The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Barklessdog on March 10, 2011, 10:27:28 AM

Title: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Barklessdog on March 10, 2011, 10:27:28 AM
http://www.thomann.de/ie/schaller_bass_bridge_2000_4s_chrome.htm

Watt sent me this link. He said he's using it on one of his EB-3's & is working out great. However, does not mount to existing studs. Also seems to be only sold in Europe at this point?
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2011, 10:45:33 AM
Nice bridge.

Did anybody say "two-point"? Or "German engineering superiority"? Nein? Wirklich?

Vorsprung durch Technik.

http://www.thomann.de/de/media_bdbviewer_AR_261227.html?image=1


HEALTH WARNING: METRIC CONTENT!!!


Nothing that makes this short or long scale though, it's just a bridge. I like the look, modern, but not fancy-pantsy.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 10, 2011, 11:48:02 AM
New? These came out in 2000! I had one that I bought in 2001, had it briefly on a Guild JS-II that I sold after putting the original bridge back on. Sold it to Ken last year, it now resides in the UK.

Nice thing about them is that you can adjust them to under 2" string spacing if need be.

You can get them here through Allparts. Price has really gone up.

They are very low profile, which is what Ken needed for his Demetriou project. If you were to put it on a Fender, you'd have to shim. Even more on a bass with a neck angle.

They use a standard Fender 5-hole pattern.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Barklessdog on March 10, 2011, 02:58:32 PM
Sounds like a nice alternative to the HipShot. Never seen anyone here post anything on them?

Wow $145!

http://www.allparts.com/4-String-Bass-Bridge-Chrome-p/bb-3530-010.htm
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 10, 2011, 03:12:27 PM
Quote
However, does not mount to existing studs.

Quote
They use a standard Fender 5-hole pattern.
combines with
Quote
If you were to put it on a Fender, you'd have to shim.

Thank you, Schaller engineers.  Once again you have put a lot of thought and time into designing a bass bridge that replaces....absolutely nothing. 

Quote
Sounds like a nice alternative to the HipShot.
I will stick with HipShot.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2011, 04:24:43 PM
Jim is testy tonight ... Once again measured retaliation is forced upon us ...
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 10, 2011, 04:52:14 PM

Thank you, Schaller engineers.  Once again you have put a lot of thought and time into designing a bass bridge that replaces....absolutely nothing. 


True. OTOH if you need an extra-narrow or extra-wide string spacing, it will fill the bill. The diagram (http://gitarrenwissen.de/download/C1ffcfe16X12a3cdeff9eX4464/BassSteg_BassSteg2000_4_saitig.pdf?ITServ=CY1de8bb5dX12ea1f1f5e3XY59f8) (.pdf) shows a range of 45.5mm to 65mm. That's a greater range than the Schaller roller bridge or any other adjustable string spacing bridge I've seen.

Sounds like a nice alternative to the HipShot. Never seen anyone here post anything on them?

Wow $145!

http://www.allparts.com/4-String-Bass-Bridge-Chrome-p/bb-3530-010.htm

That's the list price, I imagine Carlo can get you 20% off or more.

I recall paying about $65 for mine 10 years ago but Allparts' list price was about $50 less then.

I imagine Ken will post more on it in his Demetriou thread when he gets to that point.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: drbassman on March 10, 2011, 08:34:12 PM
Jim is testy tonight ... Once again measured retaliation is forced upon us ...

Jim has several good points.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Basvarken on March 11, 2011, 01:53:49 AM
+1
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 11, 2011, 06:05:31 AM
Just gang up on me, it's alright.  :)
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 11, 2011, 09:53:48 AM
No - its true, I am testy.  I read the post title, and get my hopes up.  Then I see it is just another in a long line of bridges that will end up putting a bunch of holes in an old EB-0 and be useless for the arched top of an EB-2 or EB-1.  Then I forgot I ate my last Do-Si-Do and I have to wait till the weekend for the Girl Scouts to set up a table at the local grocery.  I am crabby. 

Is it too much to ask for?  A bridge that will fit on an EB-2 on the studs, that you can intonate and won't act like a rasp on your hand from some jutting allen screw or serrated edge saddle?  That's all I ask.  In chrome or nickle?  I plan on buying a HipShot and drilling an off-center hole above the treble side stud hole.  Then it will fit an older one.  But even that makes me crabby.  HipShot could cast it with a "figure eight" hole and we'd be done.

Have you had the Thank You Berry Much cookie?  A bad name, and a fair cookie.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: dadagoboi on March 11, 2011, 10:22:19 AM
If it means that much to you why not do what Scott did,design your own bridge and either build it yourself or have somebody else do it.



Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Barklessdog on March 11, 2011, 10:53:45 AM
Can you adjust the Hipshot string spacing?

On my EB-0 the G string needs to be moved in a bit. This bridge would certainly give me that.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Basvarken on March 11, 2011, 10:54:33 AM
I'm working on such a bridge with BaCH.
For the EB2 copy (both long scale and short scale!). I specifically advised them to make a bridge that could be a drop-in replacement for the Evertilt.
We sent numerous drawings and specifications to each other.

I hope to be able to tell you more next week.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: sniper on March 11, 2011, 11:28:52 AM
i might be showing my stupidity here but it would not be the first time:

could one make a stud mount bridge out of a regular "flat" type by machining a mounting plate to go under the bridge that has stud mount holes? using the regular mounting holes to screw the bridge onto the plate and if one is really picky about tolerances, then make it a "thermal press" (heat up the plate in an oven to expand it and mate the two parts) with a couple of thousandths cold temp interference?  :P :P

i think a good candidate would be a Schaller 463 a small bridge and available in any color one wants, with the plate made out of aluminum and polished surfaces on the ends where the stud hole would be, anodized or chromed. the middle part of the plate would not have to be very thick and one could make the stud holes any measurement one would want.

this was just a thought i had when the Dr told me i sent the wrong type of bridge on my bass build. use close tolerances and lock down type studs to stop the "wobble".
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 11, 2011, 11:43:22 AM
No - its true, I am testy.  I read the post title, and get my hopes up.  Then I see it is just another in a long line of bridges that will end up putting a bunch of holes in an old EB-0 and be useless for the arched top of an EB-2 or EB-1.  Then I forgot I ate my last Do-Si-Do and I have to wait till the weekend for the Girl Scouts to set up a table at the local grocery.  I am crabby. 

Is it too much to ask for?  A bridge that will fit on an EB-2 on the studs, that you can intonate and won't act like a rasp on your hand from some jutting allen screw or serrated edge saddle?  That's all I ask.  In chrome or nickle?  I plan on buying a HipShot and drilling an off-center hole above the treble side stud hole.  Then it will fit an older one.  But even that makes me crabby.  HipShot could cast it with a "figure eight" hole and we'd be done.

Have you had the Thank You Berry Much cookie?  A bad name, and a fair cookie.


 :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 11, 2011, 06:26:57 PM
i might be showing my stupidity here but it would not be the first time:

could one make a stud mount bridge out of a regular "flat" type by machining a mounting plate to go under the bridge that has stud mount holes? using the regular mounting holes to screw the bridge onto the plate and if one is really picky about tolerances, then make it a "thermal press" (heat up the plate in an oven to expand it and mate the two parts) with a couple of thousandths cold temp interference?  :P :P

i think a good candidate would be a Schaller 463 a small bridge and available in any color one wants, with the plate made out of aluminum and polished surfaces on the ends where the stud hole would be, anodized or chromed. the middle part of the plate would not have to be very thick and one could make the stud holes any measurement one would want.

this was just a thought i had when the Dr told me i sent the wrong type of bridge on my bass build. use close tolerances and lock down type studs to stop the "wobble".

That would only work if the body of the regular bridge were small enough to fit completely between the studs. The Schaller 463 (roller bridge) is too wide and AFAIK so is every other aftermarket bridge.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: sniper on March 11, 2011, 08:00:09 PM
had to get a few pieces out and start taking snap shots and measuring. i have an adjustable stud mount bridge (that i would not use) but one that i would use as a template for making the stud slots and the piece to mount under the Badass. this bridge is slotted on one end which makes the stud mount holes expandable from 3 5/8" to 3 3/4" center to center.

the Badass bridge (an original NOT the 2, 3, or 4 type) would fit between the stud holes with a little careful machining of 1/32" off of each side. the Badass measures 3 1/8" wide stock and the bridge measures 3 9/32" closest hole edge to closest hole edge. the Badass is flat on the bottom which would simplify machine work.

what does an early EB series measure center to center stud to stud? this bridge is string spaced at 2 1/8" so it would be a natural to use as a plate pattern. what i am calling "hole edge" here is actually the edge of the washer ledge and not the hole the stud fits through.

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/2%20piece%20bridge%20photos/TOMbassG-1.gif)

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/2%20piece%20bridge%20photos/makingatwopiecebridge002.jpg)

it could be an alternative other than trying to find a Schaller 460 that isn't beat all to heck, missing some parts or overpriced.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 11, 2011, 09:51:13 PM
Quote
what does an early EB series measure center to center stud to stud?

That is part of the problem - the center to center doesn't work.  The spacing on the older EB bridge isn't the issue, but the studs are installed on an angle vs the Evertilt.  The treble stud is north of the later stud.  The early EBs used the same angle as a 53-55 Les Paul.  You deal with two issues on a Badass in that to keep the right angle design of that bridge you have to have lopsided "hooks" to use the older studs.  There are a couple of later bridges that incorporate that angle, like Kahler static bridges.  There was some bass a couple of years ago that did as well - using a Les Paul stud too, so no intonation. 
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Pilgrim on March 13, 2011, 10:26:12 AM

Is it too much to ask for?  A bridge that will fit on an EB-2 on the studs, that you can intonate and won't act like a rasp on your hand from some jutting allen screw or serrated edge saddle?  That's all I ask.  In chrome or nickle?  I plan on buying a HipShot and drilling an off-center hole above the treble side stud hole.  Then it will fit an older one.  But even that makes me crabby.  HipShot could cast it with a "figure eight" hole and we'd be done.


Maybe I'm thinking about the wrong bridge, in which case please forgive me...

But when I got my '64 EB-0, I called Hipshot and they said they were in the process of making a change in the design of their two-point bridge.  It would have the offset hole to fit the early 60's EB models, with a set screw which could be extended to even up the mount on the studs for later 60's EBs.

If that's the item you want, Hipshot may have it available...you could call them and check.  It was supposed to hit their line last fall.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: lowend1 on March 13, 2011, 01:10:28 PM
Then I forgot I ate my last Do-Si-Do and I have to wait till the weekend for the Girl Scouts to set up a table at the local grocery.  I am crabby. 

Have you had the Thank You Berry Much cookie?  A bad name, and a fair cookie.

I don't think there are Girl Scouts in Germany. The closest thing is young boys dressed up like Struwwelpeter selling rouladen door-to-door.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 13, 2011, 04:38:56 PM
New? These came out in 2000! I had one that I bought in 2001, had it briefly on a Guild JS-II that I sold after putting the original bridge back on. Sold it to Ken last year, it now resides in the UK.
Nice thing about them is that you can adjust them to under 2" string spacing if need be.
They are very low profile, which is what Ken needed for his Demetriou project. If you were to put it on a Fender, you'd have to shim. Even more on a bass with a neck angle.
They use a standard Fender 5-hole pattern.

I have managed to squeeze it onto my Jazz, but it's not perfect - just a temp test - works well enough, but as Dave mentioned, it is destined to go elsewhere - I can put up a picture in situ if needed to show the issues...
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 13, 2011, 08:49:38 PM
I don't think there are Girl Scouts in Germany. The closest thing is young boys dressed up like Struwwelpeter selling rouladen door-to-door.

 :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 14, 2011, 01:40:58 AM
Not true, at one point almost 80 years ago, almost all the girl populace was in an girl scout outfit of sorts.

(http://www.plettenberg-lexikon.de/a-z/images/bdm3.jpg)
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: lowend1 on March 14, 2011, 04:03:48 AM
Not true, at one point almost 80 years ago, almost all the girl populace was in an girl scout outfit of sorts.

(http://www.plettenberg-lexikon.de/a-z/images/bdm3.jpg)

Ah yes, I forgot - the Campführer girls.
But don't the guys in the front row look rather. er, chummy?
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 14, 2011, 07:32:20 AM
They don't look like they would have sold Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies. If they did, the boxes probably had skulls on them.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 14, 2011, 09:40:53 AM
Quote
But don't the guys in the front row look rather. er, chummy?
Personally selected by Ernst Rohm for future SA assignments, no doubt!

Our Girl Scouts get to sell cookies.  The old German Girl Scouts got their own dagger and Panzerfaust training.  Kind of a toss up.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Iome on March 14, 2011, 01:35:40 PM
They don't look like they would have sold Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies. If they did, the boxes probably had skulls on them.

Thin Cyanide Cookies that would have been   :mrgreen:
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 14, 2011, 07:43:43 PM
Thin Cyanide Cookies that would have been   :mrgreen:

Packaged in individual miniature bunkers.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 15, 2011, 09:39:26 AM
 :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Let me repeat this then: Thin cyanide mint cookies packaged in miniature bunkers with deathshead skulls on them fed to obliging male nubiles hand-picked by Ernst Röhm?  :o

You guys should be writing comics, there is a market for smut out there:

(http://badcomics.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/hansi.jpg?w=400&h=591)

(http://iconsoffright.com/news/werewolf_ss_comic.jpg)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uNs6l_gOwhE/TRt0t_GCpTI/AAAAAAAAA8w/8E6VO4x0JNk/s400/stalag-woman.jpg)

Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: lowend1 on March 15, 2011, 10:41:49 AM
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:Let me repeat this then: Thin cyanide mint cookies packaged in miniature bunkers with deathshead skulls on them fed to obliging male nubiles

...dressed like Struwwelpeter
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: TBird1958 on March 15, 2011, 10:50:02 AM
Not true, at one point almost 80 years ago, almost all the girl populace was in an girl scout outfit of sorts.

(http://www.plettenberg-lexikon.de/a-z/images/bdm3.jpg)


 Hmmmmm...........White blouse, black tie and skirt.


Viola!

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/jbird2.jpg)


Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 15, 2011, 11:16:27 AM
We need to somehow introduce animals into this thread too:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2160659506_572009de3d.jpg)
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: TBird1958 on March 15, 2011, 11:36:12 AM


We need to somehow introduce animals into this thread too:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2319/2160659506_572009de3d.jpg)

As dinner or companions?
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 15, 2011, 11:39:57 AM
Is that a naturally grown swastika pattern on its head?!!!

So much imagery here.  I almost expect Himmler to dispatch assassination squads to round us all up.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dr Eagle on March 15, 2011, 03:00:09 PM
Is that a naturally grown swastika pattern on its head?!!!

So much imagery here.  I almost expect Himmler to dispatch assassination squads to round us all up.

He has a place for people like us... ON THE RUSSIAN FRONT!!
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 15, 2011, 03:06:24 PM
I'm so glad I study the CBI... ;D
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 15, 2011, 05:03:45 PM
I lost my rifle!
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 16, 2011, 08:27:17 AM
Is that a naturally grown swastika pattern on its head?!!!

So much imagery here.  I almost expect Himmler to dispatch assassination squads to round us all up.

It actually is. Probably got offered honorary NSDAP party membership too. Sieg moooh!
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 16, 2011, 03:29:03 PM
Moribund the Burger Maker...

Just don't sound Kosher to me...
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Pilgrim on March 16, 2011, 05:49:56 PM
By a process of logic known only to moi, I have determined that the only thing missing from this thread is Space Nazis!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KEueJnsu80&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 17, 2011, 05:21:26 PM
Curve ball from the left field

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSER4WWaOs
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: nofi on March 18, 2011, 07:34:37 AM
what is the facsination with nazi germany on this board. i don't understand how anyone can make a joke about any part of that monster. i can appreciate it from a historical view but only that. :rolleyes: maybe i'm not as enlightened as some folks here...
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 18, 2011, 07:47:19 AM
what is the facsination with nazi germany on this board. i don't understand how anyone can make a joke about any part of that monster. i can appreciate it from a historical view but only that. :rolleyes: maybe i'm not as enlightened as some folks here...

Same principle as Mel Brooks, we're just not as funny. The Nazis were monstrous, we're just ridiculing them in various ways.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Iome on March 18, 2011, 07:48:47 AM
what is the facsination with nazi germany on this board. i don't understand how anyone can make a joke about any part of that monster. i can appreciate it from a historical view but only that. :rolleyes: maybe i'm not as enlightened as some folks here...

Don't worry, we accept you anyway   ;D
It's just bad and dark humor, i don't think anyone here are fascinated by the Nazis.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 18, 2011, 08:38:37 AM
I'm a major culprit, so I guess I have to say something:

It's like watching an accident. Horrible, but intriguing. Nazi Germany stands out as a high (or low) point in human evil, the fact that what was by and large a civilized nation could err so grotesquely has a dark, unsettling fascination. But shutting it away and making it a taboo is no way to deal with it.

And the Nazis, btw, hated jokes about themselves, they would murder you for it.


I can do all three: Marvel at the technology of a Kingtiger tank (but not forgetting that it was a means to a horrible end), crack low pc jokes about Nazi/German clichées (how does the saying go: "German jokes are no laughing matter!") and be devastated/shamed when seeing a concentration camp documentary. And if you read closely, then we have reasonable in depth discussions/comments on all three areas here in various threads though the screwball jokes are of course ze Löwenanteil, jawohl.

"Don't mention the war!" (Fawlty Towers)

(http://img.listal.com/image/1377968/600full-fawlty-towers-screenshot.jpg)

was never for me. It deserves discussion again and again both from a historical/sociological perspective and as the controlling ritual of ridiculing demons.

No one here has ever seriously identified with or defended the Nazi mindset though. In another forum in another time with largely the same people we once had someone (not a member here) who defended Italian fascism along the lines of "it wasn't all bad, you're just not allowed to say that today" and he hit vocal disagreement from everyone like a brickwall. And the Italian fascists compared to the German Nazis like a goldfish does to a Great White.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 18, 2011, 01:45:17 PM
We don't have enough Mussolini here... we need balance...
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Barklessdog on March 18, 2011, 02:06:33 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoqhY0yvF6s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciSfd2zvb-k&feature=related
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: nofi on March 18, 2011, 03:32:23 PM
i guess all of this hit home when my dad recently wrote a book for me about his service in ww2. he had told me bits and pieces over the years but nothing really 'scary' to a young kid at the time. in his book he recounted how his entire unit was "slaughtered" in a german ambush. he and a few others survived. needles to say this was big news to me. he also served in the pacific theater and likes to say he was bombed by both enemies. i'm glad he is still alive and healthy at 86 because before too long there will no one left to tell the tale.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: sniper on March 18, 2011, 05:30:05 PM
I'm a major culprit, so I guess I have to say something:

It's like watching an accident. Horrible, but intriguing. Nazi Germany stands out as a high (or low) point in human evil, the fact that what was by and large a civilized nation could err so grotesquely has a dark, unsettling fascination. But shutting it away and making it a taboo is no way to deal with it.

And the Nazis, btw, hated jokes about themselves, they would murder you for it.


I can do all three: Marvel at the technology of a Kingtiger tank (but not forgetting that it was a means to a horrible end), crack low pc jokes about Nazi/German clichées (how does the saying go: "German jokes are no laughing matter!") and be devastated/shamed when seeing a concentration camp documentary. And if you read closely, then we have reasonable in depth discussions/comments on all three areas here in various threads though the screwball jokes are of course ze Löwenanteil, jawohl.

"Don't mention the war!" (Fawlty Towers)

(http://img.listal.com/image/1377968/600full-fawlty-towers-screenshot.jpg)

was never for me. It deserves discussion again and again both from a historical/sociological perspective and as the controlling ritual of ridiculing demons.

No one here has ever seriously identified with or defended the Nazi mindset though. In another forum in another time with largely the same people we once had someone (not a member here) who defended Italian fascism along the lines of "it wasn't all bad, you're just not allowed to say that today" and he hit vocal disagreement from everyone like a brickwall. And the Italian fascists compared to the German Nazis like a goldfish does to a Great White.

I strongly suggest if one ever gets the chance to go through the Aberdeen Proving Ground Museum, Aberdeen Maryland, just off I95 and check out the German tanks and guns there.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: uwe on March 18, 2011, 06:06:12 PM
And all credit to your dad for that, Nofi, not only did he survive, but he risked his life for the right values. And even for my freedom though I share the same gene pool with the ambushers. America isn't always automatically right, but it sure was in WW II. Give your old man my regards.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: lowend1 on March 18, 2011, 07:14:24 PM
i guess all of this hit home when my dad recently wrote a book for me about his service in ww2. he had told me bits and pieces over the years but nothing really 'scary' to a young kid at the time. in his book he recounted how his entire unit was "slaughtered" in a german ambush. he and a few others survived. needles to say this was big news to me. he also served in the pacific theater and likes to say he was bombed by both enemies. i'm glad he is still alive and healthy at 86 because before too long there will no one left to tell the tale.

My dad is still kicking at 90. He came here from Germany in 1929 and wound up manning an American machine gun at Anzio. Ultimately, frozen feet got him transferred from combat to West Point, where some German POWs were held - they promoted him to sergeant and made him an interpreter for the duration of his time in the army.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: eb2 on March 18, 2011, 07:41:11 PM
My dad was in the Atlantic and Pacific with the Navy when he was 17.  His stories were few and far between - usually about food, and how he always gives money to the Salvation Army because they gave the soldiers donuts for free.  He still doesn't talk too much about stuff, but I found out his ship managed to shoot down a Kamikazee before it hit them.  He is a big fan of German weaponry, but liked his Arisaka.  He hates Nazis. So do I.  But I do find the whole mess fascinating, and while we have some fun with the odd-ball stuff of a cow with a swastika on its head, I don't think anyone here is making light of the horror. 

The 3rd Reich should be fascinating though.  In the 30's there were a disturbing large number of Americans who were in awe of Hitler.  No one likes to talk about that too much.  And they respected Musollini too, including FDR (post-war white washing of that is all over). 

And when it gets too far in one direction, we can always talk about Sheryl Crow again.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Pilgrim on March 18, 2011, 07:57:03 PM
I'm a whole lot more fascinated with shiny basses than with Nazis.  But I do get a kick out of the weird ideas people associate with them (see "space Nazis" above).  There seems to be no idea so ridiculous that someone won't tag the word "Nazis" onto it.
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Dave W on March 18, 2011, 10:08:43 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA8Uav7EPlQ
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: exiledarchangel on March 19, 2011, 01:39:27 AM
Hey, Nazis burned my village to the ground, but I still wanna talk/joke about them! Guess what? I am even trying to learn their barbaric language! :D I don't know the meaning of the word "taboo" I guess... ;)
Title: Re: New Schaller bridge option for shortscales
Post by: Highlander on March 19, 2011, 05:12:15 AM
... i'm glad he is still alive and healthy at 86 because before too long there will no one left to tell the tale.

I have that issue with my work - ten years trying to find someone to talk about events in Burma and then...

A book privately published (posthumously - Freddie Patterson - "From Rattray And Beyond -  a 1st Cameronian like my father, born same year) last year with valuable insights from a survivor of the same event my dad went through (I lost him in '01 but he left a stack of notes)
His widow has just sent me a personally autographed copy of Alistair Urquhart's "The Forgotten Highlander" - he lives locally to her - just arrived this morning - a Changi survivor and he even witnessed Nagasaki as he survived a "Hellboat" trip and was camped near by - he's now 91)
The early release of the Battalion (111th Indian Division - scheduled for release in 2045) diaries - 800 or so pages with down-to-the-minute detail (and I have now found I turned over two pages when photographing them!!!)...
Another book by Major Bill Towill recently published (3/9th Gurhkas - at "Blackpool" for last 5 days and the evac after the wipe-out and over-run - he is also 91, lives about 8 miles from here, and has agreed to meet up - willing to assist and has a lot of unpublished material on the events)...
There are two 1st Cameronians (again same age as my father would have been - born '23) that are actively talking to me - one of them thinks he remembers my dad...

My cup runeth over, floods the front room, blows the fuses... ah... what am I doing here - so much to do... so little time...