off center bridge

[Sam Evans]

I did some searches, and I found threads about how to fix an off-center bridge, but I didn't see a lot of discussion of my actual question: Is it a problem if the bridge is slightly off center, say 1/32" to one side or the other? I don't notice anything wrong when playing - it all feels fine, and I think the intonation is okay (though it's a fretless bass, so maybe I'm unconsciously adjusting). Even aesthetically, it's only noticeable if you're looking for it, and looking at just the right angle. Is there anything else I'm missing? Any way in which this isn't a good thing, and should be fixed? (And BTW, it's neck-through, so I can't adjust the neck.) Thanks in advance.

 

[Gord_oh]

If it doesn't affect your playing I wouldn't worry too much about it.
If the sight of it bothers you that much, instead of fixing it, put a bridge cover on it.

 

[dtripoli]

1/32th of 1"
Wow, that's barely thickness of 3 sheets of paper
You must have amazingly good eyes.
Trust me, no one and I mean no one will detect this at all.
Now, if it actually affects the playability then it's worth fixing

 

[Sam Evans]

1/32th of 1"
Wow, that's barely thickness of 3 sheets of paper
You must have amazingly good eyes.

I do, thanks. Actually, I only really noticed because it's a Carvin Icon with walnut stripes down the middle, so the difference in the angle and off-center position of the strings is more noticeable than usual in contrast.

It doesn't bug me too much aesthetically (though I can be a bit anal about such things on occasion, I admit ... ). I just wondered if it might be putting any strange tension on the neck or anything like that.

Thanks much for the responses.

 

[JLS]

I don't notice anything wrong when playing - it all feels fine, and I think the intonation is okay

And the problem is...?

 

[Sam Evans]

And the problem is...?

Please read my whole post, thanks.

 

[dtripoli]

No weird tension issues.
On the opposite end at the head stock
many basses have string angled

 

[Sam Evans]

No weird tension issues.
On the opposite end at the head stock
many basses have string angled

Good point, thanks.

 

[elgecko]

If it's a bolt-on, it's easy enough to loosen the bolts and nudge the neck 1/32" into alignment.

 

[Sam Evans]

If it's a bolt-on, it's easy enough to loosen the bolts and nudge the neck 1/32" into alignment.

Thanks, but as per my OP, it's neck-through.

 

[elgecko]

Thanks, but as per my OP, it's neck-through.

...well you could plug the existing bridge holes and redrill but it wouldn't be worth the trouble unless you're super extra OCD.

 

[Sam Evans]

...well you could plug the existing bridge holes and redrill but it wouldn't be worth the trouble unless you're super extra OCD.

I do have my OCD moments, to be sure, but I think I'm rational enough not to go to the trouble. I think ...

 

[Pilgrim]

There's more chance the wood stripes are off-center than the bridge is.

And besides, you have no problem.

Therefore there is no problem.

 

[JLS]

There's more chance the wood stripes are off-center than the bridge is.

And besides, you have no problem.

Therefore there is no problem.

Maybe you need to re-read the entire post, too.

 

[yodedude2]

i wonder if a schaller roller bridge would have enough adjustment to center the string path...

 

[96tbird]

No weird tension on the neck but I'm sensing a weird tension in this thread. This is an aesthetic problem only.

 

[Growly Lytes]

I did some searches, and I found threads about how to fix an off-center bridge, but I didn't see a lot of discussion of my actual question: Is it a problem if the bridge is slightly off center, say 1/32" to one side or the other? I don't notice anything wrong when playing - it all feels fine, and I think the intonation is okay (though it's a fretless bass, so maybe I'm unconsciously adjusting). Even aesthetically, it's only noticeable if you're looking for it, and looking at just the right angle. Is there anything else I'm missing? Any way in which this isn't a good thing, and should be fixed? (And BTW, it's neck-through, so I can't adjust the neck.) Thanks in advance.

Ive seen lots of Fender basses like that.
My Lyte has this.The only thing i dont like about it is that my low E is closer to the edge of the FB & it should be more centered.Anyway its still very playable.

 

[Growly Lytes]

i wonder if a schaller roller bridge would have enough adjustment to center the string path...

You beat me to it.

 

[christopherogut]

1/32th of 1"
Wow, that's barely thickness of 3 sheets of paper

'Paper' is about .003" so actually it's like 10 sheets of paper... but still, barely worth trying to correct.