5 string LP bass tune o matic bridge???

[Wade B]

Looking for a replacement tune o matic bridge for Epiphone 5 string Les Paul bass. I've even contacted Epiphone and the custom shop only put out so many of those. Cannot find anywhere wondering if anybody can make a 3D printed copy of one with a strut in the center to prevent sagging which is what happened to the original. This photo is not my bass but looks exactly like mine did when it was new.

 

[sissy kathy]

You aren't looking hard enough.

5 String D Style Bass Bridge

Edit your profile to include a city and state/country so you can get the best assistance.

 

[Wade B]

Nor is anyone else, That is not a tune-o- matic Bridge.

 

[sissy kathy]

Nor is anyone else, That is not a tune-o- matic Bridge.

No it isn't, but I believe it's as close as you're going to get unless you have one custom made.

 

[Lownote38]

Or, you could modify the original bridge in such a way that the sag is alleviated.

 

[sissy kathy]

Or, you could modify the original bridge in such a way that the sag is alleviated.

Hard to do with a zinc bridge. Zinc is malleable between 100c (212f) and 150c (~300f); either cooler or hotter and it is brittle. It also melts at ~420c (~785f).

 

[Lownote38]

Hard to do with a zinc bridge. Zinc is malleable between 100c (212f) and 150c (~300f); either cooler or hotter and it is brittle. It also melts at ~420c (~785f).

I meant rig up a post in the middle to stop it from sagging under string tension. I didn't mean try and bend it.

 

[sissy kathy]

OP how do you envision a center strut working? The bridge height is adjustable, not the saddles, so the strut would need to be adjustable as well.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Use a chicago screw aka sex bolt?

not saying it’s a good idea…

 

[sissy kathy]

Use a chicago screw aka sex bolt?

not saying it’s a good idea…

That might actually work.

 

[Scott Sognefest]

My Son owns two of these basses. He likes the fact that it looks like my Les Paul Custom. He has the same bridge sag shown above on one of them, but it still functions. The issue he is having is the tailpiece bent and cracked in the middle under all the tension. I expect that is why we don't see this bridge type on bass guitars. We used Autocad Focus to design an exact replacement. One of his teachers owns a CNC machine. We are going to mill a new one out of brass (making a silly heavy guitar even heavier). Will post an update when its done.

 

[96tbird]

My Son owns two of these basses. He likes the fact that it looks like my Les Paul Custom. He has the same bridge sag shown above on one of them, but it still functions. The issue he is having is the tailpiece bent and cracked in the middle under all the tension. I expect that is why we don't see this bridge type on bass guitars. We used Autocad Focus to design an exact replacement. One of his teachers owns a CNC machine. We are going to mill a new one out of brass (making a silly heavy guitar even heavier). Will post an update when its done.

Maybe make three and help the OP out?

 

[96tbird]

Use a chicago screw aka sex bolt?

not saying it’s a good idea…

Is that like a Chicago sunroof? S’all Good man.

 

[sissy kathy]

Chicago screw, AKA sex bolt.

 

[Scott Sognefest]

Maybe make three and help the OP out?

If it works and its afordable, I plan to make a few for just that reason. If not affordable I could make the CAD file available.

 

[Scott Sognefest]

So...Pictures of the second Prototype printed on a 3D printer at our local library. Everything fits perfectly. Third and hopefully final prototype being printed tomnorrow and then we'll be ready to have it milled on a CNC machine. My son is leaning towards brass. I told him the bass is already heavy, maybe it will help with the neck dive I am a Fender Bass guy. I did it mostly just to annoy him . We will provide an update after version 3 and again afer we have it machined. If anyone looking at this thread has a suggestiopn for where to do that we are all ears. That said, there are many many online options so we will treat this like research. Bottom line, we need to solve our problem but would be happy to, and intend to, help anyone out her on Talk Bass. All the best.

 

[Scott Sognefest]

Version 3. Getting close

 

[Scott Sognefest]

So after many iterations, lots of patience, and a little luck we have a new brass tun-o-matic five string bass and tailpiece! It cost about $275 to mave CNC Milled in china. Arrived a few days ago and it came out great.

 

[Amak]

That's Beautiful! Any Chance to get one in black? I really only need the bridge not the seat.

 

[Robsgear]

My Son owns two of these basses. He likes the fact that it looks like my Les Paul Custom. He has the same bridge sag shown above on one of them, but it still functions. The issue he is having is the tailpiece bent and cracked in the middle under all the tension. I expect that is why we don't see this bridge type on bass guitars. We used Autocad Focus to design an exact replacement. One of his teachers owns a CNC machine. We are going to mill a new one out of brass (making a silly heavy guitar even heavier). Will post an update when its done.

Hey Scott,
I have a 20 yr old Epi LP 5-string bass also and my bridge has sagged. I would buy a replacement from you (if I can afford it)! Please contact me directly if you can get one for me. [email protected]
Thx.