Bridge saddle buzz

[Mr L]

Just purchased a used sterling SUB ray4 from musiciansfriend about a week ago and the first thing i notices was some terrible buzzing right around the bridge (The buzzing was coming through the amp as well) but only on the E and A strings.

My first thought was bad strings, so i switched them and the buzzing persisted. So then i thought it was the springs so i stretched them and that seemed to minimize the buzzing but it was still very apparent. Finally i took off the spring entirely and that improved the buzz yet again.

However there was still a very obvious buzz so i assumed it must be the saddles rubbing. So i angled the E and G string saddles to the outside very slightly and that improved buzzing yet again. But the damn thing was STILL buzzing.

So after exhausting all other options i finally was able to fix the buzzing by placing electrical tape across the bridge under the saddle screws, as well as placing electrical tape between each saddle. Buzzing solved!

Now my bass looks super ghetto as it has no springs and some random electrical tape across the bridge and jammed in the saddles, but it works!

I don't know what other option i have to remove the buzz besides replacing the bridge.

Had to vent this out as i have spent the better part of the weekend messing with the darned thing, very frustrating.

[Rocky McD]

When we try to achieve a super low action, the break angle of the strings over the saddles diminishes. The more break angle we have, the more pressure is applied downward, which tightens up the saddle, screws, plate unit and reduces vibrations (buzz, rattle, etc.) This is the main advantage that a string-thru bridge offers, increased break angle IE pressure on the saddles This may not be your problem, I just thought I would toss it out for consideration.
Rocky