Ridiculous 8 string bridge problem (Jackson HT8)

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CM_X5

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Maybe try a needle file and file down where the string sits on the saddle, also push that string down just in front of the saddle to make sure it's not "bowed" as it goes across. Would help a little with intonation too.
 

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AwakenTheSkies

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Lowkey gotta full send and get the hipshot if you want to keep the guitar
What? Why? I haven't checked the measurements but idk if it's an exact fit. It's not even guaranteed to fix the problem 😅 then I have to order it from the USA. It's so inconvenient..

Someone sent me a contact of a person who works with metal, they might be able to help me thin the bridge by 1mm equally on both sides.
 

nightsprinter

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What? Why? I haven't checked the measurements but idk if it's an exact fit. It's not even guaranteed to fix the problem 😅 then I have to order it from the USA. It's so inconvenient..

Someone sent me a contact of a person who works with metal, they might be able to help me thin the bridge by 1mm equally on both sides.

You can buy one in Spain fyi - 8 string is selectable if you click the fixed bridge thingy.

 

AwakenTheSkies

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You can buy one in Spain fyi - 8 string is selectable if you click the fixed bridge thingy.

Aw cool, thanks for letting me know! But it's still like 100€. I'll try taking this thing to the metal man and if that doesn't work then I'll have no choice but to buy another bridge. Hoping to fix it though.
 

velvetkevorkian

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Maybe try a needle file and file down where the string sits on the saddle, also push that string down just in front of the saddle to make sure it's not "bowed" as it goes across. Would help a little with intonation too
This was my thought, I did this on my first bass when I couldn't get the action as low as I wanted. Hacky, but probably easier to achieve with hand tools than grinding the base plate down
 

nightsprinter

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This was my thought, I did this on my first bass when I couldn't get the action as low as I wanted. Hacky, but probably easier to achieve with hand tools than grinding the base plate down

Ohhh I've done this with a diamond coated nut slot file before and it worked!
 

AwakenTheSkies

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I respect the thriftyness
I'd be willing to do it if it was a normal file, but from what I've read you have to be careful with diamond coated stuff. I saw a guy on Reddit who said he ruined his Music Nomad S file (120€ file in EU) by crowning one single neck with stainless steel frets, so I'd rather be careful.
But in general the part where the string goes in the saddle is a specific shape so I'd rather not file that at all, sounds like I could create a problem. We'll see how the metal person does...
 

vark

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What? Why? I haven't checked the measurements but idk if it's an exact fit. It's not even guaranteed to fix the problem 😅 then I have to order it from the USA. It's so inconvenient..

Someone sent me a contact of a person who works with metal, they might be able to help me thin the bridge by 1mm equally on both sides.
Sorry, I was just doing some blatant consumerism and encouraging you to buy something.

Realistically the dimensions of your current bridge look similar to hipshot, should be able to find dimensions online and compare. I ageee it might not even fix the problem, definitely do some more diagnosis first. It may fix the problem if the hipshot saddles are able to get lower because they are machined better or smth
 

Rubbishplayer

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Seems like the best solution would be a bridge that will be a drop-in replacement for the original. That means milling your existing bridge plate.

This would be a five minute job for a milling machinist. I've had great results working with local machine shops: try those which do automotive/motorbike custom work. And you're supporting small local business.

Your next best option is wet'n'dry carborundum paper on a dead flat surface (granite worksurface of offcut). Start with 180 grit and keep measuring as you go.

Good luck!
 

Emperoff

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Email egilegorbasses about a Hipshot bridge. He's a Hipshot dealer in Spain and may be able to get one for you and you'd save the import taxes.

Not sure about the 8-string, but the 7-string model has two different baseplate heights that could also be useful in your case.
 
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