ONE WEIRD TRICK #1: The Hammer Trick - Fixes Loose Jazzmaster/Jaguar Vibrato Arms
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- Опубликовано: 17 мар 2022
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This video marks the beginning of a series I have wished to create for ages based around the many small things I do daily to improve the sound and functionality of my own guitars as well as those I repair and maintain.
This week we're talking specifically about The Hammer Trick, a method of tightening the fit between a Jazzmaster/Jaguar vibrato arm and its receptacle, the collet into which it is inserted. 
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Showed this trick to my tech buddy, he was like "no way this works"
So we tried it on my partsmaster, and sure enough, it worked great. He was like "NO WAY THIS WORKED!"
So thanks Mike !
When i used to fix instruments i called hitting things with a hammer "physical encouragement". It sounds fancier to customers.
I use the term, “percussive maintenance”. 😂
I knew a high-end computer repairman who had a hammer in his tool kit. When I asked him about it, he said "That's not a hammer, that's a 'forming tool.'"
Just purchased my first jazzmaster today. This channel is a great resource and gave me the confidence to pull the trigger. Thank you for all of the amazing content!
I have three Jazzmasters, two mij, one Squier, have tried the hammer bend but tried another method that just worked better for me, goes like this.... Remove the vibrato plate, with the arm removed, you see the collar that the arm slides into, its split, I use a medium strength zip tie to put some squeeze on the collar, trim off the zip tie excess replace and fit arm. Gave me a better result than the hammer and easier to get the right "squeeze" first go.
Thanks for this rattling vibrato arm trick ... it worked a treat ... I never even attached the arm before as it made such an annoying noise when using it on my Squier 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster ... now it is a delight ... GREAT TIP ... :)
tried a few times to find this in prior videos, so this is MUCH appreciated! love the content as always and thank you for all you do!
Hammered my arm, it started squeaking in the collet. Oiled the arm, stopped the squeaking but it was loose again. Re-hammered the already-oiled arm: perfection! (TVL Jazzmaster)
Thank you for making this video! I looked all over for one a few months back and couldn't find it!
I actually used a variation of this fix on my screw-in jazzmaster trem and it worked. I put the opposite end in the vice, padded with a bunch of paper towel to protect the threads, and gently hand-bent the arm. Works great now!
Mike thanks so much for all the tips and tricks you give it's absolutely amazing what you do for the offset community
Mike you are the MAN. I just got an AO JM and the super loose trem was driving me nuts. I just tried the hammer trick and it totally WORKS. Thanks for saving me the money and the pain of waiting 12+ weeks for a staytrem!
I did see the longer video where you mentioned the hammer trick and I was stoked on how good it worked. I've been happy ever since! Thanks.
Just tried this on my 60's American original jazzmaster and IT WORKS!
Thank you for the wonderful tip, I love this guitar even more now. 😁
Every now and again you come across a channel that you wish you had found years ago. This channel is one of them. Great subject explained in a fabulous manner. Looking forward to spending a few hours catching up with your old vids.
Brian this is exceedingly kind. Thank you!
saw u talk about this in a prior vid and did this to my jazzy,,, worked like a charm. you’re a G, good sir.
Thanks a lot for this mike, addressed a big problem I was having with my Jaguar and plays so much better
The hammer trick works great! It took me 2 minutes to fix and works fine now.
"IT'S HAMMER TIME!" I apologize for that, low hanging fruit and all.....
I used this trick as soon as I saw it in your other video but had completely forgotten and the tremolo on my new jazzmaster was being annoying and falling off all the time. Thank you so much for this!
The original video this was in allowed me to fix this problem with my CIJ Jaguar. Thanks.
Just got my first jazzmaster after watching your channel for awhile. I’ll be trying this on mine for sure!
I've done this trick and it worked for me. There are a few tricks to be found online to accomplish the same thing but this one does not require removing the vibrato from the body.
great video topic! Thanks for sharing!
Love the hammer trick! And if your arm squeaks in the collet after the hammer trick, don't forget to do the Puisheen approved Burt's Bees trick on the arm 😜
I've been referencing the previous video where this gets explained when people ask about it in a FB group I'm in, so I'm glad I finally have an individual video without having to use timestamps. I sure hope you eventually make one of these explaining how to fix the common clicky-clacky problem of Squier import offset vibratos by sanding that one bit perfectly flat. I think it was in that same previous video.
What a great trick! haha Thanks brodda, needed this-
I have used this trick thanks to you! Brilliant hack indeed
On my Jazzmaster I had to use a lot more force than on my Jaguar to seat the arm properly. Was going to do this trick but was able to avoid for now. Love your channel.
Can confirm. Works an absolute treat. This trick helps to make the Fender offset vibrato one of the best available vibrato tailpieces for guitars.
Dont tell all the Mastery fanboys that
@@19cubbies69 well, I really meant that basic mechanical design. But I do think it's true that Mike's tips mean that you don't really need to fork out for a Mastery or Descendant.
Thank you for this! I spent the better part of an hour a few months ago scanning through your older on the bench vids to find that 30 second clip lol.
That is such a ridiculously easy fix that I almost feel like a moron for not thinking of it. But then, I don't associate hammers with tools I generally use to service my guitar! Thank you for the video!
I've done it to 3 of my offsets, works like a charm
Damn he’s right 👀 I just did this trick. Excellent advice!! Thanks!!
Just checked this out. Thanks! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
I do remember the "Hammer trick" bit, it was in the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jaguar setup/review video ; I know it because I did get one after religiously absorbing all the informations :p (and so I did hammer my trem arm on day 1 and it worked like a charm, thanks to you
I just did the hammer trick and works great in my panorama bridge (I also bought the yellow spring BTW) thanks a lot for all the advice!
Yes this is useful and priceless peace of mind you provide. I’m hoping one day to see a video for how to install a headstock mounted sparkle and/or bubble cannon. Lemme know if that’s in the works. Safety First! ⚠️
THANK YOU !!! Just fixed my Jaguar arm.
Worked!
heard you mention it before thanks for showing it
nice shirt dude!
Mike, like yourself I know a ton about offset guitars and worked them all out for myself. However, I thank you for the hammer trick as this is the “one weird trick” lol I did get from you.
BTW, I always link your Premier Jazzmaster setup article to folks having problems. It’s the only source online I know that will get people up and running.
That article is still the thing I refer to folks most. For having written with less than 24 hours of lead time I feel like I did pretty good.
@@Puisheen You did, man. It’s a great setup guide.
insert The Office "its the same picture" meme for @4:05
It’s been a few years ago now, but I tried this. Not sure where I saw or read about it. I couldn’t seem to get it right. It was either too much or too little bend. In the end, I bought a Staytrem collet and arm. Expensive but I definitely got what I paid for, as it’s perfect. It looks similar to the hold and play you have on Pancake.
Awesome video as always! If I may make one suggestion -- perhaps move the disclaimer at 5:06 toward the beginning of your video in case anyone tries to follow along in real time. And for what its worth, any guitar tech that says they hate you probably also secretly admires you, so not to worry my friend!
Thank you for this video I’ve just gotten my beautiful Troy van leewun signature and the arm is driving me mad … I’m gonna try the hammer trick cheers
I'm so glad to know at least one other person on earth fixes guitars with a hammer. It works on grumpy handheld electronic devices too! 😜...well, not really, but I feel better afterwards.
I always just used some pliers to close the inside of the colet so it grips the arm better, this seems a bit easier though haha.
As someone who has been out of round for years I testify that this works!
Hey I am in Seattle are you doing work on guitar and how do you get clients?
thank u mike
This worked perfectly! There's a little nick where the bar met the edge of the vise. Should I file that off or just leave it?
I will 100% use this! I just need to buy an offset guitar haha!
Thanks for this. I just took shipment of a Squire 40th Ann. JM and am so far very happy with it, but for the trem just swinging loose (will comment further in your separate vid about the guitar). Am planning on trying this trick, but wondering about using some plumber’s tape and wrapping the arm to taste? I think I had done that with my son’s strat years ago and worked fine. I should note that the trem bar is buzzing from vibration. Thanks.
Hey Mike. How I fixed mine was to gently tap in the collet pieces (4 pieces in total) to lessen the gap. Yes you have to remove the trem system to do this but it seems to be more of a proper fix. You don't have to bend the trem arm which can produce uneven tension on the arm and it's "less intrusive" Mine is now very stable and quiet btw. I'd love to see you try this and make a video on it!! Thanks for all of your hard work..
collet teeth break all the time, i've had teeth break off just from insertion & removal of the arm. the hammer trick is a better solution.
Yeah those teeth are notorious for breaking through no fault of the owner! The hammer method works even when the teeth are missing at least
Hi. I have a new Pro II Fender Jazzmaster so I know the hammer trick is a no-no on my guitar, BUT I did remove the trem assembly and tightened the tension screw but after an hour or two, it's loose again! Any other suggestions to try?
Hi, Mike! Loving the content.
I would love to see a video of you discussing the rising prices of guitars across the board. also would love to see you make an appearance in Casino Guitars!
I just got a AVRI trem for my Squier bass VI and the trem arm (which cost $30 and didn't come with the trem!! grumble!) rattles around in the collet. Gonna try this trick. Thanks Mike!
I inherited a Squier Jaguar which I needed to sell, but the trem was just horrible, with tons of rattling free play and flopping loosely all over. I expected it would be a major project to fix it. Found this video and five minutes later -- done!
Hey Mike any tips for the Mustang Dynamic Vibrato ? Staying where you left it and grub screw/ Set screw not working it’s way out
I have a lefty 2021 mim jagstang qnd I was wondering what degree neck shim should I get considering it's more of a mustang? Also do u have tips for keeping the arm set with out the grub screw falling out ? In been of help. /:
Hi. Thanks for the tip! Does it work on the squier j. mascis vibrato?
Thx!
For screw-in arms Fender makes a spring that drops in there adding tension. Does the same thing on Strats.
Thanks
is there a fix for the screw in trem arms?
This information is worth more then it’s weight in gold C3P0
And this is another reason why I love you Mike! (also, love the shirt! I'm bringing mine next month!)
We can be TWINZIESSSSS I love you Jason
Hammer Time! WooF!!
Did you ever find the 1000 meg push/push pots for your AP2 ?
Very nice. I have an MIM Player Jaguar so guess it's....... Hammer Time!!
The one issue I had with this trick is that after not too long the arm ground itself down and became loose again. However, the unit I did it on was a cheap ebay clone (not surprised) so id like to know if other people have this issue on other units too. If not, im definitely upgrading my vibrato XD
The one trick to rule them all 🧙♂️ Did this to my TVL Jazzmaster almost immediately after getting it.
The hammer trick is one of those things that seems super minor when it comes to upgrading your guitar but makes *such* a difference. AND NOW THERE IS A VIDEO TO PAY HOMAGE TO THIS WONDERFUL UPGRADE!! I won’t look/sound crazy when I bring it up to friends now 👍👍👍 Thanks for all the wonderful videos, Mike!
Drop the hammer! Haha really helpful info to know which models this will work on.. not mine 😆
Was just setting up my jazzmaster noventa and since it doesn’t have locking tuners that was annoyingly long. So annoying that the 1st string took 40 minutes to get on after repeated try’s of properly holding the string down then popping out. I finally got it just for the vibrola to fall out. So now I have to restart everything. I got so pissed since I haven’t been able to play the guitar because of technical difficulties so I was looking foward to it. Pissed off I smashed it on the floor and set it on fire. Still works but still not stringed up
Does this work for people who run away?
I wish you were close to me, I have a bunch of Offsets needing your expertise!!!
I will say, be careful with the Squier arms, if your vice does not have smooth jaws, it will get pitted from the jaws clamping the arm
Good word, that metal is not the best
💯% guaranteed. Hammer trick and blue loctite are a lifesaver.
Try purple loctite on saddle screws. It’s lesser adhesion qualities mean you won’t strip screws when you someday need to disassemble the bridge.
I swear by it.
Loctite 222
Does this work on '60s Jazzmasters?
any one have tips how to do this if you don't have a vice/clamp?
I just got a Johnny Marr Jag with collet. I'm pushing it all the way in there and it still swings. Would this work for that Mike? Or best advised not to
Oh wild, I've not encountered one that wasn't properly firm. This trick might work HOWEVER I have never tried it personally, so I won't fully recommend such a mod. Try at your own risk/peril
My Marr trem arm slips too. Is it correct to say there's no adjustment option? Did you try the hammer trick?
Also, hello dear Mike ! I've a video request that could be of interest for a lot of offset owners (especially Jaguars apparently) : How to wax pot a squealy pickup ? (and why/what is wax potting)
I've recently discovered the concept of wax potting as I was searching solutions to fix an untamable squeal on high-gain settings with my Jaguar CV70s. I instinctively searched for a video on your channel but was surprised to find none ! I found a couple "meh" video tutorials and forums explaining the how and important safety measures, but I'm sure the internet would benefit from a video of yours on the subject
cheers !
Lemme think on that? Surely it's something I do a lot on a variety of guitars but I'm a wee bit hesitant to recommend everyone do this themselves as it's rather easy to make a costly mistake with too much heat involved here. There are a small handful of jobs I don't know if I'll ever feel comfortable elaborating on for this reason, but I don't really know if this is one or not! I'll mull it over and see.
As for your Squier, I'd honestly just recommend not spending the time and getting nicer pickups. They're fine stock pickups but you might be better served by a set that's been wound with a lot more care and potted straight away. You may also want to double check that the "claws" are properly secured to the pickups -- if they're not tightly bonded, the claw can exacerbate squeal
@@Puisheen Ofc I do understand your POV, but on the other hand people can already find bits of informations here and there on the internet and those who feel like doing it will do it anyway (I know I will !) ; better give them the best infos they can have in a god tier Puisheen video :)
Yeah I thought about new pickups but It's 2nd on the list if wax potting doesn't work as intended, or goes wrong for the pickups... which shouldn't happen ; I've spent hours thoroughly reading about the process, also about paraffin/wax and how to handle it safely, safe double-boiling, temperature monitoring and the values I need to keep in mind to keep myself and my pickups safe.
I've a pretty limited budget and if wax potting can save me a couple hundreds I'm sure gonna try ! And I actually enjoy learning and doing some new guitar tech things, valuable knowledge for sure, and the DIY satisfaction is worth it :3
It's been a long road with that CV Jag but it plays so daym smooth now thanks to your videos : neck shim, hammer trick, tremolo "clang fix", sinking bridge fix, shielding... she's seen it all ! I'll tighten her claws but she probably needs a good ol' wax bath. The bridge pickup, which seems to have the tighter claws of the pair, also has the most sensitive squeal point (they're both very sensitive tho). I'll wax pot with the claws and cover on anyway, just to make sure nothing vibrates.
hey this happened with me and my vintera jag! you don’t really need to wax pot the whole thing, like mike said it has to do with the claw not properly attached to the pickup. all i had to do was to melt some wax and carefully pour it on the back of the bobbin and then press the claw down tightly, rubbing off excess wax before it cools down. i just microwaved the wax in a glass bowl and used hand towels to hold everything to prevent burning myself. i also heated up the bobbin+claw with a hair dryer before pouring the wax on (did this while the wax was melting) so that it was easier for everything to affix to each other. my big warning is be super careful when putting the pickguard back on, because it’s really easy to snag the claws while pulling the pickups through and then the whole process is undone.
@@Puisheen Thought I'd give an update : So I made a DIY double-boiler wax potting setup that works nicely, tightened the clamps, potted the factory pups, and begone mad high-gain squeal !
(don't feel like I've lost any tone or color whatsoever)
I like you. I might subscribe!
I tried this trick, but I lack your delicate and precise hammering skills. I purchased a Staytrem arm with collett and all is well.
Trying this! No more wrapping scotch tape around it haha
I hear Maxwell's silver hammer works great for this trick
any idea what to do if my johnny marr jag trem arm is loose? it’s drivin me nuts
I’ve been hearing about this issue with Marr’s a lot lately, and other than contacting Fender I don’t have a good answer! The Marr collet has nylon inserts to better grip the arm, but it seems the latest batch isn’t doing that. Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on a Marr soon to diagnose this issue, I just haven’t had one on the bench yet. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!
@@Puisheen thanks for the reply and tryin to help! ya I just got the new fever dream color. sucks fender could let this happen considering the guitar is 2.5k and johnny marr designed it specifically so the trem doesn’t swing like most jags 😅
Rather use needle nose on the bottom/mouth of the collet. Better option than permanently altering the arm. Use the needle nose to evenly close the mouth of the collet tighter. Has the same effect as this.
Those teeth break frequently without modification, and you're not permanently altering the arm. You can hit it again the opposite way
I have this problem with my MIJ Jazzmaster, and at rehearsals, it ALWAYS drops out. Very irritating. This might indeed work! But hey, what about removing the arm after you've bent it and pushed it in?
There's never any need to remove the arm. Leave them in!
@@Puisheen yeah, but thinking of getting a hardcase for my VI. Not comfortable with the arm being forced down when the case is closed, if you know what I mean. Same issue if I decide to get a HC for the Jazzmaster.
Thanks a lot for this insight.
But what do I do against shreeking noises when using the vibrato like Kevin shields (while strumming)?!? It is SO anyoiiing T______T only solution so far (for my j mascis jm) was the stay trem replacement collet, but you don't seem to have that problem at all?! Thanks again for your great content and just being you 🙏
I know it's been a year at least but if you haven't already fixed this, get white lithium grease from the autoparts store, take apart the vibrato system and grease up the spring and the outside of the nut that holds it together, really anywhere in there where metal rubs against other metal, on mine I went extra and also put some at the edge of the plate that holds the strings where it meets and rubs the edge of the other plate with 3 screws when you bend, and just a little tiny bit in the saddles if the strings bind and make any creaking noise from binding still. works like a charm
This 7 min+ video's useful information actually starts @ 3:48. Be aware that this may also eventually wallow out the collett, but works temporarily.
BLUESLAWYERS HATE HIM FOR THIS ONE WEIRD TRICK
❤️
i kinda like the wild swing honestly.
Valid!
For those of us who follow the teaches of Mike, we know of the 1st law of the Offset Guru.
OR, you could put the little spring that comes with the guitar into the hole and let that keep the wang bar in place. If your guit-fiddle didn't come with one, you can purchase them aftermarket.
This won't work on any Jazzmaster with the vintage style collet, which is just an open-ended tube. Dropping a spring down there means it would just pass all the way through, and then you'd have a spring rattling around inside your rout. So that's a no-go for 1958-1982 Jazzmasters, '62-75 Jaguars, the entirety of MIJ and CIJ production, AVRI62, 65, AO, Custom Shop, etc etc etc. The only models I'm aware of that actually had the spring are the original American Professionals, and those are the noisiest screw-in arms ever created. So, yeah, no
@@Puisheen Ah, thanks for the info. I jst got a Jazzmaster recently and I haven't had a chance to do any mods yet, so I'll keep that in mind.
You are, in effect, cross-threading. That's fine, but will eventually destroy the threads on the arm or the block as you use the arm on a daily basis. Of course, when the arm DOES get loose again, you can always hit it harder with the hammer the next time, and the next time, until it eventually has no threads left. There are a # of things you can put into the block which alleviate unwanted arm movement. Messy, but effective. Check your local auto supply. DON'T buy the extreme version of Loctite.
For saddles that get loose, just put a little silicone on the screw threads. That absorbs saddle-loosening vibration while not messing w/ tone . That's my 2cents. Been at this repair stuff since 1978. ... Oh; did I forget to mention that I'm OLD ???
Important! As Mike mentioned: Don' t apply this trick to a screwed vibrato arm. You might damage the screw thread. Instead get one of Fender Stratocaster Tremolo Arm Tension Springs, Fender part# 0994931000 and cut it in half. The shortened spring fitted to the tremolo of my Jaguar Vintera '60s, perfectly.
next trick please tell us exactly how to bend the arms like yours! thanks from italy! :)
i mean he vibrato arms not yours ;)
That is done gradually in sections, very carefully, by hand in a vice.
Take it slow to not over do it.
I do it by hand, which I know isn't helpful for folks who aren't quite as thick-armed as myself
@@Puisheen
lol ;)
Brilliant but actually mad that Fender don’t design it to work like this in first place . You honestly should work for them
Like deployed 👍
nice shirt