|
|
Joined:
May 2010
Posts: 54
| Recently got this black Viper. There is some string buzz on the frets because the action is really low.
Viper had several different variations of bridges. This one has the following:
1) Front
2) Back
How would one go about raising the action on this thing? I don't even know how you could control the angle because the screw for angle is freaky. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665
Location: SoCal | That's not the bridge that came with that guitar. The opening in the back says that the original bridge was the brass (or nylon) saddle bridge with the plastic cover.
That particular Schaller bridge was used on late 80's/early 90's guitars.
Isn't the action adjusted with the big screws on either end of the bridge? Counter clock wise to raise, clock wise to lower? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7224
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | yup.. what he said. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | It is most likely the original bridge, as the guitar is later than 1975. The black finish option was not offered until relatively late in production.
The Schaller bridge adjusts from the 2 mounting bolts. There is no rear bolt, it's just a plug for the hole. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7224
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | The "usually" painted the plug, but I guess the finish could have come off, or they just didn't put finish on it. I've not seen one unfinished, but that doesn't mean anything either. So Templeman might be right on about the color not offered until later in production.
In any case... just use the mounting bolts. If you happen to take the bridge off, there may be some writing under it on the body. Sometimes an model number with the color code, or a date. Not always, but sometimes. Next time you change strings, might be worth a look. The other place to scribble notes is in the pickup cavity. Again, if ya happen to be in the neighborhood, take a look. It will either find some info that will be helpful, useless or blank. :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Paul Templeman:
It is most likely the original bridge, as the guitar is later than 1975. The black finish option was not offered until relatively late in production.
The Schaller bridge adjusts from the 2 mounting bolts. There is no rear bolt, it's just a plug for the hole. I've never seen a Viper with an original Schaller bridge that had the hole thru the body, but as Temp has pointed out in the past, "just when you think you've seen it all". It's all of us taking our best guesses...... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13988
Location: Upper Left USA | If true it was from the last batches as they emptied the bins.
Nice one. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Moody, Every Viper I've seen with a Schaller bridge, which is several dozen at least, had the hole through the back. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | There is no hole in my Viper with the late Schaller bridge. Mine's very late in the run with a mahogany neck and body. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | That looks like the same bridge on my Viper, in the back of the bridge it just says Ovation with no hole on mine, does that mean it's an original bridge? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | Can't edit. No hole in the back of the guitar is what I meant. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7224
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by Paul Templeman:
Moody, Every Viper I've seen with a Schaller bridge, which is several dozen at least, had the hole through the back. Hmm that's interesting. I wonder if it was a geography thing. Of the ones with Schaller's, I have only seen a few with the hole filled and it's always been finished over. Always something interesting... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13988
Location: Upper Left USA | "I wonder if it was a geography thing"
I guess the spare part units went to EU and the better batch went to CA.
Most of mine came from separate boxes or bins anyway. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | I've had all of the above. Old bridge with bolt thru the body, new bridge with plugged hole (unfinished only on a barn burst) and no hole on the one I currently own |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665
Location: SoCal | If you can think of it, Ovation's done it (not talking porn here)....... |
|
| |
1975 Viper bridge adjustment