Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Mark,

I've run into some BIG problems now with my 325. I did everything you said to do. Took the bass and middle pickup off, used fresh strings, lowered the bridge pickup as far down as it could go (I even removed the rubber washers), I did EVERYTHING.

The problem I have now is with the Low E, A and the B strings. When I go to intonate the guitar, the harmonic is in tune but the fretted note is sharp. My touch is extremely light as well. Here's the problem, the bridge saddle is as far back as it can go!

This guitar is now all messed up. What do I do now?

Oh yeah, in the process of doing all of this, I ended up putting a scratch right on the front of the guitar. It's not that deep, but is there any way to fix this?

Frustratingly yours,
Josh

The intonation question rises again!

To find out if the bridge is in the correct place,do this ;

Use anything that is hard...I use a machinist metal ruler/yardstick.It can be anything .Butt one end up against the nut,find the center of the 12th fret,mark that on the stick.
Next to it,1/16" away further from the neck,make a hash mark.now add 3/32" and make a hash mark.

Lay this 'Stick' over the center of the 12 fret with the hash marks over the saddles.These are the roughed out points where the E -low and high will be .

It sounds like you need to move the bridge away from the neck.

Your guitar is NOT messed up ,it just needs to be tweeked.You can do this!

Mark,

Instead of moving the bridge plate and having to re-drill, etc. would this problem be solved by getting one of those new moveable bridge plates from Rickenbacker?

If not, I will take this to my tech and have him move it. Anything involving drilling holes is something I'd rather have a professional take care of.

Thanks,
Josh

My personal opinion is that the modified plate will slip or at least have the ability to do so .

Print this info out and give it to him .

I think you can do this .The fear of error is all that holds you back .If you follow the directions ,you will be fine .This is NOT brain surgery .But you will have to buy a few things .
If you have a drill and the bit,then you can do this .You have a great tuner.Why not do this ?

Mark,

OK. You've convinced me. Maybe it would be easier if you emailed me the info: [email protected].

In order for my brain to comprehend this, I'll really need exact directions. I'll also need the list of supplies I'll need.

Thanks again Mark.

By the way, this seems to be a common problem with the 325's. Why doesn't Rickenbacker simply move the bridge back?

Josh

You would have to ask them ...I have not been affiliated with that company since 1976.

Mark,

I got your email today at work, thank you. Now I'm at home and I took a look at my 325. The bridge seems to be centered. There is equal distance between the string and the edge of the fretboard on both the low and high E.

Thanks,
Josh