4 of 5 bridge screws. Safe?

[strke-fender]

Would it be okay to run a fender P with 4 of it's 5 bridge set screws for a few gigs until my tech can tap it out?

It's the screw on the edge on by the E string if makes a difference.

Thanks guys.

[lowendgenerator]

I've done it before.

[line6man]

Some Fender bridges only use three screws. Hipshot A bridges (Possibly others?) use four.

[lonote]

I wouldn't worry about it.

[TomA1234]

I have a bridge that works with only 3 screws, it'll be completely fine.

[walterw]

oh god no, that bridge will fly up and hit you in the face!

an easy trick for (let me guess) removing a broken-off screw in the wood;

get a bit of brass tubing from the hobby shop, sized just bigger than the screw shaft in question. cut a section about 2" long, and file little "teeth" into one end. chuck it into your hand drill, set to unscrew, and slowly drill down around the busted screw section.

chances are, it'll grab the screw piece part-way down and back it right out, saving most of the screw-hole.

[darkstorm]

Yes itd be ok with 4 screws though Id get the other screw in as soon as possible. 4 screws is minimum I'll accept for a bridge design though I know theres 3 screw ones I dont like them. Though Id also rather the missing screw be between 2 others rather then on the end, still its ok that way.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

4 screws is minimum I'll accept for a bridge design though I know theres 3 screw ones I dont like them.

that's probably irrational, but i'm with you.

the fender through-body bridges use 3 screws, but that's OK, because they're, well, through-body.

[Turock]

I've been playing one with 3 screws since 1983 (not through body); no problems.