B.C. Rich Ironbird Guitar User Manual


 
Step 6:
Now check the base plate position. If it is not parallel to the face of the guitar
body turn the setscrew until the base plate is parallel.
Step 7:
After you get the base plate parallel,
check your string action. If your strings
are too high or too low for you, adjust
the action with the two rocker screws,
using a 3mm Allen wrench until the
action is where you like it.
When you get the base plate parallel
with the face of the guitar, the action
properly adjusted, and the tremolo
stop firmly engaged with the spring
block, you are ready to set the fine
tuner range or intonate the guitar.
These procedures follow...
Intonation
Use and electronic tuner and tune your instrument to standard pitch. Play an
open string and them compare it to the fretted note at the 12th fret. These
notes should read the same on the tuner.
* If the fretted note on the 12th fret is flatter (lower) than the open 
note, move the saddle forward toward the neck.
* If the fretted note on the 12th fret is sharper (higher) than the open 
note, move the saddle back away from the neck.
For an accurate reading, be sure to retune the string to pitch after each
adjustment of the saddle. Bronze and Platinum guitars require a Phillips head
screwdriver for this adjustment. Models with the Licensed Floyd Rose will need
the supplied 2.5mm allen wrench.
The quality of strings affects intonation as does string gauge. An adjustment
of the intonation will most likely have to be made if the string gauge is changed.
Neck Adjustments
Each B.C. Rich Guitar is carefully adjusted at the factory, as well as by our
Quality Control Department before shipping. The truss rod and string height
are set for optimum action and playability with the gauge string supplied.
Occasionally an instrument's neck may need adjustment as a result of string
tension or climactic changes. The curvature of the neck should be slightly
concave. The amount depends on the player’s personal taste.
Truss rod adjustment should only be performed by a B.C. Rich Authorized
Service Center. Over adjustment can cause permanent damage that will
not be cover by the warranty.
12 5
1. Loosen the locking nut that corresponds to the string being changed 
with the 3mm allen wrench.
2. Loosen the string completely by turning the tuning key on the headstock.
3. Loosen the saddle lock screw with the 3mm allen wrench.
4. Remove the string.
5. Remove any broken string bits with a small magnetic screwdriver or 
long nose tweezers.
6. Return the tremolo fine tuners to their mid point position.
7. Cut the ball end and extra wraps off the new string.
8. Insert the new string into the tremolo lock box.
9. Tighten the saddle screw securely but do not over tighten.
10. Slide the string thru the string post on the headstock.
11. Leave enough slack for about three turns around the post.
12. Tune to pitch.
13. Once all the strings have been replaced and stretched, tune the guitar
to pitch, lock down the nut, and use the fine tuners for minor 
adjustments.