The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: BTL on November 13, 2020, 04:03:22 PM

Title: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: BTL on November 13, 2020, 04:03:22 PM

As some of you may know, the Schaller 3D-8 bridge is no longer being produced. Understanding that, I have an idea for a bridge design that will fill that niche, and aspects of the design may qualify for a design patent. How much interest might there be in a bridge that, at a minimum, fills the gap opened by Schaller’s exit and perhaps also offers something a little different?

It looks like I will be able to have 15 bridges CNC milled from brass and chrome-plated here in the US for about $130 each.

Some basic specs:

• 5-hole F-style mounting plate
• 0.15" CTC root/octave string spacing
• 2.3" overall string spacing.Top-load string attachment
• Retrofits vintage-spec P & J-style bass bodies with no modification
• Independent string height and intonation adjustment for every root and octave string

I can't share the basic pencil sketch I used to solicit a price quote, as I'm still considering applying for a design patent. Understanding that, If I could sell 5 or 10 of these at direct cost, I'll probably move forward with the project. This will probably take six months or more to come together, so I'm not looking for any kind of financial commitment, just a sincere expression of interest in seeing this project move forward.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: Basvarken on November 14, 2020, 01:29:25 PM

Good luck on this project!

Title: Re: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: BTL on November 14, 2020, 09:10:15 PM

Quote from: Basvarken on November 14, 2020, 01:29:25 PM

Good luck on this project!

Thanks, I'm pretty excited!

Title: Re: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: OldManC on November 15, 2020, 09:59:40 PM

Sounds exciting. I remember seeing one of those bridges years ago in a shop in Los Angeles and being highly tempted to buy it. Maybe I'll get another chance!

Title: Re: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: godofthunder on November 26, 2020, 04:00:56 PM

   Back in the 70's there was a 8 string conversion kit on the market for P basses. I would definitely be interested in one.

Title: Re: Is there interest in an 8-string F-style bridge?
Post by: BTL on November 26, 2020, 08:26:26 PM

The bridge is designed, but it requires a neck.

I’m still working through the details on that front...we’ll see how it goes.