Is this a genuine Fender Jazz Bridge?

[rwillett]

I brought this off ebay (yep, first red flag) as a "Genuine Made in Japan Fender Jazz Bridge 1999".

 

When it turned up, it has a set of holes in the back of the bridge for mounting plus two holes towards the front of the bridge, see pictures below. My MIJ 1997 Fender Jazz Bass only has screws at the back of the bridge. I was told when I brought the bass that the bridge wasn't original, which is why I wanted an original one.

 

However I now have doubts as to have genuine this bridge is. It's not that well finished on the base of the bridge, but its not too bad, the rest of the bridge looks OK, but it has no other logo on it or stamping.

 

I have looked through dozens of Fender Jazz basses and cannot find a single picture of a fender with screw holes at the front of the bridge. So I'm wondering if its not genuine.

 

Any help or advice welcomed.

 

Edited June 22, 2023 by rwillett

[Beedster]

No, not unless it's a model I've not come across  

 

Is it the same as the photos in the eBay listing, if not I would send that back for a full refund, if it is I guess it's a case of buyer beware (and if you try to get a refund there's a good chance the seller will respond 'You got the item in the photos which I personally removed from a MIJ '99 Jazz' or similar guff)

 

Sorry I can't be more help

[bartelby]

I can't remember ever seeing a new Fender with a bridge like that

 

[rwillett]

It is the same.as in the photos. 

 

However the eBay title and description says “Genuine Fender…”. 
 

Should there be a stamping of logo on it? My experience here is pretty much minimal   
 

it didn’t cost a lot £30 with postage and I’m 99.9% certain that eBay will refund me if I open a dispute as it’s not genuine. I just need some facts to back up my hunch. 
 

thanks

 

Rob

[Beedster]

The only Fender bridges I've seen with a Fender stamp were the 80's high mass versions (and I suspect the new high mass might have stamps also), the BBOTs tend not to have any stamps/identification 

[Reggaebass]

I’ve never had a fender bbot bridge with the 2 extra fixing holes on any I’ve had, and neither have they had a logo , just my opinion but I don’t think it’s a fender, didn’t Gotoh do one similar to yours? But I think it had the grooves for the saddle screws 

[rwillett]

Sent an email back to the vendor asking for all my money back. Will keep looking for a real one for my 1997 MIJ Jazz.

 

Thanks

Rob

[BlueMoon]

The extra attachment holes are normally seen on the Gotoh version of the BBOT bridge. If it came from a Japanese Fender bass it might be possible that it came from new like that. I am not sure if Gotoh stamp their BBOT bridge.

[rwillett]

@BlueMoon Thanks for this. I have a 97 Fender MIJ Jazz bass and mine has no stampings or logo, and it only has the rear five screws. I think somebody pointed out that the Gotoh might have grooves as well. 

 

Not found a single picture of any MIJ Fender from that era with seven screws.

 

Have queried it with the vendor and am awaiting a response.

 

Thanks

 

Rob

[BlueMoon]

14 minutes ago, rwillett said:

I think somebody pointed out that the Gotoh might have grooves as well. 

I think that is correct………so probably not Gotoh without saddle screw grooves.

[rwillett]

The vendor has apologised, sent a picture of the one they are going to sen which looks a lot more authentic. 
 

I was gearing myself up for an argument but they have promised to sort it out. I already have a new tracking number from them. 
 

I’ll see how it goes. 
 

rob

[Dan Dare]

The Gotoh 203 has the two extra holes. It's a good quality BBOT replacement, made from chromed brass and at least as good as the Fender. The one above is not a Gotoh, which has a curved edge to the base plate.

[pst62]

 I bought this Jim Deacon P bass off of ebay a few years ago as a doer upper it had no pickguard, pups or electrics, it did have one those bridges though. I hope it all gets sorted out.

Edited June 24, 2023 by pst62

[rwillett]

The vendor has apologised, said i can keep the other one and is sending "the correct one". 

 

We'll see what turns up. 

 

Rob

[Reggaebass]

8 minutes ago, pst62 said:

 I bought this Jim Deacon P bass off of ebay a few years ago as a doer upper it had no pickguard, pups or electrics, it did have one those bridges though. I hope it all gets sorted out.

Looks great, nice job 👍