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Help with Hipshot Triple-Lock Down [single string] bridge

B

billybassist

Sep 11, 2010
49
0
#1
Hey everyone, I'm building a bass warmoth-style, but using USACG.

Anyway, USACG can do everything I want EXCEPT rout for the Hipshot Triple-Lock Down [single string] bridge. Now, at first I tried looking for a new bridge to pick, but I'm really not going to be happy without this one. So, I figured I could rout it myself.

Looking at the design, it seems like all I would need to do is use a drill press to drill 4 holes through the bass body, and then go back about halfway with a slightly larger bit. Is this true? Is the even wider bit on the very end of the through-body screw supposed to be inside the bass? Do you think this can be done with just a drill press and the right bits?

Also, the problem of grounding these things. Well, I figured I could just run shielding foil across the back [I would be stringing thru-body] and then all the strings would be connected and I'd be done. Am I missing something in the world of string grounding? Could this be done with a drill press?


Thanks everyone. I have access to a lathe and a drill press along with hand-held tools, I would really like to be able to put this bridge on my custom bass.
 
#3
I like the fact that it makes stringing thru-body protected by an easily replaceable part, as opposed to the body itself holding against the strings, and the look of them is just amazing.

I'd also like to add that while I could rout it all myself, I'd really rather have someone else do it for me. Anyone here that can do that for me for a reasonable price? You'd be sent a finished body with all other routs already done, all I would want is you to rout for this bridge without marking the finish.

Thanks
 
#5
You are correct with the way to do it, if I were to do more in the future I would just make a template for my router. When I did the grounding I ran a wire weaved from one side to another on the back side. I also routed out a bit of a channel to mount the backs below the surface.[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
They are nice bridges but a logistical pain to install correctly.
You may have a tough time getting someone to do it with an already finished body, I know I wouldn't want to do it, too much risk from a body I didn't create.
Good luck,
Dirk
 
#6
I've been thinking about having a luthier do just this bridge rout, and it seems like the skills involved in luthiere are wasted on one simple piece of woodworking, so not I'm wondering about taking it to a local woodshop. The person in question would have access to every tool under the sun, in addition to massive experience using them on tables, beds, cabinets, etc. What do you think of this idea? Given that everything else is already done and they can cut it exactly where I want, is there any other reason to not just send it to a woodshop?

Note: My idea for bridge placement is that because the saddles don't come assembled with the through piece, I could take some kite string, put that on the tuning pegs, run it down the neck and into the bridge piece, using masking tape to hold it in place, I could move the saddles around to where I want them with a simulated bass string on there. Seems like a really cool ability to me, and then I would mark off where I want the cut for the woodshop.
 
#9
Yeah, I would be giving them exact depth measurements by going from the hipshot design diagram, and I would be very careful to mark EXACTLY where I want the saddles to be.

I think that that's how I'm going to do this, but I'm going to talk to the woodworking shop first.

So, My plan for the build so far:

Neck by USACG, essentially an american classic P neck, but using the 10-16 compound radius [I got to play some flatter necks and I really like them]

72' P shape body by warmoth, routed for a P pickup and top rout for pickgaurd controls, but no bridge rout

Bridge rout done by local woodworking company, Wiring and assembly/setup by me.
 

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