I received my Hipshot replacement bridge for my T-bird yesterday. It came with a note saying that you should remove the threaded body inserts and glue them in to make sure that the bridge doesn't lift out of the body from string tension. My question is, how do you safely remove the inserts without damaging the wood or finish? Is this easy enough to do on your own or should I take it to someone that knows what they are doing? Also. I assume that crazy glue is good enough to use or do you recommend something else?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Andy
If they are not pulling out now I don't think I would bother pulling them to glue them in. If they have pulled out on you at one point or another I would use a high grade of epoxy like West Systems. When you install the bridge if you tourqe down to hard you may pull the inserts out, just snug the mounting bolts up. I have not installed one of these but it is how i would approach it.
Andy, I'm so glad you brought this topic up, I just ordered my Supertone bridge.
Right, if you haven't had a problem with the bridge studs pulling up you're most likely OK. I installed a chrome supertone on the ObG Bird and it was a perfect fit.
String tension doesn't change when you put on a new bridge. If the inserts haven't pulled out or loosened before, and if they don't pull out or loosen when you unscrew the studs to remove the existing bridge, then you have nothing to worry about.
I've never noticed any lifting of the posts/inserts before so hopefully it'll be ok. This bridge seems like a nice upgrade. Can't wait to try it out!!
It should be fine. I put mine on months ago and no problems. The inserts in the Gibsons (but not the Epis) are really in tight. I wouldn't remove anything that wasn't already a problem.
The deed is done!! No problems at all with the inserts. Everything went quite smooth. Need to do a little more tweaking to get everything dialed in tho. Thanks for the advice guys!