ABM headless 5 string bass retainer dimensions wanted

david_l_perry · #1 08-21-2008, 08:19 AM

...Alan at ACG is making me a 5 string headless bass but getting hardware is proving a little awkward as my bridge string spacing is fairly narrow. We have hopefully sorted the bridge assembly out (ETS) but struggling a little with the headpiece.

I wanted to use a Status string retainer headpiece so I keep all the string spacing the same as my long standing main Status bass of 10+ years, but Status are 'out of stock'.

Does anybody know the spacing of the standard 5 string ABM headless string retainer, it isn't on the web site and I think ABM are shut down at the moment (holidays).

Obviously its the top part. I am after 10mm string to string spacing

Cheers, Dave

scottyd · #2 08-21-2008, 10:27 AM

I've ran into the same problem with my latest build. In the past I've built my own but I would rather not this time around. It's a lot of work! Not many venders have ABM in stock and getting gold (like what I needed) was near impossible.

So I too ordered a headless setup from ETS, they also have the string retainers, but you shape them yourself. They come in a raw brass finish and can be built for whatever spacing you want. I can't speak for Alan but that suited me perfect because I can shape the retainer to my neck instead of the other way around, and since the hardware on this bass is going to be gold the brass will polish for a close match.

RIM Basses · #3 08-21-2008, 10:46 AM

Hi Guys,

I know the 6 string headplate is 55mm wide as I need to order one for Christophe's custom. I also wanted to use the Status headpiece but they are not selling them anynore due to change of supplier and costs. I would guess the 5 string will be 45mm but dont quote me on that.

Cheers,

Robbie.

Skelf · #4 08-21-2008, 11:14 AM

Black hardware on this bass so the brass would be a bit out of place.
Robbie
I would think it would be around 45/46 mm in total.
I will order one up but I don't want to make a neck template without the unit in my hand.
Dave is trying to get a figure on the string spacing from a playing perspective.
ETS finally came good on the bridge so I am looking forward to getting my hands on it.
Alan

Watson Guitars · #5 08-21-2008, 11:59 AM

I think I have one - I'll check today and measure it for you .. Alex

Skelf · #6 08-21-2008, 12:16 PM

Cheers Alex.

scottyd · #7 08-21-2008, 07:32 PM

https://shop.strato.de/epages/610388...e%204string%22
This place says they can get the ETS string retainer raw or finished.

MX21 · #8 08-22-2008, 12:37 AM

I have the 5-string ABM headless set that I'm putting on the bass I have in progress now. The string spacing is 9mm. Total width of the headpiece is between 47 and 48mm (1 7/8").

MX

Skelf · #9 08-22-2008, 01:38 AM

Thanks for that appreciated.
Alan

david_l_perry · #10 08-22-2008, 01:51 AM

Fantastic, thanks for that MX21. I measured my Status spacing at just under 10mm so that will be perfect.......
over to you now Alan

Dave

Watson Guitars · #11 08-28-2008, 03:17 PM

I have a Chrome part (the same as above) and the same dimension on my one measures 1.890" (48mm)

Skelf · #12 08-28-2008, 03:27 PM

Thanks Alex.
The part has been ordered up so just about got all the hardware for this build so I can finally get a start made on it.
Alan

Florida Jim · #13 10-20-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX21

I have the 5-string ABM headless set that I'm putting on the bass I have in progress now. The string spacing is 9mm. Total width of the headpiece is between 47 and 48mm (1 7/8").

MX

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...34#post9873034

I'm starting another headless project with fanned frets. I've bought the single tuning bridge pieces, and I need the 5 string headpiece like in the picture. Any help on where I can buy just this item? Thanks!

Skelf · #14 10-20-2010, 03:19 PM

I have the ETS headpiece which is made from plain brass but can only take normal strings but if it is a fan fret you wont be bale to use double ball ends anyway.
It comes as a rectangle and you file it to suit your neck profile.
If you want a pic let me know.

MX21 · #15 10-20-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida Jim

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...34#post9873034

I'm starting another headless project with fanned frets. I've bought the single tuning bridge pieces, and I need the 5 string headpiece like in the picture. Any help on where I can buy just this item? Thanks!

I don't know where to get just the head. I've only seen it sold as a set: head, bridge, and tuners.

Skelf · #16 10-21-2010, 01:59 AM

Just in case I did not make myself clear I have several of the ETS units that I will not be using so are available.

Florida Jim · #17 10-21-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skelf

I have the ETS headpiece which is made from plain brass but can only take normal strings but if it is a fan fret you wont be bale to use double ball ends anyway.
It comes as a rectangle and you file it to suit your neck profile.
If you want a pic let me know.

Thanks! Hook me up! I plan to extend the distance to the headpiece so it can be mounted square to the neck. Doing this the G string would have the longest space from the nut to the headpiece, but at least it would be straight in. IM me, or I can give you my email. Thanks again. JT

Skelf · #18 10-22-2010, 11:46 AM

Hi
There seems to be some confusion as to what I have available. Florida Jim asked about headpieces and that is what I have that I will not be using. The tuning units and the bridge units I will be using. I no longer need the headpiece unit because I now have my own custom made headpiece.

As you can see from the pic I have 1 x 4 string 5 x 5 string and 1 x 6 string.

Skelf · #19 10-22-2010, 11:47 AM

Hi
There seems to be some confusion as to what I have available. Florida Jim asked about headpieces and that is what I have that I will not be using. The tuning units and the bridge units I will be using. I no longer need the headpiece unit because I now have my own custom made headpiece.

As you can see from the pic I have 1 x 4 string 5 x 5 string and 1 x 6 string.

These do not take double ballends only normal strings which are clamped by the grub screw.

Florida Jim · #20 11-02-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skelf

Hi
There seems to be some confusion as to what I have available. Florida Jim asked about headpieces and that is what I have that I will not be using. The tuning units and the bridge units I will be using. I no longer need the headpiece unit because I now have my own custom made headpiece.

As you can see from the pic I have 1 x 4 string 5 x 5 string and 1 x 6 string.

These do not take double ballends only normal strings which are clamped by the grub screw.

Sorry for the delay. I'm interested in a five string version, what would you sell me one for? jimterry11@aol.com