Setting Intonation on Kahler Fixed Bass Bridge

[JimmyM]

I suppose it's maybe a good idea to just snug them down a bit onto the base plate once everything's set. Just to sort of guarantee the saddle things CAN'T possibly slip forward under string tension. But as you say, not really needed. No offense taken BTW. I was speculating based on pictures. Always happy to get the correct info!

Yeah, I would agree with you there, and I will be doing that in a little bit.

Well after spending two hours trying to adjust the intonation on this thing I can totally agree about the bridge being a big PITA! I used this bridge on my build because it looks cool, but what a pain.

All the strings at the 12th fret were sharp. Here are the steps I used to adjust:

1) Loosen string enough to take the strain off the bridge;
2) Use allen key to tighten the intonation hex screw up to the current aft button cap screw space;
3) Loosen both button cap screws slightly and use intonation hex screw to move saddle backwards;
4) Retighten everything, retune and check intonation;
5) Got back to 1)

I never could get the notes at the 12th fret entirely in tune to my satisfaction before I ran out of adjustment space. They are all still slightly sharp. I guess if I want it any better I will have remove the bridge and reinstall it further back from the neck. That will suck.

It's a really nice looking build otherwise, though. But yeah, that's about your only option.

 

[Geri O]

I, too, am discovering the (non) joys of adjusting the Kahler bridge on a 6-string bass, a Peavey TL6 for those that haven’t see me post about it.

Fortunately, after changing strings, slightly tweaking the relief, and very slightly raising the action (1/2 turn up. Don’t like that either, but the tone is quite solid), the intonation is spot-on. Lucky me, eh....

Thanks to @kodiakblair and @Matt Liebenau for the tips on the thing. I was overthinking the adjustment.

 

[JimmyM]

I have a love/hate relationship with this bridge. I love that it's lighter than a lot of high mass bridges out there...

Boy was I wrong about that! I took it off because I'm changing the color on my bass, and chrome is out. Then I weighed it...12 ounces. That makes it THE heaviest bridge I've seen. Needless to say, it's getting replaced with a black Schaller.

And I have it for sale at a very good price if anyone wants it

 

[Bob_Ross]

adjusting it is one of the biggest dreads of my bass life, so much that the last time I changed strings on it was 2 years ago.

a total pain to adjust. I haven’t changed strings in a long time to avoid this!

I'm guessing you guys mean you haven't changed string brand and/or string gauge in years? 'Cuz I've had one of those Kahler bridges on my Modulus for over 32 years and I've never once had to adjust anything on it when changing strings...but I've been using the exact same string type on it for those ~32 years.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm guessing you guys mean you haven't changed string brand and/or string gauge in years? 'Cuz I've had one of those Kahler bridges on my Modulus for over 32 years and I've never once had to adjust anything on it when changing strings...but I've been using the exact same string type on it for those ~32 years.

I used to change them all the time when I was using it more often. Nowadays, not so much because I only play it at home for the most part. Plus I'm finally liking the sound of dead rounds since I switched brands a few years ago.

 

[Geri O]

I'm guessing you guys mean you haven't changed string brand and/or string gauge in years? 'Cuz I've had one of those Kahler bridges on my Modulus for over 32 years and I've never once had to adjust anything on it when changing strings...but I've been using the exact same string type on it for those ~32 years.

The Kahler bridge I’m working with is on a Peavey TL6 that I just bought.

I don’t what strings were on it, but I change strings immediately on any new bass acquisition. I did have to change the intonation just slightly and I was oh so careful to not change the spacing as I did so. As well as raise the string height a half-turn.

I don’t know how much play this bass will see, so I imagine I’ll stay with the same strings (EB Super Slinkys for 6-string) and probably not change them very often as I do on the other two basses that I use mostly. Which will hopefully mean no further adjustments needed.

 

[68bassman]

Hey All,

I have installed one of these bridges on a Squier Precision V that I am converting to six strings. My strings are really high and I'm wondering if this bridge always has to be recessed. It is recessed on a Peavey TL-Six that I have...

 

[mapleglo]

I had to recess it on the one build where I used this bridge:

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I routed a recess for the one I’ve used. I suppose you could shim the neck as well. It depends on how far off you are from where you want to be and if the pickups will raise up enough after you shim the neck.

 

[68bassman]

Thanks for the replies. I will check into both routing and neck shimming options.

 

[Bob_Ross]

My strings are really high and I'm wondering if this bridge always has to be recessed.

No, that Kahler bridge does not have to be recessed. It is surface-mounted on my 1988 Modulus, and the action is plenty low.