Different type of bridge adjuster

[CPike]

A question for the real pro luthiers, from a humble semi-pro...

I am currently setting up some cheap student basses, and the vendor sent us the bridges set up with an odd type of adjuster. They were each in two pieces - one wheel around one threaded post, instead of being machined from a solid piece of metal. Also, instead of the normal threads tapped in each leg (or foot) of the bridge there were just non-threaded holes. When I inquired as to why the bridge itself had no threads tapped, I was informed that these were "new" and "easier" to install, and that all one needed to do to raise/lower the height was to completely loosen the strings, remove the main portion of the bridge, then hold the post with one hand and turn the wheel with the other - then replace the bridge back onto the feet and string up the bass.

Of course, this is nonsense - how can we expect a hapless middle school orch teacher to go through that lengthy process, risking the soundpost falling, etc.? I think the vendor was just cutting costs by not using the traditional variety and avoiding threading the bridge legs.

Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you pro luthiers out there had encountered this adjuster situation and would you please comment.

Thanks, Chris

[Matthew Tucker]

I'm no pro luthier, but I have a similar setup on one of my basses and I love it. Very easy to adjust even under tension, and the threads don't seem to wear at all.

However, the threaded rod is fixed into the upper part of the bridge. Normally I would think that this sort of adjuster uses threads tapped into one or other part to fix the rod in place. I guess in this case, the supplier used the larger drill size instead of tapping a smaller hole.

If you don't like them and can't send them back, I'd just glue the threaded rods in place.

After trying one-piece and two-piece adjusters, I think I prefer the type you mention. I haven't tried wooden-thread adjusters.

[CPike]

Thanks Matthew. I glued the adjuster shaft into the leg of the bridge as you suggested, and they turn properly even under tension - especially with the foot lubed up with graphite. I think I still prefer the single piece adjusters to these.

Chris