JP100 Bridge and String Issues... :/

[djmather1]

Hi guys.

I'm new to the forum, as this is my first post, but here goes!

I have a 6-7 month old JP100. I've changed strings since then on it many times, and I alternate between Drop C and Standard a lot. I've noticed that now when i tune up to Standard, that the bridge is raised significantly more inwards, when it used to be level with the body and I could tremolo equally inwards as I could outwards... Also i've been having some issues with strings breaking - and its always the high E, and all it really takes is a little vibrato sometimes and POP! But I have noticed the high E string pass-through on the tremelo/bridge; the threaded pins on it are more 'out' than the rest, if you guys can understand what i'm on about.

I'll attach a picture below to illustrate my bridge problem better



Thanks guys!

 

[Matte23]

I think It is a problem of spring tension...

 

[Lewis Brunton]

The reason that your bridge is not sitting flush with the body in standard tuning is that the spring tension has been set for Drop C, so when you tune up to standard there is more tension in the strings which at their current setting the springs cannot counteract, resulting in the bridge raising up as you describe.

Unfortunately it is a side effect of a floating bridge. What I do to rectify this is use a tremol-no, this sits in the rear-cavity alongside the springs and you can lock it so that you can only lower the pitch with the tremolo arm. The advantage that this gives you is that you can set up the bridge so that it is flush with the body in standard pitch, then lock the tremol-no and detune to drop C - the springs will have a lower tension but the tremol-no will stop the bridge from sinking back into the bridge cavity. If you are interested you can find the tremol-no here: Tremol-No™

I would add that I do this to use drop D tuning, I assume that when you say drop C you are talking about tuning your guitar to CGCFAD. The tremol-no will do what you require but you may find that the decrease in string tension will mean that when you do string bends the rest of the strings go slightly flat due to the change in overall tension.

Regarding the high E strings you keep breaking - I assume that they keep breaking at the point the string crosses the bridge? If so then look for any small bur on the pivot point (where the strings cross the bridge) as that is probably what is causing the string to break. You can then either try and carefully file away the bur, or perhaps more simply just replace the bridge saddle.

Regards
Lewis

 

[koogie2k]

One - you are drastically changing tunings which will effect the bridge. The trem claw will have to be adjusted.
Two - could have a burr somewhere on the trem/bridge.

I would take it to a tech if you don't know how to adjust the trem claw and neck. let them show you as it is easy to do. Yes, my JP's go from C to standard all the time and I have to do these adjustment.

The string breakage - check for burrs. May need to lube up the saddles and nut as well.

 

[bracadar]

I have been playing a JP100D for a few months now and it also likes to eat high E strings. It looks like when they punched the through holes in the bridge that hole did not get a clean cut and it's slightly bent causing a sharp edge along the top. I worked in a machine shop for a while and I'm sad this passed inspection. I used a small diamond file to knock the edge down which has helped but it still breaks strings much more than my '88 Strat. Other than that I LOVE this guitar!

 

[einarc]

I have been playing a JP100D for a few months now and it also likes to eat high E strings. It looks like when they punched the through holes in the bridge that hole did not get a clean cut and it's slightly bent causing a sharp edge along the top. I worked in a machine shop for a while and I'm sad this passed inspection. I used a small diamond file to knock the edge down which has helped but it still breaks strings much more than my '88 Strat. Other than that I LOVE this guitar!

I got the same guitar, it broke my Paradigm.

 

[SBMM]

What everybody has said about the string tension changing with tuning is true. The bridge angle will change as the tension changes.

As far as the high E breaking strings, it is not at the saddle, it is the pass through at the bridge plate, where a burr has developed.

See this tutorial that I did in 2014 for people who were having an issue with this.

The JP Bridge assembly. I've removed... - Sterling by Music Man | Facebook