Epi L/P Bridge Question

[SurferJoe46]

Just got an Epi Les Paul Special for a song and a dance at a pawn shop.

Nicely set up - and let's not fool anyone - it's not High $$-End, but it has a nice voice and someone set it up really nice!

Tell me that this bridge isn't a joke though!

Set screws and sliders? C'mon! That's cave man!







Please tell me that there's another bridge that fits this.

[BigOldHarry]

This shocks you *how*???

This is an Epiphone - - the hardware is notoriously bad.

The wood may be good, however... and with some tweaks you could have a nice bass.

I'm not sure what would work as a replacement bridge... but I *love* the hipshot A bridges I've used. Get a black one of those and screw 'er in -- you'll not regret it, even if you have to run new holes (it's not like you'll be eroding the collectablity quotient on this bass, ya know...)

have fun!

[SurferJoe46]

Not a problem if it fits and covers all the existing holes.

I don't mind making new holes if I can hide the old ones.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Not a problem if it fits and covers all the existing holes.

I don't mind making new holes if I can hide the old ones.

Yeah, that *is* kinda key!

I like the finish - flame black like that... how are the electronics??

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Yeah, that *is* kinda key!

I like the finish - flame black like that... how are the electronics??

It sings really nice - a little grind-y and can get super low-down.

The pups are responsive in nice ways - I just put it down to answer your comment.

The nicest part is the action and the fact that the neck relief is non-existent as far as I can tell. This has got to be the flattest board I've ever seen on any of my basses! Really! And NO buzzes or unwanted 'twangs' either.

The pots are clean and don't chatter and they are very linear with no 'hot spots' or 'dead zones' that I can find in them.

I don't think this was played very much - it was just dirty and smelled of cigars. The funk smell is all gone now thanks to chemistry and spray bottles.

The two changes are gonna be the bridge and the tuning machines.

I won't need my bag of .1uF caps for this one!

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Congrats on the NBD.

I remember seeing such a bridge with the saddles being the other way around. Pretty similar to the ABM "problem" when the bridge is placed the wrong way.

Regards
Sam

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

Congrats on the NBD.

I remember seeing such a bridge with the saddles being the other way around. Pretty similar to the ABM "problem" when the bridge is placed the wrong way.

Regards
Sam

I'm gonna go 'way out on a limb here and decipher the NBD as 'No Big Deal' or 'Nothing But Dumb'. Other than that and I don't got nothin' here.

I'm leaning toward the Nothing But Dumb though - it seems to fit best.

Do you mean that there are sliders that have the set screws on the other side?

I wanna wanna wanna.

Well - THAT or a new style bridge.

[testing1two]

Really what you have is a poor copy of a Hipshot A style bridge (which is actually a very good bridge).

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...t_detail&p=114

And for the record, NBD = New Bass Day (although I do have fun making up other definitions not fit for forum use).

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by testing1two

Really what you have is a poor copy of a Hipshot A style bridge (which is actually a very good bridge).

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...t_detail&p=114

And for the record, NBD = New Bass Day (although I do have fun making up other definitions not fit for forum use).

I bookmarked that link. Check it out tomorrow - it's midnight in SoCal.

Will that Hipshot fit where this one is currently? Same holes, etc?

[Pilgrim]

I look at it this way...I install a set of strings and play them until they won't hold tune or one breaks. Neither has ever occurred, so I'ave never had to change strings after installing them.

Once you get the strings on and intonation set, you're good. Even if it's a pain, take the extra 10-15 minutes and do it right.

You can always get a nice Hipshot bridge.

The bass looks very nice!

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I look at it this way...I install a set of strings and play them until they won't hold tune or one breaks. Neither has ever occurred, so I'ave never had to change strings after installing them.

Once you get the strings on and intonation set, you're good. Even if it's a pain, take the extra 10-15 minutes and do it right.

You can always get a nice Hipshot bridge.

The bass looks very nice!

It's just a dumb design when you have to lift the string away from the bridge to get to the locking screw!

You can't help but lose the position and then have to reinstall and re-tune the string and force the slider to the place where the intonation is as good as you can get it and loosen it all up and try to tighten the screw again.

Repeat - oh, maybe 30 times to get it right! For each string!

Either that -- or just force the allen wrench UNDER the string (where it's thickest and stiffest) and try to get the wrench into the hex-socket and lock it all down.

Dumb dumb dumb.

But overall - it's a pretty thing and it really sings well. I'm catching on to the VVTpots and they aren't all that complicated if I tighten the headband in my hat - real tight!

If I find I cannot live with this intonation adjustment, I'll have to look into a real bridge somewhere.

Why are most all after-market replacement bridges just for Fenders? Hmmm? There must be something in that between the lines - somewhere.

[testing1two]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

I bookmarked that link. Check it out tomorrow - it's midnight in SoCal.

Will that Hipshot fit where this one is currently? Same holes, etc?

Hipshot makes two different versions: a standard version with 4 mounting holes and a Fender replacement with 5.