Question Majesty bridge question

[fjk1138]

Hi,

Just got my new Majesty finally and I love it beyond words. Had a question on the bridge: Does it have to be 100% level to the body? I'm asking because it's playing and staying in tune nearly perfectly and I hate to start messing with it if I don't have to. Right now it's tipped just a bit back into the body, maybe 1/4" or 1/8" max.

Should I leave well enough alone or does it need to be leveled off? Thanks to all who respond.

 

[DrKev]

It'll be just fine if you are happy with it. But it's very easy to adjust when youre close. Just takes a little time and patience.

1) If it's tipped back into the body, loosen the claw screws about 1/2 turn each.

2) Retune the guitar (doesn't need to be perfect just close).

3) Check new position of the bridge.

4) Repeat as necessary until bridge is level.

The action may have raised a little, so you can drop the saddles down a touch (the same amount for each saddle, which makes things easy).

 

[mikeller]

If it is tipped back into the body - that will affect your ability to pull up on the bar some. I'd personally level to DrKev's comments

 

[fjk1138]

Ok stupid question...will leveling off the bridge throw the intonation off?

 

[mikeller]

Ok stupid question...will leveling off the bridge throw the intonation off?

Perhaps - shouldn't be significant but it might need a tweak.

 

[DrKev]

Ok stupid question...will leveling off the bridge throw the intonation off?

Small enough amount that I doubt you'll ever notice.
Not stupid question either.

 

[DrKev]

Ok stupid question...will leveling off the bridge throw the intonation off?

Small enough amount that I doubt you'll ever notice.
Not stupid question either.

 

[fjk1138]

Ok, got it nice and level now. But to lower the action is it better to lower each individual saddle or can I do the hex nut on the bridge post? The bass side needs to come down just a smidge.

 

[DrKev]

I would use the saddles. Use the big posts to level the bridge plate parallel side-to-side with the guitar top.

 

[tekwerk]

You could try tightening the truss rod slightly to lower the action. Just remember that when you start adjusting the saddle height, you will need to go back and re-level the bridge. I bet all the guitar needs is a slight truss rod adjustment.
Maddi

 

[fjk1138]

I appreciate all of the help, guys. Believe it or not, it seems the next day the action went down to where I need it all by itself. I didn't have to make a single adjustment. Go figure...

 

[fjk1138]

You could try tightening the truss rod slightly to lower the action. Just remember that when you start adjusting the saddle height, you will need to go back and re-level the bridge. I bet all the guitar needs is a slight truss rod adjustment.
Maddi

Ok, I am going to revisit this because, well...I'm a chump. Lol.

Assuming I were holding it in my lap and the neck is pointing to my left would the standard Lefty loosey Righty tighty principle still apply?

 

[DrKev]

Yes!

 

[JamieCrain]

When changing action, you should adjust the bridge height first, not the truss rod. Do the truss second, it has a different purpose and affects more than just action.

Adjusting the bridge height will change the action evenly and in a controlled manner. The truss takes more practice and patience, and will bend your neck giving different results along the neck.