Intonation ... fruitless ?

[grazioso]

*stars guitars* used to make (beside alembic hardware) rick style 12 saddle bridges many years ago. i have been loking for one for ages. if i remeber correctly it was made of brass and machined much better than this semi_contraption from rickenbacker i had to learn to live with in the meantime.

[admin]

Steve: You may have stripped the saddle threads, the threads of the intonation screw or both. If you have a brother who is a machinist there is surely no harm in having him take a look. When intonating with this bridge it pays to go easy and take your time. This is easily repaired or remedied with replacement parts should that be necessary. Calm, informed and methodical heads are always fruitful in such endeavours. We will see you through this adjustment.

[steverok]

Thanks Peter. I love Rics like the rest of us, and I know to some degree I am responsible, but the saddle wasn't threaded properly, and I was too stubborn to leave the spring loose in there. I'm going to have to take care of this myself, as I was unable to obtain a new saddle and screw from Ric. Fortunately, I know more than one person who can repair this for me. Also, I have my trusty 330 to tide me through, not to mention an early 90s model 1997 on the way. I'll let you know how it turns out. Jangle on, Steve.

[drumbob]

The guy who set up my 330-12 wanted to put a 12-saddle bridge on, but I said I'd wait. the guitar is playing fine now (see my post about this subject). I discussed this issue of intonation with Chris at Pick 'O Ricks. He said, "Think of all the great records that were made with Rick 12's: The Byrds, Beatles, Searchers, Tom Petty, etc. None of those guitars had 12-saddle bridges, so part of the charm of the guitar is it's slight lack of intonation."

I agree.