The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: FrankieTbird on January 28, 2010, 04:53:23 PM

Title: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: FrankieTbird on January 28, 2010, 04:53:23 PM: What have you all found is the best cure for a tilted bridge on an EB? Is there any suitable replacement bridge available?
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: OldManC on January 28, 2010, 05:06:11 PM: Hipshot has two new drop in replacements for the three point and the two point. You can see them here:

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=31
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: FrankieTbird on January 28, 2010, 05:21:20 PM: Those Hipshot bridges look ugly as sin (IMO :mrgreen:), but i'd bet they function very well. Has anyone here used one to replace a Tilt-O-Matic? Which one would fit? If I remember correctly, the early two-point bar bridge has a slightly different stud spacing than the Tilt-O-Matic.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: birdie on January 28, 2010, 05:38:33 PM: I doubt I'm the only one here, but depending on the bass, I use a couple of coins under the front of the bridge. Works like a charm etc.....!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: godofthunder on January 28, 2010, 05:43:44 PM: Coins, washers etc.....................
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: birdie on January 28, 2010, 05:48:01 PM: washers work, but coins add to the value ;)
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: shadowcastaz on January 28, 2010, 07:18:03 PM: I got an Epi newport & to redo, sort of speak. Im going to put the base of a mute under it for now. That way I wont gouge the top when I add the pennies. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on January 29, 2010, 04:35:07 AM: Quote from: FrankieTbird on January 28, 2010, 05:21:20 PM
Those Hipshot bridges look ugly as sin (IMO :mrgreen:), but i'd bet they function very well. Has anyone here used one to replace a Tilt-O-Matic? Which one would fit? If I remember correctly, the early two-point bar bridge has a slightly different stud spacing than the Tilt-O-Matic.

I like the design of the hipshots, but it is no doubt modernistic with a military-utalitarian look. But the Tilt-O-Matic is such a horrible piece of crap, I was prepared to foresake a period-apt look.

Though intended for the later sixties Evertilt with individual bridges and not the preceding bar bridge (which doesn't tilt as bad), the Hipshot Supertone fits both. I have it on my EB-3L, my EB-4 (both early seventies and with the later Tilt-O-Matic) and my Kalamazoo KB-1 (the SG, not the Bronco-like shape) which featured the original early sixties bar bridge. On that, the woodchip masonite of the body would not hold the posts/studs of the bar bridge anymore, they "ate" their way forward to a progressively greater tilt, so I tried the Supertone out of desperation. It did fit in stud spacing (Hipshot allowed for some leeway), but as the studs on the KB were not parallel but in slanted position (for better intonation with the bar bridge) the Hipshot bridge would have been slanted (it worked, but looked weird like some Dali picture) so I had my luthier drill new stud holes and voilà! But the spacing distance would have worked and the early sixties Gibsons with the bar bridge have the studs in parallel.

This is the supertone bridge that would fit, it's called "two point super tone bass bridge" by Hipshot and is not quite as big a beast as the other one:

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=326

(http://hipshotproducts.com/img/mids/2_point_suptone_chrome_hi_cropped.jpg)

It's an excellent piece of work and vindicates US engineers and designers from the lingering shame of the Tilt-O-Matic, albeit belatedly. Buy it and try it. Should you not like it, I'll take it off your hands, I always keep a few around and would not hesitate to use them in a project too where there is no need to match the old stud spacing. They are easy to adjust, robust as a P-40 and make comfortable handrests for pick players. And look like they came out of a Terminator picture. You will also notice an increase in sustain and tone density though lack of sustain is such a non-issue with Gibson basses that this is not really a required improvement. But you'll notice it and it feels nice.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: sniper on January 29, 2010, 04:43:30 AM: Great review Uwe.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: drbassman on January 29, 2010, 05:40:23 AM: I put one (3-point version) on my TB burst rehab project and I love it. It has the same versatile function/adjustability that the Warwick bridge used on the most recent LP basses had and is easily purchased here in the US. In fact, Hipshot is only a hour or so from my house and I've spoken to them on the phone, great folks, very helpful! I really like the look of the two point version. In fact, I might use that one on a new project I have in mind later in the year.

Here's mine. I think it looks fine.........and works well!

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1934.jpg)
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Denis on January 29, 2010, 06:12:16 AM: Beautiful!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: drbassman on January 29, 2010, 08:06:13 AM: Quote from: Denis on January 29, 2010, 06:12:16 AM
Beautiful!

Thanks! It turned out well and the bridge really is a nice piece of hardware.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Dave W on January 29, 2010, 08:51:37 AM: So it's now the Tilt-o-matic? Have we officially abandoned Evertilt?

No respect, I tell ya...
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Barklessdog on January 29, 2010, 01:30:47 PM: But can you really get the action low with it?
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: drbassman on January 29, 2010, 01:33:54 PM: I like it so low it buzzes and yes, on my TB, it works just fine.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on January 29, 2010, 01:43:10 PM: Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

low!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: lowend1 on January 29, 2010, 02:22:34 PM: Two thumbs up! I replaced the Tiltus Maximus on my '72 EB-3 with the Hipshot and it made a huge improvement in the playability
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: drbassman on January 29, 2010, 06:57:22 PM: :toast:

Quote from: uwe on January 29, 2010, 01:43:10 PM
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

low!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: FrankieTbird on January 31, 2010, 06:34:52 PM: Has anyone mounted the SuperTone 2-point bridge on a long-scale bass yet? I found some pictures of one mounted on an EB-0 here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=575912

The bridge studs on my EB-4L are very close to the edge of the body. I'm not sure if that SuperTone design with the long offset in the rear will mount on the body without hanging over the edge.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: OldManC on January 31, 2010, 07:05:39 PM: I've seen the Schaller two point replacement bridge on long scale EB basses and it does hang over the rear edge of the body a little bit. Not sure about the Hipshot. I'd like to put one on my long scale SB, but that had a different bridge all together. What's the bridge nut spacing on those ever-tilt basses?
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Lightyear on January 31, 2010, 09:35:33 PM: Quote from: FrankieTbird on January 31, 2010, 06:34:52 PM
Has anyone mounted the SuperTone 2-point bridge on a long-scale bass yet? I found some pictures of one mounted on an EB-0 here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=575912

The bridge studs on my EB-4L are very close to the edge of the body. I'm not sure if that SuperTone design with the long offset in the rear will mount on the body without hanging over the edge.

Why not email them or give them a call - from all reports these guys are top shelf and will go out their way to help. Seems like would be easy enough get the distance from the center point of the mount hole to the back edge of the bridge. To my eye it looks to be about 1 1/8"
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 01, 2010, 02:48:15 AM: Why not ask me or read this thread from the start? :rolleyes:

May I quote from reply # 7:

"Though intended for the later sixties Evertilt with individual bridges and not the preceding bar bridge (which doesn't tilt as bad), the Hipshot Supertone fits both. I have it on my EB-3L, my EB-4 (both early seventies and with the later Tilt-O-Matic) and my Kalamazoo KB-1 (the SG, not the Bronco-like shape) which featured the original early sixties bar bridge."

So yes, I've mounted the 2 point supertone on my EB-3L and my EB-4L. It is a snug fit, but doesn't hang over one bit. Distance from EB-4 pup ring to Supertone base is slightly less than 6" and the bridge base is slightly less than 2" wide, making it end just a little before the bevelling starts at the butt of the bass which is about 8" away from the pup ring. Verstanden? No issue.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 01, 2010, 05:22:58 AM: Thank you, uwe. As I'm sure you're aware of, Americans are known for our short attention spans. :-[ :-\
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 01, 2010, 07:15:02 AM: What was your question again? 8)
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 01, 2010, 10:58:47 AM: Quote from: OldManC on January 31, 2010, 07:05:39 PM
I've seen the Schaller two point replacement bridge on long scale EB basses and it does hang over the rear edge of the body a little bit. Not sure about the Hipshot. I'd like to put one on my long scale SB, but that had a different bridge all together. What's the bridge nut spacing on those ever-tilt basses?

Don't tell me you actually want to get your SB-400 repaired after all these years?! Don't rush things! :mrgreen:

The two point Supertone bridge would fit your SB. String spacing is the same on SBs, EB-0s, -3s and -4s. Besides the Supertone is string spacing adjustable too as the cylindrical notched saddles can be moved from side to side after loosening of an allen screw that holds them in place.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: OldManC on February 01, 2010, 12:22:25 PM: After some experimentation I found that lighter tension strings calmed down the neck a bit so I don't HAVE to replace the rod necessarily (it just looks like hell with a couple of washers thrown on and the acorn nut almost completely rounded off). I'm not as worried about string spacing as I am the spacing of the bolts that affix the bridge to the body. If that spacing it the same I may go for that fix. I actually like how those pickups sound (even if they are black plastic), so I won't be changing those out. ;D

I've come to really like the EB shape so I want to start using it more. Can't do that until it has a serviceable bridge. Still have to decide what color to paint it though!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: FrankieTbird on February 01, 2010, 02:13:58 PM: I didn't know those SB basses had gotten this expensive:

http://eldreds.com/sales/detail.php?itemID=138383
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: drbassman on February 02, 2010, 08:01:21 PM: Extreme IMHO.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 03, 2010, 04:03:41 AM: Quote from: OldManC on February 01, 2010, 12:22:25 PM
After some experimentation I found that lighter tension strings calmed down the neck a bit so I don't HAVE to replace the rod necessarily (it just looks like hell with a couple of washers thrown on and the acorn nut almost completely rounded off). I'm not as worried about string spacing as I am the spacing of the bolts that affix the bridge to the body. If that spacing it the same I may go for that fix. I actually like how those pickups sound (even if they are black plastic), so I won't be changing those out. ;D

I've come to really like the EB shape so I want to start using it more. Can't do that until it has a serviceable bridge. Still have to decide what color to paint it though!

Oh, now I understand your question! :-[ The studs of the Supertone are farther apart than on that one-of-a-kind bridge the SB 300 and 400 featured. The inner side of the mounting holes of the Supertone only start where the slooted mounting screws of the SB bridge have their middle. You might be able to force the Supetone on top with sheer force and ignorance, but it would look crab. Beside, the mounting studs for the Supertone have a much thicker diameter than the ones fpr the SB bridge.

That said, why do you want to preserve the original stud spacing? By the time SBs become collectible neither of us will be still alive. :-\

It wouldn't look bad, you know (excuse pic quality - Blackberry shots)?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00758-20100203-1159.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/IMG00759-20100203-1159.jpg)
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: SKATE RAT on February 03, 2010, 06:46:49 AM: whoa! i've never seen that SB bridge before.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 03, 2010, 08:49:03 AM: If you ignore for a moment that it is made of the most shoddy tin can material imaginable and that you are left to your own devices once those puny plastic saddles are worn away, then it is actually a perfectly workable bride, with no tilt whatsoever and even individual intonation. That is not standard with Gibson's bridge creations as we all know ... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: OldManC on February 03, 2010, 10:01:58 AM: It looks like the Supertone would cover up any original holes anyway. Thanks for those pictures Uwe. I'll keep that one in mind!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: uwe on February 03, 2010, 10:08:22 AM: That means he found it butt-ugly. He was just trying to be nice about it, sigh!
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: OldManC on February 03, 2010, 10:30:11 AM: Not at all! I like it. The only other option would be to use a Dasson bridge with vintage tailpiece. That's usually my first choice but I won't know for sure until I do a mock up and compare to your pics. I actually think it's a great looking bridge.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Lightyear on February 03, 2010, 07:18:13 PM: Yeah, neither have I. Sorry, but I would slap a ~~Badass II~~
Uwe's clarification: one of the ugliest, if functional bridges to ever desecrate the face of this planet!
on there and be done with it :-[
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Dave W on February 03, 2010, 08:18:22 PM: Quote from: Lightyear on February 03, 2010, 07:18:13 PM
Yeah, neither have I. Sorry, but I would slap a Badass II on there and be done with it :-[

Much too wide string spacing.
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: birdie on February 03, 2010, 09:20:50 PM: finding the #$@% tailpiece for a Dasson bridge is tough. I checked Bach and it seemed they want almost 100 bucks just for a tailpiece?? It was in in one o' them thar' furren langajess...
Title: Re: Tilt-O-Matic cure
Post by: Dave W on February 04, 2010, 07:31:09 AM: Quote from: birdie on February 03, 2010, 09:20:50 PM
finding the #$@% tailpiece for a Dasson bridge is tough. I checked Bach and it seemed they want almost 100 bucks just for a tailpiece?? It was in in one o' them thar' furren langajess...

The currency converter I used shows 1720 CZK = $91 USD. It looks like that's for the bridge and tailpiece, not just the tailpiece. Still, seems high compared to the cost of a whole BaCHbird.