B.C. Rich Assassin Guitar User Manual


 
Step 1:
The first thing you do to reset the
range of all the fine tuners is to position
all the fine tuner screws to the middle
of their possible movement.
Step 2:
One way to do this is to turn the low
"low E" string fine tuner screw all the
way up, then turn the "D" string fine
tuner screw all the way down.
Now, position the "A" string fine tuner
screw half way between the "E" and
the "D" fine tuner screw positions.
Step 3:
Now, leaving the "A" string fine tuner
where you set it, reposition all the of
the other fine tuner screws to match
the height of the "A" string fine tuner
screw.
You should now have all of the fine
tuner screws set to the middle of their
range.
Ignore the fact that your guitar is now
completely out of tune, we're going to
fix that next.
At this point you're ready to tune your
guitar using the range tuner set screw.
You can set your guitar up for standard
pitch, any open tuning, or any drop
SETTING THE FINE TUNER RANGE ON THE SPEEDLOADER
TREMOLO
Like the Original Floyd Rose, there are several situations that will cause the
SpeedLoader fine tuners to run out of range. If this happens don't panic, the
fine tuner range can be reset.
To reset the fine tuner range first engage the tremolo stop and set the bridge
position as described in the "Setting up the SpeedLoader Tremolo Bridge base
plate."
With the base plate set properly and the tremolo stop properly engaged, you
are ready to set your fine tuner range. If only one or two of the fine tuners
are out of range you may want to try adjusting them without engaging the
tremolo stop.
Climate, Humidity and Your Guitar
Damage done to an instrument as a result of too little, or too much, humidity
is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Cracks resulting from a lack
of humidity are not due to a manufacturing defect, but are considered neglect,
and educating yourself could save you some heartaches...and expense.
Do not leave your instrument in a hot car, direct sunlight, near a stove, heater,
an attic or other area where the temperatures are high. Cold temperatures
can also damage your guitar. If you must take your instrument out in the cold,
let it warm back up before taking it out of the case. This will keep the finish
from cracking or clouding. It will also keep your fretboard from drying out and
cracking.
Cleaning
Like all fine instruments, your B.C. Rich requires periodic care and maintenance.
One of the most important ways to maintain the beauty of your instrument
and prolong its string life is regular cleaning. Perspiration can actually contain
acids that are corrosive to the strings as well as the metal parts of the guitar.
After playing, wipe down your instrument's finish, strings, fretboard, and metal
parts (bridge, tuners, etc.) with a soft cloth. The finish should be polished only
as needed to avoid polish build-up that will dull the appearance. When you
do need to polish, use a soft treated cloth or cotton rag. Also, only use a polish
formulated for musical instruments to avoid build up. Follow these simple steps
and your instrument should shine for years to come.
Bridge Adjustments
Bronze Series Guitars
The Bronze Series Guitars have a one-piece adjustable bridge. These are
adjusted by turning the two screws on each side of the bridge with a flathead
screwdriver until the desired height is achieved. Loosening the strings before
adjustment will keep the screws from becoming scratched or blemished.
Platinum, Acrylic, Exclusive, and Classic Series Guitars
The Tune-O-Matic Bridge is adjusted by turning the two finger screws on each
side of the bridge until you reach the desired height.
Platinum Pro, NJ, and Neck Thru Series Guitars
The Licensed Floyd Rose Tremolo plate on the Platinum Pro, Neck Thru and
SpeedLoader-NJ models must be kept parallel to the body for proper intonation
and tuning. To adjust, open the back cavity of the guitar and adjust the two claw
screws. This can be a time consuming task but once the bridge is balanced, it
shouldn’t need adjustment unless you decide to change string gauges.
If the bridge is tilting towards the neck, tighten the claw screws, return your
guitar to pitch, and see if the bridge is parallel.
Changing Strings with a Licensed Floyd Rose
Changing strings on a guitar equipped with a locking tremolo may seem tedious
at first but with a little practice the process will become second nature.
Changing one string at a time will keep the proper tension on the neck and
tremolo, which, in turn, will make tuning your guitar back to pitch much easier.
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