4001/4003 bridge saddle setup question

[soundmasterg]

Hi. I had a question about the proper way to setup the bridge saddles on a Rick 4001/4003 when new? My '73 4001 has grooves cut into the saddles that the string fits into, while I've seen new Ricks, and they don't have grooves and the string is resting right on the top edge of the saddle. Which is the proper way to have it? The reason I ask is I've built myself a bass and I'm using the Rick bridge and want to get it setup correctly. Thank you for the help!
Greg Simon

[markthemd]

I use a Makita Saws ALL , get the really thick 8" long blade ,that way you can really get a stand back view of what you are doing .
The aluminum really flies , so use WD-40 to make nice smooth cuts ... take your time , if you go too fast , you tend to cut through the bridge into the top .

I also use a laser ... really accurate as long as the math (cad-tool path) is done correctly.

I have also used a Binford 2000 hand held 400horsepower tool ... Wow !! what a thrill to use in the hands of some one that really cuts things up nicely.

[markthemd]

Okay ... no one commented on what I had to say ... I just wanted to see if anyone was even looking at this .

The 'real' answer is this .

I use a set of files to notch saddles and nuts .
Then are machinist files . Similar to some 'jeweler' files.
These run from .014 to .095 ,with increments of about .005 between each file size .
I also use several parallel round files . These run .065 , .080 ,.100 , .125 , .145 and .165

I use a Japanese feather file to make my first cuts . This is after scoring the locations with a utility knife blade and using a set of Dial caliper to measure out everything .

Tools ... where did I get these ?

Not from any Luthier supply house.

[banta]

"Okay ... no one commented on what I had to say ... I just wanted to see if anyone was even looking at this."

I just thought you had been drinking too much.