J-bass bridge screws ripping gig bag

pkstone · #1 04-14-2011, 05:09 PM

This is a relatively trivial problem, but annoying nonetheless. My J-bass's bridge height-adjustment allen screws are catching and ripping the fabric inside my gig bag. I'm almost tempted to put a P-bass bridge cover on it (I definitely don't want the bulk/interference of a full J-bass bridge/pickup cover) just to "smooth" this problem out.

I'd rather come up with a solution that didn't involve drilling my bass, though. Duct tape on the inside of the gig bag may be one inelegant approach...

Any ideas?

Phil

elgecko · #2 04-14-2011, 05:10 PM

Smooth them down with a file, maybe?

pkstone · #3 04-14-2011, 05:20 PM

Yeah, that would work, I guess, since the top threads aren't involved in the height-setting. It's probably too late to do that, though, as the bag is already ripped up, and even smooth screws are going to catch on it.

Thanks,

Phil

elgecko · #4 04-14-2011, 05:24 PM

That sucks, my old Reunion Blues gig bag has leather patches in that area to prevent what you're experiencing. Maybe take your gig bag to a shoe/luggage repair shop and have them sew in some patches.

StyleOverShow · #5 04-14-2011, 05:24 PM

Gig bags wear out because of things like this. You could try gluing in some heavy fabric patch into your gig bag. Ask at the local fabric store and I'm sure they could help....

JB696 · #6 04-14-2011, 05:28 PM

After you have the strings set where you want them, mark the portion of the screw sticking out with a felt pen. Remove them one at a time and file off that amount from the other end. I put the end of half of a wooden clothes pin under the saddle to support it and keep the saddle from sliding around and scratching up the bridge plate. You can even loosen the string if you like. If you are accurate with your filing the tops of the set screws will be flush with the tops of the saddles. Looks good and no scratching.

Pilgrim · #7 04-14-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB696

After you have the strings set where you want them, mark the portion of the screw sticking out with a felt pen. Remove them one at a time and file off that amount from the other end. I put the end of half of a wooden clothes pin under the saddle to support it and keep the saddle from sliding around and scratching up the bridge plate. You can even loosen the string if you like. If you are accurate with your filing the tops of the set screws will be flush with the tops of the saddles. Looks good and no scratching.

Good idea. Even simpler, change the set screws for shorter ones that don't stick up thru the saddle.

darkstorm · #8 04-15-2011, 08:50 PM

Yes fenders trad bridges have a very long history of sharp pokey screw tops sticking out way above the bridge saddles. You can file down the screw from the bottom that rests on bridge plate. So that screw tops are about even with the top of the bridge saddles. Since youve made them shorter by filing off the bottom portion of the screws as needed. Easiest way is remove the screws from bridge saddle and put in a vice and go at their bottom end with good metal file.

SketchMan3 · #9 04-15-2011, 09:05 PM

Skateboarders secret weapon: Instead of using duct-tape, try smearing a layer of Shoe-Goo over the place where the bag has been ripped. It's great for repairing holes and rips in backpacks and such things. Just be warned that it has a shiny black rubbery surface when it dries, so it won't blend in perfectly with the material, but it will keep the bag from shredding more.