Darryl Hattenhauer - Posted - 08/29/2008:  00:21:33

I just bought a 6-string roundneck Sho-bro with spider bridge.

lownotes.net/products.php?q=Gretsch+ShoBro

I want to play it Spanish, but the action is 1/4 inch high at the 12th fret. It's fine at the first fret, and the neck has very little bow, so a truss rod adjustment isn't necessary. If it needs a neck reset, how can I tell?

How can I lower the saddle? Also, what is a "bridge insert"? And what is a "bridge channel"?

Thank you.

Darryl Hattenhauer

Edited by - Darryl Hattenhauer on 08/31/2008 14:01:18

exdmd - Posted - 08/29/2008:  06:20:34

The bridge insert is usually maple, slotted for the strings, inserted (often glued) into the bridge channel of the spider. You can lower the action by sanding down the top of the insert and reslotting for the strings or making a new insert.

Mike

Darryl Hattenhauer - Posted - 08/29/2008:  17:23:17

Thanks Mike.

Do all biscuit bridges have the same height from the factory?

dh

Square Neck - Posted - 08/29/2008:  19:26:57

quote:

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Originally posted by exdmd

The bridge insert is usually maple, slotted for the strings, inserted (often glued) into the bridge channel of the spider. You can lower the action by sanding down the top of the insert and reslotting for the strings or making a new insert.

Mike

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D.L.Huskey - Posted - 09/04/2008:  05:22:21

Darryl,
Using a straight edge,(A $4.00 metal yardstick from wally world cut off to about 24.5") lay it on the fret board, down the length of the board to the saddle. See where the straight edge hits the saddle. (Do this with the strings under tension). If it hits high up on the saddle, you may have enough there to trim the saddle to lower the action. If the s-edge hits the metal on the spider you may need to have the neck reset.

Here is a couple more things to check for before cutting or resetting anything.

Is there any spacers under the feet of the spider. Sometimes ebony spacers have been added to raise the spider bridge.
Is there anything under the cone and spider assembly such as felt, a wooden spacer.

*A photo taken of the bridge under the palm rest ,if possible, would help*


D.L.Huskey
Lookout Mountain, Ga.