setup question

[Johntheson]

What tools/tool are you guys using to reach, and adjust the intonation on your 4003 series basses? Another member here suggested having my tech replace the phillips head adjustment screws, with allen type heads. I'd like to keep it stock, if there is a another viable option. Another person here suggested that you raise the bridge high enough to get to the screws, and make a "shot in the dark" estimated turn of the screw, and then lower the bridge back to the desired position, and then check the intonation, and to do this for each string. I find that unexceptable to have to do that with any guitar, and I know there has to be a better way. It seems whats needed is a driver with a small 90 degree bend so as to be able to reach the screw head, and not be effected by the foundation of the tail piece. Thanks.
John

[rickaddict]

I use a Craftsman mini Phillips screwdriver just like the ones in this set:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ckType=G18

If you go to Sears, I think you can still buy them individually if you want to.

All you should have to do is remove the string from its saddle in order to get good access to the top of the screw.

Make sure the bridge is tilted all the way toward the mute housing (forward).

I've had 25 Rick basses, all of which have working intonation screws (some have had to be fixed though) and I've never felt the need to replace the Phillips head screws with Allen screws.

Raising the bridge has never been necessary for me.

[Johntheson]

Thanks Jeff. I'll hunt one of those down.
John

[cassius987]

The advantage of phillips head bolts is they are hard to strip out, but are difficult to access. I actually remove the bridge to adjust it in this case. If you replace the phillips head bolts with allen head bolts you will find you can adjust the bridge without removing it using a hex key, but the heads are easy to strip if you aren't careful. If you do strip one you can get into quite a lot of trouble.

[antonius]

I bought some allen type head bolts from a guy on ebay and I find that I can now adjust intonation fairly easily and quickly without having to raise the bridge - and without scratching the tailpiece. Fortunately the new bolts are quite loose so there is minimal chance of stripping the heads.