bridge problem

paradigm_shift · #1 10-20-2007, 09:51 AM

Recently I defretted my esp f-254fm, now I've run into the problem that the action is high. Way high.I cant get the strings closer to the fretboard because of the design of the bridge(standard esp bridge)Would it be best to drop in another bridge,possible a badassII?,possibly file the saddles down (either groove or the bottom of).Or I could rout the bridge in a little I guess though thats not my preference. Any other Ideas, What would you do?What in you honest opinion would be the best way to fix this problem?

**Eric Perry** · #2 10-20-2007, 10:18 AM

If it's a B.O., I'd shim the neck.

DanielM · #3 10-20-2007, 10:22 AM

if it's bolt-on (I'm not familiar with that ESP or their bridges) you could try shimming the neck, that should allow you to not have to mess with the bridge and lower your action. if it's a set-neck or neckthrough you might want to think about cutting a lower profile nut which should also allow lower action. if those don't work then I'd think about changing the bridge with one that allows lower action...

Khronic · #4 10-20-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric618

If it's a B.O., I'd shim the neck.

+1, a B.O. is a bolt on neck. You'll want to file the nut slots as well.

MNbassist · #5 10-20-2007, 11:35 AM

a badass bridge generally has very high action, you might want to look for a bridge that is thinner. And yes, I'd say shim the neck, it will take 10 minutes out of your day

paradigm_shift · #6 10-20-2007, 11:21 PM

Its neck through.So shimming is not even an option.Any sugestions on a good low profile bridge?

Dirk Diggler · #7 10-20-2007, 11:32 PM

You'd be surprised at what a difference a new nut or at least lowering the slots will do. Unless the neck went really crazy after removing the frets you should only need to adjust the bridge.
I've defretted 4 or 5 basses over the years and never had to change a bridge, had to cut nut slots deeper on all of them.
I guess if you can't get your bridge low enough you could always rout it into the body to recess the bridge.
Oh wait I just thought of another option, you could coat the board with Poly or Epoxy and build it up, and a great benefit you get mwah for ever.

Good Luck.
Dirk

paradigm_shift · #8 10-20-2007, 11:56 PM

See the action wasnt bad when it had frets. Jumbo frets, which I personally do not like at all.But at that point it was as low as it could go(this was how I got it, having never defretted something before it never occured to me to check).I purchused it with the intention to make it fretless. Theres approx a 4 mm gap between the strings and fretboard at its most extreme. I'm hessitant to file the nut down further, Its at approxamately the same point as my other fretless's, It really is the bridge that causing the problem. So it looks that replacing it is the option. Epoxy is an idea, one that I'm not sure of yet. I'm seriously considering getting flats for this bass.

Musiclogic · #9 10-21-2007, 12:01 AM

find out what the height of your saddles are at their lowest position. Then go to different parts sites such as Allparts, Warmouth, Stew Mac, WD, best bass gear, bass parts resource, etc. and find a bridge with a lower minimum height. You may have to check out manufacturers sites such as Gotoh, Schaller, hipshot, Foundation, ETS etc. ETS will make a custom bridge for you, but it can take a bit of time.

Billw97 · #10 10-22-2007, 06:26 PM

Hey!
Have you tried to adjust the truss rod? Without frets, you could adjust or tighten the truss to remove some of the warp that is needed for the frets.
This may be enough to allow for propper action.