The infamous 2-point bridge

[lowend1]

Y'all-
I have a 70s MIJ EB-3 copy that uses a knockoff of the 2-point. Like the original, this one is worn and is tilted upward at the end where the strings anchor, and has done so to the point where I can no longer make proper adjustments. Other than the Hipshot (which is really too expensive for this application), has anybody found a suitable mod, repair or replacement? Or, should I swallow my aesthetic pride and try to slap a "F" style unit on there? The problem is further compounded by the narrow neck width and string spacing, which, IMO is already too close to the edges - so my choices may be limited.

[uwe]

This mod sounds a little raw, but for a Jap Ho ...

Dismantle bridge, drill screw between studs into wood so you have a triangle "stud-screw-stud" (no, Mark, not what you are thinking, a geometrical, not a love triangle) pointing to the neck. Reassemble bridge, leave screw "out of the wood" enough so its head supports base of bridge and keeps it from tipping forward, you can even elevate it a little in the other direction. Drilling a hole into the bridge that gives you access to the screw head with a screw driver (but not large enough to actually swallow the head - I know how these three innocent and largely technical words I just used will raise a lively discussion here  - in a self-defeating way) makes the bridge tilt adjustable even with the bridge mounted.

It's the tried and trusted principle of the Guild two point bridge where a knurled thumb screw mounted before the two studs did not additionally fasten the bridge, but only stabilized it from dreaded tilt.

Or do what I did on my EB-4: slip two coins underneath the edges of the bridge. Works and you always have a coin handy while playing bass!

Uwe

[lowend1]

Wow, Uwe - that is way too simple and logical (smacks self in head). Yet another case of me trying to reinvent the wheel when all I have to do is fix the flat tire. Many thanks!

[SKATE RAT]

This mod sounds a little raw, but for a Jap Ho ...

Dismantle bridge, drill screw between studs into wood so you have a triangle "stud-screw-stud" (no, Mark, not what you are thinking, a geometrical, not a love triangle) pointing to the neck. Reassemble bridge, leave screw "out of the wood" enough so its head supports base of bridge and keeps it from tipping forward, you can even elevate it a little in the other direction. Drilling a hole into the bridge that gives you access to the screw head with a screw driver (but not large enough to actually swallow the head - I know how these three innocent and largely technical words I just used will raise a lively discussion here  - in a self-defeating way) makes the bridge tilt adjustable even with the bridge mounted.

It's the tried and trusted principle of the Guild two point bridge where a knurled thumb screw mounted before the two studs did not additionally fasten the bridge, but only stabilized it from dreaded tilt.

Or do what I did on my EB-4: slip two coins underneath the edges of the bridge. Works and you always have a coin handy while playing bass!

Uwe

this is so dirty......

[Dave W]

this is so dirty......

I'm sure Uwe's choice of words is entirely innocent. 

[Granny Gremlin]

LOL.

Also the Hipshot is not a direct replacement for the 2 point - but only the 3 point. ... which, I guess, is somewhat moot in this case since it's a ho and stud spacing may not match the originals anyway.

I love the ghetto 2 to 3 point makeover.

Another option; a trapeze tailpeice (might be slightly more elegant, though not necessarily worth the additional cost for a ho).

[TBird1958]

Dang it Uwe!

 Here I am at work................I have harmful backpressure 

[lowend1]

Dang it Uwe!

 Here I am at work................I have harmful backpressure 

Er, Mark - I'm not sure what veiled language you're speaking, but in automotive jargon,  backpressure is a term that is typically related to exhaust, not intake - specifically, how free flowing one's exhaust system is. Where does this leave us? I don't know, but it's probably nowhere we should be...

[lowend1]

LOL.

Also the Hipshot is not a direct replacement for the 2 point - but only the 3 point. ... which, I guess, is somewhat moot in this case since it's a ho and stud spacing may not match the originals anyway.

I love the ghetto 2 to 3 point makeover.

Another option; a trapeze tailpeice (might be slightly more elegant, though not necessarily worth the additional cost for a ho).

You are correct, Granny - the spacing of the mounting bolts (I'm not going down Mark's slippery language slope again) is narrower - I compared it to a 3-point I had laying around, and it's a no-go. Tragically, Uwe's stroke of genius may not do the trick either. I may have to end up just slamming the bridge down to the body with a pair of generic 8x1.25 bolts. Actually, my biggest problem is the narrow neck and string spacing - almost everything is a 20mm spread string to string - I've come across a few that would work outside of that limitation.

[TBird1958]

This is what I get for trying to be polite.........

Try to think in terms of human anatomy, not automotive    In its own way it kind of is exhaust. 

[lowend1]

This is what I get for trying to be polite.........

Try to think in terms of human anatomy, not automotive    In its own way it kind of is exhaust. 

Nah - if I'm reading you correctly, it's more like pumping the brake pedal to bleed the master cylinder.

[Granny Gremlin]

Tragically, Uwe's stroke of genius may not do the trick either.

Really?  Why not.  It's so... efficient (german for simple and foolproof).

[TBird1958]

 "ah - if I'm reading you correctly, it's more like pumping the brake pedal to bleed the master cylinder."

   Yes, yes!

[Granny Gremlin]

I'm too yopung for this conversation guys. 

[lowend1]

Really?  Why not.  It's so... efficient (german for simple and foolproof).

Theoretically, it SHOULD work - but I cant adjust the bridge itself any lower, and when I add the "Rube Goldberg" mod, the action comes up. Personally, I think it's just a flawed copy of a flawed design. Filthy ho!