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Redblade

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May 4, 2007
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Iowa
I need longer intonation adjustment screws for one of my Bongos. I was recently adjusting the intonation and the saddle popped right off the end. I'm short probably only 1/8". Are these standard sized screws that can be purchased at a hardware store?

Thanks.
 

sanderhermans

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belgium
Contact customer service. The screws on the d and g strings are a bit longer. They can get you these.
 

MrMusashi

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the intonation adjustment process is based on a strict set of rules. string gauge, scale length, string tension (aka tuning)
unless you are outside the normal parametres on any of these you should not need to deviate from the usual setup.

every time i have had intonation problems it has been related to problems with strings. so if you are doing the usual eadg tuning i would suggest you try a new set of strings.

but then again, this is all internet diagnostics, and might be just as helpful as mustard when you really wanted ketchup for the hotdog :)

give customer service a call. they will help you!

MrM
 

sanderhermans

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Well its not allways a string problem. My neptune sr4 came off the factory with the screws almost maxed out. I checked it and the intonation is spot on with the sadles almost all the way foreward and standard strings. Mayebe the compensated nut makes for the sadles to move a bit foreward or it has to do with something else but i would figure since musicman routes everything with cnc machines that the neck and bridge placement is more or less the same on anny bass they make..... so if i compare it to my other ray's the compensated nut is the only difference since thay are all set up in the same way.
 

Golem

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`

As a general guide line, note that the two steel cylinders
on either side of the row of saddles are slightly staggered
relative to each other, with the treble side more forward.

These cylinders gather the saddles together to resist any
side-to-side motion. The rest of the length of the screws
is just structural and is not really meant to be needed for
use in adjusting intonation. IOW, the row of saddles will
always be somewhere in the range where those cylinders
will flank them. If this is not where you find intonation to
be best, something is wrong ... and it's not the screws.

`
 
Last edited:

bvdrummer

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Aug 7, 2014
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The OC
I know I'm a week late to the discussion. But if you haven't resolved this yet, I would take one of the screws into a local hardware store and see if they have something to match. The screws are certainly going to be a standard thread size (not sure if they'll be metric or imperial though). Most hardware stores should have a set of inserts that you can put your screw in and check if it fits. And for little screws like this I've had better luck at a small hardware store than Home Depot. The tougher part might be to find one with a matching finish. I personally would have a hard time ordering a 25 cent part from EB and then pay $7 shipping, unless that's your last resort.
 

five7

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Nov 24, 2008
Messages
4,296
in the old days we would fold up a match book and put it under the screw, maybe a different shim under your neck would help
 

Golem

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I know I'm a week late to the discussion. But if you haven't
resolved this yet, I would take one of the screws into a local
hardware store and see if they have something to match.
..........

They will have screws that length. They will have screws of
that thread & pitch. But they will not have screws that are
both that THIN and that LONG. You will notice a trend as to
dimensions of screws stocked by retail stores. Outside that
range there exists "specialty hardware" [which is not retail].

`
 

Rod Trussbroken

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Jul 25, 2002
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Location
Bris Vegas. AUSTRALIA.
I need longer intonation adjustment screws for one of my Bongos. I was recently adjusting the intonation and the saddle popped right off the end. I'm short probably only 1/8". Are these standard sized screws that can be purchased at a hardware store?

Thanks.

Hi Redblade,

If the strings are new, did you make sure they had good contact with the saddles (pressing down on strings each side of saddles).

If the're old they can be hard to intonate and may need new a new set.

Otherwise, the intonation screws should have ample adjustment unless some one has changed them.

Did you contact Customer Service for advice. These are the guys to talk to.
 
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