Help! Loose saddle screw

[Big Ron]

Hi,
I took out my stingray 5HH today and while tuning it noticed a nasty buzzing sound on the g string. I found that the outer most saddle screw (pointing towards the knobs) was loose and rattling. After having this sent out to the factory twice, the setup is perfect and I would like to maintain its great play-ability. I got out my Allen wrench and tightened it just enough so the buzzing would stop. I want to make sure the g string is still within the radius of the neck and is as low as it can be in correspondence with the other strings. Any help?

Thanks,

 

[nhbassguitar]

This problem suggests either a bowed neck (for which there could be more than one cause) or loose neck-plate screws. I'm assuming from what you say that the bridge saddle's bottom is contacting the bridge plate, and that's why one of its screws is loose.

 

[Big Ron]

Yes, the screw was completely loose and rattling, so i tightened it a hair. Do you think it needs a truss rod adjustment? I fretted at the first and 15 fret and there is a small gap between the string and the 5th fret or so. I didn't turn the screw that much but now I am afraid I could have misadjusted it. Should I back it off until it starts to rattle again and then tighten the neck? This bass's reliability so far is questionable. I have a cheap mexican pbass and I have never had to adjust anything on it.

 

[Big Ron]

Just spoke to Ernie Ball, they said vibrations would have caused it to loosen. They said the neck moving usually does not affect the sadles. I'm gonna see if I can get my hands on a action adjustment ruler otherwise I'll pick one up from stewart mcdonald. I'll adjust that one screw so the string height is 3/32" like he said, then I'll verify my neck has the proper relief. Does this sound ok? Is it ok that i set the height then adjust the neck, or should I adjust the neck if necessary first, and then check the string height.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[nhbassguitar]

[...] Is it ok that i set the height then adjust the neck, or should I adjust the neck if necessary first, and then check the string height.

Second way definitely.

 

[Big Ron]

I know how to check neck relief, it's not rocking science. The neck is definitely in tolerance, I prefer low action and it has the slightest gap at the 8th fret which is perfect. I am believe they were right and the screw has rattled loose. I am going to order a string action gauge from stew mac and verify the g string is at the appropriate height. If so ill put a little loc tite on it and call it good.

 

[Big Ron]

Second way definitely.

Thanks for the help nh.

 

[nhbassguitar]

I know how to check neck relief, it's not rocking science. The neck is definitely in tolerance, I prefer low action and it has the slightest gap at the 8th fret which is perfect. I am believe they were right and the screw has rattled loose. I am going to order a string action gauge from stew mac and verify the g string is at the appropriate height. If so ill put a little loc tite on it and call it good.

Hey Ron, for a "setting holder" on such a small piece of hardware, might want to try something a little less aggressive than even the weakest Loctite variant, like maybe clear nail polish or orange shellac, applied with a toothpick so only a tiny amount gets onto the threads. Good luck with your bass & I hope you get it sorted out.