Tune-o-matic bridge question

[moon]

I've got an Epiphone dot with a tune-o-matic bridge.

With the strings off, both of the adjustable bolts rattle a bit in their housing. One has only a tiny amount of movement but the other is quite bad. When you put strings on, there's no play under full string tension.

Do you think the loose fit will significantly affect tone or sustain? Maybe I should be thinking about replacing it.

Although they're cheap, I think these Epi Dots can be quite nice guitars and I don't mind paying for good quality parts to realise its full potential.

[stanron]

I think that with tension on the strings all the bits will fit together OK. There may well be aftermarket upgrades but unless you can hear something actually wrong when it is strung up then there is no need to do anything.

[clintj]

^^^ Agreed. Personally I'd rather have it on the looser side than too tight to adjust when tuned up.

[moon]

Thanks for the advice. Good to know there's no real problem.

[Ned Milburn]

There will be no effect on tone and sustain. Springs are not necessary, in fact, but usually help when adjusting. Sometimes, they get in the way and I will cut them to allow for further tightening (lengthening of string).