Bow Tie bridge set up

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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1OUfan
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Bow Tie bridge set up

Post by 1OUfan »

For those who have switched to the bow tie on their 325, I have a couple of questions:
1. Did you have to notch the bridge for the individual strings?
2. Did you find that you had to move the bridge around a bit to find the ultimate placement for the best intonation?
3. How close could you get the intonation as compared to the adjustable bridge? Did you achieve an acceptable accuracy while using the recommended string gauge? Did you have to temper your tuning a bit?
4. Can you adjust the bridge up and down while there is tension on the strings?

Sorry if these questions seem somewhat elementary .

Thanks---
Bob
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beatlefreak
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Re: Bow Tie bridge set up

Post by beatlefreak »

1OUfan wrote:1. Did you have to notch the bridge for the individual strings?
Yes, the new bowtie comes unnotched.
2. Did you find that you had to move the bridge around a bit to find the ultimate placement for the best intonation?
The bridge will slide around fairly easily to help you set the intonation.
]3. How close could you get the intonation as compared to the adjustable bridge? Did you achieve an acceptable accuracy while using the recommended string gauge? Did you have to temper your tuning a bit?
Using D'Addario 12 gauge Chromes, I got an intonation set that is good.
4. Can you adjust the bridge up and down while there is tension on the strings?
You can, but as with most bridges, it's easier to remove some of the tension on the strings. Once your height is set to a comfortable playing action with no fret buzz, you shouldn't have to adjust it further.
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