• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Funky Looking Bridge - What The Heck Is It?

ClassicJazz

ClassicJazz

Bottom Feeders Unite!!
Supporting Member
Sep 19, 2005
4,768
9,842
63
Delray Beach, Florida
#1
I recently picked up a Tobias Model "T", and it has one funky looking bridge on it! I have no clue as to what type or make it is. :confused:
A little background on the bass. The Model "T" basses were made from 1990 to around 1991 or so. Tobias was owned by Gibson at that point, but Mike Tobias was still running it. (this is before they moved to Nashville) To help keep up with demand, Tobias contracted out to have some basses built. As it ends up, the Model "T" basses were built by Mike Pedulla in New England. Only 110 were made.

Anyway, here are some photos. Anyone seen this type of bridge before?

It looks like it was over-engineered by NASA scientists!

bridge-1.jpg

bridge-2.jpg

bridge-3.jpg
 
#6
ClassicJazz said:
Well it does what it is supposed to do, so no reason to change it.
Click to expand...
what's that, rattle, lose sustain, and get out of alignment? :D

actually, if the strings are centered in each saddle instead of being over on one side like other versions i've seen, that thing might be reasonably stable.
 
#8
If I did change it.....don't know what I'd change it with. The screw spacing does not seem to match anything Hipshot has. I'll have to measure the screw spacing with some calipers I have at work. If it is metric, good chance Gotoh might have one that I could use.
 
#13
ClassicJazz said:
If I did change it.....don't know what I'd change it with. The screw spacing does not seem to match anything Hipshot has. I'll have to measure the screw spacing with some calipers I have at work. If it is metric, good chance Gotoh might have one that I could use.
Click to expand...
it might even be standard fender 5-hole mounting, in which case there are plenty of options. since i see a bartolini pickup in there, string spacing is not so critical. a gotoh 201 might fit right on.

the main problem with them (at least on the 5-string versions) was the string sat over to one side of the saddle, putting most of its force on one height screw while leaving the other one to rattle and get out of alignment. :scowl: the design addressed this by having a set screw that put pressure on the intonation (length) screw, forcing it downward. it would usually end up bending that screw in the process. :rollno:

also, the weird little pin that the string ball hooked onto would sometimes break, rendering it useless.

the 4-string version pictured has a hooked slot instead of a pin, and so avoids this problem at least.
 
#15
I have one on my Tobias 6 string. I'm in the process of choosing a replacement as I opened the case one day to find the claws that hold the ends of the string in had completely snapped off on the E and the G.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back