Fender P Bass sharp bridge adjustment screws

[RayFox]

Thanks, I'll just file it down slightly that's the easiest way...

 

[FourBanger]

If you don't want to worrytoo much about resetting the height then back them out one at a time so you can eyeball the original height of each screw compared to the other on the same saddle.

 

[hdracer]

My 2011 P5 was like that.
I shimmed the neck.
The screws went down and I got a better brake angle off the saddles.
I helped the B string too.

 

[RayFox]

Do you mean just file the sides of the top of the screw?

I'e always just taken a file and run it around the top of the offending screw. Not across the top, but at an angle around the shoulders. It is usually just the beginning of the thread that is sharp, not the whole thing, but it takes so little time I just go all the way anyway.

It costs you nothing, changes nothing of the value or originality, and doesn't raise the possibility of being a different hex size.

 

[packhowitzer]

I had the same problems of saddle height screws poking my hands to (I use a pick about 50% of the time). I ended up switching out the bridge with a Gotoh 201B. It is MUCH smoother under my hand. This may not be a solution for you, but it has worked out great for me.

The gotoh does look *slightly* modern compared to the vintage style bent bridge, but in my case, i wanted the function of a smooth bridge under my hand over any sort of aesthetics. Be advised tho, if you ever plan on installing a bridge cover, the 201 will get in the way a bit. I remedied it by drilling new holes in the wings of the bridge cover slightly forward of the originals and problem solved (i hardly ever use the covers anyway, but i put them on every so often for dressy gigs).

hope this helps...

Ok so here is the before and after shots of the 201 install:

Here are my impressions. First of all the bridge cover will NOT fit over the 201 and line up with the existing screw holes. The cover WILL fit over the bridge, but you'll need to add new holes. Personally, I'm not willing to do that, so I guess it will be pickup cover only for me from now on unless I go back to the vintage style bridge.

Second, while the screw holes on the bridge line up perfectly, the supplied screws are much smaller than the existing screws and the holes in the bridge were not big enough to accommodate the larger original screws. So I had to perform a little surgery on the the bridge and ream out the holes to fit the original screws. This was not a big deal to me, but some may not feel confident doing it.

As far as sound or tone differences go- the jury's still out. I put on a new set of strings while I was at it, so they have a MUCH greater effect than anything that the bridge may or may not offer. But I think it's about the same original vs. Gotoh.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I left anything out.

Edit: Oh and the 201 saddles are much more comfortable under hand than the old saddles. Just sayin'...

 

[Batmensch]

Not sure about a cover since I have been informed that it would need to be grounded because it could cause hum and not sure if I want to get that involved with grounding it. In addition to playing finger style, I also play with my thumb and rest my hand on the bridge.

Not even remotely true. You just mount it, making sure it doesn't touch the bridge anywhere, and you're good to go.

 

[Munjibunga]

#400 grit sandpaper.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I haven't removed a screw from one of those bridges, but an example would be the "vintage" style with the threaded saddles - those screws are 6-32x7/16"... You can buy or order set screws that are 6-32x3/8", or 1/4", depending on what you need... Most good hardware stores will have a selection of set screws - take one out of your bridge, *match up the threads*, and buy the lengths you need - they're probably less than $.25 each... Set screws will also require an allen wrench for adjustment, so make sure you have the right one at that time... Lastly - buy some blue locktite(medium strength, removeable), and put a drop on each screw before threading them into the saddles - and your bridge woes will be permanently cured...

The above is exactly what I would do in your situation - it won't cost much, won't drastically alter your new bass, and will be very effective... Hope this helps,


- gergestrings

Yes. This. If you have a Fastenal store nearby, take it to them, tell them you need one size shorter of the same size set screw. Easiest fix.

 

[Lemur Bassman]

I just purchased a beautiful Fender American Special P Bass which I love. However, after adjusting the action where I like it, I now find that the bridge saddle height adjustment screws stick up and are rather sharp. Since I sometimes rest my hand on the bridge I find this is a little annoying. Any suggestions? Anyone experience this? I was thinking of installing a bridge cover, but am not sure...

Well, it's July, 2023 and I own a lovely Fender American Professional II Jazz bass and guess what? I am cutting my pinky up on the screws (1 actually D string) that are sharp as heck. I am also a pick player. Just wondering if you found a way to resolve this? Thanks! -Bill

 

[robbyray]

My $.02

Do NOT file the top of the saddle screw! It can totally warp the hex head (or flat head, depending..)

I had this same problem and simply removed the saddles and (slowly) sanded the underside of each screw, making sure I took my time and made sure the bottoms were evenly sanded.

It’s just like a haircut.. you can always take more off, but you can’t really add any back!

GOOD LUCK!