Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just got my '66 335 back from a great "tune-up" that include two new frets and an intonation. When I got it back it played better than EVER. One week later, though, I am getting a buzz on the 5th string that seems to be eminating from the bridge. It is only when I play moderately hard. I would rather fix it myself if I can, rather that take it back. Any thoughts? It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the frets, although the action is now lower due to the fretwork (the old 1st and 2nd fret were too large - they had been replaced prior to me purchasing the guitar in 1985).

Thanks!!! -- Jeff

well, the standard Rick bridges are prone to pings and things (hihihi)

if it's coming from the bridge, maybe there's a loose saddle or something?

Is it audible through the amp? does it happen when you pluck the string, or when you bend the string?

Thanks for the reply - it is not audible through the amp as far as I can tell.

It sounds like it might be the saddle adjustment screw for that string might be loose. This can happen when setting intonation on a Rick bridge as the saddle is moved forward (towards the headstock). The saddles are machined to tight tolerances, and can resist sliding forward without help. As moving the saddle forward is, in essence, loosening the adjustment screw, it's possible it's not seated tightly enough to prevent rattling a little.

For this reason, when I set intonation on my Ricks, I always start with the saddles farther forward than they need to be (so the octave is sharp), then set intonation by tightening the adjustment screws. It may help to check all the adjustment screws, and if necessary, tighten them a slight bit (1/8 of a turn or less).

The saddle does appear to be a bit loose -- in that if I push the saddle down, the buzzing goes away. It also may be that my string, which is fairly heavy (I don't have the gauge in front of me) is not 100% in the groove. I will try tightening the screw.

Just snug it up to the bridge base slightly, and see if that helps.