Bridge Placement for JB-4M

Hey everyone

Just need some guidance with the bridge placement on the JB-4M Bass Guitar.

I have come across some other threads explaining the process, but I just wanted to make sure I properly understand the process and know that I'm getting the best placement for this particular guitar.

From what I've read, I should be measuring the space from the nut to the 12th fret and using that same distance from the 12th fret to the bridge placement area. Is it as simple as that? or is there a particular measurement I should be working with when it comes the the JB-4M bass?

Below is a rough outline of what measurements I'm working with.

Attachment 23822

From looking at a few jazz basses, it seems that the bridge is set back much further, so I'm a little concerned that I might be missing something.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Cheers!

Hiya Kevin,

the measurement should be from the front of the nut, to the centre of the 12th fret itself, not the 12th fret markers.
As long as you can set the saddles to their mid point of adjustment, replicate that nut to 12th fret distance you should be okay.
If it looks terribly wrong, i.e. bridge interferes with bridge pickup rout, then we'll need to do some further investigation, or you might need to call in Adam and the PBG team.

This link is with a different kit and a different aftermarket bridge, but the basic steps are the same. Note that earlier in the thread I went through the process of lining up and attaching the neck, hence it's already screwed in place rather than just clamped temporarily for the bridge placement.

YB-4 Positioning the bridge

Hope that helps.

Also check out: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3048 for a P Bass, but principles are the same.

I have seen a rule-of-thumb which suggests that with a "standard bridge" and 34" scale length, the bridge mounting screw holes should be aligned at 35" from the front of the nut.

This should situate the saddles at approximately 34", and provides the saddles with adequate adjustment away from, and little towards, the neck for setting intonation.

Seemed to work pretty well with my IB-5.

Paul

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

Hiya Kevin,

the measurement should be from the front of the nut, to the centre of the 12th fret itself, not the 12th fret markers.
As long as you can set the saddles to their mid point of adjustment, replicate that nut to 12th fret distance you should be okay.
If it looks terribly wrong, i.e. bridge interferes with bridge pickup rout, then we'll need to do some further investigation, or you might need to call in Adam and the PBG team.

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Thanks FrankenWashie. I think that's where I was going wrong by measuring from the fret dot instead of the fret itself. Thanks again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WeirdBits

This link is with a different kit and a different aftermarket bridge, but the basic steps are the same. Note that earlier in the thread I went through the process of lining up and attaching the neck, hence it's already screwed in place rather than just clamped temporarily for the bridge placement.

YB-4 Positioning the bridge

Hope that helps.

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Awesome build diary WeirdBits!! I was originally looking at the same bass but they didn't have it in stock. Anyways thanks for the info, helps out a lot!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brendan

Also check out: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3048 for a P Bass, but principles are the same.

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Thanks Brendan. I was originally working from your bridge placement thread which was very helpful, I just needed to make sure I was doing it right. I've now got a measurement that i am happy with. Cheers!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paul_H

I have seen a rule-of-thumb which suggests that with a "standard bridge" and 34" scale length, the bridge mounting screw holes should be aligned at 35" from the front of the nut.

This should situate the saddles at approximately 34", and provides the saddles with adequate adjustment away from, and little towards, the neck for setting intonation.

Seemed to work pretty well with my IB-5.

Paul

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Thanks Paul_H. I've now got a measurement that I am happy with and have also positioned the saddles with enough room for adjustment when setting intonation.

Cheers!

Looks like we're in the same boat. I'm building a JB-4

Up to about 5 basses using DingoBass's tute (link above) - hasn't failed me yet :).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jim Roberts

Looks like we're in the same boat. I'm building a JB-4

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Awesome Jim Roberts, I look forward to seeing how it goes. I have just finished installing all the hardware and now looking at working on the neck.