How do I adjust the free moving bridge on my Takamine TB10?

[Whippet]

Guys, I screwed up and didn't mark the bridge position on my Takamine B10 which has a bridge that moves back and forth, left and right when I was changing my strings.

I can see that the strings MUST be evenly spaced on the far left and far right edge of the finger board so I understand that where to center it.

This is supposedly a 34 inch bass.

Please correct me if I am wrong.
1. I measure the center of the nut to the center of the bridge and make place the bridge at 34 inch.

2. To figure out the angle of the bridge, I try to intonate it at the 5th fret? Or do I do it at the 12th fret?

Thanks for all advice in advance.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Measure from the inside face of the nut to the center of of 12th fret. Multiply that distance x2, that's your scale length. If it's a 34" scale, it will be 17" from inside face of nut to center of 12th fret. Set the floating bridge so the G string saddle is at your scale length, put some tape around it so you will know if it moves. Once the G string is the same pitch with open string and fretted at 12th, pivot the bridge inside your tspe marks until the E intonates. The A & D will be approximate.

 

[Whippet]

Measure from the inside face of the nut to the center of of 12th fret. Multiply that distance x2, that's your scale length. If it's a 34" scale, it will be 17" from inside face of nut to center of 12th fret. Set the floating bridge so the G string saddle is at your scale length, put some tape around it so you will know if it moves. Once the G string is the same pitch with open string and fretted at 12th, pivot the bridge inside your tspe marks until the E intonates. The A & D will be approximate.

Thank you very much for the information. Will do what you wrote. Once again, thank you.

 

[Whippet]

Measure from the inside face of the nut to the center of of 12th fret. Multiply that distance x2, that's your scale length. If it's a 34" scale, it will be 17" from inside face of nut to center of 12th fret. Set the floating bridge so the G string saddle is at your scale length, put some tape around it so you will know if it moves. Once the G string is the same pitch with open string and fretted at 12th, pivot the bridge inside your tspe marks until the E intonates. The A & D will be approximate.

I fixed the bridge and it is perfect. Thank you so much once again.

 

[Chef]

Does anyone know how string height adjustment works on this bridge?

 

[Gilmourisgod]

From the photos online, I don’t see any height adjustment wheels or screws. You may have to shim the entire saddle inset into the bridge to get any saddle height adjustment. A Hofner style floating bridge has wheel height adjustment at each end, but I don’t know if the string spacing is right. The Hofner “saddles” are just pieces of fret wire set into slots, so it might be adjustable enough for the B10 spacing. I know that’s the “look” of an ABG, but it’s not too practical.

 

[Chef]

I did in fact put a couple layers of business card shim under the G string.
It seems that’s the only answer.

I also relieved tension on the tail piece a little, which seems to make the strings feel softer.

 

[coyote1]

For any seeking string height adjustments on the B10 TB10 PB30:

First, be aware that the neck has no markings. Therefore, the scale length is flexible!

So to lower string height, you can move the bridge closer to the tailpiece. This moves the bridge ‘downhill’ on the arch of the top. It will of course make your scale length slightly longer.

Be aware that your ‘play’ in moving the bridge is limited by the cable to the Palathetic pickup in the bridge.

I have found that if I wish to play it in upright fashion, the lower string height does not work. Mine is back in its original position.

 

[Arie X]

since it's a 34" scale, that's a start and as stated above, scale and intonation are somewhat a la carte. there should be some subtle marks in the top where the bridge has settled in though. once you get that sorted, take a measurement from the end of the fretboard (at the body) to the neck facing side of the bridge. write it down on a piece of paper and tuck it into the case (or take a pic and rename the file to that dimension) and store it. it's a number you'll need to remember