Thinner saddles for Gotoh 201 bridge?

Bofuss · #1 03-14-2011, 08:27 AM

I'm rebuilding an MIM P bass and used a Gotoh 201 to replace the rusted (and slightly bent) bridge that came on it. And the E string sits just a millimeter or three higher than I like.

Is there a thinner saddle that can replace the 12mm saddles that come with the Gotoh 201 bridge?

The old Fender saddles are thinner, but use a larger adjuster screw--and would require some delicate drilling of the bridge. Not good for the clumsy and tool-phobic tinkerer.

Any suggestions before I dig out the hand files?

KM
13108

DaZombieWoof · #2 03-14-2011, 08:45 AM

Back out the adjusting setscrews so you don't trash them. File the bottom of the round saddle to allow it to go lower. Not aware of a quick aftermarket solution.

Then again, you could remove the neck, shim it for very minor neck angle change, and find that height at bridge for everything is higher.

JLS · #3 03-14-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaZombieWoof

Back out the adjusting setscrews so you don't trash them. File the bottom of the round saddle to allow it to go lower. Not aware of a quick aftermarket solution.

Then again, you could remove the neck, shim it for very minor neck angle change, and find that height at bridge for everything is higher.

^^^
What he said.

HMZ · #4 03-15-2011, 05:23 AM

I had to file the bottom of the saddle as well.

Philbiker · #5 03-15-2011, 09:58 AM

It always amazes me the hardware modifications people consider when a simple shim is all that is needed.

Just shim your neck.

HMZ · #6 03-15-2011, 10:05 AM

I don't like to shim. I like the neck pocket to be tight and have as much contact between the neck and body.

derridiandrift · #7 03-15-2011, 10:13 AM

I shimmed the heel of the neck to solve this same problem on my Warmoth j-bass. It's set up perfectly now.

Start with a slice of a business card. I'll bet that will fix you up just fine.

JB696 · #8 03-15-2011, 11:47 AM

The big saddles on the 201 are a direct swap for the smaller ones that come on the 203. I had several of each bridge, so I put the smaller saddles on a couple of basses with the 201's that needed it. Too bad I gave away all that stuff or I'd send you a set. Maybe you can pick up a set of saddles from Gotoh or pick up a used 203 bridge on Ebay............ or just file 'em down.

TheSuzie · #9 03-15-2011, 11:59 AM

I have found that in some cases the reduced break angle of the string over the saddle really hurts the sound. I usually like to set the neck angle so that the saddles are not down near the deck. Sometimes a bit of trial and error is required in order to get the best overall sound with a particular bass and strings.

Turnaround · #10 03-15-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMZ

I don't like to shim. I like the neck pocket to be tight and have as much contact between the neck and body.

Why???

Hopkins · #11 03-15-2011, 07:27 PM

Are the saddles on the old bridge trashed? Simply swapping out the Gotoh saddles for the stockers will probably fix your problem.

Bassamatic · #12 03-15-2011, 07:44 PM

Shimming works well, is easy and solves this issue without any effect on the sound that I can detect.

My very well respected neighborhood luthier just pooh-poohed it when I suggested that a shim might change the sound, and he does most of the big names in L.A. ALSO - I have found many basses shimmed from the factory!

mongo2 · #13 03-17-2011, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

I have found many basses shimmed from the factory!

Exactly.

JLS · #14 03-17-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Why???

Quality basses should never have shims! Instead of shimming, you angle the neck pocket with a dremel.

(

)

Philbiker · #15 03-17-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Quality basses should never have shims! Instead of shimming, you angle the neck pocket with a dremel.

(

)

Wow. No, this is not correct IME.

JLS · #16 03-17-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

Wow. No, this is not correct IME.

A real craftsman will mill an angle into the neck pocket by using an emery board, remounting the neck & restringing every 12 strokes. As far as tuning goes, you should never tune all strings up at once, turn the gears only 2/3 of a turn a day, to give the neck time to settle. If you don't, it will explode.

mongo2 · #17 03-17-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

Wow. No, this is not correct IME.

He's pulling your leg.

Zooberwerx · #18 03-17-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Quality basses should never have shims! Instead of shimming, you angle the neck pocket with a dremel.

(

)

Well, hey then....I'm all set!

Riis

rybass309 · #19 01-02-2012, 12:31 PM

I just went with filing the bottom of the saddles on the E and G string rather than shimming. It only took about 20 minutes and there is no discoloration in the metal when filed. Love the 201 bridge now.

Edward G. · #20 01-02-2012, 12:55 PM

I wish I had seen this thread originally.

Take the offending barrel-shaped saddle off the bridge, place it in a vise with padded jaws, so as not to mar the plating on the saddle. Using a very fine metal file, file evenly across the bottom-side holes until it is reduced to your liking. And done. You can dismantle, file, and reinstall in less than 20 minutes.

Seems to me shimming requires much more trial-and-error..