I need a new bridge

azfryguy · #1 11-06-2010, 12:18 AM

All the alan wrench screws are striped not sure if its cause I use really cheap tools or what. Either way I was thinking of a custom hipshot bridge. Brass with silver saddles,screws and springs but everything else black. I e-mailed them and they said it wouldn cost that much like $20 extra. Does anyone have any idea on how much it would cost to get it installed on my bass? Also I would like my bass to be string through just for extra options what would be the price on that?

JLS · #2 11-06-2010, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

All the alan wrench screws are striped not sure if its cause I use really cheap tools or what. Either way I was thinking of a custom hipshot bridge. Brass with silver saddles,screws and springs but everything else black. I e-mailed them and they said it wouldn cost that much like $20 extra. Does anyone have any idea on how much it would cost to get it installed on my bass? Also I would like my bass to be string through just for extra options what would be the price on that?

Have you considered replacing the allen screws, and using the correct allen wrench to adjust them?

Billy K · #3 11-06-2010, 07:51 AM

JLS is right the allen screws will cost you a couple bucks at Ace hardwear.and get a allen driver that fits,also cheap cheap cheap in fact Sears and maybe Ace sell them with screw driver like handles so it could be your bass only setup

TGLbass · #4 11-07-2010, 10:46 AM

what do you mean by string thru?

80'sRocker · #5 11-07-2010, 10:50 AM

IMO, Hipshot makes the best bridge hands down

azfryguy · #6 11-07-2010, 11:17 AM

I have harbor freight tools there garbage but cost like a buck trust me im using the right size and i had no idea i could buy replacment alan screws

202dy · #7 11-07-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

I have harbor freight tools there garbage but cost like a buck trust me im using the right size and i had no idea i could buy replacment alan screws

Buy the best tools you can afford. The dollar or two saved on the cheap tool is quickly diminished by the cost of new parts.

Pilgrim · #8 11-07-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Buy the best tools you can afford. The dollar or two saved on the cheap tool is quickly diminished by the cost of new parts.

Amen. And don't criticize the bridge for something that's caused by using the wrong tools to adjust it. Set screws are cheap, and decent tools last a lifetime and don't mess up screws. If the original screws are stripped (not "striped," which would be visually interesting), then the problem usually lies with the person who adjusted them.

JLS · #9 11-07-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Amen. And don't criticize the bridge for something that's caused by using the wrong tools to adjust it. Set screws are cheap, and decent tools last a lifetime and don't mess up screws. If the original screws are stripped (not "striped," which would be visually interesting), then the problem usually lies with the person who adjusted them.

Couldn'ta said it better....

BigOldHarry · #10 11-07-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Buy the best tools you can afford. The dollar or two saved on the cheap tool is quickly diminished by the cost of new parts.

Yeah, I was sorta thinking the same thing when I saw "Harbor Freight", where you can buy a horizontal mill for what - $250?!?!?

knucklehead G · #11 11-07-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

Brass with silver saddles,screws and springs but everything else black. I e-mailed them and they said it wouldn cost that much like $20 extra.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...ct=HA4C&cid=89

Like this?

Pilgrim · #12 11-07-2010, 06:13 PM

To be fair, there are indeed tools that I buy at Harbor Freight - but not things like hex wrenches. They are too often made of soft metal or they are overly brittle. I tend to buy more disposable or "simple as a hammer" items like pliers and metal C clamps. I don't think I'd depend on their screwdrivers, either - I like carbide tip screwdrivers and they cost $$, but they don't wear prematurely, bend or warp under pressure.

azfryguy · #13 11-08-2010, 04:10 PM

so how much are new alan screws

Pilgrim · #14 11-08-2010, 06:46 PM

Probably like 50 cents each. ACE Hardware is a good place to look.

azfryguy · #15 11-09-2010, 12:56 AM

and what exactly are they called when I walk in and someone ask me "do you need any help?" "Yes I am looking for _________"

knucklehead G · #16 11-09-2010, 01:20 AM

Bring in your bridge and say, "These."

202dy · #17 11-09-2010, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

and what exactly are they called when I walk in and someone ask me "do you need any help?" "Yes I am looking for _________"

Cap screws.

PJSShearer · #18 11-09-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

and what exactly are they called when I walk in and someone ask me "do you need any help?" "Yes I am looking for _________"

Take one of the screws out of the bridge and take it with you.

JLS · #19 11-09-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azfryguy

and what exactly are they called when I walk in and someone ask me "do you need any help?" "Yes I am looking for _________"

"Allen screws"--that's what this discussion has been about, hasn't it? They will need to know the thread pitch--this is when you hand over one of the screws that you have removed, and say, "Like this". If you can't unscrew one with an allen key, remove it from the bottom with a pair of pliers. If you can't do this, take your bass in, and show them.

Buy a couple of good allen wrenches while you are there.

Pilgrim · #20 11-09-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJSShearer

Take one of the screws out of the bridge and take it with you.

Good call. That's pretty obvious, but it's the only way to assure that you get the right size and thread.