Lowering action on a ABG with a piezo pickup

gimmeagig · #1 09-29-2012, 06:45 PM

I just bought a Ibanez EAB10 bass and I want to lower the action a little bit. I don't know how to do it on this bass. The string saddles are white individual pieces mounted on what seems to be a metal rail with some electronics in it.That whole setup is sunk into a slot on the wooden bridge and there are some black plastic pieces on either side of the saddles.
I attempted to pry the whole thing out of the bridge to see if there is a way to sand the saddle pieces down or remove some shims... It was in there so tight that I didn't really want to force anything out and break the pickup.The individual saddle pieces did come off the assembly a bit, but again I was too worried i might break something so I ended up leaving it alone.
Does anybody here know what I need to do to lower those saddles?

Robert Spencer · #2 10-13-2012, 11:48 AM

Bump. I need help with the exact same problem on my hohner HAB-40. Take care. Bob

96tbird · #3 10-13-2012, 12:52 PM

Deepen the string slots in the saddles with round files. I have the same kind of pickup for a project. Enclosed in the steel base of the pickup is a ceramic piezo element. It is brittle and if you bend or twist it it may break. That's why the steel is there: to support it. The plastic saddles are hard plastic and directly contact the ceramic. Filing slot in them is not an issue.

Set it in place, tune up, set the string spread, mark your slots, start with the E, slide string to the side, start filing. Keep checking your height until you are happy. Then move to the G. Once it's done do the A and D keeping a nice arc to follow the fretboard.

Robert Spencer · #4 10-13-2012, 03:25 PM

i need to raise my G string. it is resting on the wood of the bridge after leaving the saddle notch. That saddle is lower than the others ( others are just right in height) filing will worsen the condition. One saddle (G) is tilted forward to lower it whereas all others are pointed straight up making them higher (& correct height). Thanks & take care. Bob

96tbird · #5 10-13-2012, 03:37 PM

Bob , can you post a pic?

Yours is like this?

Robert Spencer · #6 10-13-2012, 04:19 PM

As you can see the G string saddle is lower and causing the string to contact wood on the bridge. How do i raise it to bring the saddle peak up as the others are. Thanks & take care. Bob

96tbird · #7 10-13-2012, 06:34 PM

I think all you can do is lift the pickup out of the slot and put a shim under it and re-cut the slots to set the height on all strings.

To post pics, click the "reply to to thread" button and scroll down below the text box to "add attachment"

Robert Spencer · #8 10-13-2012, 07:08 PM

It doesn`t show well in the photos because of the direct light but each saddle has individual adjustments and three are in the up (top) position & one (G) is ahead (down position). I`m sure individual adjustment is intended.

As with the OP I don`t seem to be able to get anything to come out or apart without forcing or chancing breakage. I does not just lift out of the slot as my other Hohner acoustic bass with one solid saddle across the piezo. Thanks & take care. Bob

96tbird · #9 10-13-2012, 08:26 PM

I see no difference whatsoever in your bridge and the pic I posted. Each saddle "point" is offset to the others; in other words, they are compensated to allow for better intonation. They are not adjustable, moveable, etc. they are permanently fixed in position. The pic I posted even includes two black plastic shims to help adjust the height. From there you have to slot the saddles.

Your bridge, by your description is jammed tight into the wood. My opinion, from the condition of the edges of the wood in the saddle slot is that it was put in aftermarket and not set up properly. They widened the slot, as i have yet to do with mine to get it in. I would grip it at two points equidistant to the ends and wiggle it as you pull up to remove it. As long as you don't twist it or put pressure on only one end, the ceramic element will be ok. Just don't force it, tease it out with constant pressure and wiggle. The I would open the slot up by scraping with a razor knife so it's snug but easy to put in and remove. Then shim it and cut slots.

Robert Spencer · #10 10-14-2012, 02:09 PM

Thanks Tbird. what you are telling me now makes perfect sense. Take care. Bob

gimmeagig · #11 02-11-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Deepen the string slots in the saddles with round files. I have the same kind of pickup for a project. Enclosed in the steel base of the pickup is a ceramic piezo element. It is brittle and if you bend or twist it it may break. That's why the steel is there: to support it. The plastic saddles are hard plastic and directly contact the ceramic. Filing slot in them is not an issue.

Set it in place, tune up, set the string spread, mark your slots, start with the E, slide string to the side, start filing. Keep checking your height until you are happy. Then move to the G. Once it's done do the A and D keeping a nice arc to follow the fretboard.

I did that, works great, thank you!