I messed up...can PRS repair this?

[kingneptune117]

Hey all,

I got myself a brand new 2018 Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Wood Library. Probably the most incredible instrument I have ever laid my eyes on and held.

I wanted to throw some new strings on it so I began my setup. I noticed a couple things. The action was unusually high. Also, the trem bridge was higher than 1/16" off the body like PRS specs out.

In my infinite wisdom, I decided "ok, simple, I will just lower the trem quick". Little did I know the intricacy's of the trem and how there are knife edges that need to be perfectly aligned. I began screwing in the six bridge screws to lower the trem. I heard a popping noise and the bridge suddenly shifted out of alignment. I freaked out and for whatever reason my first instinct was to just lower the trem all the way down to the body, this way I wouldn't have to worry about alignment.

Big mistake. After doing this, I did what I should have done in the first place and read up on how this trem bridge works. First of all, I probably completely ruined the knife edges. Second of all, I screwed it all the way down until it contacted the body. Not only that, but I kept screwing until the screws were tight.I immediately raised the trem bridge up to see if I damaged the finish on the body. Sure enough, there are now some marks on the body from where the bridge pushed into it.

I feel like a complete failure...I shouldn't have done this so hastily. I already put in a request at the Paul Reed Smith Tech Center and am waiting to hear back.

I know they can fix or replace the bridge. My main concern is the finish on the body. There are some subtle marks from where the bridge pressed into the body. Can they repair this without refinishing the whole entire guitar?

Thanks for the help. Lesson learned. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Pretty sure PTC can fix anything, there's just a cost associated with it.

 

[Rockmark]

Sorry to hear this story. As previous poster stated PRS can fix it all. The impressions you are referring to sound like and issue and I can see no other way than a refin. however PTC will let you know. The trem fix probably won't cost too much but if you're in for a refin. a lot more. Let us know what happens and the best of luck to you on this.

 

[Wheel In The Sky]

I'm new to the PRS community but, I will say that I have heard numerous accounts of how good PRS Tech is and how well the company as a whole stands behind their product. That along with the obvious fact that they are amazing instruments was a huge factor in making my first PRS purchase. A Custom 24.

But like Bowtiefanatc mentioned, there may be a nice price tag on that repair. Sounds like the guitar is well worth it though. Good luck.

 

[jxe]

post a pic of under the trem.

 

[Boogie]

Take the strings and springs off. Email tech support for the current height adjustment spec. Back out all screws to that spec. Reattach springs and strings...and NEVER TOUCH THOSE SCREWS AGAIN!

 

[shinksma]

Do you know if you damaged the knife edge and/or associated screws? Or just fearing that is what you did?

If you can do what @Boogie suggested, you might be ok - you will possibly never see in daily use the finish marks you have now added as character.

 

[Rider1260]

Good news is the knife edges are much tougher than you would imagine, very unlikely they are ruined.
Watch this video its an easy job to reset up the guitar, If the bridge is damaged you can get a Mann made from John for a reasonable price ( IMHO )
as far as the dent goes would you even be able to see it once everything it back to spec ?
Best of luck ( If your around Chicago I will set it up for you for a beer just to meet another Forum Member )

 

[Deleted member 5962]

And as for the marks... I'd try mild polish to remove them. If they're under the bridge, they'll be hard to see anyway.

 

[MichaelS]

yea, keep the battlescars so you can tell a silly story when someone admires your guitar.
I once stripped one of those screws when I put in a MannMade trem and didn't drill out the holes. Luckily the kit had 7 screws as if they knew I'd be doing it.
Also, some (hard) soap on the screws can make them go in easier.

 

[László]

PTC can fix anything.

You may have to do penance, wear sackcloth and ashes, walk in the snow barefoot to a cathedral, and submit to the lash, however.

 

[Black Plaid]

Not sure if this helps, but in the future, the screws are not for adjusting the strings height, use the teeeeeeny screws in the saddles for that.

Reading your post again, I think what you were looking at was a need to tighten the springs maybe?

 

[Deleted member 5962]

PTC can fix anything.

You may have to do penance, wear sackcloth and ashes, walk in the snow barefoot to a cathedral, and submit to the lash, however.

LMAO! Yeah, this would be a “tail between the legs” phone call.

 

[merciful-evans]

Not sure if this helps, but in the future, the screws are not for adjusting the strings height, use the teeeeeeny screws in the saddles for that.

Reading your post again, I think what you were looking at was a need to tighten the springs maybe?

perhaps KingNeptune experienced what I have? The top e saddle has no adjustment left and is resting on the bottom of the bridge plate. Next time I change strings I face the unenviable job of trying to grind a couple of thou off the saddle base.

 

[shimmilou]

mercifal-evans, something is not right with your setup, so before you go grinding parts down, have a pro check your setup.

 

[Antmax]

I'd just get it back to playing state and sit on repairing the finish for a while. It's fresh and frustrating right now. Ater a few weeks that might go away and you might not even notice or be bothered by it anymore. Kind of like when I put a small mark on a new car. Get grumpy with self, but after a while you only see it when your washing the car, rest of the time I don't notice.

 

[merciful-evans]

mercifal-evans, something is not right with your setup, so before you go grinding parts down, have a pro check your setup.

You're right.
PRS Europe did my setup.

 

[Kdogg788]

This is why I'm petrified to do anything mechanical to any of the guitars I own and none are anywhere near as expensive as yours.

-k