3-point bridge: how best to adjust the posts?

slinkp · March 13, 2020, 09:11:24 AM

Do you just use a gigantic screwdriver?
Or what?
Do you loosen the strings first?

I'd like to drop the action on my new blue DC by a hair, maybe just a millimeter.
Don't wanna screw anything up!

Basvarken · March 13, 2020, 09:30:14 AM

If you wanna lower the action just a bit it is not necessary to loosen the strings. But it doesn't hurt to do so anyway.
If you wan't to raise the action, It is best to loosen them.
I use a large screwdriver indeed.

First lower the two outer studs.
And then adjust the middle one to keep the bridge parallel to the body.

uwe · March 13, 2020, 03:30:56 PM

The larger the screwdriver the better, it shouldn't have any room to wiggle. And in that case, strings can stay as they are. If you use a smaller screwdriver (some people even use coins), because there is nothing better handy, detuning a little makes things easier. If you want to drop action just a little for all strings, adjusting the middle screw will do unless the two larger screws are already higher and your bridge is slanted forward which it shouldn't be.

Send a pic of your bridge and we can tell you what to do.

FrankieTbird · March 13, 2020, 04:39:41 PM

Good tips. Also, I like to keep the front of the bridge just slightly higher than the back, not perfectly parallel to the body. Increases the break angle over the saddles and slightly counteracts the tendency to pull the inserts out of the body.

Dave W · March 13, 2020, 09:17:35 PM

Or you could get a Hipshot Supertone and live happily ever after.

Ken · March 13, 2020, 09:28:09 PM

Quote from: Dave W on March 13, 2020, 09:17:35 PM
Or you could get a Hipshot Supertone and live happily ever after.

Yeah, love it on my Thunderbird.

amptech · March 14, 2020, 01:02:19 AM

There is a special tool for this too, a right size screwdriver with a cylinder around it and short handle. I think stu-mac sold them, but these days you probably find them on ebay as well.

Dave W · March 14, 2020, 06:13:08 PM

Quote from: amptech on March 14, 2020, 01:02:19 AM
There is a special tool for this too, a right size screwdriver with a cylinder around it and short handle. I think stu-mac sold them, but these days you probably find them on ebay as well.

https://www.ebay.com/i/180905582393

Basvarken · March 15, 2020, 03:34:21 AM

Quote from: Dave W on March 13, 2020, 09:17:35 PM
Or you could get a Hipshot Supertone and live happily ever after.

I think the Hipshot Supertone looks clumsy on a Tbird. Because it is wider than the raised middle section of the body.
I'd prefer the Babicz three point replacement, which is an excellent bridge that can be adjusted for intonation, saddle height and string spacing. (the latter a bit limited)

Grog · March 15, 2020, 08:31:40 AM

Quote from: Dave W on March 14, 2020, 06:13:08 PM
https://www.ebay.com/i/180905582393

Could have used it yesterday, so it's on order.....

Ken · March 15, 2020, 09:56:59 AM

Quote from: Basvarken on March 15, 2020, 03:34:21 AM
I think the Hipshot Supertone looks clumsy on a Tbird. Because it is wider than the raised middle section of the body.
I'd prefer the Babicz three point replacement, which is an excellent bridge that can be adjusted for intonation, saddle height and string spacing. (the latter a bit limited)

How can the Babicz be adjusted for string spacing? That's the biggest reason I got the Hipshot, plus the Babicz didn't exist yet.

Basvarken · March 15, 2020, 10:06:34 AM

The saddles (the rotating part) can be pushed sideways a bit. But as I mentioned, the travel is limited.
Not that you'd really need to, because the bridge is made as a drop-in replacement for the 3 point which has a non adjustable string spacing.

Ken · March 15, 2020, 10:08:11 AM

Quote from: Basvarken on March 15, 2020, 10:06:34 AM
The saddles (the rotating part) can be pushed sideways a bit. But as I mentioned, the travel is limited.
Not that you'd really need to, because the bridge is made as a drop-in replacement for the 3 point which has a non adjustable string spacing.

Ah, thanks. But it's a want thing, not need. On my Hipshot I narrowed the spacing as much as it would go because I like that.

patman · March 15, 2020, 10:36:37 AM

So far I really like the 3 point...except the part where the saddle falls out when you are changing strings...that is maddening.

Dave W · March 15, 2020, 08:15:29 PM

Quote from: Basvarken on March 15, 2020, 03:34:21 AM
I think the Hipshot Supertone looks clumsy on a Tbird. Because it is wider than the raised middle section of the body.
I'd prefer the Babicz three point replacement, which is an excellent bridge that can be adjusted for intonation, saddle height and string spacing. (the latter a bit limited)

I can see how you might not like the Supertone's look on a Tbird. On a flat surface either one looks fine to me.