saddle problem

[rob_thebassman]

I've been having a bit of a problem with the saddles on my ibanez sr300m, I have high action and the A string saddle keeps going down and makes the A string louder than everything else, how can I sort thing out?

[Ayce]

Sounds like the saddle screw is slipping. Maybe reset it up and use a drop of locktite on the screw to hold it in place.
You could also try swapping the saddle screw with another to test that theory. That would require a setup again, though.
Worst case, change the bridge.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Ayce

Sounds like the saddle screw is slipping. Maybe reset it up and use a drop of locktite on the screw to hold it in place.
You could also try swapping the saddle screw with another to test that theory. That would require a setup again, though.
Worst case, change the bridge.

Excellent idea but I'd go one step further. Remove the height adjustment screw(s) entirely, coat liberally with blue Loctite, re-install, and adjust to taste. Even if you have to "break" the lock for future tweaks, the residual Loctite will gum-up the works sufficiently to minimize the chance of slippage / drift. Clear nail polish works just as well...or so I've heard. I've had an unopened bottle of Sally Hanson Hard-as-Nails sitting on my shelf for a couple years just waiting for an opportunity!

Riis

[rob_thebassman]

thanks guys, I've never done this before. Think I might take it to a shop and see if they can do it, I really have no idea how to reinstall

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by rob_thebassman

thanks guys, I've never done this before. Think I might take it to a shop and see if they can do it, I really have no idea how to reinstall

If you own the correct hex key, you should be good to go. We'll step you through the procedure if necessary. No sense dropping dough on this type of repair...IMO. A pic of the bridge would help.

Riis

[rob_thebassman]

I put it up yesterday and its gone back down abit today

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, it appears you have the correct hex key. I'd remove the string first. Back both height adj. screws out as far as possible with removing them...this should expose adequate thread. Apply a thorough coating of Loctite (watch for overflow!) and return back to their near-original position. Replace the string, tune to pitch, and re-tweak the string height to taste. You should be able to pull this off quickly enough before the Loctite cures completely. Give adequate time to cure and you should be good to go.

Riis

[Ayce]

Not sure you would have to completely remove the string, ime, just slack it off enough to move it out of the way. Locktite cures pretty quick, at least it did last time I used it. Other than that, do what zooberwerx suggests.

[darkstorm]

The Ibanez SR300 series all seem to suffer from this problem. Its caused by useing wrong size saddle adjustment screws. Overally small diameter. Locktite and similiar will fix. But it is disapointing that Ibanez hasnt corrected this losg standing problem with the bridges on those.

[RickBlair]

I would use clear nail polish rather than LockTite if you don't know exactly what you are doing. Nail polish can be neutraized easily with nail polish remover but if you buy the wrong LockTite you may be stuck (literally).

If you use LockTite make sure you buy the weakest version available so that you can adjust the saddle screws if necessary.

Rick B.

[rob_thebassman]

apart from the problem with the bridge I think its a very good bass, I love the feel and the sound, I'll see about doing the things zooberwerx suggested, or could just buy a new bridge

[rob_thebassman]

infact I could just use some screws off an old bass