4003 Saddle/Spring

[coolhandjjl]

I was setting the intonation on my 2009 4003 G string. It was a bit sharp. After I adjusted it, the G string had a weird pinging, and I noticed the darn G string saddle was now wobbling. I pulled the saddle out of the bridge to inspect, and the spring went flying. Anyone got a spare, is this a hardware store thing, or a Ric only spring? And after I get another spring, how do I stop the saddle wobble?

[cassius987]

You can use the springs that are inside of ballpoint pens, etc. It's nothing special really. You may have to play with the length and tension of the spring to get what you want.

Best way to fix this is just with one of the new better-fitting saddles though.

[rickenbrother]

You can use the springs that are inside of ballpoint pens, etc. It's nothing special really. You may have to play with the length and tension of the spring to get what you want.

That's what I would do if wanted to replace the spring. Older 4003's and 4001's do not have those saddle springs.

[coolhandjjl]

Thanks! Yes, my 1993 4003s bridge has no springs. I bought an assortment at True Value and squashed ones in that were a tad heavier, and that compression seems to hold the saddles still (for now). I wonder why they didn't rattle from the start?

[Ivan3000]

I've read in another topic that pre '11 saddles tend to do this. If its a huge problem, I'm pretty RIC will fix it for you.
John hall said something that these saddles will be desireable in years to come for bosa nova bands.