Author Topic: Gibson three point bridge replacement  (Read 11245 times)

godofthunder

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Gibson three point bridge replacement
« on: March 15, 2010, 12:33:29 PM »
I have had a replacement drawn up for some time but never went ahead because of the start up costs and then Hipshot came out with their product. I have not tried one of the Hipshot bridges but they get good reviews from you guys and they are know for making a quality product. The one thing I don't like about the hipshot is it's looks. My bridge would more closely resemble the Gibson, feature individual saddle height adjustment and a longer tail piece to prevent string windings from going over the saddle. Do you guys think there is enough room in the market for another product? Or should I just go buy a Hipshot  :sad:
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bassvirtuoso

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2010, 12:35:42 PM »
To be honest Scott, every Thunderbird I own (Reverse styled of course) will probably get a Hipshot. I love the bridge a lot, mainly because of it's looks and "de-sharpened" feel. It gives a nice little heft to the bass and it feels good when my hand touches it.
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bassvirtuoso

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2010, 12:39:30 PM »
Although, now thinking about it, one thing that I do miss about the 3 point is the ability to tilt the bridge. My Thunderbird has a slight neck warp that makes the E side too low and the G side too high so I can't down tune very well. If I still had my three point, I could fix it easily. So if your bridge design keeps the three post approach, I'd buy one.
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godofthunder

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2010, 12:44:11 PM »
Like the Hipshot mine is designed to bolt to the bass using the existing mounting studs, not tilt or tension adjustment.
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OldManC

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2010, 12:53:13 PM »
Scott, if your bridge was similar in price to the Hipshot I'd probably try one out just to see. I'm a little suspicious of the Hipshot and the possibility of it leaving an indentation on the face of the bass. I don't love the decidedly non-vintage look of it either (though that wouldn't be a deal breaker in the end).

Deathshead

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2010, 12:56:52 PM »
I just wish the hipshot wasnt made from aluminum, Brass or steel would be nice, and heavier to help with neckdive.

godofthunder

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2010, 01:01:13 PM »
No where near having a price for this thing, it will be a challenge to get it to Hipshots price point. I am thinking chrome plated brass. Every '76-79 I have ever owned I had the bridge so low that it left a imprint, I will have to think about it being bolted to the body.....................................ok I have a solution it can be installed bolted directly to the bass or installed floating, piece of cake.
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bassvirtuoso

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2010, 01:03:23 PM »
or installed floating, piece of cake.

Now will this mean adjustment for tilt?
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godofthunder

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2010, 01:06:45 PM »
Possible, have not quite figured that out. If I decided to go ahead this thing is like 9-12 months out, maybe longer so don't get to excited.
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bassvirtuoso

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2010, 01:09:35 PM »
Well Scott, if you do get one built that would allow tilt adjustment so I could get my 'bird back up to 100% usability, I'd buy one from you just to check it out. Of course it would have to be chrome... ;D
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clankenstein

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2010, 01:42:47 PM »
very interesting.i have always wanted a 3 point thats not made out of rubbish metal.
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uwe

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2010, 05:23:40 PM »
I'd certainly take a few of your hands.

Will you make a few in black too?
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Lightyear

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2010, 06:58:19 PM »
I'd certainly take a few of your hands.

Will you make a few in black too?

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2010, 09:13:38 PM »
I like the Hipshot a lot. But if you were to build a 3 point replacement I would be tempted to try it out for sure. Even if I had to buy another T-Bird to install it on!! :mrgreen:
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TBird1958

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Re: Gibson three point bridge replacement
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2010, 09:35:33 PM »
I'd certainly take a few of your hands.

Will you make a few in black too?

Blasphemy.............. ;)
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