Ibanez bridge repair

[keychange]

Hi! First post. I've got a new-to-me Ibanez 5-string SDGR bass, my first bass in many years (I'm just returning to it, pretty much a rank beginner).

I noticed the intonation was a mess, which led to me noticing the bridge is bending up, and may have even bent a bit further just in the last week or two. So I need a new bridge.

I'm strongly considering a through-the-body, single-string-bridge approach. And although Hipshot has a nice-seeming one that bolts through the body, it's a bit out of my range ($150). I'm looking at the Surfing Heavy Duty individual bridges, which are under $30 for 6 with shipping though I have to buy the ferrules separately for another $20 or so. I have a drill press, some confidence I can put these in well... I'm inclined to put on a bridge that mortises into the body so it doesn't just translate all the forces through screws.

Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing any thoughts on this from people more experienced or at least more opinionated than I... thanks in advance.

 

[96tbird]

Go to as much work as you like with it but if it's string through, you are not relying on only the screws taking the brunt of force. The strings themselves will do the lions share of the work.

Besides, as 60+ years have proven, screws alone work just fine. But again, do as much as you want... Just don't over think it and be unnecessarily concerned where there is no basis for it.

Enjoy your project.

 

[walterw]

it's pretty easy now to go to the ibanez website, input your model and year instrument, and directly order a replacement bridge, probably for under $100.

converting to a different kind of bridge could be a real can of worms if the body is curved on top, or the current bridge is recessed into it, or it's narrower spacing than the replacements (all of which are typical ibanez things).

 

[JustForSport]

I replaced the bridge from an older model SR506 (that sometimes has that issue) with single string bridges and top load it.
The body was flat there, and I replaced the screws that came with the bridges with higher strength screws- sounds great, the bridges anchored fine, and it has active pickups, so grounding was not an issue.
Also replaced an SR645 bridge the same way- string spacing is your choice that way.

 

[iiipopes]

I had two SRA305's, one to gig, one to carve on. I sold the one I carved on as a project to another TB'er. I drilled the base plate and ran my G string through-body to see how it would do before I drilled them all. It made no noticeable difference. I would replace the warped bridge with a new Ibanez bridge that fits the footprint. Much less hassle, and the new Ibby bridges are solid and intonate properly.