ULTIMATE OFFSET BRIDGE SHOOTOUT - Mastery - Halon - Staytrem - Fender RSD - Mustang - Vintage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- !!!Update Staytrem now ship globally!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to watch another 'Lord Fuzzman' youtube video!
The purpose of this video was ultimately to see if there is any obvious tonal differences (noticeable through the pick-ups) when using different bridges. I also talk about my personal views when using each bridge. Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
The guitar used is a Fender Custom shop 62 with custom shop hand wound pick ups.
The amp used is a Peavey Bandit red stripe
The reverb is from a Earthquaker devices Dispatch master
0:00 Start
0:18 Introduction
1:30 History of the offset bridge
2:12 Problems with the design
2:50 Things you can do improve the original bridge
3:57 Disclaimer
4:35 Pro of the vintage style bridge
5:10 Cons of the vintage style bridge
5:34 Pros of the mustang style bridge
6:00 Cons of the mustang style bridge
6:13 Pros of the mastery bridge
7:24 Cons of the mastery bridge
8:54 Pros of the Fender Custom shop RSD bridge
9:43 Cons of the Fender Custom shop RSD bridge
10:25 Pros of the Staytrem bridge
11:27 Cons of the Staytrem bridge
12:17 Pros of the Halon bridge
14:08 Cons of the Halon bridge
14:31 AUDIO comparisons Single chords
16:18 AUDIO comparisons Clean Melody
18:31 Audio comparisons Overdrive
19:44 Outro - เพลง
Update!!! Staytrem now ship globally again 👍🏻.... please like and subscribe if you got anything useful from the video, thanks 🙏🏻
Just ordered one for my Classic Vibe Bass VI. If that works out I'll be ordering two more for my Jazzmaster and Jaguar.
@@davidcudlip6587 good stuff, Staytrem makes a big difference to the bass Vi and any jazz or jag 👌
Thank you. I’m a long time user of the collet and arm. I’ll be picking up some bridges from them soon.
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
@@PNNYRFACE yup I agree it sucks.. it’s not hard to just make something that fixes the issues as standard!
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! 🤟🏽
Thanks Joe, 🙏🏻👌
Custom shop bridge does it for me, both visually and soundwise! Nice comparison!!!
Vintage style has the characteristic chime that others don't have, so happy shimming for me
If it works, don’t go changing 👍🏻
Wow that custom shop bridge is noticeably better than the rest.
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!
Also like the sound of the Mustang bridge.
Cork sniffing on full display here…
@@softlightsymphonybandI’m getting some hoppy oaky gravel notes. A nice bouquet of petrol.
@@Ganache30I like the mastery but it's uncomfortable to play. Especially with palm mutes.
Now that was a well put together video. Thank you Lord Fuzzman!
Informative, to the point and with all the audio examples. Thanks a bunch Lord Fuzzman, great job. Subbed with joy.
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.
Cool piece of myth-busting, M'Lord!
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. 😀
Great comparisons! I'm new to Jazzmasters, so this is incredibly helpful. Thank you!!
Very good comparison! Thank you.
This is such a great video idea. I haven't watched it yet, but I know I'm gonna love it.
Thanks for the thorough demo
Excellent video.
Thanks buddy 👍🏻
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.
thanks for the putting this clip together, very informative and helpful. I am looking to shim my neck and see how that works out
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 think the Halon bridge was the best compromise for quality, esthetic and sound except for the price
Had the first ever set of phosphor bronze saddles from Halon, incredible bridge!
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.
I could only pick out that the mustang bridge has a lot more treble and the vintage bridge has a more mellow, almost hollow sound (which I dig)
This was the exact offset bridge review I was looking for. Perfect! Thanks, mate! 😃
Glad to be of help 👍🏻
Wow, this was both informative and entertaining.
This is a superb video, answered all my queries, thank you Lord Fuzzman
You’re welcome 👍🏻
Amazing review so well done and detailed greatly appreciated.
Thanks Donald, it wasn’t the most interesting topic to discuss but it had to be done 👍🏻
Solid video my man... I’m sure I can speak for others that we all truly appreciate your attention to detail and dedication
Slade Brannon Thanks very much, not the most exciting subject to do a video on but it needed to be done 👍🏻
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).
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.
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.
nice job. thanks for the deep dive and the sound samples.
Thanks buddy 🙏🏻
I live in Greece so the Halon was a no brainer for me. Haris knows his stuff! Amazing build quality, feels like it should be going into space.
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....
Thanks Nick, I have a Squier bass Vi and the staytrem bridge was a big improvement all round for it 👌
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.
now that i have the comparisson.i knew theres something not sounding right with my jazzmaster and mustang bridge,especially in the neck.i dont even start about the sustain :D. thanks for showing all these alternatives :)
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.
GREAT video. On my 2018 FCS Jazzmaster, the RSD bridge rocks.
The halon and custom shop are sooo damn good
Great video! I play a bigsby Tele, so all this is kind of relevant to us too.
I use the vintage style JM bridge, but I think the bigsby adds a bit more break angle.
I use some nylon/plastic strips cut to size which I insert into the post holes which reduce the amount the bridge can rock, without locking it completely.
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
Thanks glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
fantastic video, very helpful!
Awesome video. I think I’ll stick with the stock mustang bridge that came with my CV Squier Jazz. It works great. Great info
Great content !!!
Well done !!!!
Mad props for playing Leatherface's "Dead Industrial Atmosphere" Was lucky enough to play shows with them and get to see them several times here in the states. Top band! Nice video.
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 “ 👍☮️
Glad someone appreciates it.. 😂
This is by far THE BEST comparison video I've seen in a long time, thank you!
Thanks Gary, glad you liked it 🙏🏻
@@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.
Gary Jovanovitch - if you’re in the U.K. Staytrem for sure, works perfectly and sensibly priced 👍🏻
very informative video, thanks!
This is a lot of effort. Thanks you for the review.
Thanks buddy
Massively helpful, thought I was going crazy with my bridge constantly wiggling itself free, have ordered a staytrem!
Glad to help .. good choice 👌
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.
My thoughts and experience too 👌
Just enjoying the rundown of bridges and then you hit me with the Leatherface riffs? Well done, man.
You’re clearly a man of taste, most wouldn’t recognise it 👍🏻
Incredible video. I vote staytrem. I love them. And to me they retain the true Jazzmaster tone you get from the vintage bridge.
Very helpful video, cheers!
Thanks for an very informative video. I just build a guitar with a Mastery bridge and vibrato (the build is dokumented on my channel) but I have a buzz on the high e string caused by the bit of the string that goes from the bridge to the vibrato. This part of the string is vibrating audibly and you got me thinking it might have something to do with the beak angle of the string not being sharp enough ... 😯
thanks 😉
Awesome video!! Thank you.
Great breakdown LF
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.
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.
I thought the custom shop bridge sounded best. Good work fella
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 🤷🏻♂️
vintage screws loosen over time and start to buzz ..
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.
Totally agree. In a live setting you wouldn’t notice any difference at all, I think it’s more about functionality for me. Thanks for the kind words 👍🏻
Just 10 years we offset lovers were waiting for a Jag/JM bridges shootout video... All hail the Lord!!!
Julien Marthe I know 😂... 👌
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
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks buddy 👍🏻
Ill echo your reply 100%!!! 🙌🏼👌🏼
Really useful, proper information that helps.
Thanks Jon 👌
Well done.
I did not know about Halon parts, they look great.
Thank you sir!!!
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 👍
Thank you, glad the video helped and maybe save you a few pennies 👌
I regret ever buying a Mastery, every other bridge sounds better.
Wow, I think this is one of the coolest gear videos I’ve seen in a long time. I bought my mastery bridge a long time ago when they were the only alternative bridge besides the mustang. I don’t think Staytrem was around yet. I’m still happy with mine. I love the way the string vibrations feel across the body with it. As far as vibrato arm solutions go, however, Staytrem absolutely crushes it
Thanks very much for the kind words. It took a lot of effort but I’m glad it had been appreciated 🙏🏻
This is a very well made video👍 props to you
Thank you 🙏🏻
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.
Glad you found it useful, it’s not the most interesting topic but people ask about bridges on the forums every day.
@@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.
@@ES295 I don’t think they sell the RSD separately. Staytrem are now shipping globally. You can’t go wrong with one of those 👌
I replaced my threaded saddles for mustang saddles on my avri bridge and it's as perfect as an offset bridge can be. Will do the same thing on my next jag build.
Thanks for this comparison video
Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Great helpful review
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.... 😱😱😱
Thanks buddy, let me know how you get on building your own!! 👍🏻
this is great! thanks
Your thoughts about the Mastery bridge are spot on. Swope trem and bridge also deserve your attention.
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. 👌
@@LordFuzzman Thank you for mentioning Halon, didn't know about them. Their ABR-1 bridge seems quite interesting.
@@walterrizotto8668 No problem. I’m just about to shoot a new video covering the different type of Halon bridges.
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.
Mastery is a well-engineered bridge. Woody is a total pro and knows what he's doing.
@@danielstoddart I was so well impressed I also got the Mastery Vibrato. Also in this case a totall huge improvement over the orginal MIJ part.
@@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.
Nice video. Great production!
Thanks, really appreciate it 👍🏻
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 ;)
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
Thank you!
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.
You don't mind it sounding thinner??
@@sharonlee4773 Not at all. I think it cuts through better
Wooooow great job as always!!!
Taufiq Rashid -Thanks buddy 👍🏻
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.
They’re great,,, and now shipping worldwide again 👍🏻
thanks man, great video!
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
Ps great video the nerd in me loved it
Benjirob182 🙏🏻.
Damn, what an amazing comparison. I really like the Halon one for the build quality and customizability
Thank you 🙏🏻
Imported a Staytrem to here in Australia, not cheap but worth the effort, likely will be buying another one for my other Jazzmaster.
Most detailed and interesting video. I bought a new Jazzmaster Pro 2 last week (Dec 2021) my first offset guitar. Already yesterday I had to order a neck pocket shim because I can't adjust the bridge to my liking. Haven't had much chance yet to test it properly but I'll be referring to your information and examples in this video. I have subscribed too.
Ummm…the American pro 2 has micro tilt at the neck pocket…so you don’t need to shim them, just adjust the micro tilt. It also already has an angled neck pocket..
Since I posted this comment, I have replaced the bridge and tremolo assembly with a Mastery system, plus I have had the guitar setup done by a PLEK machine. I replaced the tremolo assembly mainly because the stock one will never work with strings above 10's, due to the weak spring Fender won't replace. It's now perfect 100% for me.
Awesome video ty
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.
I juat ordered an M1 mastery, it sounds nice in this demo, but it definitely sounds a little quieter than the Halon and Custom and even the stay trem, just a little more melo and less bright in these clean tones to my ears.
OMG, night and day with the Custom Shop Bridge. I think the Mustang is the runner up for me. Just like PRS will use brass tuning pegs and saddles to get more chime, this made it clear to me that brass saddles really make a difference. More bell like, for sure. Clear as day.
I think it would be the difference between cutting through a mix (especially live when you have less control over your mix) and disappearing.
*Granted, if you're in a shoegaze band, single notes cutting through vs having a homogenous wall of sound might make you want to stick with a stock bridge.
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!!!!
I had the vintage, Mastery, and Staytrem and went back to the Mastery. looks, sounds, and feels better for me.
good to hear, I bought a mastery bridge and about to get it put on by my luthier. So thought I made a mistake with all the cons in this video haha
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.
Wise choice Evan, yeah a Staytrem bridge and Mastery trem is a great combo that I use myself 👍🏻
@@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.
@@evanpauls3078 yeah I hear what you’re saying. I do leave my mastery arms in all the time. Even in the case and never have any issues 👍🏻
@@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 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.
Just got a tip for rattling or saddle adjustment screws vibrating loose.
Silicon gasket maker works great, and won't screw up threads.
Great tip Don, will give that a go 👌
It's a great video and useful. I'm just thinking of buying which offset bridge. I like the best Halon bridge tone in all the bridges. I contacted Halon and ordered it. I'm looking forward to using it.
Kenichiro Sugata - They are superb I’m sure you will love it 👍🏻
Custom shop bridge for the win!!!