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How to install this bass bridge

Pocketeer

Pocketeer

Dec 11, 2012
72
7
Sydney, Australia
#1
Hi bass brothers.

I'm looking into getting this bridge for my sterling sub ray4 but would like to know first how to install them.

The photo shows a stud at the both sides of the bridge and it certainly looks thicker than a normal screw.

So my question is, do I have to drill a bigger hole on the body of my bass to fit this 2 studs in?

Thanks in advance

ImageUploadedByTalkBass1371689480.746906.jpg
 
#4
Those studs are pressed into a hole of a specific diameter, to create what is called a 'press fit'. The holes should be drilled using a drill press, not a hand drill. The holes need to be slightly smaller than the studs. There should be a manufacturers recommendation for a proper drill size. If the holes are not sized properly, the fit will not be good. You will also have to make sure the hole spacing is absolutely correct, and positioned in the exact right spot. The holes also need to be the proper depth.

I would recommend taking the bass to someone experienced in this sort of thing.
 
#5
MartstheBass said:
those larger studs will certainly contribute to a richer tone imo
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tastybasslines said:
Doubtful.
Click to expand...

Yeah, baloney.

Stone Soup said:
Those studs are pressed into a hole of a specific diameter, to create what is called a 'press fit' [...]
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's pretty accurate, but it's actually worse than that.

I would recommend taking the bass to someone experienced in this sort of thing.
Click to expand...

I would recommend blowing it off. I was just looking at this setup on the bench the other night. It's really a job for CNT or at least a production jig, because not only do these holes have to be exactly straight and on-axis, they have to have really precise spacing.

Stuff like this is for production installation, not groping-in-the-dark aftermarket modding attempts. The probability of the typical "tech" not screwing this up are about one in ten.
 
#8
Exactly my thoughts....looks pretty simple drilling holes but a lot harder to make the exact fit and making it right.


Thanks for sharing ur thoughts about this guys. I was just planning on getting all black hardwares for my walnut stain sub.

This kind of bridge is installed on OLP MM2. I used to have one but before I sold it, I didn't get the time to remove them and have a look.
 
#10
Bongolation said:
I would recommend blowing it off. I was just looking at this setup on the bench the other night. It's really a job for CNT or at least a production jig, because not only do these holes have to be exactly straight and on-axis, they have to have really precise spacing.

Stuff like this is for production installation, not groping-in-the-dark aftermarket modding attempts. The probability of the typical "tech" not screwing this up are about one in ten.
Click to expand...

Nonsense! Get out a ruler, and slap the thing on a drill press. Just make sure you plug the existing holes with dowels, first.

I've drilled and installed studs for Floyd Rose trems on two guitars. It's very simple. All you do is measure the stud centers, choose the right size bit, lock the depth on the drill press, and drill it out. I hammered my studs in with a block of wood, but a press of some sort would be preferable. This is not rocket science. Even for a novice.
 
#11
Finally!! Thanks for the encouragement Line6man!

I might still actually go rogue on this one. I already borrowed a drill press from my mate and in the process of ordering the hardwares. Thought I might as well go with it and if I stuff it up, I can always fill the drilled holes and put the original bridge back in.

Boy am I excited to pimp this thing out. Also planning to upgrade pickup and preamp. But all these will happen gradually. I will update u guys once finished.
 
#17
line6man said:
Nonsense! Get out a ruler, and slap the thing on a drill press. Just make sure you plug the existing holes with dowels, first.

I've drilled and installed studs for Floyd Rose trems on two guitars. It's very simple. All you do is measure the stud centers, choose the right size bit, lock the depth on the drill press, and drill it out. I hammered my studs in with a block of wood, but a press of some sort would be preferable. This is not rocket science. Even for a novice.
Click to expand...

I agree. I've installed more than a few studded bridges in the last 40+ years. Not exactly the hardest job on the bench.
 
#19
Would it be possible to remove the studs and use regular screws?

I can't tell if the studs are made of two pieces, joined at the plate....If so, is there regular size holes at those points?

0_SL1000_.jpg
 

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