Bridge screw buzz

SuperG · Post by **SuperG** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 8:27 pm

I killed the major source of buzzing in my RI. It was the tiny black screws on the bridge legs. I wrapped them tight with a couple wounds of electrical tape but left the tips sticking out a bit. Also put a couple wounds around the legs as they sometimes contact the sides. %75 buzz free.

Anyone know a more elegant method of silencing those leg screws?

kadium · Post by **kadium** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 9:20 pm

That seems to be a major complaint for a lot of people, always seem to be a odd buzz around the bridge for most guitars. I don't think I could be of much help but have you tried raising the action a little?

SuperG · Post by **SuperG** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 10:40 pm

Haven't tried that but at this pint the buzz from the bridge is mostly gone. I just wondered if there was a better rout than the tape for silencing those screws.

kadium · Post by **kadium** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:13 pm

SuperG wrote:Haven't tried that but at this pint the buzz from the bridge is mostly gone. I just wondered if there was a better rout than the tape for silencing those screws.

You may want to try to give them some lubrication of some sort, maybe like a little wd-40 or a drop of cleaning oil if you haven't already.

Duv · Post by **Duv** » Fri Jul 23, 2010 11:27 pm

Now I can't be certain whether this remedies the exact problem you're having but...

When I got my MIJ Jag I had heard all the horror stories about buzzing and what to do with it. When i got it the guitar was near unplayable as it wouldn't stay in tune for long enough (the bridge saddle screws were always trying to escape).

Anyhow, bought the bugger, and immediately bought some thread-lock (a form of adhesive used where metal parts are in contact to prevent movement/rattling etc). Applied it to all movable parts of the bridge. Hey presto, no buzz. I think it may be worth giving that a whizz. I did read somewhere that threadlock all over was a fail-safe way of getting rid of buzz. Couldn't do any harm either as the stuff is dead cheap.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 12:06 am

PTFE (plumbers tape) is the best remedy for the bridge screws. As for the saddle screws try chapstick, vaseline, pritt stick.... Personally i would'nt use Super Glue, it makes a mess and future adjustments almost impossible unless you fancy soaking the saddles in acetone.

I can now write that in my sleep after five years, i might sig it

alpeperker · Post by **alpeperker** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 3:47 pm

i had the same issue with my bridge, so i just used some ordinary wood glue. it got rid of the buzz, and the screws can easily be loosened again.

SuperG · Post by **SuperG** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:35 pm

Thread lock and plumbers tape. I might try one or both of these. So besides the little leg screws you're doing the bridge screws? Thanks for this good info.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:09 pm

Los Straightjackets use nail varnish on their jag bridge screws to stop buzzing (which can be dissolved with nail varnish remover).

There was an awesome surf guitar article in GP in the mid 90s where they interviewed a bunch of surf guitarists on what works and what doesn't. It's funny because they're all trying to kiss Dick Dale's ass even though he's talking total crap.