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Bridge and Fret Questions

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by CiRRuS~BaSS, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. Jul 23, 2009 #1
    CiRRuS~BaSS

    CiRRuS~BaSS

    Jan 20, 2008
    Hey ya'll, I just replaced the strings on my Cirrus BXP 5-er a few days ago for the first time and it went great. No buzzes anywhere and they (DR Lo-Riders) sound great. BUT...at the fifth fret on the E string when I slap it, its got a harmonic ring rather than a growly punch that the rest of the frets do. This doesnt happen with any other frets and I just wondered if anyone else has had this problem and what I might be able to do to fix it.

    Second dilemma....I'd like to install a Hipshot bridge and just wondered if its a simple swap-out procedure or if I need to worry about the width of my neck.

    Ahthankya.
     
  2. Jul 24, 2009 #2
    lethargytartare

    lethargytartare

    Sep 7, 2004
    Chicago
    A few thoughts:

    mute the other 3 strings when you slap the E/5th-fret -- see if it's causing another string to vibrate at a particular freq.
    slap up, fret by fret, and see if it's a high fret somewhere that is just making enough contact that, when you slap that way, you get a harmonic tone
    raise the action of that string and see if that affects the issue

    as for the bridge, width shouldn't be an issue -- but you should be able to get specs online that will let you compare the measurements. the keys are (a) screw holes (whether it will be an easy swap or involve some drilling), and (b) making sure there's room to position it properly for intonation purposes. But width should be a non-issue.

    post what you find and if you get the issue figured out -- Cheers!

    ltt
     
  3. Jul 25, 2009 #3
    XylemBassGuitar

    XylemBassGuitar Supporting Member Commercial User

    Aug 14, 2008
    Durango, CO
    Owner and Operator, Xylem Handmade Basses and Guitars
    I completely agree with lethargy about the screw hole positioning and placement for intonation probably being the more important issues in this case. Still, double check that your string spread won't be too wide if you use the Hipshot bridge.

    If you can't be bothered to compare specs yourself, give Hipshot a call. They are always helpful and knowledgable regarding which bass brands take which Hipshot bridges the best.

    Good choice on the Hipshot by the way!
     
  4. Jul 26, 2009 #4
    CiRRuS~BaSS

    CiRRuS~BaSS

    Jan 20, 2008
    Thanks guys. Ive got the house to myself for a couple days (saweeet) so Ill have some nice time to myself to try out those ideas. Ill let you know how they turn out.