Adjusting the bridge saddles

[aceuggy]

I have just acquired a nice sounding Fender P, but the action is a little too high for me. I'm fairly new to bass and so need all the help I can get. I understand that I need to adjust the bolts on the bridge to lower the strings, but I'm blowed if I have an allen key that fits! Most are too big and I have one that is too small, so the problem is, what looks like a fairly straightforward job now becomes a little more complicated and frustrating. So, do you know if I can purchase a key to fit, does anyone have a spare? Help!

[xilddx]

[quote name='aceuggy' post='1149383' date='Mar 4 2011, 12:28 PM']I have just acquired a nice sounding Fender P, but the action is a little too high for me. I'm fairly new to bass and so need all the help I can get. I understand that I need to adjust the bolts on the bridge to lower the strings, but I'm blowed if I have an allen key that fits! Most are too big and I have one that is too small, so the problem is, what looks like a fairly straightforward job now becomes a little more complicated and frustrating. So, do you know if I can purchase a key to fit, does anyone have a spare? Help![/quote]
The hex keys may be imperial not metric. You may need to buy a new set for it. I have a similar problem with a Hipshot bridge.

[lemmywinks]

Should be a standard 1/16 for a BBOT i think.

I think some bridges require different sizes though.
I just buy the massive sets, cheap enough and you've got everything covered.

[gjones]

After hunting around for quite a while I now get my sets of hex keys at maplins. The ones that fit my basses nd my strat are 1.5mm.

[aceuggy]

[quote name='lemmywinks' post='1149393' date='Mar 4 2011, 12:38 PM']Should be a standard 1/16 for a BBOT i think.

I think some bridges require different sizes though.
I just buy the massive sets, cheap enough and you've got everything covered.[/quote]

Just bought a set of allen keys from Amazon, both metric and imperial, so hopefully one of those will fit. If not I'm considering fitting a Badass 11 bridge anyway.

Edited March 4, 2011 by aceuggy

[Fat Rich]

The hex screws in Fender bridges are usually so long I just slacken the string and twiddle 'em with my fingers.

[Truckstop]

Me too.

Truckstop

[aceuggy]

Just an update my post, I found a key that fits and have adjusted the saddles as best I can. The action is still a little high to be honest, but the strings are as low as I can get them without any fret buzz. Thanks to all who replied.

Edited March 6, 2011 by aceuggy

[spinynorman]

Have you checked the neck is straight?

This may help [url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/support/articles/bass-guitar-setup-guide/"]http://www.fender.com/en-GB/support/articl...ar-setup-guide/[/url]

Haven't run these video guides, but could be useful [url="http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_3530_setup-fender-bass.html"]http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_3530_setup-fender-bass.html[/url]