.135 B and bridge slot

[EADG mx]

I recently attempted re-stringing my Schecter Studio 5 with a set of Ernie Ball's (Hybrid Slinkies .045-.0105 with a separate .135 B).

The B fits into the nut slot fine, but it doesn't seem to want to fit into the bridge slot. Now even with the saddle bottomed out the action is too high for my liking.


Any ideas?

[MadMan118]

Can you post a pic please?

[Foamy]

What changed? Regardless of the string diameter (as long as it sits in the slot), the bottom of the string should be exactly as it was before. I've read here of some users grinding/filing the saddles to get the action lower as well. But I'm with MadMan above - post a piccie so we can see what you're talking about.
Oh, and maybe the obvious.....does the bridge slot need to be enlarged? That can be done with a $2 file from your local home improvement center.

[Beta]

I had a tech widen the B string saddle slot on my GWB2 to accommodate a .135 non-taperwound string not because the action wouldn't get to a point of my liking, but because the string would pop out of the too small slot if it wasn't done.

I think the same as Foamy: this might be your solution.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Beta

I had a tech widen the B string saddle slot on my GWB2 to accommodate a .135 non-taperwound string not because the action wouldn't get to a point of my liking, but because the string would pop out of the too small slot if it wasn't done.

I think the same as Foamy: this might be your solution.

Well, for both reasons. It hasn't popped out yet but it's not something I want to risk.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Foamy

What changed? Regardless of the string diameter (as long as it sits in the slot), the bottom of the string should be exactly as it was before. I've read here of some users grinding/filing the saddles to get the action lower as well. But I'm with MadMan above - post a piccie so we can see what you're talking about.
Oh, and maybe the obvious.....does the bridge slot need to be enlarged? That can be done with a $2 file from your local home improvement center.

It doesn't fit in the slot.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

Any ideas?

Yeah! Deepen &/or widen the slot so it will fit how you want.

Most paranoid would be to get or make another saddle to mod & keep the original as-is.

[EADG mx]

I'm thinking I'm going to have to widen the slot, then. How should I go about doing this?

Should I take it to a tech? Sounds like an easy enough job but I've heard plenty about saddles wearing down strings and I want to make sure it's done right.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

I'm thinking I'm going to have to widen the slot, then. How should I go about doing this?

Should I take it to a tech? Sounds like an easy enough job but I've heard plenty about saddles wearing down strings and I want to make sure it's done right.

You could take it to a tech if you want, but it's something that I would classify as a DIY project. I had to widen the slot for the same reason and it was very easy. Also, you have to do a lot less filing than you might think.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

I recently attempted re-stringing my Schecter Studio 5 with a set of Ernie Ball's (Hybrid Slinkies .045-.0105 with a separate .135 B).

The B fits into the nut slot fine, but it doesn't seem to want to fit into the bridge slot. Now even with the saddle bottomed out the action is too high for my liking.

Any ideas?

That would be because it's too big, right?

Get an appropriate type file and widen the slot - carefully. But only do it if you're going to be playing a .135 from now on. Otherwise, ditch the strings and go back to a more normal gauge string.

[EADG mx]

Ok, so what kind of file do I need? Should I sand after?

[Ric5]

Get a dremmel tool ... it comes in handy when you want to work on basses.

[Pilgrim]

Personally, I'd drop into a Sears, Harbor Freight or similar tool spot and pick up a set of small diamond files that include slender round ones.

As stated above, you probably won't have to move much material. The difference between a .105 E and a .135 E is darn small!

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

Ok, so what kind of file do I need? Should I sand after?

I have a set like this:



They're available at this website http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/gyr/gyr...source=froogle but I picked mine up from the hardware store. They're advertised as being for model craftsmen, hobbyist & machinist, but to me they're a cheap set of small files that can be used for many bass-related purposes. I didn't sand, just made sure I cleaned up all the metal pieces before restringing the B.

[EADG mx]

I think I'll sand it just to make sure. What sort of grit would I need?