Epi TOM Bridge

[LwoA Bassist]

I might be getting a 2000 Epiphone Les Paul Standard 5 string bass, and I was wondering what replacement bridges I can put on it. I play in drop A with these gauges on my four string: 136 90 67 49. If I get the fiver the G will be a 35. If I can't find a good replacement, what can I do to intonenate it properly?

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by LwoA Bassist

I might be getting a 2000 Epiphone Les Paul 5 string bass, and I was wondering what replacement bridges I can put on it. I play in drop A with these gauges on my four string: 136 90 67 49. If I get the fiver the G will be a 35. If I can't find a good replacement, what can I do to intonenate it properly?

Let me get this straight...

You might be getting this bass, but you don't have it yet, and already you're wondering what to do in case you can't properly set the intonation?

[LwoA Bassist]

Yes, but I have played basses with the same bridge, just not in this tuning, and I will most likely get it. I have heard and read about people not being able to intonenate the TOM, even setting the witness point didn't work for a few.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I'd guess that the Warwick bridge would work.

You may have to relocate it though, but any reason why wouldn't you just relocate the current one (if you get the bass that is)?

The type of the bridge has nothing to do with setting the witness point if correct strings are used. And if the bridge is well engineered, something the 3-point bridge quite isn't (easily remedied with a spacer if so desired though).

Regards
Sam

[LwoA Bassist]

I have to use the stock posts, i don't have the resources to make new holes. I just asked if there was a better bridge that fits on the TOM posts, and if that isn't possible, then what could I do to make the stock one work, I wanna make sure I get the right intonenation, considering my low tuning and gauge. I use circle k strings if that matters.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by LwoA Bassist

I have to use the stock posts, i don't have the resources to make new holes. I just asked if there was a better bridge that fits on the TOM posts, and if that isn't possible, then what could I do to make the stock one work, I wanna make sure I get the right intonenation, considering my low tuning and gauge. I use circle k strings if that matters.

I seriously doubt You'll be able to find a direct replacement, so I'd say You're SOL.

Tapered core or exposed core strings may work, but only on very limited range of bridges. I've never seen any with enough exposed core to fit any TOM style.

BTW, what makes You think it won't work with the current bridge?
.135 ish is the "standard" B string is it not?
If that can't be intonated correctly on a 5er, the bridge (posts in this case) is simply positioned incorrectly.

Regards
Sam

[LwoA Bassist]

I tune to AEAD on my les paul special II and the bridge is just about maxed out, I asked because the TOM appears to have a shorter range for intonenation, which could be a problem with drop-A tuning. I just wanted to know in case the stock bridge doesn't work. The circle k's I have only have a taper on the .136 gauge.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by LwoA Bassist

I tune to AEAD on my les paul special II and the bridge is just about maxed out, I asked because the TOM appears to have a shorter range for intonenation, which could be a problem with drop-A tuning. I just wanted to know in case the stock bridge doesn't work. The circle k's I have only have a taper on the .136 gauge.

The bridge should be farther back on the 5er than it's in the 4 string. If it's not, the B won't intonate properly.

When I strung my Ibanez BEAD back in the day, I moved the bridge 15mm IIRC. More than required, but now I have as much range I'll ever need.

Regards
Sam

[LwoA Bassist]

Interesting, I'll just wait and see then. The bridge on my 4 string is a hipshot a style look a like, which has more room to move. I acually had a problem setting that one up, but one day I figured I could switch the saddles, and it worked, the low a is in perfect pitch, and this is a 34" scale bass. Thanks for your input T-Bird.

[LwoA Bassist]

Financial problems prevented me from getting the bass,(damn you economy,) so this thread can be closed by a mod.