drilling for a Schaller Roller Bridge

[dadodetres]

Hello!
I want to install a Schaller Roller Bridge in my 62RI Jazz bass.

I notice the 3 screws instead of the 5 the fender has.

Which is the way to go?

Fisrst remove the original bridge, then position the new one and drill ?? would the new holes be too close to the old one?
Is there anything else I should consider? I dont want to mess up my bass!!!

Thanks!!

[96tbird]

Lay the Schaller beside the stock bridge lining up the holes. Make sure the saddles have enough travel to intonate. If that's good, lay some masking tape on both sides of the stock bridge as a guide to line up the Schaller. The middle screw should , we hope, line up with the stock middle hole. Lay some tape across the old holes. With a ruler, draw a line across the center line of the holes as an additional reference to ensure it lines up square. Screw the Schaller down with the middle. Line it up square to the neck using the tape guide and mark the new holes. Take it off and punch a mark into the wood for the new holes. Plug the old holes with hardwood dowel, leave the middle! Drill the new holes and bolt that Schaller in.

Edit: I checked the Schaller tech drawing and the middle screw is indeed in the center of the plate. I had no reason to think otherwise, but it is confirmed. Use it as your set up point as long as the saddles have enough room for intonation.

Ask if you need help with old hole plugging procedure.

[dadodetres]

thansk you VERY MUCH, ill do it one of these days, ill let you know if something goes wrong!!

[96tbird]

Just take your time and think every step through.