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Allan Woody Rumblekat hardware advice

U

user362432

Guest
Dec 27, 2002
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#1
I just obtained one of these and I am not happy with the bridge, tuners and strings.
Problem with strings is easy and I already made my choice (GHS Pressurewounds)
Tuners are generic and very soon will need to be replaced. Question: What brand to use as Y version? Thanks.
But, my bigger dilemma is what to do with this ugly bridge?
There are 2 options - Hipshot and Babicz.
Babicz is almost 2 times more expensive. But, by looking on it seems to be much better option.
I need honest advice from someone who has some knowledge about this issue with 3 point Gibson crap. Thanks.
 
#2
The original tuners used by Gibson were Schaller M4 90 tuners, made for Gibson. The dust cap had either 'Gibson' written around the perimeter, or a 'G' on the dust cap. Replacements through Schaller will have either 'Schaller' written around the dust cap or the Schaller 'S'. Replacement tuners are available here.
https://www.schaller-electronic.com...-Light.htm?ITServ=C7bff2991X15d29bd09d2XY796b

I have no knowledge or experience with the 3 point bridge.
 
#8
Thank you, all. Babicz is pretty expensive. But, to me looks much better than anything else. Hipshot looks little bit too low and I cannot find measurements for it to compare to the current 3 point thing.
 
#9
user362432 said:
Thank you, all. Babicz is pretty expensive. But, to me looks much better than anything else. Hipshot looks little bit too low and I cannot find measurements for it to compare to the current 3 point thing.
Click to expand...
The hipshot is designed to replace that bridge so it should fit. The stock bridge is fine for me but people seem to like the increased adjustability and claimed tonal differences.
 
#10
I can see the flaws in it. First of all, first string is much lower than the rest. Second, because of low tension it seems to rattle a bit the whole bridge. Third, mechanically it, pretty much, stays in the air. I don't think it can make lot of vibrations to the wood with those 3 funny screws. Further, I am afraid it's going to pull out of the wood if I get a bit harsh on the strings any time in the future. So, all in, I think it would be good way to get a rid of it from beginning. I was just curious if it's worth paying $180 for Babicz (which looks really OK), compared to $100 for Hipshot?
 
#11
user362432 said:
I can see the flaws in it. First of all, first string is much lower than the rest. Second, because of low tension it seems to rattle a bit the whole bridge. Third, mechanically it, pretty much, stays in the air. I don't think it can make lot of vibrations to the wood with those 3 funny screws. Further, I am afraid it's going to pull out of the wood if I get a bit harsh on the strings any time in the future. So, all in, I think it would be good way to get a rid of it from beginning. I was just curious if it's worth paying $180 for Babicz (which looks really OK), compared to $100 for Hipshot?
Click to expand...

The Gibson 3-Point replacement bridge by Babicz can be had from Best Bass Gear for $136.49 (though they are currently out of stock); the Hipshot Supertone is $114.
 
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#15
What pisses me off is that saddle on the first string is significantly lower that on second string (and all others, for that matter) and cannot be adjusted. Is that normal? Should I complain about it to seller or Epiphone?
I think that gold color goes really nice with the red guitar. Looks very elegant.
 
#19
OK. I've got it and went to install it.
There is a little arch on the place of the bridge. That has to be taken care later on. I just could not wait. I went and install it.
Do not tight screws very hard. Because it is going to pull out bushings. During the installation, one of my bushings started to pull up and I stopped immediately. Pull was minimal. So I decided to install the strings. WOW!
Sustain, sound tuning, all improved significantly, even with factory strings. I am still waiting for GHS Pressurewounds to arrive. But, even with factory strings, situation is much, much, MUCH! better in every meaning. Saddle screws are almost all down. I stopped doing it. Because I am waiting for the new strings. I think I am going first to glue bushings, then I will put something below to file up small arch/gap at the edges ( I am considering thin piece of rubber, just to keep it even in the place).
Just this short 1/2 hour experiment shows me I did right thing by buying Hipshot bridge. Intonation is perfect, strings are ridiculously low and sustain is till next century.
Sound, also in improved 100% (even with factory strings, as I said). I love it. I cannot wait to complete whole installation.
 
#20
One suggestion is to use cork: Hipshot Supertone Bridge on Curved-Top Bass; Rumblekat, Casady, Etc.

Also - you say strings are low - how's buzz? Mine buzzes on the lower frets a lot if I don't have the strings a little high (still very playable), though I think I may need to loosen the truss rod just a wee bit. Does the Hipshot have a decent amount of height adjust range?
 
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