DIY string spacing - is this bad? need opinions

traveller1st · #1 06-24-2011, 07:54 AM

Ok,

First off don't shout at me lol. I fancied a different bass sound from my fender jazz and bought a "vintage" musicman copy off ebay for buttons.

It's actually really good - I mean really and it's an older model, pre wilkinson I think. I'm upgrading it (took collection of a wilkinson MWM4 today). The one thing about it and something I don't really have experience of is the string spacing - it's off.

Soooo after much pondering my DIY fix to this was to wedge two coins between the E&A and D&G saddles. Mostly to push the D&G strings out as these were the problem. The bridge doesnt have saddle grooves so I was able to do this.

This actually works but I wanted to check, would this create a problem elsewhere with tension or intonation or is it just simply - if it works it works?

Thanks in advance if anyone's got any thoughts on this.

Bass-Adrenaline · #2 06-24-2011, 11:44 AM

Whats "off" about the spacing?

traveller1st · #3 06-24-2011, 12:11 PM

Oh, the strings didn't line up over the pickup poles and I mean quite a bit off not just a bit off centre especially the G.

john grey · #4 06-24-2011, 01:13 PM

The strings do not have to line up EXACTLY over the pickup magnets (if that is what you mean). Consider this: when you pluck a string, it vibrates and traverses an area that (on occasion) may be substantially wider than the pole pieces of the magnets.
Take those coins out and play the Bass for a period of time through an amp designed for a bass and see if it sounds acceptable. Many, if mot most strings (especially the E & G) are not directly centered over pole magnets with no harm done.

traveller1st · #5 06-24-2011, 01:29 PM

Thanks John,

Yup, you know that nagging thought in the back of your mind that you sometimes get. The one that in this case says "I bet the strings don't have to line up lets have a listen and see if there's any noticable difference in volume" lol.

So yeah I did that and it seems ok. Thanks for confirming. I swear I worry first and try second.

Def should be no prob with the new pickup which im assuming will be a higher output than the stock whatever it is that's in it now.

Regards

Mark

96tbird · #6 06-25-2011, 08:35 AM

Hey when you install the new p'up, plug the screw holes and re-drill so your strings line up. It wont make a difference sound wise but you'll be happier with the aesthetics. Glue some precision micro dowels (round toothpicks, LOL) in the old screw holes, drop pup in, string it up, center pup, mark new holes with screws and a tap with a hammer, drill. Done. Nice.

traveller1st · #7 06-25-2011, 09:41 AM

Too late lol.

Well never too late but new pickup is in and I had to do some file work on the pickguard to get it to fit where it is so I think moving it isnt an option.

Good idea tho but I'm happy enough knowing that im not losing out on sound somewhere.

Besides the new PUP has a logo which always makes things look cooler.