Scarey bridge replacement on VM Squire

andk5591 · #1 11-13-2010, 06:09 PM

Just got done putting it back together after some mods - lacquered neck, made new "one piece" pickguard that deleted the chrome control plate (yeah, I shielded the underside of the pickguard), mini toggles for PU selector and master vol and tone. While I was at it, I installed a G-Gotoh bridge, which is a little heavier and has the groves for the saddles. Nice bridge and pretty inexpensive.

Anyway - tuned it up, did a quick truss rod adjustment and set the action - Now, I know that I'll have to do a touch up tomorrow after it settles in, but here is the crazy part - the freakin' intonation was dead on on all 4 strings!!!!

I have NEVER had anything like that happen before. I even went to 17th fret and to next open - it was right.. I don't know if this is an omen or what.......

Chrisk-K · #2 11-13-2010, 06:16 PM

What did you check the intonation with?

ironrat · #3 11-13-2010, 06:30 PM

don't worry, be afraid...

andk5591 · #4 11-13-2010, 06:52 PM

I have a couple chromatic tuners - one in my gig briefcase and a second one at the house - I think its a Korg - works fine and I had recently used it to touch up my main bass after string replacement (Man, when DRs die - they die). And no newbie - I have been playing, building and modding basses and done guitar repair since the late 70's..... damn - that makes me sound old...... I have installed dozens of bridges over the years and never had this happen before - Even the action was relatively close. Must have been the "bass gnomes" screwing with my head..... I am going to run back down to my music room and check it again - I still can't believe it myself.

andk5591 · #5 11-14-2010, 12:49 PM

By the way - I was pleasantly surprised by this bass when I bought it and after the mods I am floored. The lacquered neck changed the feel dramatically and upgrading the bridge and the pots, as well as adding the mini switches makes it a much nicer bass. The only "weak" point now is the tuners - they will probably outlast me, but I may put a set pf Grovers on at some point. So lets see - Bass and gig bag $330, bridge, $30, pots and switches $10, black plexiglass for pickguard $5, DR SS med Hi-Beams $30. $405 and some time - Feels better than a Mexi, more flexible (for me) and plays, sounds and looks great. I can't walk by it without picking it up and playing it LOL