Bridge w/ adjustable string pitch/spacing?

[davesisk]

Hi Folks:

I have a Conklin GT-5 that has string spacing just a bit too close for my fingers. There's enough room at 24th fret to spread the strings to very close to 3" at the bridge (it's a 5-string). The current bridge is about 2-5/8" from B string to G string, and is exactly 4" x 2". There's about an extra 1/2" of space, so I could go with a bridge that's 4" x about 2-1/2" max. I need black to match the existing hardware, and preferably brass since that's what's on there now, but I can go with a different material if the string spacing range is right. One that's the right size and allows adjustment between about 2-5/8" to 3" would be ideal I believe. I actually really want to go with adjustable spacing...I've got a little room to adjust, but not a huge amount, so I plan to compensate for the string diameters so that the true spacing between strings is the same (rather than center-to-center being the same).

I've looked at a Kahler K5B bridge that's highly adjustable, but it's too long to fit and it's no longer available in black. I'm eyeballing some of the ABM bridges but finding the exact info on string spacing range seems to be difficult. I've looked at the Leon Quan Badarse's, but the site doesn't show one with adjustable spacing unless I've missed it.

Anyway, any suggestions on where to look, best pricing, and any URL's would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[PaleMelanesian]

Hipshot

edit: http://hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?...t_detail&p=125

[g00eY]

Wilkinsons are very adjustable. pretty old design, so you can find them really cheap now. i have one that came stock on my Carvin, and i think it's a pretty darn good bridge. dunno the size specs, though.

[davesisk]

I've seen that Hipshot offers a variety of string spacings, but I didn't realize that they are adjustable within a certain range...is that the case?

Dave

[PaleMelanesian]

I believe they are, to some degree. Probably enough to make equal edge spacing for the strings.

[erikbojerik]

Yep, Hipshots are adjustable in string spacing. Each saddle actually has a notched shaft that slides back & forth and locks down with a set screw.

[davesisk]

Good deal. OK, I just ordered a Hipshot 19mm (3/4") bridge. That should put the string spacing at the bridge at exactly 3" center-to-center in middle adjustment. The Hipshot bridge has about 1/16" adjustment for each string, so I'll have a little bit of wiggle room. The current bridge has 2-11/16" (~68mm) string spacing at the bridge saddles, and this one puts the minimum string spacing at the bridge at 73mm. The current spacing drops by 7-8mm total from the bridge saddles to the 24th fret (68mm at the bridge down to 60mm at the 24th fret). Now, there's 2mm of space to the bottom of the G-string and 5mm of space to the top of the B-string at the 24th fret. The neck is 69mm wide at the 24th fret, and the hipshot bridge should put the strings at about 65mm total minimum width at the 24th fret. So, best I can determine, the strings will end up as about as wide as they can be without being off the fretboard at the 24th fret. And just in case I've made some glaring calculation error, LMII.com has a 2-week return policy.

Thanks a lot for your help and suggestions...much appreciated!

Dave