Saddle height on a 325c64

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:35 am

I recently bought a 325c64. I'm not very familiar with the Accent vibrato, especially those little rollers on the bridge. It seems that they are not all at the same height. Is the height adjustable individually? There is some string buzz on the lower E-string.
Thanks!

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:58 am

They follow the contour (radius) of the fretboard. You can't adjust them individually. If you have string buzz, you can adjust the truss rod, check the nut and adjust the height of the strings on the bass side by adjusting the bridge screws. You will find the answer somewhere in there....... ; )

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:11 am

Thanks John, for your reply. I'll try your suggestions.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:05 am

This bridge is notorious for this, because of all the li'l parts. It can be replaced with a non-roller RIC bridge without affecting the action of the Accent or its tone.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:07 pm

Do you have to replace the bridge as a whole or can you just replace the saddles? Wouldn't using the tremelo damage the strings with a non-roller bridge?
Thanks.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:02 am

Of course the saddles can be replaced separately. The problem is obtaining the parts, as they are not sold separately. As a matter of fact, the roller bridge is not listed as a replacement part.

Using the Accent, the strings cause a non-roller bridge to rock a tiny bit on its supports. For the full range of the accent, the whole assembly moves only about .5mm. I've had no problems with the Accent returning to pitch with this setup, either.

String wear is not a problem.

BTW, the Accent is a "vibrato", not a "tremelo".

Vibrato is a variation in pitch. Tremelo is a variation in amplitude.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:52 am

You're so right. Thanks for the info. We learn everyday.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:29 pm

I wonder why Rickenbacker just doesn't sell those guitars with better bridges. Of course, they are re-issues, but now you are forced (that is: when you want to play them and not just hang them on the wall) to replace the bridge for an extra $70.00. I've contacted Rickenbacker and they advised to replace the complete bridge. Saddles are not available separately! I'm curious if any of you still uses the "roller-bridge" and is happy with it.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:56 am

I wonder why Rickenbacker just doesn't sell those guitars with better bridges. Of course, they are re-issues . . .

I think you just answered your own question.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:13 am

It's nice when we can noodle through and answer our own questions.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 9:26 am

A bit easy, such a reaction. If the problem is well-known, why doesn't Rickenbacker sell 'normal' saddles to replace the roller-types, in stead of only a complete bridge?