SX LTD body, Fender bridge, high mass bridge, saddle movement space and ashtray???

musicelectronix · #1 08-07-2008, 10:10 PM

I went with the flow and got myself an essex LTD bass. It had some kind of high mass bridge on it. It didn't intonate properly due to limited saddle movement space, so I had to move the bridge about 1/2" back, a hair more than 17" from 12th fret crown.

Anyway, I noticed another bridge was mounted under the bridge at some point, then it was removed and replaced the current bridge. The previous bridge had a weird 2+4 screw pattern, so top 2 screw holes became exposed. Then I got an ashtray bridge cover, but it wouldn't fit because the bridge is mounted way back and there is just not enough clearance.

So my question is, if I got a regular Fender bridge, would I be able to put the ashtray bridge cover? I am thinking (trying to remember actually) Fender bridges have smaller profile compared to that particular SX LTD bridge. Morever, I believe I can pull the saddles back further, so I could mount the bridge a little closer to neck (hopefully to the original position), which would give me enough space behind the bridge (combined with smaller profile). Am I on the money or am I yet again spending money for some other thing I won't be able to use?

Chasarms · #2 08-08-2008, 08:43 AM

The bridge cover, or ashtray, is designed to cover a Fender bridge. So, assuming everything is in the right place, I would expect it to fit.

lowtide · #3 08-08-2008, 08:56 AM

Are you sure the previous bridge is a 2x4 pattern? SX stock bent bridges are 2x5. Assuming one of the main reasons you bought the LTD was the higher mass bridge, there are Fender-style deluxe bridges that will mount to the stock SX holes and you'll still have the higher mass affect, plus you'll be able to attach a cover as well.

But if it were me and I wanted that LTD bridge I would put it where it needed to be after I filled and repainted those holes.

I think it's strange that the LTD bridge would be in the wrong place. I'm sure we'd of heard it by others who've bought one. It seems to me you've maybe installed a set of 35" scale strings???

musicelectronix · #4 08-08-2008, 12:21 PM

As a matter of fact, it may be as well 2x5 pattern. I didn't pay that much attention. Also I am sure this is an isolated incident, Kurt of Rondomusic offered refund immediately after I reported the problems. I just put too much work on the bass, so I opted not to replace it. In my understanding, this body was belonged to another bass and they replaced the bridge, put a new neck, etc. There was also a set of another pickguard screws under the existing pickguard.

I first thought I may be about the strings, which were Carvin. Then I put a new set of Roto rounds and the problem remained. I measured the distances and saw that when the saddles were retracted all the way down, the distance beetween 12th fret and them was a hair under 17".

So, when I install those deluxe bridges to the original spot, should I be able to intonate properly as in I can pull back the saddles as much as a Fender bridge? I do have one of those on my MIM Fender, which had them on when I bought it used, its bridge was also moved back a little (bridge cover didn't fit on it either).

musicelectronix · #5 08-08-2008, 07:14 PM

Any more takers?

lowtide · #6 08-09-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicelectronix

So, when I install those deluxe bridges to the original spot, should I be able to intonate properly as in I can pull back the saddles as much as a Fender bridge?

I don't see any reason why not. . .

Quote:

I do have one of those on my MIM Fender, which had them on when I bought it used, its bridge was also moved back a little (bridge cover didn't fit on it either).

That would indeed be strange for Fender to put out a bridge that couldn't use it's own covers. But who am I, what do I know? Ever since I started working on Fenders, etc., any time I've used the deluxe bridges I've also been able to install a cover when requested.

Do you have a photo of this supposed MIM Fender bridge?
I'd like to see a Fender bridge that doesn't allow fitting a cover over it.

musicelectronix · #7 08-09-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowtide

Do you have a photo of this supposed MIM Fender bridge?
I'd like to see a Fender bridge that doesn't allow fitting a cover over it.

Sure, I will do that later today. But as I said, it is not about the profile of the bridge, it is the relative location (when we are talking about that particular MIM Fender).

lowtide · #8 08-09-2008, 12:13 PM

When I set up a bridge I set the g saddle to 1/4" to 3/8" back from the leading edge of the bridge and measure back 34" from the nut to the center of that g saddle.

Steveaux · #9 08-10-2008, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowtide

When I set up a bridge I set the g saddle to 1/4" to 3/8" back from the leading edge of the bridge and measure back 34" from the nut to the center of that g saddle.

+1 The Buzzard knows ....