Fender self unwinding bridge pieces

[fakeox]

Hi, i've got a '71 precision with smooth steel bridge pieces. A couple of the height screws in them unwind as i play.. Does anyone know a trick to stop this aside from totally freezing them in place? Thanks in advance.

[mr tom]

Clear nail polish will hold them in place, without the stripping potential of LocTite. Simply apply polish remover prior to your next adjustment.

[fakeox]

Thanks Mr Tom; Anyone else have ideas?

[PhilF]

Nail polish is an option. I like the weakest Loc-tite, although as mentioned it can seize up eventually.

Another option is superglue. Put a VERY small amount on the set screws (while removed) and then let it dry. Then reinstall.

Teflon tape could also work. Basically all you want to do is booger up the threads just enough so that vibrations don't move them.

[walterw]

lose them for threaded-rod vintage saddles.

you'll get the advantage of better string spacing between the pickup poles (especially with jazz basses) and the spread-out string spacing pulls the outer saddles in against the inner ones, stabilizing everything and improving tone and sustain to boot.

(also a drop of green loc-tite 290 works wonders.)

[fakeox]

Thank you Walter, i'll do it.

[bunny]

Here's a simple trick: when adjusting the string height, (intonation too), just as you do on your tuners, never end turning them counter-clockwise. Tighten, don't loosen. Believe me, it works.

[fakeox]

Serious common sense at work there bunny!

[Rhomco]

Originally Posted by bunny

Here's a simple trick: when adjusting the string height, (intonation too), just as you do on your tuners, never end turning them counter-clockwise. Tighten, don't loosen. Believe me, it works.

This is due to eliminating the "lash" common to all screw threads.
Rob

[Baxtercat]

It's a drag live.
Our bass player showed up w/ a new P-bass [with loose screws]. Spent the first 4 or 5 songs going out of tune no matter what he did.

I knew what it was so we took a break & borrowed nail polish from an audience member to fix it.