The 56 cent Gibson SG Bass Bridge Fix

[travhop42]

I purchased 4ea 1/4"-20 nylon lock nuts for 14 cents each. Slide them on the strings and it eliminates the inherit problem with Gibson bridge by bringing strings about 3/8" further back. This will put the windings behind the saddle where they belong. Works perfect. Stays in tune and sounds better with a little more sustain.

 

[96tbird]

Perfect! Cheap and effective.

 

[CTForde]

I used to use ball ends (sometimes two) from a previous set of strings - same idea, but the nylon probably eliminates any potential metal-to-metal noise. Neat!

 

[walterw]

i remain skeptical of any sustain change, but that is indeed a good way to keep the reinforcing wraps off the saddles.

 

[travhop42]

i remain skeptical of any sustain change, but that is indeed a good way to keep the reinforcing wraps off the saddles.

I admit the sustain difference is suttle at best. I still believe it plays and sounds better than it did. Having the windings sitting on the saddles could not be good. The intonation had to be adjusted after I did this so that tells me the strings are setting lower in the saddles. I still wonder why Gibson does not correct this. I was planning on buying an aftermarket bridge but now it is not necessary.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I've seen variations on this including computer stand-offs (?) and various diameter / length cylindrical spacers in the parts drawer at Lowes's. The practice is frequently applied in the mis-assumption that it changes string tension to a discernible degree but is more appropriate when shifting string windings...as you've demonstrated!

Riis

 

[2saddleslab]

Great idea and looks like it solved the problem.

 

[mongo2]

I purchased 4ea 1/4"-20 nylon lock nuts for 14 cents each. Slide them on the strings and it eliminates the inherit problem with Gibson bridge by bringing strings about 1/2" further back. This will put the windings behind the saddle where they belong. Works perfect. Stays in tune and sounds better with a little more sustain.

Excellent...I've been doing that with Epiphone 3 saddle bridges for quite a while, it works great but I've never noticed any real tonal or sustain changes. I've also used flanged nylon nuts and brass knurled nuts. Somebody used to make a bar to accomplish the same thing and sold it on ebay for a while.

 

[mpdd]

i'll try it on the flying v when i need new strings

 

[Pilgrim]

Do we get to debate the acoustic qualities of various types of nylon washers now? And their sustain, "tone" and other characteristics?

I hope not. Nice trick, looks very effective.

 

[SirMjac28]

Do we get to debate the acoustic qualities of various types of nylon washers now?

Not until there's a BadAss version neat ideal thanks for sharing it.