Bridge Saddles! (Need help w/ setup, etc.)

[MistaMarko]

I've had my Peavey Cirrus 5 BXP for a few years, but have honestly never figured out how the saddles work on the bridge.

Of course, you can move the saddles foward and backward..and this effects string intonation..correct?

On top of the saddles there are 2 holes side by side for the allen key..tightening these changes the string action..correct?

There are also 2 other holes for the allen key yet I have no idea what they do..and also I've noticed some of the holes on the top of the saddle (where you change the string action i think) seem to be stripped..like I try to tighten them and it turns and feels like its just slipping off the screwhole and other saddles lock right in..I'm honestly not sure how any of this works.

[Magneto]

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

I've had my Peavey Cirrus 5 BXP for a few years, but have honestly never figured out how the saddles work on the bridge.

Of course, you can move the saddles foward and backward..and this effects string intonation..correct?

On top of the saddles there are 2 holes side by side for the allen key..tightening these changes the string action..correct?

There are also 2 other holes for the allen key yet I have no idea what they do..and also I've noticed some of the holes on the top of the saddle (where you change the string action i think) seem to be stripped..like I try to tighten them and it turns and feels like its just slipping off the screwhole and other saddles lock right in..I'm honestly not sure how any of this works.

I don't own a Cirrus BXP, but they appear to have the "individual" -type bridges for each string?
If they do, it's probably very similar to my Millenium BXP bass, so I might be able to help.

I've uploaded a little picture..

1. 2 screws on top of saddle. Tightening them raises string height, loosening lowers it.
2. The little screw on the front locks the saddle in place. You need to loosen this BEFORE trying to raise the string height or you could strip the saddle screws. After loosening, you raise/lower string height. When you finish, you tighten this screw to lock it into place. Without this locking screw, the saddle could slip out or move.
This happened to me the first time I changed strings and had to look for one of the tiny saddles that had fallen out after removing the strings.
3. The little screw set behind the bridge locks it into place and keeps it from sliding forward and back. You loosen this to slide the saddle and adjust your intonation. Once that's correct, you tighten it back down. It keeps the saddles from sliding, but also keeps it from rocking forward as you tighten a string and it tries to pull the little saddle forward.

Your bridge(s) might not be exact, but might work similarly..

Hope this helps..
Mag...

[bohemond]

MistaMarko. I am having the same problem as you,. I own a Peavey Millenium AC Bxp. I need an allen wrench small enough to fit the holes. Could I upgrade to a better Bridge rather than this stock one? I think I need to do some string height adjustment at this point. I,ve been messing with the truss rod in as a substitute remedy and I dont think its working. I would like a better more user friendly bridge. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Magneto]

Originally Posted by bohemond

MistaMarko. I am having the same problem as you,. I own a Peavey Millenium AC Bxp. I need an allen wrench small enough to fit the holes. Could I upgrade to a better Bridge rather than this stock one? I think I need to do some string height adjustment at this point. I,ve been messing with the truss rod in as a substitute remedy and I dont think its working. I would like a better more user friendly bridge. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm not sure of the exact size hex wrench, but I'll try to find mine and let you know something.
Honestly, I consider the individual bridges that you have on your AC-BXP to be "user-friendly".. As with all bridges, you're usually going to need AT LEAST ONE hex wrench.

Making your own setup adjustments is a learning process.. You're right to start off with your truss adjustment, but don't try to fix a string-height/action problem that way. You simply adjust the truss rod to adjust the amount of relief in the neck.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO KEEP TUNING AND RETUNING YOUR STRINGS TO KEEP PROPER TENSION. Personally, I ALWAYS loosen strings before TIGHTENING a truss rod. When loosening it, I don't because the truss nut isn't trying to pull against string tension.

The bridge and saddles don't have to be setup to do a truss adjustment Once you've got that dialed in, You can start adjusting individual string saddles to a height that works for you without buzzing. I usually take a small and light straight edge to lay across the top of the strings to get an overall even height before I finish by making minor adjustments to each individual string.
The bridges on your AC-BXP should be almost identical to the little picture I've detailed..

Mag...

[MistaMarko]

Yeah, I figured it out on my own today. I managed to get my whole guitar PERFECTLY in tune except for the 24th fret on D string and 24th fret on B-string. Now what I still don't understand is what the truss rod does..well I know it gives neck relief, but what does that do?

[bohemond]

Thanks, I started by loosening the screws to lower the strings(found the right hex btw) then I checked the strings for buzzing. Most if not all the buzzing came after the 12th fret. I have a book that says if this is the case i need to tighten the truss rod because of too much bend in the neck . I tightened about a half turn without yet setting the string height, I want to let it sit overnight and check it again. When you loosen the screws you lower the string height, I coulnd see a big difference but I am thinking it takes time for the neck to adjust. Am I correct? Also is it normal on this bridge to have the tops of the screws exposed. And if so after I have the string height where I want it shouold I tighten the single screw you mentioned so it stays at that point. Thanks again

[atman 3000]

Hey, i recently bought a peavey cirrus and somehow i lost one of the saddles...does anyone know where i can get another one? Dealers etc...any help will be much appreciated!!