Rickenbacker 325c64 Bridge Options?

[brthegreat117]

Hi, new member and Rickenbacker owner here.

So I purchased a 2017 Riceknbacker 325c64 recently after a long while of lusting after it.

Well, when I received it I noticed a distinct tonal issue with the bridge.
My high E, and B strings would vibrate and make this weird muted sound (also sometimes low E and A).

Thinking it could have been a set-up issue, I took it local legend Steve Soest.
He got her all set-up and dandy with 12s Thomastik flatwounds.

He then showed me the issues with the bridge, concerning the rollers. The high E, and B strings move side-to-side on the roller causing the noise I am getting.

I now am looking to purchase a replacement bridge, one where the strings will sit perfectly on the rollers, or get something different that will work.

Any help is appreciated.

[admin]

Brandon, why not, as step one, contact Customer Service at RIC and see what they may recommend as a resolution to this problem before replacing the bridge.

[brthegreat117]

Brandon, why not, as step one, contact Customer Service at RIC and see what they may recommend as a resolution to this problem before replacing the bridge.

I have. I was told that it was a common occurrence, and then provided a link to buy the other 'modern' bridge they offered.

I am looking for a replacement piece of quality that can still maintain roller functionality.

[collin]

While I love it for the "period correct" aspect, the roller bridge is really not that functional. The rollers are nothing more than the ball end of a string mounted on a special saddle. They make a lot of unwanted noise and IMO they don't offer a significant improvement in keeping the guitar in tune.

A well-maintained standard bridge would eliminate the noise issues you're experiencing and still work fine for the vibrato.

FYI - you don't need to replace the entire bridge either. Just replace all six saddles with the conventional non-roller type. The bridge base is the same thing.