Saddle heights, neck angles.. what would you do?

[mr.mow]

Ok.. after a quick post in another thread I thought I'd start my own..

I have a 67 yamaha bass, the bridge on it is a piss poor design, the strings thread through ABOVE the saddles meaning they have to be cranked pretty high to provide enough downwards pressure on the saddles so they don't flop about..



As it is I've carefully lowered them as low as possible just before they rattle.. still the action is 3.5mm at the 12th.. very high.

I've tried some small shims (two bid'ness cards at the body end of the pocket..) helped, but still not enough. Neck relief is almost flat.

Should I
1) Bigger shim
2) Full pocket shim to raise neck
3) Something else!

I should add.. the frets are super low which is not helping .. and I did consider fitting an aftermarket bridge, but I'd rather avoid molesting the bass..

[Craig_S]

A guess would be to buy a aftermarket bridge for it. Honestly, it's hard to say, without seeing it from all angles. More pics, please.

[mr.mow]

Originally Posted by Craig_S

A guess would be to buy a aftermarket bridge for it. Honestly, it's hard to say, without seeing it from all angles. More pics, please.

Problem is its a weird size, weird string spacing and I really don't want to drill new holes..

[grifff]

Originally Posted by mr.mow

Problem is its a weird size, weird string spacing and I really don't want to drill new holes..

If you do drill holes, they will most likely be covered by the bridge. I would get a new bridge if I were you.

[HEADLE]

Full pocket shims lift the neck and retain contact. I've used them several times as I'm a fan of original Badass bridges on Fender style basses. My vote is for the completely reversable full pocket shim.

H

[mongo2]

I'd try a full pocket shim first.