Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So I'm slowly restoring a '75 4001. I replaced the bridge saddles with new ones from Rickenbacker because the slots in the originals were cut way too low. The problem is that the new saddles sit about .010"-.012" above the bridge base and they rattle when you pick the strings. The original saddles sat very tight against the base and didn't rattle. Does anyone have a fix for this? I was thinking some sort of plastic spacer but thought I'd ask the experts.
Thanks.

I've noticed it as well. Somehow the new saddles aren't made to fit the curve of the bridge. They don't fit the old bridge...and they don't really fit the new bridge either!

The only solution I was able to come up with was to look for an old bridge/saddles on ebay. From a good photo, you can see if the saddles are the new flat ones or the old curved ones. If you get lucky you might even find an NOS bridge with saddles that haven't ever been cut. I've found a couple. Good luck!

Try cutting small pieces of electrical tape and affix them to the bottom of the saddles.

Try copper or aluminum foil with adhesive backing. Available at electronic stores and much more solid and stable than tape.

If you really want premium action, get some KYNstick tape. It's a very slippery plastic like Teflon yet very dense. Strips of .005 inch material make these saddles slide perfectly and don't damp the tone at all.

The easiest way is to use 1/2" tape stuck across the top of the bridge and eXacto out the slots.

PEEK tape is now also available; it should be even better and starts at .002 inches. I haven't had the chance to try it yet, however.

John, you continually amaze me with your incredible expertise on such things! That is a great suggestion, and trusting wholly in your genius alone, John, I have already ordered a roll of 0.005 and a roll of 0.010 thickness:

For everyone else's convenience, here is the product announcement blurb:
http://www.cshyde.com/KynarTape.htm

Here is the photo and application info:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/viewitems/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive?&forward=1

Fifteen feet of 1/2=inch 0.005-inch is just $3.18:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/item/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive/kynstick-32-5a-5-5?&seo=110

Fifteen feet of 1/2-inch 0.010 inch is just $6.36:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/item/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive/kynstick-32-10a-5-5?&seo=110

PEEK tape is also available, but I will stick to John's suggestions for now and use 0.005 Kynar. PEEK is about two to three times the price of Kynar. But, if any of you want to be guinea-pigs for PEEK on your bridge saddles, here is how to order:

http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/keyword/tapes-with-psa/peek-film-tape-with-adhesive?&plpver=10&pagesize=25&pagenum=1&filter=1&keyword=PEEK+tape&key=product&keycateg=1001&keyprod=3001026&SchType=2&keyType=P

When I used to replace saddles in old RIC bridges, I'd used white nylon washers from the hardware store. Since I used to round the saddles off anyway to increase travel in the bridge, the washers fit the saddle base perfectly and made for a nice tight fit and smooth travel.

Great info guys. I was already thinking about the copper tape idea that Dale mentioned.
Thanks John for the tip on KYNstick. I haven't seen that product before. Elys, thanks for the links.
I can't wait to get this baby dialed in.

bridge rattle gone bad ...

Glad mine isn't that bad.

elysrand wrote:John, you continually amaze me with your incredible expertise on such things! That is a great suggestion, and trusting wholly in your genius alone, John, I have already ordered a roll of 0.005 and a roll of 0.010 thickness:

For everyone else's convenience, here is the product announcement blurb:
http://www.cshyde.com/KynarTape.htm

Here is the photo and application info:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/viewitems/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive?&forward=1

Fifteen feet of 1/2=inch 0.005-inch is just $3.18:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/item/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive/kynstick-32-5a-5-5?&seo=110

Fifteen feet of 1/2-inch 0.010 inch is just $6.36:
http://cshyde.thomasnet.com/item/tapes-with-psa/kynstick-kynar-film-tape-with-adhesive/kynstick-32-10a-5-5?&seo=110

So how did the Kynar tape work out? Well enough? I am using wax paper to keep the saddles from rattling right now but if covering the bridge in clear tape and then cutting out the slots for the saddles works well I'll do that.

I think you could take what John Hall said to the bank, Josh. But remember if only one or two saddles are moving, you'd have to do them individually.

Elys, do you have any of the .005'' left over? I would pay you whatever is fair to ship some to me, if you're willing. The reason I ask is that the CSHyde website requires that I have an account with a mass transit carrier to order anything, and I don't, and really don't want to start one up just to order a roll of tape.

Elys is no longer a member here Josh.