String slot question

[goran]

Hey I need some info I have a feeling, that my g string slot is cut too deep, is there a way to use filler with brass? What should it be, a toothpick end, something else?

Check the pic of the saddles

Also how do you adjust the nut on this screw, does it has to be tight to the bridge or to a metal plate? pic2

Thanks you in advance!

[edwardofhuncote]

The best fix is to raise the entire span and file the other three deeper. Or order a new saddle. You might be able to raise the one slot a couple thousandths with some CA glue and brass filings, but adhereance to brass is tough. No tooth.

[adriaan]

Difficult to tell from the picture, as it's looking down on the bridge, but the saddles should follow the curve, so the A and D strings should both be sitting a bit higher than the E and G strings. It looks as if the saddles might be mixed up.

[gtrguy]

The nut should be a locking nut and it should be just tight enough to allow the screw to freely turn inside the bridge block. That way you can use it to set the entire bridge up or down in the brass sustain block easily.

It is possible to jack one end of the bridge up too fast, which will jam up your adjustment, so adjust each one a bit at a time and then go to the other side one and do the same.

[goran]

Thanks you all, do you know what is the radius of the string on the 4 string bass at the bridge?

Thanks

[JimmyJ]

Hey Goran,

Should be a 12" radius and you can try to get the bottoms of the slots there, or, just check the radius against the top of the strings when on the bridge.  Check out my example pic below.

That nut is obviously what is holding the bridge up.  It is meant to spin freely when you turn the screw but it may not move up if the strings are on and it's under pressure.  Loosen the strings to raise the bridge and if necessary use a small wrench to snug that nut back up against the bottom.  You'll see what I mean when you start adjusting it.

Jimmy J

[KR]

Hey I need some info I have a feeling, that my g string slot is cut too deep, is there a way to use filler with brass? What should it be, a toothpick end, something else?

Check the pic of the saddles

Also how do you adjust the nut on this screw, does it has to be tight to the bridge or to a metal plate? pic2

Thanks you in advance!

A new saddle is the easiest fix, but if you want to retain the patina...Remove the saddle and take it to a jeweler who can laser weld a bit of silver in the slot. A new saddle is the same price or lower than a jeweler will probably charge. See the Alembic store for the saddle.

[JimmyJ]

Or, just raise the G side of the bridge to the height you want that string to be.  And then cut down the slots for the D and maybe the A if they're too high.  That seems like the easiest solution to me.

Jimmy J

[KR]

Slotting the other strings deeper will work. Be careful that the slots don't go too deep ---causing the strings to contact the rear rail of the bridge between the tailpiece and slot.

[goran]

I think the G string is cut too deep, and that string can't vibrate as it should (just my unprofessional opinion 😊)

That's why maybe the best thing is to just lower everything down and trim the saddles and raise the bridge. Which I could do.