Bridge Adjustment

[SunneyBoy]

here is a quick one when adjusting my bridge height should I detune the strings?

sorry did a search but couldn't find the exact procedure I don't want to mess this up as I have with many other diy attempts I have made.

[Waltjie]

Hey man! Nice to see a post from another ZA player here!
I don't have an adjustable bridge myself, but I'd imagine that you'd have to detune the strings, yeah... at least to raise the action. And once adjusted, you'd have to tune them again anyways...

[SunneyBoy]

thank you , I thought so I just don't want to do it with to much pressure on the bridge.

ps how's the heat in PE up in joburg it's scorching all my rosins have turn goopy blobs

[PaulCannon]

Not true. If the wheels can turn under full tension (which they should if installed properly), you can adjust away worry-free. Keep in mind that raising the bridge will raise your pitch (and thus tension), so if you plan to raise the bridge substantially it doesn't hurt to preemptively lower your pitch.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by SunneyBoy

here is a quick one when adjusting my bridge height should I detune the strings?

sorry did a search but couldn't find the exact procedure I don't want to mess this up as I have with many other diy attempts I have made.

FWIW, my luthier suggested that I de-tune somewhat when rotating the adjusters. I figure if you are turning them often, this would be wise so as to preserves the threads. In truth, because I rarely turn the adjusters and when I do it's about 1/4 turn, I don't de-tune first.

Whatever you do, turn each adjuster by the same amount. Small deviations should not hurt but large ones can cause all manner of problems. I mark mine with a pencil so that I can match how far each is turned and easily undo any changes I make.

[Waltjie]

Originally Posted by SunneyBoy

thank you , I thought so I just don't want to do it with to much pressure on the bridge.

ps how's the heat in PE up in joburg it's scorching all my rosins have turn goopy blobs

Hot as hell my friend...

[Chris K]

My advice is to de-tune (one string at the time) far enough to allow adjustment without real force. Bridges differ in this respect, as do strings. I start with tuning (horizontal adjustment) and after that I adjust for height. Finally I check the tuning once more.

[PaulCannon]

I should mention it's very important that the string grooves in the bridge must be lubricated with graphite (pencil) to avoid damage to the string itself and/or bridge warping. It wouldn't hurt to lube the nut as well (make your own joke).

[SunneyBoy]

Thanks for all the advice, here we Go!!!