SE Custom 24 Setup Issues

[Riff Lord]

Hello everyone. I was hoping I could get some help on a few issues. I recently bought a used SE Custom 24. When I got it, I changed out the pickups and some of the hardware, then went into a general setup. When I got around to setting up the action and intonation though, I ran into some problems. I double checked my neck relief first and it's good...able to fit a 0.10 gauge under the 12th fret without issue. The main problem I'm having is that to get my action where I like it, I'm having to drop the bridge saddles all the way down completely. I'm also not able to get the intonation quite right either.

I'm wondering if my issue may lie at the nut. I think at least part if it may be there simply because even with the PRS SE locking tuners on, it's having trouble staying completely in tune, so I'm wondering if I'm getting some binding. I also included a picture of the bridge itself because I wasn't sure if it was too high. I did remove all the strings and lowered the 6 bridge screws about a half turn each and adjusted the spring tension on the inside to get it level again, but I wasn't sure if it was still too high. This is my first time dealing with a bridge like this as my other guitars are all tune-o-matic style or otherwise.

The intonation after getting everything tuned to pitch seems to bounce from too flat to too sharp. So clearly something is off, I'm just not sure where. My biggest concern right now is whether or not the nut is the issue and how to adjust my saddles so they're not dropped all the way flat. If there's any other information I forgot to give that may help, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[TheCraftsman]

Hi

To me the bridge doesn’t look properly level maybe need to adjust the claw screws a bit more that may help someone what allowing you to lift the saddles a bit, regarding intonation I’d reset the saddles and start again as it seems they’re all almost maxed

 

[Riff Lord]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Is it safe to continue tightening the 6 bridge screws? I don't want to overtighten them.

 

[andy474x]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Is it safe to continue tightening the 6 bridge screws? I don't want to overtighten them.

The bridge does look high to me. Be sure to take all string tension off the bridge before adjusting the bridge screws that hold it to the body. Highly recommend the John Mann instructional video on how to adjust the PRS trem before you continue.

 

[TheCraftsman]

I don’t think you need to touch the bridge screws anymore just adjust the claw screw in the back of the trem to adjust the spring tension to level the bridge, go slow and keep the claw straight

 

[DISTORT6]

Hi

To me the bridge doesn’t look properly level maybe need to adjust the claw screws a bit more that may help someone what allowing you to lift the saddles a bit, regarding intonation I’d reset the saddles and start again as it seems they’re all almost maxed

Hey, thanks for the reply. Is it safe to continue tightening the 6 bridge screws? I don't want to overtighten them.

NOT the six bridge screws.
@TheCraftsman means the claw in the back cavity where the springs are attached to.

 

[Riff Lord]

I apologize, I misunderstood. I did adjust the claws screws in the back initially, but I'll try that again. I'll adjust the saddles back to 25" and reset and see what I can get from there.

 

[deathworlder]

FWIW, I use Bicycle playing cards as a feeler gauge when I level my bridges. All 4 of my SE tremolo-equipped guitars take 6-7 cards.

I've never had to touch the bridge pivot screws.

 

[deathworlder]

https://support.prsguitars.com/hc/e...and-string-heights-for-my-PRS-SE-guitar-setup

 

[Riff Lord]

I adjusted the claw screws again and tuned back up, reset the bridge saddles all to 25", and raised them back to about midway. The bridge is sitting level to the body, and I can't quite get 6 playing cards under it...almost but just a bit lower than that. Using a string action ruler, I set the low E string to 1.5mm, and it's still requiring me to drop the saddle basically all the way down. I'm still having issues with it staying in tune at all too. I guess that's what led me to think it may be some binding at the nut. Not sure really where to go from here.

 

[Riff Lord]

Just another update...I tried starting from the beginning. Reset all saddles to 25", raised up to halfway point, adjusted claw screws and set bridge straight, rechecked neck relief, then started going string by string again for action. Still no dice. Does anyone else have any recommendations? I guess I can bring it to a local shop and see what they can do. I have no doubt they'll be more precise than me, but I don't know if they'll be able to fix any issues if it's something like a neck angle or whatever else since the guitar is set-neck and can't be shimmed. I just don't know...really frustrated.

 

[RobRiggs]

I realize this post goes back a few months. To me the strings are sitting awfully deep in the nut. Have you checked the string height at the first fret? If I remember right on a Strat it’s around.020 between the fret and the low E String and about .016 for the high E.