installing screws... glue?

[dougjwray]

I'm in the process of putting together a bass from parts and need some advice.
Specifically:
When putting in the 1) tuning key bushings and 2) the little screws that connect the machines to the headstock and 3) the screws that fasten the bridge to the body, do I need to do something like drop some glue in beforehand? Or can I just screw them in (or push them in, in the case of the bushings)?
I'm especially wondering about the bridge. Will it eventually pull out and off if I don't apply glue?
It's a Jazz Bass made of Fender and Allparts parts.
Thanks!

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by dougjwray

I'm in the process of putting together a bass from parts and need some advice.
Specifically:
When putting in the 1) tuning key bushings and 2) the little screws that connect the machines to the headstock and 3) the screws that fasten the bridge to the body, do I need to do something like drop some glue in beforehand? Or can I just screw them in (or push them in, in the case of the bushings)?
I'm especially wondering about the bridge. Will it eventually pull out and off if I don't apply glue?
It's a Jazz Bass made of Fender and Allparts parts.
Thanks!

No! If you glue them in, they will be very hard to remove if you ever need to replace the part. I don't believe there is ever a good reason to run a screw into wet glue. May as well assemble the bass with nails, so far as future repairs are concerned. And yes, that includes strap buttons too.

[dougjwray]

Okay, thanks.
I feel a little silly, but more knowledgeable now.

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by dougjwray

Okay, thanks.
I feel a little silly, but more knowledgeable now.

Perhaps I spoke a bit strongly, but I've cursed more than my share of broken screws and stripped slots. They are responsible for a lot of 10 minute jobs turning into two hour jobs. They rank right up there with epoxy.

Certainly nothing silly about your question.

[dougjwray]

No offense taken; you didn't speak too strongly. I appreciate the straight answer.
I've never put a bass together before (although I've been playing since dinosaurs roamed the earth), and I was pondering what might happen if a bridge came loose and shot toward my face at 120 mph, during a gig!