Members cgibsong002 Posted January 16, 2011 Members Share Posted January 16, 2011 Bought a wilkinson roller bridge a while ago, probably a year or more ago, and just got around to finishing the guitar and installing the bridge. the low E however rattles unbearably. it took me a while to find the culprit as the buzzing reverberates through the whole guitar up to the headstock. but I finally found out that if i push on the low E roller with something while playing an open E, there is no buzzing. any clue how i can fix this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tartanphantom Posted January 17, 2011 Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 What was the reason for the roller bridge in the first place? Are you using it with some type of vibrato system? For the most part, roller bridges tend to be a solution in search of a problem, and more moving parts = higher propensity to rattle, and they have an incredible knack for sucking up string energy. Some work pretty nicely, others... well, you've just found out. Some people use a little clear nail polish to stop the rattle, but it also tends to keep the roller from rolling as well. Also, if you're using one with a Gibson TP6 style tailpiece instead of a vibrato, you can often decrease the rattle by lowering the tailpiece studs behind the bridge and subsequently increasing the downward string pressure at the bridge. For me, the ideal solution for a roller bridge is to remove it, but that's just me. Do what works for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cgibsong002 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 What was the reason for the roller bridge in the first place? Are you using it with some type of vibrato system? For the most part, roller bridges tend to be a solution in search of a problem, and more moving parts = higher propensity to rattle, and they have an incredible knack for sucking up string energy. Some work pretty nicely, others... well, you've just found out. Some people use a little clear nail polish to stop the rattle, but it also tends to keep the roller from rolling as well. Also, if you're using one with a Gibson TP6 style tailpiece instead of a vibrato, you can often decrease the rattle by lowering the tailpiece studs behind the bridge and subsequently increasing the downward string pressure at the bridge.For me, the ideal solution for a roller bridge is to remove it, but that's just me. Do what works for you. I might toy with replacing it, but I don't have the cash for now. I forget the original reason I bought that over a normal bridge. Maybe I heard the rollers are better because of the higher angle associated with a string through guitar (dean Z). I know there was a specific reason, I just forget. I also managed to find somebody say some oil might help. I'll try that, and if it doesn't work, I'll try your nail polish idea. I hadn't thought of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tartanphantom Posted January 17, 2011 Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 Well, if you're not using a vibrato, then there's no reason for the rollers to move at all. The Nail polish should do the trick for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fretmonster Posted January 17, 2011 Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 I had a Washburn P4 with the same problem, only not as severe as you describe (g string not e). I later had one installed on an old Harmony H19 that didn't rattle a bit. I ended up switching them and didn't hear a thing on either. Unfortunately, I recently sold the P4 and recently noticed the problem on the H19 but as I say, it is not all that noticeable. Surprisingly, the guy that installed it for me, Bernie Hamburger who is kind of a famous luthier, told me he had used that bridge on a few of his designs with good results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cgibsong002 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 since getting this guitar/bridge, i've discovered that it's really fun to do behind the bridge bends, which i guess the rollers are good for. but I guess the string wouldn't be moving enough to actually bind on that saddle even if its stationary. i'll try the nail polish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members McCain Posted January 17, 2011 Members Share Posted January 17, 2011 Might try a few wraps of thread next to the roller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cgibsong002 Posted January 23, 2011 Author Members Share Posted January 23, 2011 The clear nail polish worked 100%. Thanks so much for the tip... saved a lot of headache. This is now a very nice bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tartanphantom Posted January 24, 2011 Members Share Posted January 24, 2011 Glad it worked out OK. :phil: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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