Filing bridge saddles

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Hi everybody.

Sorry if this has been asked before. The topic has been mentioned but the search returns didn't satisfy me.

My Ric's A string broke last night during a gig. I got that bass three months ago and it still has the factory strings. In my opinion, that's a very short time for a string to break, so I'm afraid that the saddle may need some filing. The thing is, I've never done that before and I feel that if not done correctly, the problem will get worse. So I'd like to get some info about the proper way to file a bridge saddle, which kind of file should be used, etc. Thank you very much in advance for your help!

[lug]

If this is your first break you don't see an obvious problem like a burr or a funky angle compared to the other saddles and you can't feel anything different with your fingers, I'd assume it was just a bad string. If you get a new set and it happens again, then I'd look into filing.

[vindy500]

Originally Posted by lug

If this is your first break you don't see an obvious problem like a burr or a funky angle compared to the other saddles and you can't feel anything different with your fingers, I'd assume it was just a bad string. If you get a new set and it happens again, then I'd look into filing.

+1 rub your finger over the saddle, see if you can feel any sharp bits

[HELLonWheels187]

There is a very easy way to solve this problem temorarly and all you need is a graphite pencil. All you have to do is fill in the grooves with the graphite slowly but make sure you get some in there put new strings on and the bridge should be fine.

EDIT: you could also file down put the pencil trick is easier