Spector bridge issue

[Buskman]

I recently picked up a Rebob 5 DLX that I absolutely love. However, when I went to change the strings a few weeks later I ran into a problem:

The replacement B string (from a set of Nickel Spector roundwounds .045 - .130, supposedly the stock set on this bass) was way too big down by the ball end to fit into the top load portion of the Spector bridge! So since I had a gig that night, I replaced the E-G string & left the B on there.

My next step was to buy a set of D'addario strings (same dimensions) & give those a try. The result? The exact same thing...the B was was going nowhere.

I'm not a big fan of taperwounds, so I'm trying to avoid going that route. I'm also a bit on the 'technically challenged' side, so I'd be afraid to drill or file into the bridge to widen the top load area of the bridge.

A friend of mine (and Spector player) suggested that I take some pliers and 'crimp' the string right past the ball end, but I'm thinking that's not such a bright idea (wouldn't that compromise the strength and/or tone of the string?).

Does anyone have some ideas for me? Granted I don't use the B string too much, but I can't see having that same B string on the bass forever!

As always, any would be appreciated. Thanks!

[PaulMacCnj]

I had the same issue with non-taperwound B strings on my Spector Euro 5 LX. I filed the B string gap in the bridge. Crushing the string winding may or may not compromise the strength. Then again, replacing a string is a lot cheaper and easier than a replacing a bridge. In other words, be very careful if you decide to file the bridge.

[Lowpro]

I suggest just trying to find a tapered 5th string >.>

[Buskman]

Just in case anyone is curious...

I e-mailed PJ @ Spector directly about the problem. First off, he responded within 11 MINUTES!!! If that ain't customer service, I don't know what is! Kudos to PJ and Spector!

Anyway, here is his response:
"hello –
thanks for the email, good to hear from you.
yes if the windings near the ball end are large or a little sloppy they will not fit.
you can have a repair shop close to you file the bridge slot a little to allow for the string size. we have to do this when we string a Euro 4LX-35 with BEAD (65-130 strings) tuning.
Greg's idea is good, about crimping the string windings a little, I never thought of that.
also you can try a 125 or 128. I use a 125 most of the time...but it is tapered. a few years ago I did a session where I needed to tune down one step for a song, low A, so I used a 135 but again, it was tapered.
our 130 Spector strings seem to fit just fine, I guess the windings are just small enough. that is strange that our set did not fit on your bridge, sorry about that.
I guess opening up the bridge slot a little may be the best choice, then you can use any strings you want (brand).
I hope these comments help, talk to you soon.
PJ"

So I guess it's off to the local repair guy, 'cause I'm not going near a file!

Thanks to everyone who gave their input!

[PaulMacCnj]

PJ is the best! He's very helpful and kind.

[Buskman]

I just received another e-mail from PJ - he's going to send me out another .130 B string, free of charge!

I'll probably still get the bridge filed, but in the meantime this should help matters.

PJ (and Spector) are completely top notch!

[PDubs]

Incredibly, I'm having the same exact problem with my month old Euro Rebop 5 DLX. I cannot get the damn B string on the bridge. I cant believe that Spector isn't aware of this problem and they haven't adapted their bridge to make things easier when changing strings. I tried crimping the string a little bit with a plier and it did not make any difference.

There's no way I'm going to take file to my bass. I live in New York City, and getting my bass to repair shop to have the bridge filed is both a hassle and will probably be pretty expensive.

Anybody have any other suggestions? I'm pretty pissed off over here.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by PDubs

Incredibly, I'm having the same exact problem with my month old Euro Rebop 5 DLX. I cannot get the damn B string on the bridge. I cant believe that Spector isn't aware of this problem and they haven't adapted their bridge to make things easier when changing strings. I tried crimping the string a little bit with a plier and it did not make any difference.

There's no way I'm going to take file to my bass. I live in New York City, and getting my bass to repair shop to have the bridge filed is both a hassle and will probably be pretty expensive.

Anybody have any other suggestions? I'm pretty pissed off over here.

Some thoughts on the Spector bridge:

1. Change the bridge. No file will be needed.
2. Modify the bridge as the manufacturer has suggested. It is the remedy they currently use and recommend.
3. Have the modification performed by a professional. It will not be very expensive and is the kind of repair that allows you to build a relationship with a good luthier.

Redesigning and/or re-machining metal parts is an expensive and time consuming process. A difference of five or ten thousandths may not see like a lot but the change to the process will be involved. OTOH, removing .005" of metal with a file will take a skilled technician only a few minutes. It is a reasonable fix.

[PDubs]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Some thoughts on the Spector bridge:

1. Change the bridge. No file will be needed.
2. Modify the bridge as the manufacturer has suggested. It is the remedy they currently use and recommend.
3. Have the modification performed by a professional. It will not be very expensive and is the kind of repair that allows you to build a relationship with a good luthier.

Redesigning and/or re-machining metal parts is an expensive and time consuming process. A difference of five or ten thousandths may not see like a lot but the change to the process will be involved. OTOH, removing .005" of metal with a file will take a skilled technician only a few minutes. It is a reasonable fix.

Reasonable fix? I shouldn't have to be fixing anything that isn't broken.

And although I understand what you're saying, I think its pretty unreasonable to expect a consumer to modify a $1,300 bass in order to fit a set of strings I bought at Guitar Center. Why should a bass company have a remedy for a problem that shouldn't be happening in the first place?? I'm not trying to doing anything out the ordinary here. I just want a B string on my bass.

Spector is pretty big company that has been around for a long time. They should be making basses that are as consumer friendly as possible.

Not sure if anyone from Spector visits this website, but if you're out there: I will never buy a Spector bass again. It's really not worth the hassle.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by PDubs

Reasonable fix? I shouldn't have to be fixing anything that isn't broken.

And although I understand what you're saying, I think its pretty unreasonable to expect a consumer to modify a $1,300 bass in order to fit a set of strings I bought at Guitar Center. Why should a bass company have a remedy for a problem that shouldn't be happening in the first place?? I'm not trying to doing anything out the ordinary here. I just want a B string on my bass.

Spector is pretty big company that has been around for a long time. They should be making basses that are as consumer friendly as possible.

Not sure if anyone from Spector visits this website, but if you're out there: I will never buy a Spector bass again. It's really not worth the hassle.

Depending on which finish is on the bridge, it may be a case of the plating being a little bit too heavy. Spector, according to the earlier post, does not appear to be having this problem across the board. It could be that the string is out of specification. Without taking precise measurements it is hard to tell where the problem lies.

Regardless of the reason, you state that this purchase is causing you pain and anger. These are emotions that are not normally associated with a retail purchase. Guitar Center should be willing to accept the guitar on return.