Ridiculous 8 string bridge problem (Jackson HT8)

[AwakenTheSkies]

Now that I've fixed the frets...there's the bridge. With proper relief, the action can't go any lower than 1.5-1-6mm. It literally can't, the lower saddles are touching the bridge plate. So that 3/64 on the 17th fret as per the Jackson factory manual? Impossible
The guitar is a neck though btw.

So what can I do?
I was wondering maybe I could replace the saddles with thinner saddles and pray that they can go lower?
I'd rather not get a replacement bridge like a Hipshot because honestly 150 bucks + import taxes is not worth it for this.
Do I take a chainsaw to the guitar and buy a new one?

 

[AwakenTheSkies]

I hear curb stomping it could fix all the problems

Or just grab the guitar by both ends and break it in half with my knee..

 

[Mike]

Shim the neck

 

[AwakenTheSkies]

Shim the neck

 

[odibrom]

Shim the neck

(...)
The guitar is a neck thRough btw.
(...)

Now seriously... if you can't shim the neck, maybe sand the bridge baseplate bottom to remove a bit of matter?... or get a new bridge with a thinner baseplate... or make one...?

 

[Mike]

Lol sry there is a bolt on ht-8 in my defense

 

[AwakenTheSkies]

Now seriously... if you can't shim the neck, maybe sand the bridge baseplate bottom to remove a bit of matter?... or get a new bridge with a thinner baseplate... or make one...?

That's what I thought too. If the bridge is thick enough maybe I could sand it down 1mm somehow..

 

[cardinal]

I would sand down the bottom of the bridge and/or bottom of the saddles. You could also try to recess the bridge if you're confident with a router.

 

[Crungy]

That's what I thought too. If the bridge is thick enough maybe I could sand it down 1mm somehow..

Silly question: does Hipshot make a bridge that would fit? I believe they offer some hardtail bridges with different baseplate thickness options.

 

[AwakenTheSkies]

Silly question: does Hipshot make a bridge that would fit? I believe they offer some hardtail bridges with different baseplate thickness options.

They make 8 string hard tail bridges, I don't know if it's a direct fit though. Anyway I'd have to order it from USA for $150 and pay import tax and administrative fees. So I'd rather try sanding 1mm off the bridge plate first.

 

[cardinal]

It'll be fine. I sand/grind material off the bottom of locking nuts all the time (less risky that chiseling down the neck shelf). It can take a while if you have to go by hand, but it'll get the job done eventually.

 

[nightsprinter]

Sell it on Reverb and buy something that isn't going to be a constant pain in the ass would be my vote.

What's your neck relief currently?

*edit I missed the part you said "proper relief". Nvm. Sand down the saddles or baseplate like others said. Or just sell it lol