Schaller Roller Bridges...Any Good?

[Bob_Ross]

I have to be extremely super careful with mine because they roll so easily. Sheesh...I've had that bridge on there since 82. You'd have thought the rollers would have frozen up by now

I suppose you could spray the treads is something to "gum" them up a bit the add resistance/traction to the roller threads. Maybe plumbers tape.

I've got Schaller roller bridges on two of my basses and one of my guitars, and tbh I've never had a problem with the rollers moving when I changed strings...but I've spoken to a couple other bassists* who do have that problem, and they both recommended putting a dab of clear nail polish on the threads on either side of the roller saddles.


*edit: also, see Zooberwerx' post above.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Here's a strange take on the roller-type bridge...I believe this is a Gotoh but I've been wrong before. No threaded axle...the saddles slide back 'n forth on a square steel bar and locked into place with a set-screw on the front of each roller. It's a standard 17 mm spacing but there was enough real estate to spread out to 17.5. I can't accidentally knock these out of alignment.

 

[JRA]

i have the schaller 3D on one axe, but i have a bridge from guitar fetish that also has a a set screw type adjustment for 'side to side' --- string spacing --- alterations. it is not as 'versatile' as the schaller, but it works. both are good.

i've never seen the bridge pictured above, but it looks interesting!

i like the 3D idea: i don't just play with the string spacing all the time, but it sure comes in handy: let's me A/B string spacing for "that perfect feel." having said that: i have other bridges without the feature and i get along fine with those, too. if i had to choose one bridge: i'd probably choose a 3D --- probably the schaller.

 

[eyejayy]

]

I have a question. I want to narrow the string spacing on my classic vibe P bass. If I attach a schaller bridge with the ability to set string spacing, will i have complications with the strings not aligning over the PUP poles?

 

[eyejayy]

No issues, just make sure the two halves of the P pickup are set to the appropriate angles relative to the strings. Lots of basses have their strings not right above the pole pieces and still sound great.

Is there anything else I should take note of in trying to slim from 19mm down to 17-18mm? Am I okay with stock pickup and nut?

 

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You know, our instrument really is 2 planks bolted together with 4 wires, then a pair of magnets and a coil to transfer the signal.
You can experiment whatever you want without a risk to break anything and the century old technology will still work.

 

[Mark Gastambide]

In case anyone still happens upon this old thread, I wanted to make one comment about installing one on a Rickenbacker 4003. I had one installed to replace my original Ric bridge, on the recommendation of a guitar tech (who I later discovered to be something of a hack). It was NOT a good move. The bass's E - string had considerably less volume and sustain than the rest, and sounded plain weak in comparison. Years later, I was about to give up on the Ric and sell it (the one in my profile pic), but thought I'd try one more bridge. I decided to follow in Geddy's footsteps, and put a real Badass II on it. (I already had one on my Fender Precision, and liked it.) OMG! What a difference! I couldn't believe that a bridge could change the tone of a bass THAT much. Power, volume, sustain.... All there! I had the same bridge on a headless "Nobby Meidel" Warwick, and it was okay on THAT bass. But it was just NOT compatible with the Ric!