Thunderbird Club

[Gaolee]

I'm sticking with my 3 point for the time being. It has a certain utilitarian functionality which appeals to me. That's not to say there isn't a Hipshot in the future. The 2 point is rad -- has a certain 'fvck you' quality about it. It's my favourite.

A 2 point Gibson bridge has a tendency to say fvck you to whoever is trying to adjust it. But, like every other bridge, it stays put once you get it set up right.

 

[BklynKen]

One of my assignments this semester is to design something, and 3D print it. I've been thinking about making a 3 point bridge that won't eject the saddles into another dimension, if the string breaks.

Exciting! My problem is that I find what makes the existing bridges go out of their ways to somehow accommodate that third bolt hole aesthetically unpleasing. I love Hipshot's 2-point SuperTone, but although I use and love their 3-point, that front bowing always bothers me.

I'm sticking with my 3 point for the time being. It has a certain utilitarian functionality which appeals to me. That's not to say there isn't a Hipshot in the future. The 2 point is rad -- has a certain 'fvck you' quality about it. It's my favourite.

Totally agree. I wish they had a 2-point with the same bolt spacing as the 3-point's two main bolts. Third bolt hole be damned.

 

[kat888]

One of my assignments this semester is to design something, and 3D print it. I've been thinking about making a 3 point bridge that won't eject the saddles into another dimension, if the string breaks.

It shouldn't be that difficult to alter the basic 3 point design. Currently there are channels/slots for the bolts to rest in. Change those to holes front and back and the saddles would be retained no matter what angle the bridge was at. You might need to extend the flange 2-3mm at the back, but that would help keep string silks off saddles anyway.

 

[kat888]

Exciting! My problem is that I find what makes the existing bridges go out of their ways to somehow accommodate that third bolt hole aesthetically unpleasing. I love Hipshot's 2-point SuperTone, but although I use and love their 3-point, that front bowing always bothers me.


Totally agree. I wish they had a 2-point with the same bolt spacing as the 3-point's two main bolts. Third bolt hole be damned.

That was my next question -- I assume the 2 point supertone does not drop in to 3 point installations?

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

It shouldn't be that difficult to alter the basic 3 point design. Currently there are channels/slots for the bolts to rest in. Change those to holes front and back and the saddles would be retained no matter what angle the bridge was at. You might need to extend the flange 2-3mm at the back, but that would help keep string silks off saddles anyway.

Can you read minds or something?
I didn't see a beret or vintage Ray-Bans around when I was thinking out loud

 

[BklynKen]

That was my next question -- I assume the 2 point supertone does not drop in to 3 point installations?

Unfortunately no. They have these handy dimension charts at their site:

2-point: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1574/0577/files/5G410.PDF?2706103758605193905
3-point: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1574/0577/files/5G400.PDF?13659447255581254112

 

[kat888]

Can you read minds or something?
I didn't see a beret or vintage Ray-Bans around when I was thinking out loud

From an engineering standpoint, that's the simplest and most elegant solution. I'm not reading your mind, I think like an engineer.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

From an engineering standpoint, that's the simplest and most elegant solution. I'm not reading your mind, I think like an engineer.

That thinking was too logical for an engineer.... That's why they didn't do it!

 

[kat888]

That thinking was too logical for an engineer.... That's why they didn't do it!

I'm sure someone asked 'but what happens if you break a string, that will be a pain in the bum right?' and the assembled room laughed it off 'as if that's ever going to happen!'

 

[BklynKen]

That was my next question -- I assume the 2 point supertone does not drop in to 3 point installations?

Interestingly, there are also some differences in the two bridges with respect to intonation. The 3-point has longer travel. I wonder if their 2-point with proper bolt spacing for the 3-point wouldn't properly intonate.

 

[dukeorock]

Yeah, same. Let's do something about it!

I believe Vince could pull it off! Heck, I’d buy one from him

 

[dukeorock]

Another clip...all three T Birds, different strings, different pickups

 

[JJR58]

I believe Vince could pull it off! Heck, I’d buy one from him

My guess, he's already begun the design process.

 

[BklynKen]

I believe Vince could pull it off! Heck, I’d buy one from him

Same! As long as it's black.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

I believe Vince could pull it off! Heck, I’d buy one from him

The biggest hurdle would be getting permission to print them in aluminum at school. I'll have to talk to the professor next week.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

My guess, he's already begun the design process.

Ideas yes. Drawing no

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Same! As long as it's black.

I do know someone that could probably powder coat them for cheap

 

[JJR58]

I do know someone that could probably powder coat them for cheap

Another customer waiting here.

 

[JJR58]

Another clip...all three T Birds, different strings, different pickups

I can clearly hear all the variations of tones between the 3 basses. And they all sound great.

 

[BklynKen]

I biggest hurdle would be getting permission to print them in aluminum at school. I'll have to talk to the professor next week.

Worst case, Jeff can send the Chechen Warriors to make him an offer he can't refuse.

I do know someone that could probably powder coat them for cheap

Yes!