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Replacing an Ibanez SR305 Bridge

johndough247

johndough247

Mar 19, 2009
1,296
287
Florida & Br. Virgin Islands
#1
A Student asked me to find a replacement bridge for his Current model Ibanez SR305 5-String. There's a crack where the A-string anchors to the bridge; the string constantly pops out under tension. I researched the part on ibanez' parts catalog and found the part number: 2BB4ACA013. Beyond that, they don't say where to buy it from.

I've googled it a few months back and found it on Drums Etc., but they called me a day after ordering to say it would take 90-120 days to get it because it needed to be special ordered :eek: so we cancelled the order. Can't find a dealer for that bridge anywhere else. Tried googling it together and found nothing. Tried checking Drums Etc again to order one more time and suffer the time delay but it's not there anymore.

I would order a different bridge but the current bridge is recessed into the body so I haven't found a bridge that would fit inside the cavity. There are no guitar techs where I live, and I'd rather not have to strip all the hardware from the body and have a carpenter work on it.

Any ideas?
 
#2
That is most likely an Accu-cast bridge. They occasionally show up on Ebay, so watch for one. I replaced the bridge on my early 2000s SR305 with the more common bridge that requires running the strings through the holes in the back. Mine isn't recessed, so this may not work for you.
 
#6
johndough247 said:
I researched the part on ibanez' parts catalog and found the part number: 2BB4ACA013. Beyond that, they don't say where to buy it from.



Any ideas?
Click to expand...

You can go any authorized Ibanez dealer (GC, or a local store, etc) and give them the Ibanez part number to order. I obtained a bridge for my SR-375M this way. FWIW, my replacement bridge (same recessed type) cost $45 dollars through a local dealer.

Best of luck!
 
#7
stingray69 said:
You can go any authorized Ibanez dealer (GC, or a local store, etc) and give them the Ibanez part number to order. I obtained a bridge for my SR-375M this way. FWIW, my replacement bridge (same recessed type) cost $45 dollars through a local dealer.

Best of luck!
Click to expand...

This sounds like your best bet. I just looked at picks of the 305. Its hard to tell how recessed it is so I'd be hesitant on recommending any other bridge w/o seeing how deep the pocket is. If its 1/4" + then I'd say you need stock.

Looking at pics of that bridge though the string retention looks kinda poorly designed. If it were my bass I would aim for an different model or aftermarket but I won't blame anyone for wanting to stay stock.
 
#8
Technotitclan said:
This sounds like your best bet. I just looked at picks of the 305. Its hard to tell how recessed it is so I'd be hesitant on recommending any other bridge w/o seeing how deep the pocket is. If its 1/4" + then I'd say you need stock.

Looking at pics of that bridge though the string retention looks kinda poorly designed. If it were my bass I would aim for an different model or aftermarket but I won't blame anyone for wanting to stay stock.
Click to expand...

Judging by looks, I'd say the bridge recess is only 1/8", a non-factory bridge would probably work if the saddles were raised but the trick would be trying to find a bridge with a base that will drop into the recess/cutout area.
 
#9
Thanks for the responses...

stingray69 said:
You can go any authorized Ibanez dealer (GC, or a local store, etc) and give them the Ibanez part number to order. I obtained a bridge for my SR-375M this way. FWIW, my replacement bridge (same recessed type) cost $45 dollars through a local dealer.

Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Technotitclan said:
This sounds like your best bet. I just looked at picks of the 305. Its hard to tell how recessed it is so I'd be hesitant on recommending any other bridge w/o seeing how deep the pocket is. If its 1/4" + then I'd say you need stock.

Looking at pics of that bridge though the string retention looks kinda poorly designed. If it were my bass I would aim for an different model or aftermarket but I won't blame anyone for wanting to stay stock.
Click to expand...

stingray69 said:
Judging by looks, I'd say the bridge recess is only 1/8", a non-factory bridge would probably work if the saddles were raised but the trick would be trying to find a bridge with a base that will drop into the recess/cutout area.
Click to expand...

Both my student and I would prefer to keep it stock, to avoid doing any mods or having parts of the cavity exposed. I agree that the string retention area seems a little weird (and the fact that it cracked makes me wonder if it is poor design or just a one-off faulty bridge).

We have practically no music stores here (much less an authorised Ibanez dealer) so I'm gonna try calling up a GC or Sam Ash in Florida and see what they say.
 
#10
I had the same problem, my D string just popped out, the bridge gave up on me. I searched everywhere just like you did and nothing. I finally stumbled upon the part however, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] i'ts 60 bucks.... I don't know if you still need it, but there it is if you do.
 
#13
Ric5 said:
Replacing an Ibanez SR305 Bridge

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Go to ebay and search 5 string bass bridge ...

You will get hundreds of listings ...
Click to expand...

Yea....I've done that. Several times. As I just said, I eventually settled on a different bridge, but when I wanted the exact bridge for that bass, it was nowhere to be found on eBay. Look at the link about 3 posts up: It's a different bridge to the typical low end SR bridges.
 
#14
I just ordered this bridge from the Ibanez link for $60, since I really had no choice for my SR605. Had the same exact problem of the D string routing falling apart. Will use it it until i can find a good tech who can replace it with a high end bridge and can route out the wood to fit. My Washburn seen in the profile pic is much easier to deal with, and may give Ibanez the boot sometime.
 
#15
Here's a blurb I found on a similar thread...this defect is apparently diffuse:

"Hi everyone! Jay here from Ibanez. I just wanted to reach out and state that if any of you own a 5 or 6 string Soundgear (300-800 series) with the B125, B126, B305, or B306 bridges and you are experiencing this issue, please contact us at[email protected] with your model number and serial number, and we will determine if your bass qualifies for a replacement bridge.

The replacements are almost identical. When compared side-by-side, you will notice additional material reinforcing the retainer bars. Otherwise, they are identical.

Thanks for choosing Ibanez!"

Riis
 
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#16
Zooberwerx said:
Here's a blurb I found on a similar thread...this defect is apparently diffuse:

"Hi everyone! Jay here from Ibanez. I just wanted to reach out and state that if any of you own a 5 or 6 string Soundgear (300-800 series) with the B125, B126, B305, or B306 bridges and you are experiencing this issue, please contact us at[email protected] with your model number and serial number, and we will determine if your bass qualifies for a replacement bridge.

The replacements are almost identical. When compared side-by-side, you will notice additional material reinforcing the retainer bars. Otherwise, they are identical.

Thanks for choosing Ibanez!"

Riis
Click to expand...

That's actually amazing CS! Ibanez 300-series are barely above entry level basses, and to replace a component like that is pretty cool. Some of my faith in humanity has been restored.
 
#18
#19
Zooberwerx said:
Here's the whole dang thread addressing this pox upon mankind:

http://www.talkbass.com/threads/ibanez-sr-bridge-problem-really-common.1033416/#post15645039

Looks like it may very well be covered under warranty.

Riis
Click to expand...

Thanks for that link! That problem isn't what I'd envisioned; I had a junk SR405 that was pretty trashed when I got it and had a Fender-ish bent plate bridge on it, which I promptly replaced with a Schaller roller unit.

It's good to see they're replacing them anyway.
 

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