babicz bridge placement and string spacing

[bimple]

I just installed a Babicz bridge on to my bass, and I can see that the string spacing is off, and assume that means that the bridge placement has to be off just a bit because there is not side to side adjustment of the string saddles, so what is the best way to go about doing that? I assume that the answer is to plug the holes and then redrill the holes in the right spot, but thought I would ask in case anyone has an obvious answer that I am overlooking.

 

[JGbassman]

Sometimes you can make a little adjustment by loosening the neck screws a touch and "shifting" the neck a little to centralize the strings a little better. I have had to do this on a bass before. It's worth a shot regardless.

 

[bimple]

Sometimes you can make a little adjustment by loosening the neck screws a touch and "shifting" the neck a little to centralize the strings a little better. I have had to do this on a bass before. It's worth a shot regardless.

thanks, yeah I should have mentioned that I tried that already, but I appreciate the input. the neck is set pretty firmly in the heel pocket and there isn't a lot of wiggle there. What's weird is that the string spacing seemed fine prior to installing the babicz.

 

[JGbassman]

If you do have to re-drill the holes and they are close or overlapping the incorrect holes, plug them with a hardwood at least as hard as the body, and use a drill press with the body locked down. A pilot hole will help as well. I've had drill bits walk on me before into the softer wood of the plug, throwing the correct hole being drilled off again. The hardwood plug with the clamped body will help alleviate thst issue. Going slow never hurts either.

If you already knew this sorry for the post. If you didn't, it might save you some aggravation.

 

[two fingers]

We need more info. Was the last bridge off center? Did it use the same holes?

 

[bimple]

We need more info. Was the last bridge off center? Did it use the same holes?

the last bridge didn't seem off center to me, and yes I used the same holes.

 

[bimple]

If you already knew this sorry for the post. If you didn't, it might save you some aggravation.

Thanks, that is going to be a last resort for me, if I can't get it to line up properly then I may swap out the bridge for a hipshot or one that is more adjustable instead of going through the hassle you described.

 

[two fingers]

the last bridge didn't seem off center to me, and yes I used the same holes.

That's where it gets weird. There seem to be other issues if a direct replacement aftermarket bridge has to be redrilled to compensate for string alignment problems.

 

[bimple]

That's where it gets weird. There seem to be other issues if a direct replacement aftermarket bridge has to be redrilled to compensate for string alignment problems.

yeah I agree, I am still futzing with it but am leaning to going with another bridge

 

[bimple]

I just had my friend hold the neck in place at the proper spot and pulling tightly while I screwed the neck on and it does seem to be a bit better now so I guess that is the answer - whew - thanks for the help and suggestions! I have had to do that a bit with other basses, but not as much as I had to on this one, but I am glad it is working