Clubman Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 I have an Epiphone dot that has a tune-o-matic bridge. The thumbwheel has a slot for a flathead screwdriver, which I've been using to lower and raise the bridge with full string tension. Is this fine, or should I loosen the strings first? The Epiphone manual mentions nothing about loosening the strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 If you can spin it with full string tension with your fingers then yes..... But if the screwdriver blade slips off there's a good chance you could put a nice gouge in the finish. I loosen the strings and use my fingers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubman Posted June 12, 2019 Author Share Posted June 12, 2019 1 hour ago, duane v said: If you can spin it with full string tension with your fingers then yes..... But if the screwdriver blade slips off there's a good chance you could put a nice gouge in the finish. I loosen the strings and use my fingers What if I can't spin it with my fingers until full string tension, but it spins with a screwdriver? Is that ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 Chances are you wont be able to spin it. My advice is to take the extra time and loosen the string tension a little. But certainly it's your choice. The only time I use flathead screwdriver on the bridge is to intonate. And that freaks me out a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad1 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 loosen the strings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StJerky Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 I don't loosen them. Never in almost 40 years had any problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Loosen them, no need to add more tension / stress on the threads or screw slots, which is what adjusting with tension will no doubt do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinTheHood Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 Like everyone else said, yes you can, but you risk gouging the screw head and putting stress on the screw and sleeve. I used to do it on my old G310 because it was a fairly cheap and old beater. I don't do it in my LPs because they are nicer and I care about them more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOSTVENTURE Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 On 6/13/2019 at 7:19 AM, StJerky said: I don't loosen them. Never in almost 40 years had any problems. Same here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinch Posted June 23, 2019 Share Posted June 23, 2019 I always loosen the strings first. I see no reason not to. Same with adjusting intonation. Well, actually, if I turn the screws clockwise, i.e., lower the bridge, that's less string tension and not more, so then I don't always loosen the strings. I think! I usually set up a bridge to where I want it, and then leave it there, so it's been a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete424 Posted July 13, 2019 Share Posted July 13, 2019 I loosen them a little bit. You are going to need to re-tune anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.