bridge rattle. need help.

Tape · #1 03-23-2007, 04:07 PM

ive posted a thread in the 'basses' section but got no response. i figure i should try here too. ok, i recently changed the action on my bass because it had a lot of fret buzz. i didnt use any particular radius, i just raised it untill the buzz was gone (or almost gone). my problem is that now my bridge is rattling. this happens mostly when i play slap, but also when im playing fingerstyle. ive done countless searches but cant find anything helpful. has anyone else had this problem? if so, how did you fix it? i have no idea what to do.

Dave · #2 03-23-2007, 04:11 PM

Check and make sure the saddle screws are screwed down enough to make enough contact with the bridge plate. If they arent screwed in enough, they can make an obnoxious rattle.

Tape · #3 03-23-2007, 04:15 PM

if i did that, would it lower my action? then id be back to having fret buzz.

Dave · #4 03-23-2007, 04:25 PM

No, just make sure that the screws are screwed in enough so that they are making contact with the bridge plate. Dont screw them in anymore than that or it will mess with your action.

Tape · #5 03-23-2007, 04:51 PM

ok, i think im slightly confused. which screws should i be screwing in? because turning the saddle screws at all should mees up my action. sorry if im not getting something obvious. maybe im just a little slow.

Dave · #6 03-23-2007, 04:56 PM

Yes, the screws Im talking about are the ones that adjust the action. Im just saying make sure that they are making contact with the bridge plate (the flat piece of metal that the saddles are sitting on). If those screws arent making contact fully, they can rattle. Sometimes only one of the two screws are actually touching the plate, depending on what kind of bridge you have.

Tape · #7 03-23-2007, 05:02 PM

ok. i understnd now. what if this brings the fret buzzing back, or maybe ill want higher action in the future? could i just buy longer screws so the action can be good without the rattle? thanks for your help so far.

Dave · #8 03-23-2007, 05:15 PM

Im not saying raise the action any. Just put the allen key in and very lightly try to turn it. If it turns freely, then tighten it until you feel resistance (when it begins to actually raise the saddle). If there is resistance and it is raising the saddle, then thats not your problem.

Tape · #9 03-23-2007, 05:49 PM

ok. thanks. ill try that when im back at my moms house(thats where my bass is). ill be sure to post something on monday about what happened when i did it. luckily, there's not that big of a rush to fix this problem, because ill be getting a new bass soon(in addition to my current one). so, if the rattling doesnt stop, i can still have a non-rattling bass to play while im figurung this problem out.

Tape · #10 03-27-2007, 03:39 PM

it worked! i tightened the screws up a little. now theyre touching the bridge completely. the rattle is gone. The action was barely affected. thanks.