Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The question is about filing the bridge saddle grooves to lower the action on my new C64S. The neck is as straight as it can be without any buzzing the bridge is adjusted as low as it can go with the set screws barely touching. Any suggestions on the proper way to file the saddle grooves to lower the action? Thanks in advance.

Um, how about using a file?

Seriously, a small jeweler's rat tail file is what I use for bass nuts. You could also use a nut file from StewMac or Luthier's Mercantile. Take only a few strokes at a time--it's very easy to over-file.

Then hopefully you can raise the bridge a bit, too...

I have the files, I've done this before on cheaper basses, I was just wondering if there are any precautions or tips from people that have done this on their Rick.

You will have to adjust the intonation afterwards because the saddle widens as you file down. The leading edge becomes closer to the nut. The Stewmac nut files work very nicely for bridge saddles.

If you have a Dial Caliper or a small rule that reads to 32nds of an inch, measure the distance at the last fret from the bottom of the string and the top of the fret on each string. Now divide those in half and write them down for reference. Remove the bridge from your instrument and place it in a small vise. Use your measurements to file each slot on the bridge saddles keeping in mind not to exceed the measurements you've taken. Use your files from the leading edge toward the back on a downward slant, keep these exact and uniform. When you replace the bridge you will need to intonate the Bass and adjust the bridge to your specs.

another way to lower the action is to remove the bridge and sand off a little of the bottom of the bridge ...