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Steinberger Club

Hmm, maybe I'm not making myself clear. I've stripped the hex bolt side, while I was intonating the bridge. Not the screw threads.

Understood, this has happened to me before. If it happened on only one of the threaded rods, the suggested solution might work. Then completely disassemble the bridge and reassemble it without this threaded rod. However, I have doubts whether this will actually work. The bridge part on which the string rests is constructed differently than on Hohner or Spirit bridges. I'll send a picture of why in a moment. Just have to find it first.
 
The bridge part on which the string rests has a screw on the front side for height adjustment. The string should push it down on the back side. I would not rely on it.

IMG_0395.jpeg
 
Getting a part like that today is probably pretty difficult. You're more likely to get a complete bridge.
Disassemble the bridge and post a good picture of the damaged part.
If all else fails and you have an XP, XM or XQ, you can put a Spirit/Hohner replacement bridge on it. Of course, that won't work without woodwork. But maybe still better than "no bass".
 
This is the bridge from a (red) Spirit. As you can see: one screw in the front, one in the back. Maybe this part fits in between. Would also be possible, but will also not be so easy to get.
Then I remember: You could also drill two holes diagonally into the Steinberger bridge part for the string rest and cut threads into it. No big deal. That will work for sure. That's how I would do it.

IMG_5195.jpeg
 
Here's another pic of what I'm describing on my XL2. The circled items are the intonation set screws. This is what I stripped while intonating my D string. The hexagonal shape has become deformed and I can no longer turn it.

I have an XQ bass I'm not using at the moment, next time I change my strings I guess I can swap out this bridge block and the long screw in back and put it in my XL.

[I grabbed this pic from the headlessusa site]


xl2 bridge edited.jpg
 
I might be looking at this all wrong, and if so, it wouldn't be the first time, but those adjustment bolts just look like ordinary set screws to me. Any Home Depot or possibly local hardware store should have one. As for getting the old one backed out, if you can't do that, I suggest disassembling the bridge and taking the saddle to a machinist or a machine shop and see if they can't get it out for you. Stress to them the saddle must remain undamaged.
 
The intonation screws are very unique…a threaded portion with tapered smooth section with a round ball on the end where it locks into the bridge.

I would consider getting it out, and creating a slot head in the end instead of the stripped out Allen socket…then you could adjust with a standard screwdriver. It may be a way to salvage the bolt and still be able to adjust it as needed.
 
There is an endless supply of unusual hardware on the internet. My guess is that Ned didn't have these made for him and that they were available from some supplier. A couple possibilities to think about: (1) If you can get it out, take it to a hardware store and see if they have one. If not, see what it's called so you can do a search on the internet for it. Or (2), go to thinkns.com. This is Ned's new company. Contact them and see if they could identify where that part might be available, even though it's not used on any of the new stuff as far as I know. They might have to actually ask Ned to see if he remembers. They're very nice people. I've dealt with them on a couple issues I had with my NS Design WAV4 bass guitar.
 
The intonation screws are very unique…a threaded portion with tapered smooth section with a round ball on the end where it locks into the bridge.

I would consider getting it out, and creating a slot head in the end instead of the stripped out Allen socket…then you could adjust with a standard screwdriver. It may be a way to salvage the bolt and still be able to adjust it as needed.


Very good idea! That should work.

And from now on, always loosen the strings first before turning the screw to readjust the intonation. Almost unavoidable that otherwise it will fray at some point.
 
Are the screws you pointed to connected to the hex bolt inside here? (yellow arrows)
View attachment 5116519

I would recommend you to post this in the facebook steinberger group, there both Bernd (who is also on talkbass) and Andy usually know exactly wich parts you need. There is also the headless europe website that has some of the technical info->replacement parts
 
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I'm not on facebook, I remember when Andy was on yahoo groups, he could be quite helpful.

Yahoo groups no longer exist, but Andy can still be reached via his SteinbergerWorld website (go to the Links & Credits page, there's an e-mail link). And I am here, but I don't have any better news: these screws aren't available as spare parts anywhere. Cutting a slot into the stripped one is a good option. However, before doing so, I'd try to turn it with a Torx screwdriver. Sometimes this works exceptionally well, they have a better grip even on somewhat rounded hex sockets (I know this works perfectly with the M3 screws on guitar bridges, should possibly work with larger screws too).

Bernd
 
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I just remembered this: Years ago I had a stripped intonation screw head on an XM and was able adjust it by turning the smooth portion of the screw (exposed behind the saddle) with a pair of needle nose pliers. A bit tedious as you can only turn it a little bit at a time, but I seem to recall it working fine.
 
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I'm so happy to report I've just bought my 3rd Ned Steinberger bass. But this one is the real deal OG 1985 XL-2 carbon fiber made in Newburgh.

As unusual as this is, I'd like to make it a one of a kind. Anyone have a recommendation on where to send this to be painted? Preferably someone who can reapply the Steinberger logo.

Jeff Babicz
 
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Dude! Your timing is amazing. I did a little research and talked to Natalie at headless USA. Jeff should have received my guitar today. I'm super stoked!!!! Most likely, I'm having it painted bright orange with some metal flake. Jeff says it will make the value skyrocket.

there is another possibility. I asked Jeff if he has an unusual design in his head he's been wanting to make real. If so I asked him to send me a mock up or just a general drawing and I'd consider it.

But even with this orange he believes it will be a one of a kind.
 
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