Bridge screw holes too big - help

[fourstringbliss]

I'm installing a new bridge on my jazz bass, the screw holes on the new bridge line up with the original, but the new screws are narrower than the original screws. Can I use the toothpick trick here? What would you do?

[chiselhead]

What I would do is add glue and fill the holes completely with toothpicks. After glue sets, drill new smaller pilot holes and install the new bridge.

[need4mospd]

Use the old screws?

[fourstringbliss]

Originally Posted by need4mospd

Use the old screws?

I'm going to try the original screws but the stock screw head is a good bit larger than the screws that come with the new bridge, and they're domed on top - the new screws are flat-topped and the tops need to be flush with the base plate. I might just be able to file down the tops of the stock screws so they are flush when screwed in.

[__HM__]

Fill with a thin dowel, then redrill. Unless the holes are tiny, I wouldnt trust toothpicks. Dont waste time filing the screws, filling the holes is much quicker, and dowels are dirt cheap.

[fourstringbliss]

Stock bridge screws worked just fine - thanks!!