Somebody's over thinking.
Wait till you get to truss rod adjustments.
Wait till you get to truss rod adjustments.
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How do you adjust your string spacing on a vintage Fender bridge?
- Thread starter BusyFingers
- Start date
Guess I'm just lucky that I don't have OCD and don't fixate over specs to the most finite detail. I have basses and guitars with all different neck shapes, nut widths, scale lengths, etc., and can play just fine on all of them. I'd hate to limit myself to only one set of total specs. My days or losing sleep over that kind of stuff is over. I'd rather play and get better technically, but we all have what makes us happy I guess.
Now I'm reading the OP is building a bass from parts, or so I understand...
So saying "Just try it!" isn't relevant yet.
So saying "Just try it!" isn't relevant yet.
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Are you going to measure the spacing between strings or from the centers of the strings?
Are you going to have the same spacing between each string, or evaluate each gap individually for fully actualized optimization?
The same applies to nut spacing. On center or equal gap?
Then you're going to level and dress your frets to within 0.0001" so you can dial in the most precise relief and string height, right? And remeasure every time the humidity changes so you can dial in the optimal truss rod torque every day?
Have you altered the pickup locations to compensate for the difference between 32 and 34" scale? They should be at the same percentage of total length, as measured from the edge of the nut to the center of 12th fret doubled so as to remove intonation compensation from the equation.
Oh, and you're intonating perfectly as well, yes?
That's fine for you if you can reach your technical apex with any old bass. But that is the actual reason for my pursuit for my ultimate specs. And what difference does it make it that's what it takes for me? My road is different than yours, but I will get to the same place. Better than wandering in circles backtracking with basses that don't suit me ergonomically. I've done enough of that over the years.
OK, here's the thing, with all-thread saddles like that, just "eyeball" it.
If you want each string aligned perfectly over the pole pieces, that's the best way.
If you want each string aligned perfectly over the pole pieces, that's the best way.
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'Typical' setup specs are generalizations. Not 'optimal' for each individual bass or player.
My guess is 99% of people out there just need to practice more and actually play their basses instead of making excuses in their head that what they currently have is holding them back. Stop blaming the gear!
However, with that Fender bridge? As others have said - put the strings on the grooves that make you happy with your string spacing. Then measure it carefully; write it down; and move on to your next obsession. There is no universally optimal, carved-in-stone spacing that makes us all universally happy; sorry...However; to answer your original question: how do I adjust the string spacing on a vintage Fender bridge (or any other bridge, for that matter)? I don't, really. I get some tension on the strings, so that they're straight between the nut slot and the anchor point in the bridge/tailpiece; and let the string spacing more or less adjust itself. On most of my 22 basses, string spacing adjustment isn't really an option, anyway. It just is what it is. Don't let me stand in the way of your obsession; I understand perfectly where you're coming from. And most of us here do, too. We just don't want to see a fellow bass player get so carried away that he loses track of the object of the exercise - which is, to play the thing...
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This is really ignorant stuff, buddy! And I assure you, my finger are busy.. In practice!
You misunderstand, typical set-up specs are my optimal specs!
I could have (probably, should have) quoted a few more posts, but .............
When they are posted by a manufacturer they are just starting points to help just in case one really botches things up turning screws. With time and experience you will realize this and, eventually (hopefully), you will throw away (most) of the measuring tools (hopefully) and feel/see your way to YOUR optimum set up, which will, very likely, be different on each instrument you own, anyway.
This.
Somebody, quick! Make a YT video on this subject matter.
What are "typical" set up specs?
When they are posted by a manufacturer they are just starting points to help just in case one really botches things up turning screws. With time and experience you will realize this and, eventually (hopefully), you will throw away (most) of the measuring tools (hopefully) and feel/see your way to YOUR optimum set up, which will, very likely, be different on each instrument you own, anyway.
Every manufacturer has different recommended setup specs.
Even here on the board people have different methods for how they measure neck relief & action.
Even here on the board people have different methods for how they measure neck relief & action.
I'm drawing line in the sand in this thread... with a carrot! You guys have nothing to add to this conversation. Do you go into the threads about how to adjust pickup height and tell people, "You're just overthinking, just play the instrument!"
I mean, why don't you just apply that to everything about any discussion on the forum? And why are you all posting here when you can be practicing? Hmmm?
I mean, why don't you just apply that to everything about any discussion on the forum? And why are you all posting here when you can be practicing? Hmmm?
I'm still waiting to hear whether you're measuring the spacing for equal gaps or on center.
Come on, dude. Can't you see I'm getting trolled here? I was hoping you would come back with some insight about string spacing for these vintage style bridges.
As far as "standard" set-up specs go, I mean typical. You know, like how the instrument is supposed to come from the factory:
How do I set up my bass guitar properly?
Some people like extreme adjustments (like those guys who always talk about having super high strings do around here). I'm not like that. I'm very, well, typical, in my choice of set-up specifications.
