Changing Bridge On Acoustic/Electric 4 String

[Robert Spencer]

My bass has no individual string height adjustment. I plan to do some upgrades that would include installing adjustable bridge saddles thus eliminating the Piezo electronics.
What is the standard method f removing a wooden bridge common to A/E basses?
Any reason that I could not replace it with the usual adjustable metal types found on most solid body electric basses? I see a wide variety available on ebay. I`m into tinkering with this bass. Its more or less a project instrument at this point that I use for unamplified home practice but who knows if things turn out it could become my go to bass. Please help. Thanks & take care. Bob

[Stilettoprefer]

Wooden bridges on acoustic instruments are glued on. Metal ones have to be held on with screws. And unless there's a solid block of wood undet where the bridge is, you wont have enough wood for the screws to get a stable hold on, thus the string tension will rip the bridge off destroying the top of your bass.

[JTE]

There's a more compelling reason NOT to go to a metal bridge. The acoustic instrument works by the strings pulling the bridge and it causes the top to vibrate. The vibrating top is what makes the sound of the acoustic guitar (and it's wimpy big brother the ABG). If you go to a metal bridge, you're going to loose that transfer. The top is braced to take the tension at the points the stock bridge puts it, and to transfer that to the rest of the top.

John

[Robert Spencer]

OK Guys I appreciate that you have prevented me from making a huge mistake. I will try to adjust string height from the single saddle under the strings. Maybe getting it lower across its length then adjusting the depth of its notches to set the height of each string. Or maybe I`ll get lucky and find an ABG bridge that allows individual string adjustment such as my other Hohner HAB. Thanks & take care. Bob

[Robert Spencer]

This is the bridge type I have now. Where can I find this style bridge but with individual string height adjustments.
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/m/mA9d...gVFYRw/140.jpg
Thanks & take care. Bob

[Stilettoprefer]

I dont think you can.... Ive never played an acoustic bass that needed a bridge with adjustable height for each string. If you need to lower the action, shave some of the bottom of the string thingy (idk what its called) off then try the height. If you need the action raised then put a shiv under the string thingy.

The thingy im referring to is like the nut, but for the bridge if that makes sense

[Robert Spencer]

Its the saddle & many acoustic/elect basses use individual saddles that has a section for each string.My other Hohner acoustic/elect bass uses just such an arrangement. Thanks & take care. Bob

[Pilgrim]

I recommend buying blank saddle material from Stew-Mac, using the original saddle for a template, and not modifying it. Instead, make a new saddle from the blank material and alter it as needed. If you screw it up, you still have the original, functional saddle.