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  #1  
Old 08-07-2011, 02:01 PM
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southport, UK
Replacement Bridge for a '73 Gibson Grabber

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Recently bought a '73 Gibson Grabber in lovely roadworn order and whilst it plays like butter it is missing its bridge cover. The height adjustment screws are shredding my wrist when I play palm muted (which I do a lot). Sourced an original stock Gibson bridge cover from ebay but I think it is for an SG so it is too big. Decided the best thing to do is replace the bridge and was thinking about a Hipshot - but not sure which one. Thought the best people to ask were the very knowlegable TB members. Any advice gratefully received.
Cheers,
Betabandidos
  #2  
Old 08-07-2011, 08:56 PM
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The big things here are string spacing and string through body, that leaves the "A" style bridge. You need the one with .687 string spacing.

Drilling new holes will be required.
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Last edited by 96tbird : 08-07-2011 at 09:01 PM.
  #3  
Old 08-09-2011, 05:18 PM
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Join Date: May 2011
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Replacement Bridge for a '73 Gibson Grabber

Thanks for the feedback 96Tbird. I wouldn't have a clue about string spacing so thanks for the tip. It's a shame I'll have to drill new holes as i was hoping to avoid doing that. I wonder if there's any other bridge that will fit the exisiting screw holes?
  #4  
Old 08-09-2011, 05:46 PM
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Sorry, no. The Grabber, and g-3 and ripper were the only basses that used these bent flat plate bridges. Not enough around to make it viable to make direct fit. The old two point bridges have replacements and so do the 3 pointers. Many more basses around with them. Re-drilling is no biggie though.

Hey it is possible to replace the saddle screws with shorter, hex socket ones. If you measured the height needed so that they are buried in the saddles when set, you' can the correct length. I know where to get them. If you know a machine shop near you, or a welding shop, they can probably give you the size info (diameter and thread pitch) if you take one to them. they likely can get them for you too.

You know when I was a kid, I had the same problem with my screws, I feel you pain, and replaced the bridge (wider string spacing, not string through body). I lost the original and recently ressurected my G-3 and replaced the bridge again with a string through style, wider spacing again. I do wish I had the old bridge. If you decide to replace yours, I would offer to buy your original.
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  #5  
Old 08-11-2011, 05:08 PM
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Ha, Ha. Now you've got me thinking! I really hated the thought of removing an original part and replacing it with a modern after market alternative - but I never considered shortening the bridge saddle screws. I will now though. If I can't do that i will source replacement screws rather than changing the whole bridge. Thanks for the feedback though!!!
Cheers.
  #6  
Old 08-11-2011, 05:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 96tbird View Post
Sorry, no. The Grabber, and g-3 and ripper were the only basses that used these bent flat plate bridges.
Sorry, no.

The Ripper uses the 3-Point Cast bridge.

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  #7  
Old 08-11-2011, 06:22 PM
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So it did. Immaterial here tho'
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