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Roscoe Beck Forum?

I've never had bridge saddles "walk around on their own," so I see no need for a lock.
And yes, they can effect other settings if you set them wrong/too tight/etc.
 
So last night, before I asked this question in this post, I was able to raise and lower the saddle when I was setting up my bass without loosening this 3rd screw..

So what exactly does this screw lock? Again, I don't want to start cranking on it for no reason. Also looks like it slides front to back in a slot.

Do the 5 strings have the same saddle setup, or is this a 4 string thing?

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I've never had bridge saddles "walk around on their own," so I see no need for a lock.
And yes, they can effect other settings if you set them wrong/too tight/etc.
 
OK, I get it now. I pulled out one of these screws and it threads straight down into the bridge plate. From what I can tell it does not raise or lower the saddle, but as mdogs said it's just a locking screw.

So basically before you make any changes to saddle height or string length, you need to loosen this screw and then tighten it down again after any setup changes.

What a pain in the butt.
 
The Vs bridge is a Gotoh and is pretty similar except there is no side-side adjustment. Fender made the one for the IV and looks like they emulated the Gotoh and added the extra adjustment. I think someone said Gotoh stopped making the V bridges and that's why the V was discontinued before the IV.

Be careful with the lock screws, as they will lift the back of the saddle up if tightened too much. When I first got my IV, one of mine was too tight which raised the saddle enough that one if the front height screws lost full contact with the plate and caused a nasty buzz. Drove myself crazy figuring out that one!

Honey burst / maple board is the best finish IMO. Too bad it's only on the IV, or I'd be trying real hard to get a V.

Here's mine - I put a tort pickguard on and think it looks better with the maple board - YMMV.
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1396959989.249051.jpg
 
Thanks for the advice on the locking screw. I will definitely be careful when adjusting the saddles. That tort guard definitely looks cool, and I agree the neck/color combo kills.

After playing this bass for a few days, I'm hooked on this RBIV. I was somewhat hesitant to pick one up, a lot of basses on this board are over hyped IMO, but this one seems to live up to all the positive posts.


The Vs bridge is a Gotoh and is pretty similar except there is no side-side adjustment. Fender made the one for the IV and looks like they emulated the Gotoh and added the extra adjustment. I think someone said Gotoh stopped making the V bridges and that's why the V was discontinued before the IV.

Be careful with the lock screws, as they will lift the back of the saddle up if tightened too much. When I first got my IV, one of mine was too tight which raised the saddle enough that one if the front height screws lost full contact with the plate and caused a nasty buzz. Drove myself crazy figuring out that one!

Honey burst / maple board is the best finish IMO. Too bad it's only on the IV, or I'd be trying real hard to get a V.

Here's mine - I put a tort pickguard on and think it looks better with the maple board - YMMV.
View attachment 405755
 
Hey..
just take the allen wrench that first and grind it down a bit (lengthwise) until it fits....benchgrinder or angle grander will work. Just have some water handy to cool it so you don't overheat it.

+1 on this. I returned my P bass along with the Fender truss rod tool. Needed to adjust the RB. Took a 3/16 Allen wrench to a friend who has a hand held cutting tool who cut it to fit. Works better than the long handled truss rod tool ever did.
 
Well it looks like I'm back in the RB Club once again. After foolishly selling mine almost a decade ago, I swore I'd get another one someday. I think it's maybe Fender's best offering....ever. Just paid for a Honeyburst IV off ebay. Waited a loooong time for just the right one to pop up....Honeyburst/maple. Yes!

Looks like it has the bag-o-case-candy with it. Hopefully the cool ramp will be included, too.

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My first one..

c2a9cc50.jpg
 
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