Snappn strings on my 4003

brad · Post by **brad** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 8:08 am

Ive had my 4003 for 6 months(new) now,the last 2 months or so Ive noticed Ive been snapping alotta strings on the saddles. Im not thrashing on it or playing real hard.When I go to replace the strings I notice indentations on the saddles from the strings.Could this be the culprit?The saddles seem very soft.I took it to a local shop they took some fine sandpaper and smoothed em out,but the indentations came back.Any suggestions or thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.Thanks!

jeff_ulmer · Post by **jeff_ulmer** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 9:03 am

What kind of strings are you using?

brad · Post by **brad** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 9:42 am

Ive been using blue steel lights 45-100 and ernie balls 45-100s.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 9:58 am

I think whenever bass strings break, some thing must be very wrong, as bass strings just dont break!

I read somewhere that newer rick basses dont have the grooves filled out on the saddles?

Do the saddles have grooves for the strings?

brad · Post by **brad** » Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:04 am

They have grooves but there very,very shallow.

brad · Post by **brad** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 10:47 am

bueller anyone?anyone?

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 11:10 am

umm what?

jblakey · Post by **jblakey** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:21 pm

It is my guess that there is a a sharp edge in the saddle groove.. my 4003 had the same problem on the A string. The 4001 rarely broke a string. only after a long time and hard playing.. I'm talking months and months.. but for the 4003 I took a small (small enough to get in the existing groove) round file and in a very un-scientific manner just filed the groove a couple times (and I mean a couple) just that little bit has done the job.. as I have not broken one since. It's now been quite a while with regular playing.

motoryeshead · Post by **motoryeshead** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 11:28 pm

My trick on sharp saddles is to take a portion of an old string the same gauge, and use that as a file to gently smooth off the saddle groove. That way you are using a perfectly profiled "file", and due to the soft bumps of the windings, you are unlikely to cause any damage or overdo it. Obviously this tip only works with roundwound strings, not plain top strings on guitars, but its always worked for me!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 4:38 am

Hey guys get a dremmel tool ... you can grind, cut, smooth, etc ...

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 7:14 am

Bueller....Bueller.....Bueller......LOL>

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 8:31 am

Forgive my ignorance, what's "Bueller"?

brad · Post by **brad** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 9:12 am

Thanks for your suggestions guys!

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 9:34 am

Reference to Farris Bueller's day off I think but why I don't really know...

mortivan · Post by **mortivan** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 4:39 pm

If I remember correctly, in the movie, Ben Stein played a high school teacher. He was taking attendance (roll call) and read off Ferris Bueller's name. Because of Ben's trademark dry drawling voice, this scene was strangely very memorable.

"Bueller. ... Bueller?"