Anyone any good at bass or guitar DIY?

Daftendirekt

Hi guys,

My bass in need of a little TLC., and I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I've got a couple of questions:

1: First of all - bridge and saddle screws. I've had the bass for a while now but in the last year or so, the saddle has started coming apart. After a heavy jam or practice session the vibration from the strings actually causes the the small grub screws - and the longer saddle screws to a lesser extent - to come loose. I've lost a couple at gigs, and had to replace them with screws from an older bass. The same thing happens with these however.

What's the problem here? I would have thought it was the threads on the screws, but then why would it still happen to the screws I replaced?

Can anyone help me out with this? It's incredibly annoying. Should I just buy a new set of screws and see if that helps?


2: One of the pots on the bass has come loose. It still works okay, but it's kind of hanging off. Is there any way I can fix this?

Also, I notice a bit of crackle sometimes when I turn any of the pots. Is this normal?


Thanks in advance for any advice!


Edit: Actually, just fixed the pot. It was just a case of taking it off and tightening the washer underneath.

Dord

Daftendirekt wrote: »

Hi guys,

My bass in need of a little TLC., and I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I've got a couple of questions:

1: First of all - bridge and saddle screws. I've had the bass for a while now but in the last year or so, the saddle has started coming apart. After a heavy jam or practice session the vibration from the strings actually causes the the small grub screws - and the longer saddle screws to a lesser extent - to come loose. I've lost a couple at gigs, and had to replace them with screws from an older bass. The same thing happens with these however.

What's the problem here? I would have thought it was the threads on the screws, but then why would it still happen to the screws I replaced?

Can anyone help me out with this? It's incredibly annoying. Should I just buy a new set of screws and see if that helps?


2: One of the pots on the bass has come loose. It still works okay, but it's kind of hanging off. Is there any way I can fix this?

Also, I notice a bit of crackle sometimes when I turn any of the pots. Is this normal?


Thanks in advance for any advice!


Edit: Actually, just fixed the pot. It was just a case of taking it off and tightening the washer underneath.

The problem with the bridge is a common flaw on many basses with Fender style bridges. A lot of people replace the bridges on them for something more solid.

What bass have you got so I can give you a good recommendation for a replacement. If you're in Dublin I may be able to give you a hand with replacing it if you're stuck.

Daftendirekt

The bass is an Ibanez Soundgear (SRX 200, I think). When you say Fender-style bridges, do mean ones where the bridge has separate saddles for each string?

If so, then it is indeed a Fender style bridge. I can't find a pic right now, but if I get a chance later I might take one and post it.

@ Dord: I'm not in Dublin, but I'm not too far away. If worst comes to the worst, I'll let you know. Cheers !

Dord

Daftendirekt wrote: »

The bass is an Ibanez Soundgear (SRX 200, I think). When you say Fender-style bridges, do mean ones where the bridge has separate saddles for each string?

If so, then it is indeed a Fender style bridge. I can't find a pic right now, but if I get a chance later I might take one and post it.

@ Dord: I'm not in Dublin, but I'm not too far away. If worst comes to the worst, I'll let you know. Cheers !

Ok, I can't seem to find that bass so it might be a short run or special ed. If you could take a picture that would be great.

Most bass bridges have a different saddle for each string.

Daftendirekt

Dord wrote: »

Ok, I can't seem to find that bass so it might be a short run or special ed. If you could take a picture that would be great.

Most bass bridges have a different saddle for each string.

Oops.

I have no idea what I meant by that.

Could you clarify what you mean by Fender style bridge?


@ Sugarman: Yeah, that's actually the one I meant. That pic is pretty much identical to my bass.

You think I might have a problem here, then?

Dord

sugarman wrote: »

I presumme he means a GSR 200, there was never a 200 in the SRX range, in which case this would be the bass. Screw holes for the bridge look to irregular so it looks doubtfull you'll find a cheap third-party one to fit.

If it is one of those then it's got the same pattern as a Fender bridge except with two extra screws at the front.

I'd rather not speculate though. It'd be better if the OP put up a picture.

Daftendirekt

Dord wrote: »

If it is one of those then it's got the same pattern as a Fender bridge except with two extra screws at the front.

I'd rather not speculate though. It'd be better if the OP put up a picture.

Actually, sugarman's right. The pic he posted is bang on, but if it'd help, I'll stick up one of my own either tonight or tomorrow (probably tomorrow), so you can see the bridge more clearly.

Thanks for all the replies so far. Much appreciated!

Dord

Ok, you should be able to replace it without modification with a Gotoh 201. Much better and more solid bridge. You shouldn't have the same problems with it.

Daftendirekt

Excellent, thanks a mill.