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Ibanez MR5S bridge

G

gsandorx

May 13, 2018
46
24
#1
Hi, couple questions:
1) I have an Ibanez SR premium 5 stringer, that came with an MR5 bridge, with 16.5mm string spacing. I would like to replace it with the new MR5S bridge, that can be adjusted +1.5mm to allow different string spacing. Would it be possible?
2) If that's doable, where could I buy an MR5S bridge?

Thanks
S
 
#4
Aidil said:
It's a doable given you could get your hands on them. Fabio has mentioned the way to get them. But, don't know if you are aware of this or not, the spacing change from 16.5mm isn't going to be +1.5=18mm. Instead, it'll only be +.75=17.25mm.
Click to expand...

So on the new SR1605DW series with the new MR5S bridge at 18 mm spacing, in theory I could get up to 19.25 spacing going off your numbers from above? I love 19 mm spacing on fenders. Can’t stand 16.5-17 on all my other ibby’s. Way too cramped
 
#5
tarp21 said:
So on the new SR1605DW series with the new MR5S bridge at 18 mm spacing, in theory I could get up to 19.25 spacing going off your numbers from above? I love 19 mm spacing on fenders. Can’t stand 16.5-17 on all my other ibby’s. Way too cramped
Click to expand...
No, from initial 18mm (center position), it could only get to 18.75 (or 17.25) mm on a 5 string setup.

A 18.75mm spacing is almost unnoticeable compared to a 19mm.
 
#10
Zooberwerx said:
Merits investigation. I thought they had two different footprints...or so I read somewhere.

Riis
Click to expand...
Yes, the first iteration of Ibanez Mono Rail bridges, the Mono Rail II bridges, Mono Rail IV bridges, and the original Mono Rail V bridges (the ones w/o sideway saddle settings), all have different footprints, so they aren't interchangeable. Different case with the Mono Rail 5S, which has sideway saddle settings. It shares the footprint of the MR V, so they are most likely interchangeable.
 
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#11
gsandorx said:
I have an Ibanez SR premium 5 stringer, that came with an MR5 bridge, with 16.5mm string spacing. I would like to replace it with the new MR5S bridge…

S
Click to expand...

Hey gsandorx:

Were you successful in upgrading your MR5 bridge to an MR5S?

Based on photos of the two bridges it looks like the upgrade could be accomplished by swapping out just the 5 saddles (part # 2BBMR504-BFK @ ~ US$14/each) rather than the 5 complete bridge assemblies (part # 2BBMR5S-BFK @ ~ US$52/each). Did you find that to be the case?

Thx!
 
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#12
ZX10 said:
Hey gsandorx:

Were you successful in upgrading your MR5 bridge to an MR5S?

Based on photos of the two bridges it looks like the upgrade could be accomplished by swapping out just the 5 saddles (part # 2BBMR504-BFK @ ~ US$14/each) rather than the 5 complete bridge assemblies (part # 2BBMR5S-BFK @ ~ US$52/each). Did you find that to be the case?

Thx!
Click to expand...

I haven't yet. I just changed out the tuning machines to hipshots.
 
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#14
Zooberwerx said:
I just eye-balled my 1405 with the standard / fixed monorails and, to be honest, there's not enough real estate on the fingerboard to accommodate wider spacing.

Riis
Click to expand...
That’s good to know!

However, my goal is different than the OP’s. I’m looking to upgrade the MR5 bridge on a BTB745 (which has 19mm string spacing) to make the spacing a little narrower. This functionality is built into the Premium line BTBs (1835/1935) because they come stock with the adjustable MR5S bridge.
 
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#15
ZX10 said:
That’s good to know!

However, my goal is different than the OP’s. I’m looking to upgrade the MR5 bridge on a BTB745 (which has 19mm string spacing) to make the spacing a little narrower. This functionality is built into the Premium line BTBs (1835/1935) because they come stock with the adjustable MR5S bridge.
Click to expand...

Well, that's different! I'm more comfortable with 17.5-18 myself. Sounds like a fun project.

Riis
 
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