• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Pbass bridge problem

bumperbass

bumperbass

Jun 19, 2012
2,494
1,491
#1
After about a year playing my Fender Standard (MIM) Pbass, the bridge is really irritating me. During a gig, I'll notice my G string has vibrated to where it's very very low. It happens often enough to bug me. Yeah, I know I could probably put threadlock on it, but then if I wanted to adjust it, I'd need to apply more, right?
Anybody have this problem?
I might use this as an excuse to buy a replacement bridge. I don't buy into the tone-enhancing/changing theory. I've spent a lot of time on here, with nothing definite found.
1. I need something that's inexpensive.
2. Holes line up.
3. Doesn't give me the problems I'm having.
Any ideas? I'm not into botique bridges. Looking on the 'net, it very rarely says anything about what basses it fits....MIA, MIM, Squier, etc. I know the Squier bridge doesn't fit, but I'd sure like to have one with the saddle adjustment grooves.
My apologies if this subject has been chewed and re-chewed.
Thanks.
 
#2
Gotoh 201 Bridge. Best bang for the buck in the < $50 range. HipShot, if you're willing to spend a bit more. I prefer the HipShot A style, (as in my Avatar) but others that I really respect are B style fans. The Gotoh is a drop in, and the HipShot is - if you order it with the 5 hole mount. I've also had good luck with Wilkinson. Any 5 hole bridge should mount right up.
 
#3
I've had the same problem with my MIM P while practicing. I've lost a few of the screws that raise/lower the saddles due to not paying attention to them moving. Personally I plan on getting a badass bridge (with saddle grooves already made) in the near future, but recently I haven't noticed much of a problem as long as i occasionally check them after practicing.
 
#6
Save the money of buying a new bridge and get a tube of Loctite 290 green from your local auto parts retailer.
290 is designed to be applied after the screw is in place. It allows the screw to be adjusted with out having to re apply.
I have used it for years to keep the carburetor screws on Harleys from vibrating out of adjustment.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Set your saddles, apply a small drop on each adjuster screw, let set up for at least 5-6 min and never worry about it again.
 
#8
I've had the same problem with some of my Fender bridges. Been thinking about replacing the saddles with something that has tighter height adjustment screws as I have no problem with the bridge plates themselves. Would rather have properly made saddles than have to use Loctite on them.
 
#10
I bought a couple Fender vintage bridges to replace the Hipshot Type A bridges that the previous owners installed on my MIM J and P. Although the Hipshot features adjustable string spacing, the G and E strings are too far inward, even when adjusted all the way outward.

The Fender vintage bent steel bridge has threaded saddles and is more robustly built than the MIM standard bridge. Genuine Fender part for about $30.

T2eC16dkE9s4BMceBQErTWBTeg60_1_zpsc2ff170c.gif
 
#12
Templar said:
I bought a couple Fender vintage bridges to replace the Hipshot Type A bridges that the previous owners installed on my MIM J and P. Although the Hipshot features adjustable string spacing, the G and E strings are too far inward, even when adjusted all the way outward.

The Fender vintage bent steel bridge has threaded saddles and is more robustly built than the MIM standard bridge. Genuine Fender part for about $30.

T2eC16dkE9s4BMceBQErTWBTeg60_1_zpsc2ff170c.gif
Click to expand...

I can get one of these for less than $30, but why would this bridge NOT give me the same problem? Are the saddle height screws tighter or what?
 
#14
ExaltBass said:
Gotoh 201 Bridge. Best bang for the buck in the < $50 range. HipShot, if you're willing to spend a bit more. I prefer the HipShot A style, (as in my Avatar) but others that I really respect are B style fans. The Gotoh is a drop in, and the HipShot is - if you order it with the 5 hole mount. I've also had good luck with Wilkinson. Any 5 hole bridge should mount right up.
Click to expand...

I AGREE!! GOTOH 201! HOLES WILL LINE UP!!
 
#15
hdracer said:
Wrong
Blue is for larger screws and has to be applied before assembling.
If you use to much you stand a chance of never being able to move the screw again and rounding out the screw.
Click to expand...

It's just what I always have in the tool bag. Used sparingly, it's never given me a problem with the Schaller bridge I applied it to, including adjustments.

I've never used green. Is it lower viscosity than blue?
 
#16
elgecko said:
It's just what I always have in the tool bag. Used sparingly, it's never given me a problem with the Schaller bridge I applied it to, including adjustments.

I've never used green. Is it lower viscosity than blue?
Click to expand...

yes, it is made to keep small screws from vibrating loose while still being able to adjust them. Be sure it is 290 green not 640 green. 640 will never let go.
 
#18
bumperbass said:
I can get one of these for less than $30, but why would this bridge NOT give me the same problem? Are the saddle height screws tighter or what?
Click to expand...

They may very well be tighter. The problem I've had in the past with MIM standard bridges is the entire G saddle drifting outward on the bridge plate, away from the other saddles, screwing up the string spacing. I recall the intonation screws being kinda flimsy and loose in their respective holes, probably part of the problem.

I also used a Gotoh 204 bridge to replace the flimsy bridge on a MIM 50's classic P. Not as nice as a 201 but worked well, and cost less. Good luck.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back