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Gibson 3 point bridge saddle variations

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by lxmetal, Jul 26, 2009.

  1. Jul 26, 2009 #1
    lxmetal

    lxmetal

    Dec 17, 2007
    Detroit
    Can anyone tell me what the height difference is between vintage (70's) and modern (90-00's)saddles on the Gibson 3 point bridge? I found that the bridge on my '79 Thunderbird may have been replaced long ago and the saddles are too tall. The bridge is lowered all the way, and the action is just too high.
    Does Graph Tech or another company make a suitable replacement?

    I know that Hipshots are more adjustable, sound better, etc. ... But I am going to keep it stock.
     
  2. Jul 26, 2009 #2
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Any way the saddle slots can be filed / shaped to bring the action into spec.? IMO, that would be the least intrusive plan of action. IIRC, the bridge has a fixed radius (individual bridge saddles are not height adjustable) so whoever does the work better get it right.

    Riis
     
  3. Jul 26, 2009 #3
    lxmetal

    lxmetal

    Dec 17, 2007
    Detroit
    Well sure, they could be modified... the nickel plate would chip off though, and that pot metal composition of the casting might be kind of powdery. I still need to know what the size of the 70's version is so I could mod the saddles I have.
     
  4. Jul 27, 2009 #4
    aquateen

    aquateen

    Apr 14, 2005
    maryland
  5. Jul 27, 2009 #5
    lxmetal

    lxmetal

    Dec 17, 2007
    Detroit
    Allparts, easy enough... thanks!
     
  6. Nov 7, 2011 #6
    countbassiedad

    countbassiedad

    Apr 29, 2010
    No affiliations
    I have the same problem with an Allen Woody. Can't get the action low enough even with the bridge screws all the way down. At a minimum I need another of the shorter G saddles for the E string.

    Might try the allparts but you have buy a whole set for $30 so I'm inclined to try to modify first. I hate to invest anything in a bridge that's a WPOS.

    Filing the slots does not seem like something I could do, but I probably could file the saddles.

    I'm not sure whether to file/grind the top or the bottom. Probably easier to file the top, but then it would look like crap.