Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster

[anniv 63]

Regarding the push in Tremelo Arm
Does the arm actually click in and pivot with a very hard push in?
Shop says no, just a press in which of course works loose and the bloody arm falls out!!!
Any advice appreciated

Thanks

Mike

[JimN]

The American originals have the end of the arm shaped a bit like a jack-plug, clicking into place as you describe.

But you can't just substitute an American arm in an Asian trem unit, they're different diameters.

Solution: the Staytrem unit (there are several, depending on the origins of the guitar and the type of thread fixing the collet to the plate), at £30.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tremolo-upgrade-for-Fender-Jaguar-Jazzmaster-Eliminates-sloppy-tremolo-arm-/171340617481?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&var=&hash=item27e4b25709

Recommended.

[stephen]

Hello Mike,
I bought one a few months ago and like you, found that 'loose' arm irritating. However, take heart, there is a simple, no-cost remedy.
The arm WILL under firm (& brave!) pressure, push in (with a resultant, satisfying click) almost to the bend. The outcome is an arm that has the right 'tension', will stay where you place it and most importantly will save you the embarrassment of it falling out!
Have any other Jazzmaster players found that the extra length of the trem. arm compared to a Strat., makes playing Shadows tunes a lot easier? Just a pity that they don't really have the right sound for the lead playing.
Anyway, press that arm in Mike, and let me know the result!

Stephen.

[stephen]

Here's a photo of the position of the arm on my VM Jazzmaster.

[anniv 63]

Thanks Stephen much appreciated
Pushed in and clicked in. I pulled the arm as far clear of the body as possible and
even firm pressure did the trick and click!!!
I have to say the young Sales Laddie in the shop should have known this as they also had a
Squier Bass V1 of similar trem design.
As for the history of the model , no knowledge or interest other than Johnny Marr!!!
Bob Bogle, Don Wilson Ventures etc could have been the first men on the moon as far as this
guy was concerned.
I have dealt with the shop for 15 years as the head luthier knows his stuff, but his business
partner for shop sales, no interest in music prior to 1970 . Shadows no chance!!!

Mike

[stephen]

That's great Mike! Glad it worked for you. To be honest, that 'trick' is not that widely known. I just came across it by chance, when asking the same question you did. Glad though, as it saved me paying out for a modification that wasn't needed.
By the way, I got a mint, unused Allparts Mustang style bridge off eBay for £18 and swapped it over with the original one. That's something worth paying out for with the cash saved from not needing to buy that Staytrem mod.

Stephen.

[RUSSET]

I had the same problem with my Squier VM Jazzmaster when I bought it last year. I first tried the usual PTFE tape route, but it only sort of worked. Then I gave it a good hard push into the socket & Bingo ! It is great now, & stays exactly wherever I put it. Great guitar for the price. I think I might try to get a Mustang style bridge for it though. That's the only let down on the instrument. You would think that if it is called the 'Vintage Modified' series, Squier would have 'modified' that obvious flaw & put one in from the start. It's a mod that many, many players have been making for years.

Tony.

[abstamaria]

Nice photo, Stephen!

Andy

[anniv 63]

Just finished running in this guitar in first week -remember the one time car stickers
"Running in please pass" otherwise you will blow the engine if you exceed 40mph , old wives tales!!!!
Yes another winner from Squier,apart from the cheap bridge piece.
Finding also 9s are not that bad initially playability wise and for comfort but will move up to 10 on next change.
Nice inbetween pickup sound for Ventures Walk Don't Run or again anything with a Jazzy feel to it !!!
Recommended if you want a sound away from a Strat.

Mike

[stephen]

Thanks Andy! I wasn't intending the image to end up so enormous on screen though. All that dust........!

Stephen.