Jazz Master Bridge Bushings

[Tage]

So I got a mastery bridge for my JazzMaster for my birthday! only problem is that I need to remove the bridge bushings in order to install the master ones.

I know how to get out Tune-o-matic bushing but the Jazz Master oens don't have threads in them...

Has anyone ever removed these?

Thanks for any advice, Tage.

[Chuck H]

I'm not familiar with the JM bridge. If you're talking about bridge post anchors that are grooved instead of threaded I've removed them by drilling a hole in a board just larger than the anchor. Then get a bolt that matches the thread and run it through a washer, through the board on top of the guitar body. Pad the board where it meets the guitar body. Then just tighten the bolt and it pulls the anchor up into the hole in the board. The board and padding distribute pressure to prevent denting. It might be a good idea to use an iron to heat the anchors before pulling, but I didn't and it worked great. This was my solution but I'd wait for a response from someone with more experience to confirm.

EDIT: Adding a diagram for clarity:

[Tage]

Thanks Chuck, I'm also familiar with that method, it works grat for TOM bridge anchors. Unfortunately there are no threads in the Jazz Master bridge anchors...

[Chuck H]

OOOOoohh... You meant threads on the female part of the anchor. That's where my unfamiliarity with the bridge just failed me. Hmmm... Well, if you're replacing them you could just thread tap the anchors and then pull them. Not a good option if you wish to save them (vintage instrument?) If the Mastery bridge anchors are larger than the originals (as I suppose they should be) you could also try force threading a bolt of some sort and just sort of wiggle/pull and see if they'll come out. I'm impatient so that's probably what I'd do. I suppose it'd be irresponsible to suggest it though.

EDIT: I just looked at some images. Those anchors shouldn't even be fluted. Just a sort of cup/grommet. If you can get a softer metal dowel, like brass or aluminum, that fits just a little snug you can probably do like I said above and wiggle/pull them out with minimal damage.

[Tage]

Yeah that is exactly what is going on. I'm a mechanic during the day so I'm gonna grab my big tap set and thread the anchors and use a socket, a bolt, some nuts and washers and make a tool like the arrangement you showed for TOM bridges.

I might even document the process for anyone else that runs into this problem.