Where to find a A Style 5 string narrow spaced bridge ??

detroitfunk · #1 12-31-2007, 09:15 AM

I have a 5 string bass I built from a thru neck that I bought from Carvin in 1993. It has narrow string spacing - .669. I am trying to find an A Style 5 string bass bridge for it - but for some reason I am having no luck.

I bought this one from Carvin recently:

https://www.carvin20.com/products/si...p?product=HA5C

It claims to be .669, but the one I received is .750 string spacing. I sent it back and Carvin has no idea what the heck is going on or if they even got it in the mail yet after several weeks. (I am not recommending them btw - based on very bad customer service)

Hipshot doesnt list a .669 5 string bridge on their site.

Anybody know who makes the bridge I am looking for ? ? The original was a Wilkenson which isnt doing to trick. (the saddles lift up if you snap on a string)

Help ?

bassgod0dmw · #2 12-31-2007, 10:26 AM

Hipshot has them on their site...I own one. You need to click the little drop down box to get the other spacing options. They make one in both aluminum and brass...as well as black, chrome, or gold colors.

I got mine form bestbassgear.com...they have perfect customer service.

detroitfunk · #3 12-31-2007, 12:26 PM

Aw geez - yeah Im seeing the settings now for choosing the string spacing. I ordered one originally from StewMac, and they are the ones who offer no choice for the spacing, not Hipshot.

I got a new one on the way directly from Hipshot now.

Carvin still is non responsive. Thats lame, I like their stuff - but refuse to buy from people who are so sluggish.

Bryan316 · #4 01-02-2008, 07:50 AM

DF, I went through almost the same routine as you did. Yes, Carvin does sell Hipshots, NO they don't offer every spacing available. I'm used to narrow 5-stringers like Ibanez Soundgears and Schecters and Tobias Killer B's. I too am working on a project bass with a Carvin thru-neck. 24 stainless steel frets, hard-rock maple single piece, ebony fretboard, blank headstock paddle. The neck is awesome, can't wait until I do the major woodworking.

I ended up using my buddy at Guitarded Center to order my Hipshot A-style, all brass black finish, .669 spacing. It's totally worth contacting Hipshot straight. They don't list every spacing available on their website, or bridges for 7 stringers and up, but calling them, they'll get you covered.

DAMNIT this thread makes me itchy to get back to my woodshop. I'm totally jonesing for that sawdust smell in my clothes!!!

detroitfunk · #5 01-03-2008, 08:09 AM

Yeah - well i struck out with Hipshot too, they are backorderd at least 4 weeks YOW. Now I have to call around and see whos got a .669 in stock..

detroitfunk · #6 01-03-2008, 12:06 PM

Man - this keeps getting better. I called Carvin for the 8th time trying to get them to locate the bridge I returned. I sent it with tracking and it arrived the 21st of December. They only found it today after I got them to physically look for it.

Now they are not sure if they sent the proper bridge out after the received the returned bridge. Hm.

I told them if they have an actual .669 Hipshot bridge, send it. Problem is, thats what I ordered to begin with. What they sent was a .750 Hipshot in a .669 package. So now I am afraid that if they resend the bridge, I'll get another .750.

Nobody seems to have the .669s in stock, so hopefully Carvin comes through.

I just want to play my guitar....

BTW - its the one in my avatar. Thats the old bridge in the photo. Since that photo, I took it all apart and installed EMG jazz pups, and epoxyed the fretboard. (fretlines). I also redid the pickup rings, which are now made of lacewood.

Ill post proper photos when its done. It is by no means a perfect bass cosmetically, Ive experimented a lot along the way. It plays great when its together, which is my main concern. It did turn out pretty cool looking tho.