Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

On the 6-way guitar bridge assembly (00811), what is the purpose of the springs that fit around the intonation screws?

I ask because in order to intonate my low E, I want to lengthen the vibrating portion of the string, but the spring prevents me from moving the saddle to where it needs to be. Is there any functional drawback to removing one, however minor?

Also, on a bass keywind like the 4001C64 has (00576), what is the purpose of the main large screw? Is it meant to be loosened if one wants the tuner to turn more freely, or is it supposed to be tight?


Thanks,
bluewhale

When I faced this same issue a while ago, several people here advised me to simply trim the springs:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=400233

This worked just fine, and I think is better than removing the spring altogether. AFAIK the spring is intended to keep the saddle pushed forward so that the hex head on the bolt remains pressed up against the side of the bridge. I doubt the saddle would move much when it is supporting a string under tension, but without the spring the saddle would tend to slide back when you are restringing and wind up in the wrong position, screwing up your intonation. The spring may also help prevent your saddles from rattling against one another.

The older bridges had no spring but instead had a retaining nut that served the same function.

jdawe wrote:When I faced this same issue a while ago, several people here advised me to simply trim the springs:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=400233

This worked just fine, and I think is better than removing the spring altogether. AFAIK the spring is intended to keep the saddle pushed forward so that the hex head on the bolt remains pressed up against the side of the bridge. I doubt the saddle would move much when it is supporting a string under tension, but without the spring the saddle would tend to slide back when you are restringing and wind up in the wrong position, screwing up your intonation. The spring may also help prevent your saddles from rattling against one another.

The older bridges had no spring but instead had a retaining nut that served the same function.

+1

jdawe wrote:...AFAIK the spring is intended to keep the saddle pushed forward so that the hex head on the bolt remains pressed up against the side of the bridge. I doubt the saddle would move much when it is supporting a string under tension, but without the spring the saddle would tend to slide back when you are restringing and wind up in the wrong position, screwing up your intonation. The spring may also help prevent your saddles from rattling against one another...

I see, thanks jdawe! For now I'll try removing the spring.

Anyone here know about that big screw on the bass keywind?

The big screw on the tuning key is there to hold the post in place; it is not useful for tension adjustment as it must be nice and tight so the post does not rattle.

jps wrote:The big screw on the tuning key is there to hold the post in place; it is not useful for tension adjustment as it must be nice and tight so the post does not rattle.

Thanks, jps!

Oh, I forgot to say:

...and hum.

Ducks for cover.............

jps wrote:The big screw on the tuning key is there to hold the post in place; it is not useful for tension adjustment as it must be nice and tight so the post does not rattle.

IIRC, the screw holds the gear on, too ...

doctorwho wrote:

jps wrote:The big screw on the tuning key is there to hold the post in place; it is not useful for tension adjustment as it must be nice and tight so the post does not rattle.

IIRC, the screw holds the gear on, too ...

Little detail!

I suppose I should mention the washer, too.

jps wrote:... I suppose I should mention the washer, too.

Yes, and the dryer, too ...

Next it'll be chicken roasters...

cjj wrote:
Next it'll be chicken roasters...

Nah, just toasters.

It could be sausage making machines...........

Not to get OT, we finally watched the Time Machine DVD, last night. Loved it!

jps wrote:Not to get OT,

A little late for that......