Just changed my screws and I must say this was one of the best diy to my freebie MIM Strat that I have done. Thanks a million.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Richard Moore love hearing things like this! Glad to help. 😊
@nunoandradebluesdrive
3 жыл бұрын
Also sometimes the solution is reset the neck angle with a full neck pocket shim.
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
True! I did end up using a shim on this guitar too. 👍🏻
@nunoandradebluesdrive
3 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink cool.
@nunoandrademusicspace7590
Жыл бұрын
the tighter the angle of the string at the saddles the bigger the string tension under the fingers. My main strat was like that, the saddles were all the way down, but still the strings were a bit higher for me (and I kind of prefer the strings like that..but not that much), the neck was straight enough, so taking more of the relief out was kind of impossible - because I'm heavy handed on my picking hand. Solution to everything - shim the neck - I went with a full shim made out of a piece of venner and fine tuned it to the perfect angle and a small lift on the neck - I'm talking about less than 1 mm wedged shaped to 0mm.. perfect. Fender necks are awesome for this kind of stuff, and it's very common to shim fender necks, even at the factory. Result - I was able to rise the saddles enough to the sweet spot and the screws went down accordingly - best decision ever. After that, I shimmed a few more strat necks for some friends who had similar issues.
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
Great info. I actually ended up shimming this guitar!
@kerekes1952
4 жыл бұрын
I know we would all do well to build a partscaster or kit guitar (built a Muslady strat last winter) ...I learned a lot about set-up issues and how every little mod changes everything...and how challenging some changes are to make, especially with strat trems.
@realdaneben6512
3 жыл бұрын
in the past i was shortening this screws, today i set saddles higher, because then strumming is much easier if the strings are less close to the body. Greetings
@sixslinger9951
3 жыл бұрын
yep, I find my strat plays and sounds the best with moderately higher action, especially for bending notes and moving from string to string. High E at min of 5/64" with low E around the same or a little higher and other strings in-between staggered to match radius of neck.
@rodnyg7952
2 ай бұрын
sure, I regularly rest the side of my hand on the bridge as well. in fact, it's mostly the main position for my hand, as I really never used picks much in 40something yrs, and have made this an ideal position for my picking/strumming hand. All that said, I've never had any issue or discomfort with the bridge screws jutting out over the saddle slots, which they definitely do. In fact it actually orientates my hand by feel to quickly reposition it correctly with the strings
@NathanSink
2 ай бұрын
@@rodnyg7952 good point on the orientation…& if it doesn’t bother you then no need to fix. 🙂👍🏻
@rodnyg7952
2 ай бұрын
@@NathanSink right, it's already fixed correctly to the way I've always played
@rajeshgumber363
4 жыл бұрын
This is interesting! I had this problem with a guitar I bought as my palm was catching on the screws in the middle, only the top and bottom screws were flush! This would have sorted the problem but instead I made a plastic cover to sit over the high screws with fork like prongs at the end which slotted into the section where the springs are in the end of the saddle , cover I made from a plastic phone case! I knew these endless phone cases had some other uses!
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Rajesh Gumber haha. Way to work with what you got!
@rajeshgumber363
4 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink you are right there, I used a tape first but the tape came off so this was the next idea and it worked! I am more proud of the cover than the guitar lol!
@ronramsay8587
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds great. It would be nice if somehow you could post some pics of this on an image-hosting site. I'd like some way to make something to fix this problem with guitars I temporarily use but aren't allowed to mod.
@scottconnors8419
4 жыл бұрын
Yes keeping lil parts s stash goin is part of the fun..I been building parts guitars since 70,s fun finding them @yard sales,flea markets..hope ya enjoy your guitar...
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Scott Connors thanks!
@DougHinVA
5 жыл бұрын
there are saddles that are steel blocks and not bent steel as in the 1950s. Blco saddles allow more screw travel and shorter screws are easy to locate and buy. Replace the problem screws. You can also back the screws out until they are flush with saddle tops, but be prepared to shim the neck pocket with likely 2 business cards staggered longer (maybe 2 inches deep) and a 1/2 length one on top to make an incline.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Doug H. in VA my Strat is set up well at the moment, but I have a nice shim from StewMac that I may try out. That will require the saddles to raise up a bit. I’m just wondering if the shim will change the feel/playability.
@michaelvarney.
Ай бұрын
I have a lovely guitar, that drew blood this evening on a heavy rake. Sure enough the saddle set screws are tall. Ordered some shorter sets screws and will put them in when they come in. =)
@NathanSink
Ай бұрын
@@michaelvarney. nice!
@ZombieXee
2 жыл бұрын
Got the same problem with my strat build. Thanks a bunch for the video and ebay link.
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
@kellygleason7642
29 күн бұрын
I have a Fender Telecaster Custom FMT with the same exact issue. I was wondering where I could buy shorter set screws for the bridge as it's annoying to play with those things sticking up. Tou answered it all in one video. Can't thank you enuf. Cool gitfiddle btw...lol
@NathanSink
29 күн бұрын
@@kellygleason7642 thanks! Glad to help!
@RodolpheSalomon
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks you, I've just saved 50 bucks, U rock mate 👍
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
Glad to help. 😁
@kerekes1952
4 жыл бұрын
Nathan, thank you for your videos! I need to mod mine!...Jeff Beck's #1 complaint about the vintage trem was the screws cutting up his hands!
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words & comments. 😊
@dougmorisoli6482
2 жыл бұрын
Are your saddles radiused? They look nearly level across the bridge in the video. Should be higher in middle and lower out outer strings to mirror radius curve of the neck.
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, I probably just hadn't adjusted them yet. But that's part of the frustration of this process. As you raise or lower the saddles for the appropriate string height you sometimes realize you have the wrong screw length & have to start over with that saddle. 😐
@JoakimSeverinsen
4 жыл бұрын
Great stuff. Did this to my Fender Player HH Tele. Any idea if the ebay seller has a screw length in between these two which you used? Not used to these measurements.. Looking to go a little further topping off some excess tips. Greets from Norway :)
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Joakim Severinsen thanks! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the seller has any size between 1/4" & 5/16". I actually ended up shimming my neck later on, just to give me more down-pressure on the saddles, and a little bit more height to play around with (& tweak with the screws). I got the shim from StewMac. It's a little pricey (especially with shipping), but a nice change in the end.
@sprintbass
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you.. my guitar guy wants to do this over replacing the saddles with highwood.. the screws do stick out on mine...and i allow my 9 year old son to play it and it caught him.... I have a squire and put alot into it tomake it right...new pickguard loaded alnico... Neck is like glass... so..for me its screw free but the thing i hear most is how much better they sound...so i haven't pulled the trigger on anything....but i appreciate this video D
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Glad to help! I have heard good things about the tone improvement of the highwoods, so there is that to consider. But this is a great inexpensive quick fix that doesn't effect the existing tone. Best of luck!
@uhhi8433
Жыл бұрын
hi, beginner guitar player here, one of my height adjustment screws seems to have come loose so there's a lot of fret noise, is there any way to fix this? (I own a Pacifica 112v)
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
If it keeps coming loose, you could put Teflon tape around it to make it more snug.
@uhhi8433
Жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink Ah okay, thanks!
@rockstarimotski
4 жыл бұрын
I used a dremel with cutting disc to shorten mine... also make sure to cut the bottom of the screw :D
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Rocky_311 good tip! How do you hold the screw while cutting it...with your fingers, pliers, a vise?
@davidglenn9993
4 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink that was my question too Did you find out about it?
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Rocky_311 your services are requested! 😁
@ronramsay8587
3 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink Perhaps the saddle itself could be used to hold the screw while filing down the screw? ...preferably an old saddle, since you don't want to mark it, or perhaps protect the saddle by drilling a screw-sized hold though an ice-cream container lid and use that to protect the saddle.
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
@@ronramsay8587 good ideas!
@amirmarghany3386
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot. You're going to save me some money :D that's 4-40 x 5/16 or 4-40 x1.4? Thanks again.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Amir Marghany glad to help! Yep, those are the right measurements. 👍🏻
@LouieLandsCandyTreat
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I purchased a Yamaha Pacifica that had this same issue. Digging into the side of my hand. I've ordered a variety of screws lengths (M3) and going to try what you documented here. Good job!
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad to help. 👍🏻
@chenrhrh
2 жыл бұрын
I also purchased a Yamaha Pacifica guitar. What screw length should I use?
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
@@chenrhrh I'm not sure. As cheap as the screws are, my advice would be to get a few different lengths just in case.
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
@@chenrhrh I'm not sure. As cheap as the screws are, my advice would be to get a few different lengths just in case.
@chenrhrh
2 жыл бұрын
The shipping costs to my country are pretty high lol
@DougHinVA
4 жыл бұрын
most imports have all 12 screws and 10mm length. 8mm ones are a better choice... saddles are lower, they can be 'buried' in solid block saddles and the flatter saddle angle makes for a smoother and easier action with little or no shimming at the neck pocket rear end... Mostly, a shorter screw set removes the chafing to the outside of the right hand that is very common.
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Doug H. in VA thanks for the info.
@DougHinVA
5 жыл бұрын
I don't like the bent-saddle (old style) since there is not much adjustability and the screws quickly stick through the top of the saddles and chafe the right hand. I believe solid steel block ones are a better choice to allow more screw to be buried in them. I use saddle screws (careful if the saddles take USA or millimeter type threads) to make the saddle bottom about 3-4 mm off the bridge to get a smoother and more relaxed string sound (less angle to travel over). 8mm or even 6mm screws all across works fine for me since most or 1/2 the screws are inside the saddles...
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Doug H. in VA good point. This is the alternative (or one of them) for folks who stick with the old bent style. 👍🏻
@Stratisfied22
4 ай бұрын
If your saddle screws are sticking up to high, 9 times out of 10 it’s the neck angle and you need a shim. You really want the angle corrected as it makes the guitar play way better as opposed to just changing the saddle screws.
@NathanSink
4 ай бұрын
Valid point! I did end up shimming the neck on this guitar. However, if your guitar already plays/sounds great, this might be a good option.
@Stratisfied22
4 ай бұрын
@@NathanSink I agree the shim isn't always necessary but it's surprising how much better the guitar responds when the angle is correct and that's why I do like the micro tilt feature on some of the American Fender's as you can set the angle without taking the neck off and shimming. Take care bud.
@stuartborthwick7158
4 жыл бұрын
Great video and very helpful thanks
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Stuart Borthwick glad to help. 👍🏻
@TheBoomtown4
Жыл бұрын
Highfield saddles on all my strata. Screw only pops out bottom. Worth the $$$
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
👍🏻
@b.rodclark7349
5 жыл бұрын
I have three Strats and only the Squier Affinity flipped lefty has short E saddle screws like that; the Special, my 1st Strat, doesn't have em and I'm surprised the Squier Bullet doesn't have em and it's 2yrs under the Affinity.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
B. Rod Clark interesting!
@Nightjar726
2 жыл бұрын
If your saddles have to be that low you most likely have a slight upward tilt of your neck. That is a Les Paul neck has a back tilt. Yours most likely has a backward tilt so the strings will be higher at your neck pickup compared to your bridge pickup. Or the neck pocket is too deep. But from the video it looks like, you have a slight upwards tilt. That affects the tone as well. Check to see if the neck is tilted.
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed. I’ve since put a shim in the neck pocket. 👍🏻
@Nightjar726
2 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink yeah pardon man. Didn’t want to insult you. It just took me years to find out stuff like that I thought I might help. Cheers
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
@@Nightjar726 no worries at all! Totally on the same page. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, but it’s always better when you can find out before from someone who has already gone through the headache. 😊
@StratsRUs
3 жыл бұрын
Thank You
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
@mogwix
5 жыл бұрын
I put the 4 short screws on the saddles for the 5th and 6th strings, since that's where your palm rests. If the screws are sticking out it's usually a problem with neck angle. I despise the strat trem and I wish they'd make a stop tail strat :(
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Kord Martin good point on the 5th & 6th strings. And I have an extra shim I might put in my strat neck for that very reason. 👍🏻
@scottconnors8419
4 жыл бұрын
Buy a hardtail n bend your strings up at the nut...
@Mrbubsbubbalina
6 жыл бұрын
Just a comment on the saddle height adjustment screws, because you mention you think the size is metric or something. The saddles are vintage replicas & therefore in old money sizes ie; not metric, so the 4.40 thread that is common on vintage Fender guitars means that 4 is the screw size & 40 is the amount of threads per inch on that screw, so if that grub screw saddle height adjuster was 1 inch long, it would have 40 threads. Have you thought of putting a shim in the neck pocket to alter the neck angle ? This could also sort the high saddle screw problem & Fender used this method a lot.
@NathanSink
6 жыл бұрын
Mrbubsbubbalina thanks for the info. I’ve pondered putting a shim in. In fact I just put one from StewMac in my Jazzmaster & did a video: kzitem.info/news/bejne/0oqgz2anhqRmiqg . However, the guitar is setup great at the moment & I have no issues, so for now I think I’m ok.
@TheSammyreynolds
5 жыл бұрын
This isn't a shim issue. You shouldn't shim a neck at least you absolutely have to and you don't shim a neck to fix this particular issue.
@anthonytye2591
4 жыл бұрын
All Fenders need a shim your neck is to low rear pickup needs to be higher a shim will give you that result even with CNC mascine they keep routing the neck pocket flat today That is ludicrous pitching the neck pocket would overcome this
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Anthony Tye I did end up shimming the neck, but it was still nice to have the section of saddle screws to mix & match for the best height.
@gnatiu
4 жыл бұрын
Yes. But more interesting to me is, that no one criticises this. If it would be their car... they would demand what they should get for their money.
@sixslinger9951
3 жыл бұрын
I had a problem with screws cutting into my hand too, but the more I suffered through it the more my palm was calloused ...now I don't even feel it.
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
There ya go!
@micpep
9 ай бұрын
This is a usefull video for some BUT, when someone is trying to made an advantage out of the mate finish of set screws nobody will see, i know he's a seller. For my part, if my screws are too long i'll grind them. If they're too short, i'll buy.
@NathanSink
9 ай бұрын
I can assure you that I do not sell these screws. I'm just picky....and I don't have a way to grind them down.
@Inkawgneegrow
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Inkawgneegrow glad to help!
@humanchannel7825
3 жыл бұрын
Does it work with bass
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
I’m sure it would. Just have to get the right size screws. 👍🏻
@oliverlangrall2014
Жыл бұрын
why not use the shorter screws for all the saddles?
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
It’s kind of a fine balance. The saddles need to follow the radius of the neck (ie 7.25”, 9.5”, 12”, etc) so the middle saddles will always be a little higher.
@ablwhitfield5537
4 жыл бұрын
If the bridge is set correctly, 'balanced', the screws don't sit so high. If you want to set up the bridge like this, cut off the screws from the bottom. Remember, you are making a radius to match the neck.
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Abl Whitfield good point. I've actually added a shim to my Strat since this video, which helped. However, I don't think most people have the tools necessary to cut those tiny screws from the bottom. But if you do, it's definitely a viable option. 👍🏻
@radekderda4035
2 жыл бұрын
I asked my luthier if he could make my screws shorter, he responsed that during this process loosing some finger would be highly possible. Than he told me about buying another saddles but finally he just bought for me shorter screws. Now string action is about 1 mm over 12 fret, before changing screws it was 0,7 mm. Now such low action is impossible because screws are too short but im fine with this high, Now my tele deluxe is totally universal guitar, it’s even a metal machine, long screws made palm muting, sweep picing, very fast picking difficult.
@thetypetwolife3602
6 жыл бұрын
I'm 330 in and my god your action is So Low! Your pickups are set low and still the strings look like they are damn near touching. And looking at the butt of your neck it looks like it is set in the body lower. My 2002 MiM's neck sits higher in the body making my strings higher over the body yet still close and good action on the frets. Now to watch the rest.
@NathanSink
6 жыл бұрын
Haha. Well, it’s working for me, so it could be worse! 😜
@TheCindyJun
4 жыл бұрын
whats the size of the allen key?
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Cindy Jun a 0.5" (imperial) seems to be the best fit of the Allen wrenches I have.
@Matthew750-4
2 жыл бұрын
Mine was normal and perfect and 1 string broke on It now the screw is almost all the way out
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting
@scottconnors8419
4 жыл бұрын
Maybe you need to shim the neck,then you can get nice break angle and raise your saddles to lower threads sticking up.Can help w sustain n action precision..just another angle on the saddle issue,just did to my hard hardtail,was day n night n plays 60% better w silky low action n no buzz n cut hand heel...
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Scott Connors I actually did end up shimming the neck! 🙂 But it was nice to have all the screw lengths to choose from to hone in on just the right length for each saddle. 👍🏻
@mcgrath16511
Жыл бұрын
or shim the neck to a slight angle all done
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
True, that’s a possible option. I’ve tried it, but for some reason I like the feel of the guitar without a shim.
@xhannesx8881
Жыл бұрын
Can you not like file it down ??
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
Sure, that’s an option (to file down the screws) if you have the right tools. 👍🏻 You just run the risk of damaging the threads if you don’t do it right.
@xhannesx8881
Жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink thanks for the respond. I think i might buy ! Thanks for the great video.
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
@@xhannesx8881 glad to help!
@drifter7508
2 жыл бұрын
Great fix! Now, if Fender just could move that stupid volume knob out of the way I would buy a Strat again! It sits right in the way of my hand!
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
I dunno, it’s been 70 years or so & they haven’t moved it yet. I’m not sure there’s hope. 😂
@drifter7508
2 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink Ha ha 😂 Or I have to get famous and get my own Signature model without that stupid volume knob. 😁
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
@@drifter7508 there ya go!
@MrMisafender
5 жыл бұрын
Please the link for saddle screws.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
I just added links in the description. Hope it helps.
@kerekes1952
4 жыл бұрын
Who would have thought guitar players would be so critical...maybe we would all do well to record our playing and our talking and listen to ourselves! :-)
@264roy
4 жыл бұрын
Same prob I had. Just cut them like I did.
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Roy Durr definitely an option, if you have the capability. 👍🏻
@beastgamingxl241
5 жыл бұрын
you play on 10s right
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah, how'd you know?!
@beastgamingxl241
5 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink i play on 10s and i was looking at the first string its always the biggest
@gnatiu
4 жыл бұрын
I admit that I am an Idiot. I bought a Strat. It soundns good. But so do a zillion guitars costing less than half the price, looking as good and those guitars don't need to be rectified - you can play them right out of the box. They don't even need f....ng tremolo arm springs. I want to play guitar. Not repair or rectify it.
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
STRAT O'CASTER I see your point. However, some people get satisfaction in working on / rectifying their guitars. In my opinion, balance it good: working on is fine, but don't forget to play it!
@simondoutre6225
3 жыл бұрын
Enough ads?
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
It is what it is. 😐
@thamansalami6625
4 жыл бұрын
Just use bridge cover
@NathanSink
4 жыл бұрын
Thaman Salami good idea. Not a lot of folks have those, though.
@thamansalami6625
4 жыл бұрын
Nathan Sink u can buy it on amazon but you may not be able to palm mute guitar
@carvinieri5217
3 жыл бұрын
it's the worst type of bridge that exists in such guitars. Just by the moron screws.
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
😂
@Steinstra-vj7wl
2 жыл бұрын
Two words: Highwood Saddles.
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
See @1:43 😉
@NathanSink
2 жыл бұрын
To be fair, I’m not saying Highwood aren’t a good solution or quality, I’m just trying to provide an inexpensive alternative.👍🏻
@awwnawmang
Жыл бұрын
So after TEN MINUTES of talking ... the answer is "get shorter screws"?
@NathanSink
Жыл бұрын
I mean, technically the video isn’t even 10 minutes long. 😉 Thanks for watching.
@Glicksman1
5 жыл бұрын
Jesus, just get to the point.
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Glicksman1 bit.ly/2tqHMwE
@GertvanderDoes
5 жыл бұрын
@@NathanSink So, to where do we skip? Where is the point?
@NathanSink
5 жыл бұрын
Try @2:17. Is there anything else I can do for you?
@scottconnors8419
4 жыл бұрын
You bet,your young n will learn alot..just play more than fiddle about...I can consume playing time,when ya catch the bug..good luck to.you...
@alexhuevera939
3 жыл бұрын
just mark and remove each long screw and cut the bottom OFF with a dremel tool. no need to buy new screws. COME ON MAN THINK
@NathanSink
3 жыл бұрын
Ok, let me think: I don’t have a dremel tool ($20 - 40) & I don’t have a vise to hold the screws while I cut them (another $20 - 40). These screws were less than $5 & they don’t have the janky rough end that cutting them would. Also, part of the title of the video is “CHEAP”. 🤔
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