necks by warmoth on both my vintage jags and they are 12 inch radius which matches my bridge radius. I play jags for the 24 inch scale not so much the tone . So my 64 has burst buckers and my 63 has the stock single coils but wired more regular style just on off switch for each. This was a great video. I love talking jags. Really digging the halo. Although im not planning on switching my bridges. I pound the shit outa my guitars and they are solid.
This was super helpful in my decision on which bridge I want. I really like the custom shop bridge, but because of lack of availability I might need to check out the halon because that seems like the next best option. Thank you for this awesome comparison video!
I checked out the new RSD bridge from Fender Custom Shop and it's really exciting. One of the best things they're ever done, in fact. It's too bad that they aren't selling it as an aftermarket part because they would sell a lot of them. They're using the RSD as a feature selling point exclusively on CS guitars. I don't really agree with that strategy as I would think Fender would want to get the RSD to as many non-CS players as possible.
@@LordFuzzman If you had to choose one for a "do it all" Jazzmaster, what would be your pick objectively? I've been using the Staytrem for nearly five years, the Mastery has always tempted and I may purchase one.
Thanks for this and the work you put in for this. I have ordered a Staytrem for my Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI and this just reassured my decision. I'm in the US and am so grateful that John ships to us now....
I got a Staytrem bridge shortly before they stopping shipping outside the UK. It’s a fantastic bridge and I’m happy to say that I’ve never had a problem with it. 10/10 recommend if you can find one.
I got today a Mastery bridge for my MIJ Jazzmaster, and so far I am super impressed by the improvement in tuning stability and sonical resonance/sustain of the guitar! I didn't consider other options also because of covid/shipping issues. So I had to get what I was able to find between my nation boarders. Also the setup was really quick and easy, and was able to tune and set the intonation properly.
@@JoelGilardini The vibrato is also pretty great. I like how the collet is a better design that seems more solid when using the vibrato arm. I also like how there's no locking button...I never used it when I had one on the stock Fender unit and it simplifies it.
I had a cheap tunomatic style bridge with roller saddles on it, which happened to drop right into the existing holes of my Fender Japanese Traditional Jaguar. The radius is "wrong" but it doesn't pose any problems for me at all. I actually think it has improved the tone a bit too. Not bad for free (seeing as I already had it lying about).
Hats of to this man! This was a lot of work changing all those bridges. To quote Evil Roy Slade, “He has a stick with it quality you can’t help but admire “ 👍☮️
Thanks for making this man! I've been going back and forth on getting a Mastery for like 15 years now and kick myself for not buying one at $75 back when I had the chance. This side by side comparison made it clear to me the Mastery is actually the worst option for what I want out of it. And aside from its drawbacks, the Mastery was the only one that drastically changed the tone in a negative way (to my ear at least). Really well done video 👍
amazingly informative video - thank you! I must admit, I've used a staytrem on my old jaguar and now on my Jazzmaster and couldn't be happier. Lots of great bridge options but that one definitely works for me and hasn't given me a problem in 10 years of combined use. That said if one day the dream custom shop jazzmaster happens and has the RSD bridge I won't complain ;)!!
I recently realized that the jazzmaster was what I've needed for 25 years but never wanted one of the damn things because of all their complicated quirks. Upon buying a cheap squire classic vibe I am absolutely head over heals for this thing. Now I realize that the "problems" with the jazzmaster are also what makes so full of character and just plain badass! Being someone who has been playing forever but totally new to the jazzmaster mess, I am truly grateful for how well put together and informative this video is. Thank you dude! You killed it again!
Vintage style worked great on my AV65, think the neck pocket is angled but never gave me an issue. Swapped to a Mastery and it’s much more difficult to set up and dial in intonation but unplugged definitely sounds louder to my ears. Helps for getting overtones behind the bridge which is why I love it
Wow man! That´s by far the best and clearest comparison I´ve found... I just decided to save up for a Halon. Thanks so much for your work in favor of us, offset fetichists!!!!
Amazing comparison accurate much information. I want my Halon now.. very defined and sweet at the same time.. I liked the vintage too... lofi and sweet
Hands down best video on this topic!!! Yes, definitely can hear the difference. Staytrem and Mastery sound nearly identical. Vintage is most twang and brightest, Mustang 2nd brightest, both the Custom Shop and Halon have a sweet buttery tone. Tough decisions!!! But for me, I think I need the right pickups 1st. Certainly correct break angle over the bridge is key to no buzzing and best tone. I had to shim my custom build to get the correct height / angle. My instrument is a bit too changy, not exactly twangy. So, I may need a brass solution. I may go for building my own.... 😱😱😱
I needed a .1 shim to get the set up I needed with the Fender Pro bridge. I did indeed get the perfect action with no issues, except the break angle was so extreme it made the string tension impossible for whole step bends. The Mastery bridge solved that, and turns out to be perfect for me. And I love the way it sounds with my rig.
Was going back and forth on mastery or staytrem. Read the forums and all pros and cons, but this video solidified my staytrem purchase. Just ordered. Now a mastery tremolo unit and a staytrem bridge that rocks may be something awesome though.
@@LordFuzzman I got both units ordered. Might be some time until I see them, but not in a rush. My stupid fender tremolo (really vibrato but whatever) doesn't completely return to it's original position after use which I have never seen before. Mastery should take care of that. I find it odd that mastery pretty much tells you to leave the arm in at all times though and will refuse to sell a replacement if arm is lost.
@@LordFuzzman a real pleasure Fuzzman. This video is seriously amazing and super high quality. You made things very clear and got me to stop wading through all the forums and noise with some very true and straightforward comparisons. Also, with my open back headphones on, the sound quality of the video itself really helped make certain observations pretty apparent. Much appreciated!
I've just asked they can do rocking and non rocking versions but said the cover probably won't fit .....they didn't mention the mute but the more I think about it it would probably work ......shame I think I will stick to the stay trem I know the mute and the cover work with it ........
That Halon sounds remarkably "flat", or full spectrum. It reminds me of studio monitors: they aren't exciting, but that's because nothing is missing- no notches or surprises. I know which I'd splash out on for a new build for sure. That said, my current offset crop (3) use variations of the "proper" Mustang bridge and the American Professional with and without nylon bushings (rocking and non-rocking). They're relatively inexpensive, relatively high quality, and once properly shimmed at the neck and set up (1x Descendant, 2x AVRI trems) absolutely flawless with regular 'ol 10s.
I noticed the bridges with more mass the mustang staytrem and halon all had a similar sound. Where the fender custom shop seemed to have a little bolder sound. I have menrioned this before but why not take a copper and brass mix or what ever bell brass is and make the saddles out of those. Anyways again great video. I gave you thumbs up
@@jimh8422 thank you for the comments. Halon are one of the few companies where you can specify exactly what you want the saddles to be made of which is a great idea. They are still a relatively new company so still getting off of the ground though. Thanks for watching
Building a Jazzmaster and wanted to get a Staytrem but being in the US, it just wasn't a great option unfortunately. So I went with Mastery...not gonna complain in the slightest about that though. Never had heard of Halon until now, definitely something to look into for the next build ;)
Huge help! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to do this. I'm thinking about a Custom Shop Mustang, so I can get the RSD bridge which is very appealing but this video shows (at least to my ears) that a regular Mustang bridge could actually be preferable because it offers individual string adjustment which I really need with heavy strings and wound third. Thanks again.
@@LordFuzzman SO very true! I am now questioning myself about how crucial is it to me to have individual string adjustment? With a heavy set, 52-12 with wound third, maybe the RSD is perfect as-is? The only chance I'll have to find out is ordering one through the Custom Shop but I would sure hate to get it wrong and find out that I really needed the adjustment and have a much cheaper unit with the Mustang conventional bridge. I have that on 3 guitars from the Parallel Universe series already so I'm tempted to try the RSD but it's still something of a risk.
Excellent video! Thanks for posting this! I could hear a slight difference with the Mastery and Vintage bridge. They seemed a tad brighter on the clean tones but everyone’s ears will be different.
My preference goes to Halon & the mustang bridge. They both have a clarity to them that is absolutely nice to hear (the Halon overdriven is slightly darker than the mustang but still clear). I do like the Staytrem in the video, & have been thinking of getting it for my own jazzmaster guitar build, but i think i'm leaning towards Halon options instead of the Staytrem mainly for clarity sake, & Halon offers that fine tuning in allows used so each bridge is unique really to each player.
The custom shop bridge sounds louder than the rest. None of them are bad, and there's not that much difference to worry about, but if it was me, I'd go for the Halon.
Thanks for making this comparison. I hope it will set things right for all those who are preferring one of these bridges without knowing the effect on sound, playability and their money spent. I subscribed, BTW. 😀
I think it should be mentioned that Halon offers rocking bridge studs, besides keeping with Leo's original design, if you have a mute on on your Jag, and you want to use a Mastery, you'll have to drill out the holes in you mute to make it work, the Halon rocking studs work fine with a mute, they fit fine into the mute holes.
Could just be me but I thought the Custom bridge sounded best in terms of perceived volume and roundness compared with the others... That could though just be due to it being brass. The rest of the differences are subtle and mainly perceived volume based... Fender really need to sell that bridge!
I had my eyes closed and the only one that stood out as noticeably brighter, warmer, smoother, was the Chstom shop version. All the other variances were so close that it could’ve had more to do with the stroke of the picking hand. Still, a I’ll settle for Mustang saddles.
Excellent review! Just a shame it didn't include wangy bar use! They were all an improvement on the vintage bridge. The staytrem wins for me for value for money tho I prefer the wider string spacing. 👍
Thanks for all the info and sound samples! Sounds like something happened in the last example. The Staytrem sounds like it was played in the middle position and the Halon sounded like the tone or volume pot was turned down slightly.
Thanks for the video man ! You made me go for the Halon MS58 Brass bridge. Hope it will be a perfect fit with the Cecca futur rage pickups. Have you made a video about the jalon jazzmaster tremolo ?
Real pain if you're trying to get your hands on one, definitely going to need a connection across the pond willing to do you some serious favors in order to get your hands on the system if you live anywhere outside the UK.
