. Very true, however note that he is not on board with those I have listed in the consensus recommendation particular to this thread. And so, omitted from my post that pointed to said consensus.
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poor string alignment on this cheap bass: fix or nah?
- Thread starter EpicSoundtracks
- Start date
Turnaround
Commercial User
Regardless of some views that the bridge is mis-placed, I am not convinced. Check the pic....
The red lines are where the strings would be if the bridge was moved about 1/8" to the right. You can see that the alignment over the pickups is too far right and the strings are still not aligned on the neck properly. Pretty hard to judge this stuff from a photo though because of parallax distortion.
The red lines are where the strings would be if the bridge was moved about 1/8" to the right. You can see that the alignment over the pickups is too far right and the strings are still not aligned on the neck properly. Pretty hard to judge this stuff from a photo though because of parallax distortion.
Yes, and if you look at the p'up mounting ears in relation to the strings as they are, it's s just fine where it is.
Could it be the nut is not set correctly? Just a thought.
Yeah, kinda a far fetched thought. I do agree that adjusting the bridge position would be the more proper fix in this case. Not sure why so many get so upset over moving a bridge an 1/8".
This thread reminds me of the viral debate from a while back about whether the dress in a particular photo was blue or brown: Everyone who looked at it was absolutely certain that it was whichever color they were seeing, and couldn't even imagine why/how anybody could possibly see it the other way....
Yeah, I don't know why this thread has turned into an armchair argument over whether the problem is the neck alignment or the bridge position. This expert says this vs that expert says that. Who cares? We're all just guessing from the pictures. The best fix may be one or the other or both. Somebody just get out the tools and fix it, already.
Yes, the bridge appears ever so slightly out of line.
HOWEVER, it would be ridiculous not to try the neck first.
Forget what the pocket "looks like"
Loosen the screws. Yank the crap out of it toward the G string. Hold it in place. Tighten the screws.
I have done it to dozens of new guitars and basses we received in a store I worked at. Some looked every bit as bad as that one. It worked every. Single. Time.
Even if it doesn't entirely fix the problem, it will be much better than it is now.
Than, and ONLY THEN, you can decide if you want to seal the holes and drill out for new bridge holes.
HOWEVER, it would be ridiculous not to try the neck first.
Forget what the pocket "looks like"
Loosen the screws. Yank the crap out of it toward the G string. Hold it in place. Tighten the screws.
I have done it to dozens of new guitars and basses we received in a store I worked at. Some looked every bit as bad as that one. It worked every. Single. Time.
Even if it doesn't entirely fix the problem, it will be much better than it is now.
Than, and ONLY THEN, you can decide if you want to seal the holes and drill out for new bridge holes.
EpicSoundtracks : try switching out the barrels on the bridge: swap the E and A barrels with the D and G barrels = right back in line. good luck!
EpicSoundtracks : try switching out the barrels on the bridge: swap the E and A barrels with the D and G barrels = right back in line. good luck!
What??? The four saddles are the same part, machined to the same dimensions. Two are installed left-hand, two are installed right-hand. Swap them any way you like, and the strings will be in the same positions in relation to the bridge base.
yeah, you're right: i should've said: the barrels are on the screws "backwards" or "upside down." when they're 'turned around' they'll move each string to the right --- in the picture, yada yada.... i went back and looked at the picture close up. i have to eat my words. thanks for pointing out that my poor vision is only outdone by my even more impoverished wit.
you bad!
wow, this thread blew up! thanks to everyone who took the time to weigh in.
to review: the neck will not move in the neck pocket. not even a fraction of an inch. it is TIGHT.
@Bruce Johnson has convinced me to explore the bridge option. i'll pull everything apart and take more photos soon. stay tuned!
to review: the neck will not move in the neck pocket. not even a fraction of an inch. it is TIGHT.
@Bruce Johnson has convinced me to explore the bridge option. i'll pull everything apart and take more photos soon. stay tuned!
So, are you gonna move the pickups too? They will be out of alignment once the bridge is moved. Don't you think it would be a little easier to ream the body neck holes out a little and sand the side of the pocket if necessary? If nothing else it keeps the front looking normal. You won't have any holes to fill, or possible discoloration or imprints from the bridge movement either.
