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Has anyone replaced the bridge on a Lakland?

DigitalMan

DigitalMan

Bring Back Edit/Delete
Supporting Member
Nov 30, 2011
7,145
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Bay Area, CA
#1
Just thinking out loud. The main reason I won't consider a Lakland is the oval bridge which has an aesthetic that I am incompatible with. Has anyone replaced the bridge on a Lakland with a more traditional shape? Is the finish under the factory bridge in good enough shape that you don't wind up with an oval impression?

Is it just me?
 
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#2
DigitalMan said:
Just thinking out loud. The main reason I won't consider a Lakland is the oval bridge which has an aesthetic that I am incompatible with. Has anyone replaced the bridge on a Lakland with a more traditional shape? Is the finish under the factory bridge in good enough shape that you don't wind up with an oval impression?

Is it just me?
Click to expand...
I've been curious about this as well.
 
#6
DigitalMan said:
Just thinking out loud. The main reason I won't consider a Lakland is the oval bridge which has an aesthetic that I am incompatible with. Has anyone replaced the bridge on a Lakland with a more traditional shape? Is the finish under the factory bridge in good enough shape that you don't wind up with an oval impression?

Is it just me?
Click to expand...
My impression is that the bridge will probably leave an impression in the finish if it has been on there long enough.
 
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#7
IMO, the oval bridge is a brilliant piece of product design.

The feel and sound of a Lakland would make any "issues" go away for me. There's not much that would spoil my appreciation a good sounding bass. I'd even buy a pointy one if it sounded that good. . . . and I really don't like those!

I guess every bridge is replaceable. Just get the right dimensions and you're done.
 
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#8
The oval Lakland bridge is sexy!
Especially in black and gold like mine

lakland_zps9rareufw.jpg
 
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#11
Dr. Cheese said:
When it comes to swapping a Lakland bridge for something more conventional, I say why bother? There are so many quality Fender style basses, why not just buy one that already has a rectangular bridge?
Click to expand...

This. If you specifically want the Lakland sound, you can buy Hanson pickups directly: Welcome to Hanson Pickups!

All the best,

Bob
 
Last edited:
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#13
Never been crazy about it either, but my Glaub is so awesome I wouldn't want to mess with it. Besides, with a big hunk of foam down there it looks more like a "half oval";)

I do wonder if some of the reason for the big hunk of oval metal is about something other than them coming up with their own aesthetic. Maybe increased mass/surface area contact with the body? I dunno--I'm a dummy about those kinds of things.
 
#14
DigitalMan said:
Just thinking out loud. The main reason I won't consider a Lakland is the oval bridge which has an aesthetic that I am incompatible with. Has anyone replaced the bridge on a Lakland with a more traditional shape? Is the finish under the factory bridge in good enough shape that you don't wind up with an oval impression?

Is it just me?
Click to expand...
That exactly my thoughts. . I really like some of those lakland s especially the 4460 and the Bob glaub. Versions. . Bur I just can't get passed that bridge..why oval?
 
#15
pbass2 said:
Never been crazy about it either, but my Glaub is so awesome I wouldn't want to mess with it. Besides, with a big hunk of foam down there it looks more like a "half oval";)

I do wonder if some of the reason for the big hunk of oval metal is about something other than them coming up with their own aesthetic. Maybe increased mass/surface area contact with the body? I dunno--I'm a dummy about those kinds of things.
Click to expand...
I always felt it was a combination of wanting their own look and a design nod to the rounded-side bridges seen on the Musicman basses that Lakland took many of their other design features from.

Musicman
1986_(circa)_B023586.jpg


Lakland
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTs7heik6dg7qxnC1ozWqhAlHFmVvFlqAAjgLphLoTzwi3lJ8DP.jpg

Not the same obviously, but the lineage of the Lakie bridge seems obvious to me. Personally I really like the Lakland bridge design.
 
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#19
SteveHeissner said:
Blasphemy! Can one improve a Lakland? One might dilute it's greatness in attempting to do so. While you're at it, why not just replace the engine in a Lexus with one from a Hyundai.

OK, I admit that does sound a bit dramatic. Just trying to make a point here.
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Lakland is a great package. However, their bridge is fundamentally the same 60 year old design as a classic Fender. I don't see the need for anything else, but there have been enough advancements in bridge design and construction that I'm not surprised at all that some folks consider replacing it for functional reasons. I kind of understand (though I don't agree with) the aesthetic reasons also, but unless you can find a bridge with the same through-body placement, it seems like far too much hassle to replace.
 

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