A simple and useful bridge modification for you

[fourstringbliss]

I replaced the bridge saddle screws on my L2500 Tribute with socket head cap screws like this:



I got them from a local industrial supplier in stainless steel and they cost me $0.81 total. Now when I adjust my intonation I don't have to worry about stripping the phillips head out at all or pushing hard so that it doesn't slip - it's an easy grip with a hex wrench.

Here are some pics of the results:

I really like the look of the screw tops


The screws are almost as shiny as the originals, but it doesn't matter since they're in the springs

[JustDavid]

Cool!! Thanks!

They also might hold the hex key in so you can do the check/adjust/check cycle much quicker! Any experience on that?

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Cool!! Thanks!

They also might hold the hex key in so you can do the check/adjust/check cycle much quicker! Any experience on that?

I'm sure that would work. I'm using the hex head of a screwdriver that has removable heads, but the adjustment process is still faster. Just the fact that the screwdriver bit turns without slipping makes things faster!

[fourstringbliss]

Since my bass is active I also installed threaded brass inserts into the control cavity, and now my control cavity cover attaches with black machine screws. These screws are also driven with a hex wrench. Now I don't need to worry about stripping the wood out

[JustDavid]

Good idea too! I'm not up on much in that area; where would you get the threaded inserts from? I'm sure somewhere in our local industrial park, but where to start?

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Good idea too! I'm not up on much in that area; where would you get the threaded inserts from? I'm sure somewhere in our local industrial park, but where to start?

I got the inserts and cover plate screws from a hobby shop in the States called "My Atomic". Here's the Ebay auction page for the inserts. The inserts take a 4-40 screw and I bought black oxide hex screws from My Atomic.

As far as installation, you'll want to drill a pilot hole into the original screw holes, and then drill the size you need for the inserts. I learned the hard way to drill that pilot hole through the holes in the control cavity cover - that way, when you insert the inserts they line up with the CCC holes. I didn't do that on one of them and had to enlarge the hole in the cover.

If you have a G&L L2500 or L2000 I could tell you what size screws to use to replace the bridge intonation screws, but otherwise you'll have to look for an industrial parts supplier and ask if they have "socket cap head screws" in stainless steel or whatever finish you want. Make sure the thread is fine as opposed to coarse. Take one of your bridge screws in and have them match it up so you get the right screws.

Good luck!