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3 string chrome hard-tail adjustable bridge question re intonement

Posted by James Huey on December 10, 2016 at 3:06am in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

I picked up a CBG to piddle about with recently. However, the strings seem to be set too high on it for me. It has a bone nut and a chrome hard-tail bridge on it and I am trying to find out how to lower those strings. I can't seem to find a YouTube video which specifically explains this for the hard-tail bridge used. Is filing the bone nut grooves the only way to bring the strings down and adjust the height?

Hope I am explaining this correctly and using the correct words in my description. Thanks for any info. I understand how to adjust a sliding bridge or use a bolt as a bridge, but this hard-tail bridge is new to me.

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Replies

  • ChickenboneJohn December 10, 2016 at 1:17pm

    Here's two videos from me...one about setting the action at the nut, the other about installing and setting the action and intonation with a "hardtail" bridge.

    Setting the action at the nut:

    Installing adjustable hardtail bridges:

  • Scott aka Farmer Ted December 10, 2016 at 8:34am

    306596914?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024James, this is one example of the bridge you mentioned. Notice that each saddle has a pair of very small allen screws on either side of the string groove. These are used to adjust individual string height.

    The longer screws with springs are used to adjust intonation (how far forward/back each string saddle rests).

    But adjusting the overall height of the strings takes a bit of finesse. Everyone has his/her preference for string action/height. But as an example, there is what's known as "12th fret" and "1st fret" action/height. They are co-dependent on each other.

    String height at the 12th fret (gap between top of fret and bottom of strings), when adjustments are completed, will be about the thickness of a quarter. The height at the 1st fret will be about the thickness of a couple of business cards.

    Before going into further details, I suggest checking out Youtube for videos showing the process.  

    • James Huey > Scott aka Farmer Ted December 11, 2016 at 10:23pm

      Thanks for the info. I found a video that explains it pretty well. Correction on my bridge. It is black and not chrome. The allen heads sure are tiny on it though.  Haven't had time to piddle with it today, but plan to as soon as possible. It is the action that is the problem for me.  I also watched the Johnson video regarding intonement with 1st and 12th strings. Gonna' have to piddle with it when I can.  I appreciate the info from everyone.

  • darryl kernaghan December 10, 2016 at 3:21am

    A picture might be useful James, but most hardtails have adjustment up and down, and many also fore and aft, if it is the individual saddle type, normally there is a pair of capscrews on each saddle towards the front to raise and lower it, but without a picture or more info, it's hard to say

    • James Huey > darryl kernaghan December 10, 2016 at 7:24am

      Thanks, I am not familiar with any adjustments on this particular type of bridge, so I'll take a photo later today and post. Unfortunately, no time at present to do so. No allen wrench came with the guitar and not instructions for any adjustments, so I am either winging it or relying on others to guide me.  Again, thanks for the input. 

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