Suggestion for Gibson SG bridge

**Matthew Tucker** · #1 08-13-2006, 07:37 PM

The bridge posts on this old Gibson SG are worn and the bridge is tilting forwards, raising the action and making me nervous.

What would you recommend that I do to repair or replace the bridge that would not adversely affect the vintage value of this bass? I don't know much about Gibsons. I spend most of my time over on the DB side ...

As you can see from the pix, there are already some small screwholes in the body around the existing bridge. Was there a bridge cover on this bass originally?

I apologise for the substandard fuzzy pics.

DemoEtc · #2 08-13-2006, 08:32 PM

I'm no expert on Gibson basses, but that's probably not the original bridge anyhow - which you probably already know. I think that straight-across thumbrest isn't original either.

But you might try allparts.com to see if they have aftermarket bridges that might fit the spacing of the posts so you could just drop it in. I know you don't want to be boring any new post-holes in there though, so you might try that option.

You might just try getting a piece of ebony or something to fit under the front part of the underside of the bridge - right ahead of the posts - so it will help straight the whole thing out. The only problem with that is, if you lower the bridge you'd have to sand down the wood strip to match, but it would be pretty much invisible.

Hope this helps.

Nice bass by the way!

spudmaster34 · #3 08-13-2006, 08:38 PM

My friends 1960 something or another sg had the bridge cover, so that could be what the other holes are from

emils · #4 08-13-2006, 08:40 PM

Shouldn't that Gibson bridge look like this?

**Matthew Tucker** · #5 08-13-2006, 08:42 PM

The straight-across ebony thumbrest is my addition, using very tiny screws, one using an existing screw hole. As a DB player, I miss having a thumbrest, and the pickup is not in a very convenient position for this.

I have a feeling that the strings originally would have been anchored to or through a bridge cover or something, as you can see the bridge itself is too close to the slots, making the thick winding ride up over the plastic string guides.

I'll think about the ebony spacer suggestion. yeah I noticed that later bridges appear to have three posts - obviously this was a design weakness. By this bass only has two holes. What's that part number. emils?

emils · #6 08-13-2006, 09:10 PM

http://www.allparts.com/categories.p...INGLE%20STRING

Part No. BB_0333-001

emils · #7 08-13-2006, 09:23 PM

Here's aphoto of another EB-0 that has a bridge similar to your's

It looks like there is another part just under the bridge like the one you have. Maybe someone who ownes one can chime in.

emils · #8 08-13-2006, 09:28 PM

Just found this, there was a mute just under the bridge and your is original. It also had a cover.

http://www.gibsonbass.com/graphics/1...0-cherry-1.jpg

**Matthew Tucker** · #9 08-13-2006, 10:24 PM

Well spotted! What would the "mute" be for? I think there are indeed mounting holes for something like this on the bass (not with me now)

OK found this on the gibson website

"From late '67 the infamous 2 point bridge, with chrome plated bridge cover was used on all EB basses, and the thumbrest was discontinued in favour of a bridge cover. The first time all four strings could be intonated seperately. Gibson started using the 3 point bridge (still with chrome-plated bridge cover) in 1973. This was a far more reliable design, and is still in use today. This bridge design does not incorporate the string mute of earlier models."

Now - do I try to find the original mute, or upgrade to a three-point bridge and make a new hole?

emils · #10 08-13-2006, 10:45 PM

I had a look and couldn't find any sources for the original bridge on the net. It's up to you wether you want to change the bridge. I'm guessing that if you change the bridge for the new one it wouldn't change the value of the bass too much since you're missing parts on this one anyway. If I had that bass I would install the new one.

MM-Stingray5 · #11 08-14-2006, 02:43 AM

The bridge for this bass is the same as you would find on a thunderbird or a ripper/grabber almost anything gibson! if your looking for them you will find them on ebay and buy and sells. you can also get black chrome ones to match the thunderbirds look if your interested!

Do not replace that bridge, get it fixed get someone to take it off and give it a clean, then go n search of an original cover, and that thing will be worth a fortune. But i would say get it all fixed up and keep it its worth quite abit with all the original hardware on it.

**Matthew Tucker** · #12 08-14-2006, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MM-Stingray5

Do not replace that bridge, get it fixed get someone to take it off and give it a clean, then go n search of an original cover

problem is, the posts and threads are worn and the bridge is tilting fowards badly. The bass is to play, not to collect. so it needs to work properly without risk of the bridge pulling out altogether. Maybe I can replace just the posts?

burtonisalive · #13 08-14-2006, 05:21 AM

Don't buy a new bridge!!!!

This is a common problem with Gibson/Epiphone products, at least I have seen it more than once. I took my Epi Flying V, which has a similar type of bridge, to a repair shop in my area. All the guy had to do was put a couple of shims in the holes and reset the bridge. It cost me $20 and one day. Definitely better than buying a bridge, installing it, ruining the guitar, etc.

Just Josh

aquateen · #14 08-14-2006, 07:52 AM

the bridge is tilting forward beacause the set screws that tighten against the posts were not loosened before adjusting the height. you'll find them at the back of the bridge and will need a fairly small allen wrench to loosen and tighten them. I don't know the size offhand but if you have a set of allen wrenches, you probably have the right size already. I have the same 2-point bridge (except for metal saddles) on my '72 EB-3 and it's never tilted. as far as replacing the posts, keep in mind that the Allparts bridge is metric and will not fit the original threaded inserts. get in touch with Greg at classicax.com to see if he can help you. I'm not sure but perhaps the posts that Gibson uses for the Tune-o-matic guitar bridge will work.

**Matthew Tucker** · #15 08-14-2006, 04:30 PM

hey aquateen, you know stuff! I looked all over the bridge for clues but I never would have seen those setscrews! Or anyone else for that matter obviously, as the damage has been done before I got to the bass.

I'll try to see if I can straighten things up a bit, failing that I'll try to shim the posts and failing THAT I'll make up a bronze or ebony insert to support the front of the bridge.

aquateen · #16 08-15-2006, 05:26 AM

I'm glad I could be of some help. good luck with it and be sure to let us know how it turns out. btw, the Gibson forum on the Dudepit is an excellent resource for us Gibson owners.

**Matthew Tucker** · #17 08-15-2006, 05:49 AM

I loosened the setscrews this evening and used a small shim of tincan in the post holes to take up the slack. I tightened it back up and it's much better. Still leans a bit, but much better. Action now much better. Thanks again.

aquateen · #18 08-16-2006, 05:44 AM

have a look at this, Matthew

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gibson-Bass-Guit...QQcmdZViewItem