Mounting my Hipshot bridge to a Buckeye Burl top

[AndyMania]

Something that recently caught my attention is that when I mount my Hipshot bridge to my Buckeye Burl top, will the Burl be strong enough to hold it. We know Burl is fragile but are there any special steps I need to take to make sure my bridge (specially under string tension) doesnt rip off? Longer screws maybe? Adding wood hardner to the Burl? Suggestions and advice greatly appreciated.

-Andy

[need4mospd]

Originally Posted by AndyMania

Longer screws maybe?

I'm assuming it's a 1/4" top right? I'm not sure what the "standard" sized screw is, but I'd think you'd at least be using a 1" screw giving you 3/4" in the solid wood which should be plenty to hold that sucker down.

[Rickett Customs]

Well also keep in mind, the string pull is not exactly pulling upward from the body either........ it's actually pulling in a sideways direction, which in comparison makes it a bit more awkward to just pull straight off, especially with the direction the screws are oriented.

[AndyMania]

Yeah its a 1/4 top. So I should definitely have the screws go into the bottom body wood as well right?

[pilotjones]

If it were a solid "normal" wood body, I'd want at least 1/2" into the body, which would mean a 5/8" minimum flat or oval head screw. With 1/4" of buckeye, I would add 1/4" to that.