Lace Helix Neckthrough Intonation - fix or replacement bridge?

[LunaticAviation]

Hey folks!

I was gassing for a Lace Helix NT for a while...didn't need yet another bass but found one in perfect shape on the bay. When I got it home to Zurich, I found the action was intolerably high. The adjustable saddle inserts bottomed out (and no option to shim a neck through). I pulled the bridge saddles and filed them carefully for about 2 hours as well as the adjustable inserts with the grub-screws till I got an action I thought was reasonable, set the truss rod for near zero relief and went on to set the intonation . The E and D strings are both flat at the 12th fret with the saddles fully forward.

I can try lighter gage strings, but failing that is there another solve?

Anyone have a replacement bridge recommendation? I could try to move the stock bridge forward, but am afraid the short distance may lead to a weak point with the old holes (unless I glue in dowels in the old screw holes).

Thanks much.

 

[LunaticAviation]

Sorry, E and G strings if it makes any difference.

 

[grendle]

Are the strings new?

 

[Bobster]

Hi LunaticAviation,

Agree with grendle, replace the strings first to see if that resolves the problem. If not, you can either re-position the original bridge of try a different one. Just make sure it has the same spacing (I bet 19mm). With either choice, dowel the old holes.

All the best,

Bob

 

[walterw]

avoid drilling while just guessing at the problem!

use a ruler or tape measure to confirm the actual scale length and witness point location; the length from the fretboard side of the nut to the center of the 12th fret should be exactly the same as from the center of the 12th fret to where the G first touches the bridge (maybe the bridge saddle could be a 16th" further back).

the other strings should contact their saddles further back than that, in a stair-step pattern graduating back from the G.

(this has the spiraling neck twist, right? that might make measuring a bit tricky, but each string should be in its own little "flat zone" over the board.)

 

[96tbird]

C'mon now, I doubt that a high end bass like that left Lace with incorrect bridge placement. I am astounded that you had to file saddles! Bad. As for Intonation: New strings, witness points. You'll be fine.

Edit: ok I thought they were high end; not so much, but these modern basses are drilled and milled with Cnc and jigs these days: nearly impossible for incorrect placement.

 

[LunaticAviation]

Thanks folks, will search around here in Switzerland for whatever passes as a Guitar Center and pick up new strings. Thanks for the witness point check suggestion....all fine. It was odd that I had to file the saddles, but....did. Will post if the strings are the fix.

It's definitely not a high end bass, but the twisted neck and body design intrigued me. Very nice to play...surprisingly fast (fast being relative to an old-gummer, bass-hobbyist).

 

[LunaticAviation]

Well, the new strings didi the trick. Ridiculous what a set of elixirs cost here (over$70) but problem solved. The old strings sounded crisp, it must ave been rubbish.

Thanks for the help. No photo, no bass!