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Casino Elitest Action


LameSolo

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Basically I'm very happy with my new Elitest but the bridge design/setup was very disappointing as I continue to struggle with the bridge rattles that presented out-of-the-box.

 

In the process of trying to resolve this I have thrown off the string height. Can someone post the stock height settings for light gauge (10)? I assume measured at the 12 fret.

 

Thanks!

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There is built-in clearance (or back lash - the technical term) between the screw head, the wire slot, and the body of the bridge. It has to be that way, or the lot of it will bind or strip. When you back up the saddle screw, it will turn freely for a quarter turn or so before the clearance gets taken up.

Most rattles are because you did not compensate for the back lash. Only adjust intonation by turning the screw clockwise and lightly pushing on the screw as you turn it, to put pressure on the wire. If you go too far, back off and approach correct intonation in the clockwise direction. This is just as you would tune the strings by turning the tuning heads from low to high. To take up the tension and not leave things loose.

 

If the wire still rattles, push the screw head toward the wire and the body to leave no play in the wire slot. The wire bridges work really well and are my favorites. Their set up just has to be understood.

 

String height at the 12th fret is a matter of preference. "Standard" is 3/64" at the skinny E, 5/64" at the fat E. I like it a lot lower than that, but to get away with it, the nut grooves have to be at the perfect depth, truss rod adjustment has to be spot on, as well as your frets perfectly level.

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I don't have a Casino, but when I first got my DOT the bridge was sort of rattly... In addition to what hilm3 said, I actually took the wire off (just to find the rattle mind you) and guess what? The rattle didn't go away! It turned out to be the posts rattling in the studs as well. All I had to do was wrap them with a couple turns of Teflon tape (the white plumbers stuff) and all has been well for many years now...I actually do this "mod" with many threaded metal parts now and it always does the trick! Good Luck

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