Author Topic: Bridge rattle  (Read 484 times)

1stbass

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Bridge rattle
« Reply #15 on: February 27, 2005, 04:26:35 AM »
I guess i will have to take it apart. The thing that really gets me crazy is,i have several Epics,that i bought used, and no problems like this. This is a new right off the showroom floor custom Rouge, and this is the bass that has to make me crazy. I know it will be ok as soon as the rattle stops. And man i love every other thing about it, it's the prize of my collection.
 
thanks guys
Doug

dfung60

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Bridge rattle
« Reply #16 on: February 27, 2005, 01:27:33 PM »
I'm kind of surprised that there would be this level of buzz in Alembic bridge hardware.  That's not elitist, it's just that the whole thing is assembled out of pretty precisely cut brass and high precision machine screws - not just a long screw with a spring on it like a Fender bridge!
 
If touching the bridge really dampens the buzz, then I suggest that you pull the strings and remove the bridge.  Disassemble everything and put blue Loctite on the machine screws before reassembling.  After you've done that, put the bridge back on your bass, restring, and reset intonation.  Before you finalize the bridge positions, put a drop of blue Loctite on the intonation adjustment screws so you can lock those positions as well.
 
The Loctite is a chemical threadlocker.  It fills in the spaces between screw and the threads and holds it steady, just like a locknut would.  It should kill off any small vibration between those pieces.  You want to be sure to use medium-strength blue Loctite 242.  It will hold screws tightly when it dries, but you can break the bond with regular screwdriver force when it's time for the next adjustment.  You want to be sure NOT to use high-strength red Loctite 262 which will make a permanent bond in the threads and ruin your bridge.  Unfortunately, both blue and red Loctite are packaged in a red container!  You can get it at any auto parts store or hardware store.  Be sure to verify that you have the right one.
 
Using oils or waxes may help, but the Loctite will solve the problem for sure.