Bridge Adjusters Question

[anonymous12251111]

I have a newb question about bridge adjusters. Generally my E string part of my bridge is very low and the string keeps hitting the very end of the fingerboard. It's just the E string...If I raise the action on the E string do I have to do the same for the treble side? Is it bad to have one side higher than the other? I find that if I have the treble low and bass high the tension overall feels really strange.

[Salty]

In general, yes, you should keep the adjusters at an equal height. However, you can get away with a slight inequality, if it's not too drastic. Like probably no more than a full turn difference.

You may need to have a new bridge cut or a whole new one made, or have a luthier add some material to the bridge itself, bringing the E side to the desired height.

If you're short on cash, adding a little sliver of leather between the E string and the bridge slot will give you a millimeter or two.

Best
Matt

[Jake deVilliers]

It would be easier and cheaper to take a little wood off the high side and spin the adjusters up.

[anonymous12251111]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

It would be easier and cheaper to take a little wood off the high side and spin the adjusters up.

duh! haha why didn't I think of that. I'll contact my luthier. Thanks!!

[Martin Sheridan]

Jake is right. Recurve the bridge then move both adjusters up.
If you only move one side, in this case the E string side, you will shift the strings off center towards the G string side.

[arnoldschnitzer]

Originally Posted by Martin Sheridan

Jake is right. Recurve the bridge then move both adjusters up.
If you only move one side, in this case the E string side, you will shift the strings off center towards the G string side.

And in so doing will actually lower the side you meant to raise.

[bassist14]

if you use these adjusters:
http://www.moser-klangwerkstatt.com/...produkt1.shtml

you can move both sides of the brige individually, without problems.

i have them on two of my basses, and i really like them.

i think moser also has a distributor in the usa.

[arnoldschnitzer]

Using those adjusters changes nothing. You will still alter the relationship of the string path to the fingerboard if you raise one side more than the other.

[Martin Sheridan]

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

And in so doing will actually lower the side you meant to raise.

He said the E was too low and the G was in relation to that too high. So by recurving the bridge I meant that the strings would be set proportional to one another in their correct relationship as to their distance from the fingerboard, so that raising both sides he could get the correct height without having a new bridge made and without shifting the strings to the G string side.

Or to put it another way: If both the G and the E string were the same height from the fingerboard, the E would be a little too low in relationship to the G since the E needs to be higher. Recurving the top of the bridge would take a very small amount off the E string height but more off the G string side. The bridge then keeps it correct curvature, and to get the proper height the bridge comes up using the adjusters (equally on each side) until the right height is reached.

I hope this better explains what I meant? I'm sure you've done this many times, as I have.

[arnoldschnitzer]

Martin, please re-read my post. I was merely amplifying your point, not disagreeing with you.

[Ken McKay]

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

Martin, please re-read my post. I was merely amplifying your point, not disagreeing with you.

And I agree with YOU BOTH.

[Paul Warburton]

HA! THREE god damn Luthiers in ONE THREAD! I LOVE IT!!

[Alexi David]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

HA! THREE god damn Luthiers in ONE THREAD! I LOVE IT!!

We're all back Baby!!!

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Alexi David

We're all back Baby!!!

AW Honey!!!!!!!!I've created a monster!!!!!!

[Gearhead43]

Originally Posted by bassist14

if you use these adjusters:
http://www.moser-klangwerkstatt.com/...produkt1.shtml

you can move both sides of the brige individually, without problems.

i have them on two of my basses, and i really like them.

i think moser also has a distributor in the usa.

Uh....that bridge looks pretty scary. Wouldn't that design be prone to tipping toward the fingerboard?

If you use low-tension gut strings like I do, that might not be such a great idea. Why would you want to allow that range of motion as shown in their little animation?

[toman]

I think the animation is simply an exaggeration meant to get the point across that the bridge is free to sit at any angle (either way) and still rest the feet flat on the belly. I'm not sure I buy the idea though; it seems like only a partial solution to a problem that isn't really, well, a problem. At least not one that isn't simple to prevent or correct.

But that's my usual take on bridge adjusters in general, so I might just have an attitude problem...

[Jake deVilliers]

"HA! THREE god damn Luthiers in ONE THREAD! I LOVE IT!"

I love your enthusiasm PDUB but its more like 2 luthiers and a repairman.

Keep it up and 'He who must not be named' will re-subscribe under a nom de plume.