Can you raise bridge saddle with strings on?

[jasper76]

Have some fret buzz I'd like rid of on the E string only. All the way up and down the neck, I get the buzz. After reading the sticky links and some threads, I checked the relief, and its just fine. So I think I'd like to raise the E string saddle on the bridge.

I haven't seen this question answered anywhere...forgive me if its a dumb one or a repeat:

Do you need to remove or loosen the strings to safely increase the bridge height?

Also, is there a good rule of thumb for adjustment increments for the bridge saddle (1/4 turn at a time, 1/8, etc.)?

[BigOldHarry]

YES - just loosen your string. You'll have to re-tune anyway, ya know...

[jaywa]

You will have to re-tune and re-set your intonation.

But other than that, go ahead. It won't harm anything on the bridge.

[Stilettoprefer]

^^ +1

make sure to check intonation on that string after you change the height of the saddle. On basses it might not be too bad but on guitars I've always ha to adjust intonation. Especially telecasters with those vintage style saddles that have 2 strings on each saddle:P.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by jasper76

Have some fret buzz I'd like rid of on the E string only. All the way up and down the neck, I get the buzz. After reading the sticky links and some threads, I checked the relief, and its just fine. So I think I'd like to raise the E string saddle on the bridge.

I haven't seen this question answered anywhere...forgive me if its a dumb one or a repeat:

Do you need to remove or loosen the strings to safely increase the bridge height?

Also, is there a good rule of thumb for adjustment increments for the bridge saddle (1/4 turn at a time, 1/8, etc.)?

You don't have to loosen the string, but it doesn't hurt to tune down a little, since raising it is going to sharpen the string a little. No, nothing's going to explode, if you turn the allen screws more than 1/128th of a turn...

[tangentmusic]

For correct intonation, the strings gotta be on!

[jasper76]

Thanks everyone! The operation was a success....and no explosions.

Glad this stuff is a bit demystified now.

As a side note, this is the first time I've checked my intonation against a good tuner, and it was pretty bad. I watched the dude set my bass in the shop. Looked like he knew what he was doing.

Every string was off. Not good. I guess I know where not to go if I need a pro setup.

[shawshank72]

It is so easy to learn how to set up your own bass. Im an idiot and I learned from talkbass. Will save much money and time doing it yourself.

Originally Posted by jasper76

Thanks everyone! The operation was a success....and no explosions.

Glad this stuff is a bit demystified now.

As a side note, this is the first time I've checked my intonation against a good tuner, and it was pretty bad. I watched the dude set my bass in the shop. Looked like he knew what he was doing.

Every string was off. Not good. I guess I know where not to go if I need a pro setup.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by shawshank72

Im an idiot and I learned from talkbass.

I don't often put quotes in my signatures, but this is definitely sig-worthy.