Hipshot SuperTone on Epi Thunderbird

Waspinators · #1 01-01-2008, 06:35 PM

I posted this in the basses forum, then realized it belongs here.

How well would a Hipshot SuperTone bass bridge work on an Epiphone Thunderbird? I ask because it's a such a great bass, but the 3-point bridge is kinda wonky. It'd be nice to put a quality bridge on it, but I don't know how it would look on there, and how well it would work.

If anyone's done it, was it a waste of money, or was it worth it? Please post pics if possible.

Here's a link for the bridge:
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....t_detail&p=264

Billw97 · #2 01-02-2008, 04:43 PM

Hey!

Not a great picture, sorry!

Waspinators · #3 01-02-2008, 05:17 PM

Wow, looks great! Is there anything you had to do to get it on there besides just screw it in? And does the front stud get in the way?

One more question, how much of an improvement is it over the original three-point?

Billw97 · #4 01-03-2008, 06:12 PM

Hey!

Frist off I have to say that I work at Hipshot. I have also been a Bass player for almost 30 years.
With that said, it just bolted on. No the front stud is removed and the bushing is not in the way.
I don't know if I can say more without it sounding like a sale pitch. I believe there are others on the forums that can answer that.

Bill

jrfrond · #5 01-03-2008, 09:22 PM

If it works like everything else HipShot makes, it will be a huge improvement.

The 3-point bridge was never a crowd favorite anyway. You lose a lot of sustain due to the reduced meta-to-wood contact.

superfunk47 · #6 01-03-2008, 09:28 PM

i cant imagine it being anything but a vast improvement. i really dont understand why they try and persist with such an inferior bridge design

they put better ones on some of their basses (LP money bass) but still stick to that one so much

aquateen · #7 01-04-2008, 05:50 AM

despite it's reputation for being difficult to set up, the 3 point is a functional bridge. it's just different than the more common bridges that people are used to. imo, ymmv, etc

rockinrayduke · #8 01-08-2008, 10:16 AM

I put a black Supertone on my Gibson TB recently and I love it. Easy to install (just bolts into the old 3 point holes) and as easy to set up as a Badass II. Actually better due to being able to move the string sideways in the saddle if needed.

Need a chrome one now to replace the 3 point on my Orville TB. Supertone highly recommended.

vates · #9 01-27-2008, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billw97

Hey!

Frist off I have to say that I work at Hipshot. I have also been a Bass player for almost 30 years.
With that said, it just bolted on. No the front stud is removed and the bushing is not in the way.
I don't know if I can say more without it sounding like a sale pitch. I believe there are others on the forums that can answer that.

Bill

Hello, Bill!
Could you tell me: will supertone fit as a replacement for a vintage gibson 2-poin bridge? If not, what should a luthier do to mount this bridge instead of 2-point? Thank you!

addicted2LSU · #10 07-31-2008, 05:44 PM

Got a question...

I play an Ibanez 4 string. I just replaced the stock pups with some emg hz's. Next thing I'm looking at is a new bridge. When I came across the SuperTone, I noticed its a replacement for a Gibson/Epi bass. My question is would it still be compatible with other models, say for example Ibanez??

Sir Schmoopie · #11 08-29-2008, 11:23 AM

Sorry for posting on an old thread, but I'm planing on buying an epi thunderbird, and eventually replacing the bridge with a Super Tone.
Will the action be thrown off by the new bridge, will it raise or lower, or be roughly the same.
I know the super tone is fully adjustable for string height spacing and intonation.
What I'm getting at is: Is the super tone taller than the stock bridge, If i bottom out the string height will the action be way to high, and will the neck pocket need shimming?

WarriorJoe7 · #12 08-30-2008, 06:20 PM

What is the distance between the 2 side bolts on the gibson and supertone bridge. Please measure from the edge of the holes. I have a NON-gibson 3 point bridge on a abss and need to see if I can replace it with this supertone.

also if you have a vintage 70s gibson bass how tall are the string saddles (newer ones are shorter.)

Sir Schmoopie · #13 08-30-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarriorJoe7

What is the distance between the 2 side bolts on the gibson and supertone bridge. Please measure from the edge of the holes. I have a NON-gibson 3 point bridge on a abss and need to see if I can replace it with this supertone.

also if you have a vintage 70s gibson bass how tall are the string saddles (newer ones are shorter.)

here dude
http://www.hipshotproducts.com/docum...ba3e6cc2b0.pdf

WarriorJoe7 · #14 08-31-2008, 11:24 AM

Thanks man... a great help

so now if someone has a 70s gibson bass I need to know the bridge saddle heights.

3rdcurve · #15 12-18-2009, 08:21 PM

Hey fellas, I know this an older thread but I felt compelled to share my thoughts of the Supertone bridge for the Thunderbird. First off, to compare the Supertone to the stock 3 point side-by-side you notice the Hipshot is certainly more substantial. The design allows almost the entire bridge (all but a small notch where the front stud was mounted) to make contact with the body of the bass. All needed hardware was included and the install took me a total of 15 minutes! Every aspect of this bridges is solid and screams quality. It has the usual individual string height and intonation adjustments, plus an ability to adjust string spacing. Adjustments are effortless, and the action and intonation were near perfect out of the box! Those who complain of sky high action on their Thunderbird need not worry about the Supertone. I personally can't think of a better way to enhance the performance and playability of these basses than this product.

shackled · #16 12-18-2009, 08:29 PM

Cool- Thanks for reviving the thread with that post.
Good to know!

stiles72 · #17 12-18-2009, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquateen

despite it's reputation for being difficult to set up, the 3 point is a functional bridge. it's just different than the more common bridges that people are used to. imo, ymmv, etc

+1 I'd try the Hipsot on a T-bird knock off, but I wouldn't change the bridge my Gibson T-birds - there's a reason they sound the way they do - and every component contributes to the tone.

bass_lord_mutha · #18 01-09-2011, 12:45 AM

Obviously, I'm resurrecting a VERY dead thread here, hehe, but I need to know, what is the string spacing on this bridge? I can't seem to find that info anywhere!!

DangerChicken · #19 03-19-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass_lord_mutha

Obviously, I'm resurrecting a VERY dead thread here, hehe, but I need to know, what is the string spacing on this bridge? I can't seem to find that info anywhere!!

a little late but if you're still looking it's .696. Here's the complete spec's
http://hipshotproducts.com/files/all/supertone.pdf

I'm interested in putting one of these on my SG reissue if anyone has any opinions on that, TIA.

Wild Steve · #20 11-14-2011, 02:23 PM

The string spacing is also adjustable. Just put one of my Gibson Thunderbird and it's fantastic.
Steve