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KSM bridges - plating/finish

sheeny

sheeny

practice, practice, practice.
Supporting Member
Jul 3, 2011
105
62
#1
Hi,
Just interested to know if anyone with a KSM bridge is experiencing any issues with the nickel plating coming off? What is left is a dull oxidizing aluminium finish underneath. More specifically at edges like the face to countersunk holes and right angled corners.

Any feedback would be appreciated. I've sent a message to KSM, however I'm yet to get a reply.
 
#2
The Bridge is only 4 months or so old, and always kept clean and freeof moisture.

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#4
I wonder if flaws in the bridge's coating/finish are allowing a galvanic reaction between the different metals of the various parts of the bridge and/or your strings.

Even more speculatively, if that's an active bass, could a poorly/incorrectly connected or shorted ground wire lead to that? That little bit of powdery build-up under the corner of the bridge reminds me of what you see on car battery posts sometimes. Misapplied current can increase the effects of galvanic reactions.
 
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#5
I can't see how, particularly only around some screw holes and not others, however Its worth investigating, however I have another bass with a black KSM bridge and the same wiring without any issues at all. That bass installation is few years old.

I still suspect an inferior or faulty plating application nonetheless.
 
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#6
Ugh. No excuse for that. It's just a poor quality plating job. They didn't get the part thoroughly cleaned and degreased before putting on the nickel. And note that there's no copper down in the holes or on the underside of the curled up nickel. Normally, when you put nickel or chrome on aluminum parts, a coat of copper is plated on first as a surface primer, and to get a better bond with the nickel. The plating company that I use always uses a copper base.
 
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#8
Hey JimmyM, I hear you! :) But not really what I had in mind. Considering how poorly the Australian Dollar is trading against the US Dollar. Bit pricey for me as far as a relic goes.
 
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#9
Update: I've tried to contact KSM via their FB Messenger address and their contact form as they don't supply an email. Well, I guess they're really busy because I've not heard a peep.

I really wanted these bridges to be the holy grail, but I guess not.

Any recommendations along the same lines but with better quality control and customer support?

So far, Babicz, Badass & Hipshot as well as original Fender Elite haven't really hit the spot.

Needs to be lightweight and not cut your hand to pieces with mini adjustment screws while palm muting.
 
#10
Just checking out the Babicz bridges again. I actually have a few first generation bridges on some of my basses. The new FCH actually looks very nice! Straight retrofit for Fenders too. Also the finish looks top quality as well as being lighter than my troublesome KSM.

Looks like its worth a shot while I wait for KSM to get back to me (if ever?)
 
#11
Hopefully they will. I haven’t used their hardware but the KSM music store / storefront is about 45 minutes from my house. Utah is partially to mostly shut down so it’s entirely possible they’re not in the store. You’d think someone would still get emails but I don’t know how they are set up.
 
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