3 point bridge set-up help needed

B. Graham · #1 09-30-2008, 08:09 PM

Just picked up a cool Westbury Track 4 bass, with a three point bridge.

The top of the bass has an arch, and I'm trying to figure out the best adjustment for this bridge i.e. follow the contour of the top, or set it up more flat?

Thanks!

kingbee · #2 10-02-2008, 10:29 AM

Ideally, you want to adjust it so that it matches the radius of the fretboard. That way your action will be consistent from one string to the next.

B. Graham · #3 10-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Thanks for you post.

The radius adjustment is fine. I was wondering more of the fore-aft type adjustment in that should the baseplate of the bridge follow along with the contour of the top of the instrument. Since there are three adjustment points I'd assume that you could get the front too high or low, and the same for the rear.

hockey_head · #4 10-02-2008, 06:25 PM

the for and aft adj will have some effect on string tension as the more forward it is tilted, the break angle of the string passing over the saddle will be decresed as will the tension. and visa vers, in either case it will need re intonating.
moving for and aft can also be used as coarse action adj.

Slowgypsy · #5 10-02-2008, 07:00 PM

Not sure if this will be helpful but it sounds like the bridge you have is similar to the 3-point bridge on an Epiphone Jack Casady bass. Here's a link to Jack's website where he suggests how to set up the bass... with a short section on bridge setup.
http://www.jackcasady.com/signature-bass.html

kyral210 · #6 10-08-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

it sounds like the bridge you have is similar to the 3-point bridge on an Epiphone Jack Casady bass

Its not similar, its the same. Like all manufacturing companies, the designers re-use allot of components, so if it looks similar and it comes from the same factory, you can bet your right gonad (testicle for those non Brits) that it is the same.

Solarmist · #7 10-09-2008, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingbee

Ideally, you want to adjust it so that it matches the radius of the fretboard. That way your action will be consistent from one string to the next.

+1 - Use a Stewart-MacDonald string action gauge. I got one, and you can get it so close to absolute perfection measuring off you last fret.