Help a dummy repair his Univox Lucy

[cropsie]

Hello. I've been a long time lurker and really love this community. I've been given a Univox Lucy lucite bass that needs a few things done to it. It definitely needs a new bridge and maybe new tuners. Can anyone recommend a good replacement bridge. I'll post pics of her later.

[Pilgrim]

Unless the original bridge is unrepairable, I strongly recommend NOT replacing it. Every mark and drill hole shows on that bass, and it has a bit of collector value.

What specifically are the problems with the bridge and tuners? You may be able to replace parts rather than the unit.

[john grey]

Virtually every item that is replaced from original diminishes the value of an antique or vintage instrument. The above statement is profoundly correct in my experience, including new holes, drilled or otherwise.

Enormous amounts of items can be repaired if care and time is taken to find the mechanism to do so. Pictures are mandatory to understand the level of work and the various techniques to choose from. Bent tuners can be un-bent, bridges can be repaired and the subtlety of the repair is the most ideal. The slower and more well-thought out the technique; generally the better the result.

Basic functionality should be the goal. The worn nickel or chrome on a bridge is quite secondary; if it is functional within the depth of the period's intonation & adjustment ideal, it's best left as is unless exact & original replacement is possible. A minor bend of a tuning peg does not diminish value nearly as much as an inappropriate replacement.

The closer and sharper the picture & description, the better the suggestion to fit the given problem.

[96tbird]

Bridges are easy if all the parts are there. Replacement intonation screws and saddle height screws are readily available. Re-tapping holes is quite simple, if you can't do it, ask a neighbor; you know the guy who is always fixing things.... every street has one!. The finish is IRRELEVANT. Clean it up and leave it. Brush off rust, rub in a little oil, wipe it very clean.

Tuners, you said maybe. That says to me they are likely OK as is. Clean and lube them up and put them back on. generally old tuners are a breeze to dismantle and clean up.

Oh how I wish I had never changed the original crappy bridge on my 75 G-3 when I was a kid in 1980! I lost it and regret it now I'll tell you!

PICS PLEASE!