pre-eb microtilt solution

[plato]

Hi all. I enjoy reading but never posted. I'd like to share a little solution to the following problems I had with the microtilt neck adjustment (3 bolt models):
1. The "ramp" it creates towards the body side of the neck
2. Neck doesn't sit tightly against the body

The reason I'm posting this is because it really has changed the tone and feel of my bass.

The problem has alot to do with the bridge design which will not allow to lower the action to fit a 0 degrees tilt (no use of the tilt), resulting with a high action.
Without the modification it is impossible to NOT use the microtilt.

The solution is based on a smaller size saddles like the ones used by fender or exact fender replacement bridges.
Now I didn't want to replace the whole bridge so I went for the saddles modification only, keeping the original intonation screws and springs.
On the new replacement saddles I have widened the intonatopn screws holes with a 4.5 mm drill and cut the little height adjustment bolts so that they will not hurt my hand (and keep the original look as well).
The G and E string saddles needed extra work since they were still too high so I had to file them lower by taking some material off at the bottom of each.
Pickup needed to be lowered as well to match the new neck/body angle.
String mutes needed to be cut lower (2mm).

I have tightened the neck screws and got rid of the "ramp".
The neck is totally true and straight with extreamly low action and no buzz.
The tone has changed too, it is fuller and "open" with great sustain and grawl.

The good thing about this mod is that it's 100% reversable, just dont lose the original saddles...

I loved the bass before and love it even better now.

here's a few pics.
All the best.


NECK BODY TIGHT CONTACT AT 0 DEGREES TILT

TOP VIEW OF BRIDGE WITH NEW SADDLES

SIDE VIEW - NOTICE THE G SADDLE BOTTOM

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Welcome to the Forum plato.

Interesting what you've done.

I've oftened toyed with the idea using a shim that fits the whole body pocket. That should allow the whole neck to be lifted and still remain in full contact with the body. It'd take a fews tries to get it right though.

 

[plato]

Welcome to the Forum plato.

Interesting what you've done.

I've oftened toyed with the idea using a shim that fits the whole body pocket. That should allow the whole neck to be lifted and still remain in full contact with the body. It'd take a fews tries to get it right though.

Thank you Gavin
You have a lovely site.
I tried the shim thing but the neck was raised quit a bit to fit the original saddles height and I also don't remember the tone was improved that much. Maybe it has something to do with the way the neck is "kissing" the body. Although I kind of expected a good result, I was surprised with the tone and sustain improvement.
Check it out and let me know how you like it. It took me about 30 minutes to complete the modification and I never looked back.

 

[todd4ta]

On your G-string, how close is the string to the mutepad screw? Do you have any interference?

I've just made some thin 'half-pocket' shims that are a good compromise for me. I'll tolerate an extra 1/32" of action on the G-string in order to keep the shim minimal (compared with the 1/16" I usually like on the G-string).

 

[plato]

On your G-string, how close is the string to the mutepad screw? Do you have any interference?

I've just made some thin 'half-pocket' shims that are a good compromise for me. I'll tolerate an extra 1/32" of action on the G-string in order to keep the shim minimal (compared with the 1/16" I usually like on the G-string).

3/64".
No interference. It's close but causes no problems.
There is a noticable improvement in tone with the above modification.
It may be more or less noticable on diferent basses but it's there.
I don't remember getting that tone and sustain when using shims.

I only tested this on my own bass and I'd love to hear if it works for you as well.
Interesting, isn't it.
IMHO, The microtilt is a BIG design flaw and I always thought how to get it out of the way. I love those early StingRays (even though they are inconsistent...) but the "ramp" they develop, well, almost caused me to replace it with a later model because I play with low action. I'm glad I didn't and my bass if perfect for me now.