Babicz is a popular brand in the music industry when it comes down to bridges and guitar accessories. Their bridges are the most adaptive you can find in the industry since they connect to the guitars pretty easily and are integrated with various adjustment options to make sure you can adjust the sound and improve the response and sustain.
However, there are a few performance errors with the bridge that you’ll have to deal with if you invest in this bridge!
Babicz Bridge Problems & Their Best Solutions
- Installation Issues
The bridge must be properly installed on the bridge to create well-defined tones. It is convenient to install but make sure you select the correct size to make sure the bridge is not loose. The bridge comes with a user manual, which can be consulted if you want to access the installation instructions.
On the other hand, if you are installing the bridge for the first time, take your guitar and bridge to a guitar shop.
- Adjustment Issues
String adjustment on the bridge is extremely important because too tight or loose strings can adversely impact sound production. You can consult the instruction manual to determine the correct placement of strings according to the type of music you want.
To illustrate, the tight strings create a high pitch while loose strings lead to inconsistent pitch, but it’s easier to perform with. So, determine your desired tunes and adjust the strings accordingly.
The intonation errors are common with the bridge and need proper tuning to make sure the sound output is correct. For instance, changing the bridge’s adjustment level will result in intonation problems, and you will need to tune the guitar and bridge again. That’s because proper tuning is essential for the guitar to pick up the strings.
The intonation problem usually occurs when the 12th fret’s notes become out of tune. You can check your guitar’s open string against the octave string with an electronic tuner to make sure they are in tune. However, if there is a tuning issue, the first step is to check the saddles.
The saddles are defined as the parts where strings rest at a bridge and entail the adjustment points for length as well as height – there is a small key that can be used for adjusting the height. The saddle’s back side also has a head screw that helps bring the saddles in forwarding and backward positions, so you can change the string’s length.
So, use these keys to make changes to the strings and tune up the guitar. It’s recommended that you loosen up the strings, and once you are done, tune up the guitar again and check the intonation again.
In addition to this, you must adjust the truss rod – it projects through the guitar’s neck and you have to make some incremental adjustments to fix the intonation issues. In particular, you must loosen up the strings and reduce tension on a truss rod by turning it in anti-clockwise gradually – you should make a quarter turn.
Adjusting the truss rod will help improve the intonation and lower the action. The last solution is to check the frets because worn-out frets can negatively impact the bridge’s performance and lead to intonation issues. If the frets seem damaged or worn out, the only solution is to replace them.
- High E String Is Jumping Out
If the high E string is refusing to stay in the nut slot or the nut is muting the guitar string, it’s likely that the nut slots are dirty and need cleaning. So, access the slots and clean them up. In addition to this, make sure that the slots are at least an inch deep (if they are shallow, you can use a file to deepen the slots).
As far as cleaning is concerned, you can opt for fine-grit sandpaper – put it into the slot and rub it back and fro. Secondly, you must check the nut because a cracked or damaged nut will fail to keep the string in place. To replace the nut, you have to tap out the nut, or you can strike the nut with a hammer to remove it.
You can take this damaged nut to the guitar shop and get the exact nut because the nut size matters. So, install a new nut and the string to make sure it stays in place. Last but not least, you can opt for sandpaper to create a slot for higher B, E, and G strings.
- Bridge Is Lifting From The Guitar
The bridge needs to be attached to the guitar’s body, but if it’s lifted from the body, it can create sound errors, including distortion and clipping. First of all, you have to check the glue because the bridge is connected to the guitar with the glue.
If you are in hot environments, the glue can melt or become dry, which results in brittle glue, leading to seal breakage. Secondly, you must check the bracket because a damaged bracket results in distortion on the guitar’s top, resulting in the lifting of the bridge.
In case the bracket is damaged, the only solution is to get it replaced with a new one. To fix the problem, you must put a piece of paper under the guitar’s bridge to determine how much separating/lifting there is.
Once you know the separation, apply fresh glue between this gap and apply pressure to make sure the glue sticks and gaps are closed. Keep in mind that glue is a temporary solution, and to make sure the bridge is permanently connected to the bridge, it’s important to reset the bridge.
For this purpose, you have to apply heat to the bridge to loosen up the bonds and remove the old glue. Then, sand the area where the glue was applied to create a smooth surface and get new braces installed by a professional.
- The Bridge Saddle Is In Forwarding Direction
The bridge saddle must be in straight form and at a 90-degree angle to the bridge. On the other hand, if it’s tilted forward or in a backward direction, it can result in intonation and tuning issues. In most cases, the saddle tilts in a forward direction when there is excessive stress or strings are too hard.
For this reason, make sure that the strings are stretched but not too much. Moreover, you must check which strings you are using because if you are using the incorrect strings, it can also result in the forwarding of the saddle. You can also check the user manual to determine the right type of strings.
- Bridge Is Not Accurate
The bridge is usually not accurate when you don’t install the tuner properly. In particular, you must ensure that the tuner is accurate to .1 +/- to ensure the tuning and intonation are correct.
In addition to this, make sure that you take off the tuner as well as the bridge before you position them to make sure there are no compromises on the installation position.
- Constantly Losing The Tuning
If there are no intonation issues, but the strings are constantly slipping out, you must consider the playability style. That’s because many people who play aggressive music genres struggle with the slippery strings.
In case you play such music genres, you must invest in a well-designed tremolo system, and don’t forget to install the tuning pegs. On the other hand, if the strings slip out, even if you play the slow genres, you must check the nut for jagged and sharp spots because the string might be getting caught.
In addition to this, you must lubricate the nut slots with graphite. Last but not least, you must tighten up the pegs to make sure there is enough resistance when the string tries moving.
The Bottom Line
Babicz bridge is one of the most widely consumed guitar bridges out there but make sure you get them installed by professionals to prevent all the mentioned problems. Also, always focus on the quality and size of the string because it makes or breaks the tuning.