Problem with the 4 bridge screws in a 360.

mmunguia · Post by **mmunguia** » Tue Jun 25, 2002 6:31 am

I have a problem when playing my Rick 360 model. I always have my hand on the bridge when playing specially for muting the strings. the screws always losen up (to the point that one or 2 of them almost unscrew completely !!!). I always notice it in the middle of a song when they're scraping against my right hand.

Is there any way arround this problem? should I tape the screws? I need help, I haven't been playing my rick because of this... help

kennyhowes · Post by **kennyhowes** » Tue Jun 25, 2002 7:24 am

Here's what I've always done in that case:

a) Loosen the strings and remove the screws. CAREFULLY stretch the springs out a bit so they're taller. Re-assemble and rock. Those pesky screws should stay put.

b) In addition to "a" above, you could briefly soak the screws in a saucer of water with salt in it, rusting them out slightly. Just slightly; playing your Ric often enough will oxide them anyway, but this too helps keep them in place.

Hope this helps!

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Tue Jun 25, 2002 9:25 am

I have this problem all of the time with my Rick. In the Luthier section a couple of other options were offered, such as nail polish to secure the screws. I haven't addressed it yet, but I will soon. It also brings the guitar out of tune very quickly. Oh the quirks we put up with to have the finest sound available!

kennyhowes · Post by **kennyhowes** » Tue Jun 25, 2002 1:38 pm

"Oxidize," I meant.

ric480 · Post by **ric480** » Wed Jun 26, 2002 2:25 am

The nail polish solution works terrific ! I too had the same exact problem; followed Mark the MD's advice about the CLEAR nail polish, and my bridge screws have not budged since. Try it - you'll like it.

dannyboy · Post by **dannyboy** » Wed Jun 26, 2002 2:36 pm

A little dab of LOCTITE did the trick for me!

dompisco · Post by **dompisco** » Thu Jun 27, 2002 8:38 am

I'm assuming that If you mute the strings then you have removed the bridge cover. If the cover screws are STILL in the bridge than they can touch the lower plate. If this is the case, then they can sometimes touch the plate and take pressure off the adjustment screws and they will loosen. I haven't had this problem in a long time. I play my Ricks everyday and human sweat and grime (yuk) has kept them in place.