Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I need to adjust my intonation...and I know how- but not sure how to best approach doing it.

Seems to me the strings are just in the way so much to get any kind of a phillips head screwdriver into that tight space. Do you remove your strings, adjust the bridge saddles and then restring/test? A small 90 degree screwdriver and just make very small incremental changes at a time while tuned?

(And please, don't tell me a Hipshot replacement is the best way to adjust intonation- I don't want to mod my Rick!)

Been ages since I need to do that but I used to loosen the string enough to get it out of the way, make an adjustment, put the string back on, tune up and test.

I use a mini screwdriver sorta like this:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... rewdrivers

As long as it has a narrow shaft and is long enough that only the shaft touches back part of the tail you should be okay. Tip the bridge as far forward as you can before you adjust the intonation. Then once tuned, remove one string at a time and adjust. Replace, tune and re-check. Sometimes you need to really apply a lot of pressure to the screw driver to keep it from slipping on the Phillips head.

Maybe take your bridge off first and work the screws/saddles through their full adjustment range a few times to help break them in. Maybe drill or file the screw holes larger and/or the saddle slots on the bridge if the intonation screws won't turn easily. Similar screws should be available at a good hardware store if any of yours are rounded out.

May The Force be with you.

RIC's part of choice is an Xcelite 1/4'' driver. Like this: http://www.tinnerstools.com/xc1x31fuhosh.html

Can be gotten for around $7... That one is listed even cheaper.

Joshua, that's for the truss rods.

You can try a mini flex shaft Phillips screwdriver...

http://www.prontohome.com/compare/flexi ... 0800105147

If you want to go to the trouble of it, get some hex socket head screws to replace the phillips ones. Then you can use one of these:
They can be used with a fairly large angle offset from the screw.

It would sure be nice if RIC would change to hex socket screws...

jingle_jangle wrote:Joshua, that's for the truss rods.

Wow, my bad. I wasn't thinking.

You have mile high fever, Joshua.

No worries.

Scott, that is more true than anyone here could possibly know... and in quite a number of ways.