tele bass/55p bridge--can top load work??

timmarks · #1 08-10-2009, 10:00 AM

those single coil p basses have thru-body and a 3 hole bridge---do the holes line up so that a standard p (top load/5 hole/4 saddle) can be installed?? i would only use 3 of 5 holes if it lined up and wouldn't drill into the body.

thanks for the help

walterw · #2 08-11-2009, 12:02 AM

i bet an older american standard/deluxe bridge would fit right on, as it uses three holes and the through-body stringing.

Jefenator · #3 08-11-2009, 02:32 AM

The outer holes on my '51 RI bridge measure about 1 9/16" apart.

On the 5 hole bridge on my J-bass, the middle ones are 1 3/8".

So, without drilling, I'd say no on the 5-hole.

timmarks · #4 08-11-2009, 06:50 AM

thanks guys....any ideas on what could work??

if i get a bass like that, i'd like to put jamerson labellas on it, which are notorious for breaking going thru the body

bassmanrocke · #5 08-11-2009, 07:00 AM

I think the newer string through the body American bridges(By newer I mean post 92) will work. These have the four holes through the body and the three mounting screws, but also have individual saddles for each string.

tomshepp · #6 08-11-2009, 07:06 AM

Tim,
That 68' Tele bass you tried a while back, had LaBella flats through the body. Not Jamerson's. I never had a problem with them and they sounded great with the single coil pup. I think they're my fav flats for any Fender. I have them on my 62' Jazz. They also say on the package that they are not meant for through body bridges. I'd try to find a bridge you can try out lining it up to be sure you don't have to drill, if you have your mind/heart set on the Jamerson's.

How's the Starfire?

TomB · #7 08-11-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomshepp

Tim,
That 68' Tele bass you tried a while back, had LaBella flats through the body. Not Jamerson's. I never had a problem with them and they sounded great with the single coil pup. I think they're my fav flats for any Fender. I have them on my 62' Jazz. They also say on the package that they are not meant for through body bridges. I'd try to find a bridge you can try out lining it up to be sure you don't have to drill, if you have your mind/heart set on the Jamerson's.

I've had lighter guage than Jamerson LaBella flats break in an attempt to string them through the body... never even got up to tension. I now take their warning seriously.

I still love the DTF strings, I just don't string them through the body.

FWIW, I've never had any breakage w/other flats, including Fenders, Rotos and Chromes.

timmarks · #8 08-11-2009, 07:48 AM

hi tom--i know sometimes works, but i don't want to risk $40 set of strings. i've been wanting for years to set up a bass "jamerson style" with the heavy strings, but don't want to subject one of my vintage pbasses to it. some folks have suggested that my lakland glaub could handle it--i'm sure it could, but then i don't have the bridge cover for the foam....so i've been considering a custom shop 55, it has a really fat neck. but with the 55 there is the bridge issue and the fact that it's a single coil, a bit of a different animal.....maybe i'll get a 62 reissue and hope the neck hangs in there

and thanks for the post 92 american standard tip