Gibson SB-450: Restoration Advice

[Turbocharbo]

Hey folks

I recently acquired a refin'd Gibson SB-450 from the early 70s. The bass needs a bit of work and I was wondering if some of you could give me the specs for some of the missing parts? I'm not looking for original vintage parts, just something that has the same dimensions and looks the part. Ideally Gibson parts but I can settle for aftermarket.

Here's what I'm looking for:

1. All screws like originals (truss rod cover, pickguard, pickups, pickup height adjusters)
2. Replacement bridge (Hipshot?)
3. Truss rod nut (it's all chewed up and needs a new one)

Also, what's the best string length / gauge for these? I'm going to order some custom Pyramid Gold flats for it.

Thanks!

 

[iiipopes]

The bridge is probably fine. Whoever set it up may not understand what string compensation is all about.
Truss rod nuts are plentiful and cheap, as especially with Gibson, they are a standard size and thread.
I don't know about the availability of other parts for Gibson instruments.

Scale/strings: The mantra is:
1) measure from the ball anchor to the tuner side of the nut;
2) measure from the ball anchor to the middle of the E string tuner;
3) purchase strings that the winding/speaking length is between those two numbers.

 

[LP Custom]

I say replace that bridge, as it looks like the previous owner was trying to correct the all-too-common forward tilt issue. The Hipshot Supertone is an excellent replacement.

 

[bradd]

How is the action with the bridge in its present position? I wonder if the neck angle is low and this was the only way to make it playable. My SB450 has a very low neck angle and a hipshot wouldn't go low enough. The remedy was a schaller or gotoh fender style bridge.

 

[Turbocharbo]

How is the action with the bridge in its present position? I wonder if the neck angle is low and this was the only way to make it playable. My SB450 has a very low neck angle and a hipshot wouldn't go low enough. The remedy was a schaller or gotoh fender style bridge.

The neck has a pretty severe bow which was corrected recently! Next step is installing the strings and seeing how the neck reacts to that...