Bridge post removal

[Tj smith]

How do I remove these brass bridge inserts? I need to remove them b/c I’m using a different bridge. Are they threaded? It’s a music man bongo.

 

[96tbird]

Find a long bolt that fits the inserts. Pass the bolt through a socket that is bigger than the insert, wind it into the insert, and keep winding it in until the bolt head contacts the socket. Keep winding and it will draw the insert out.

You will want a bolt about 1/2” longer than the socket is deep. You may need a washer between the bolt head and socket so it turns easily. Put something like a thick piece of leather or thick paper card under the socket so it doesn’t dent the wood.

If you think the insert is glued in, heat it up with a soldering iron before pulling it out.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Another solution is to drill many small holes around the brass bushing to make it easier to pull out but the remaining hole will be larger. The benefit of this method is that it’s less risky to get a big nasty chip or wood when pulling the bushing out of the body.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I agree with heating it up first, and yes as 96bird says, that's the way to get it out.
They are usually pressed into place and sometimes glued. Also the top finish might need to be cut, use a small exacto blade to cut around the post to detach the finish, that also helps prevent top finish from chipping.

 

[96tbird]

Another solution is to drill many small holes around the brass bushing to make it easier to pull out but the remaining hole will be larger. The benefit of this method is that it’s less risky to get a big nasty chip or wood when pulling the bushing out of the body.

OMG. Or you could just bash it with a hammer.

 

[Tj smith]

I drilled them out. I’m gonna fill the holes with doll rods. I’m doing a headless conversation and need to fill the B tuner hole for the headless head piece. The finish isn’t important b/c I’m gonna hydro dip it this summer. Probably gonna do bark blue with this skull film.