Where to buy Epiphone TBird bridge

dave120 · June 17, 2009, 04:21:29 PM

Hello everyone,

I've recently begun an Epiphone TBird bass project. I have most of the parts I need, but the bridge I have is missing one of the 3 posts. I am also missing all 4 saddles for it. I can't seem to locate anywhere that sells these parts in black which is what all the other hardware is. I can only find chrome. Does anybody know where I might be able to get these parts? Or do I have to just watch eBay and hope I get lucky?

Thanks for any help!

TBird1958 · June 17, 2009, 06:10:21 PM

Welcome Dave,

Just saw your post, I may have some parts for you. I'll check when I'm home from work.

TBird1958 · June 17, 2009, 09:52:07 PM

See what getting old does to ya..........

I have a black Gibson one with no posts, sorry

Later this year I will be putting CHROME hardware on my Nikki Sixx MkII, when that happens I'll have a complete extra that I'd happily sell so I'll definately keep ya in mind!

Chris P. · June 18, 2009, 05:01:09 AM

So, there's this new guy and you directly start flirting and promise him things?

dave120 · June 18, 2009, 05:09:45 AM

Thanks, I don't understand why it's impossible to get the parts in black since all of them come with it (The Epi ones, anyway) from what I can see. I could always get a Hipshot replacement but those cost as much as I paid for this project!

Chris P. · June 18, 2009, 05:18:38 AM

Just browse some topics here. I also believe Epiphone, Gibson and Allparts seems to use different sizes. Anyone?

dave120 · June 18, 2009, 06:16:33 AM

So all those 3 point bridges aren't even the same size? Yikes...

Besides the bridge I have everything else I need. I haven't heard great things about Epi pickups but I'll give them a chance to prove themselves before I drop coin on new ones. I also need to decide on a color...I've been drooling over several choices, most of which I saw in TBird1958's posts on TB's few TBird threads...

uwe · June 18, 2009, 07:42:38 AM

Chris is hallucinating. The bridges are all interchangeable, only saddle height tends to vary, but that can be handled with a round file and some patience.

dave120 · June 18, 2009, 08:00:32 AM

That's good to know. So these saddles would fit, just possibly have a height problem? I guess I could just get these and live with them being chrome for now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Bass-Bridge-Saddles-For-Gibson-Tunematic-NICKEL_W0QQitemZ360149258718QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item53da9191de&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Though the whole bridge isn't much more expensive, maybe I should get one for 40 bucks or so and figure out what to do. I was excited that this bass already had black hardware so I wouldn't have to buy new stuff like I do on most! I was wrong, oh well

Nocturnal · June 18, 2009, 08:47:56 AM

I switched out the 3 point on my Gibson Bird for the Hipshot replacement. I like that bridge a LOT better. It comes with 2 sets of screws to hold the bridge which I think is because the Epi & Gibson inserts have different threads. I have the Gibson black bridge and posts from the T-bird, but I don't think the threading is the same as the Epi. I can look at the bridge and extra Hipshot screws this afternoon to see if that would hold it. I'd spend the extra for the Hipshot if no one has an extra Epi post. I got mine for $97 delivered. It's think it's way easier to set up that the 3 point, plus you can get lower action.

FWIW, I don't think most people around here liked the Allparts 3 point bridge. Am I remembering this wrong?? Something to do with the saddles breaking strings?

Chris P. · June 18, 2009, 08:50:13 AM

Oops.

uwe · June 18, 2009, 10:22:06 AM

If you're not set on creating the most original look then the hipshot is indeed the better, easier to adjust bridge. It looks great on a TBird too.

TBird1958 · June 18, 2009, 11:15:44 AM

Having dealt with Allparts Epi and Gibson variants of the much loved 3 point I'd have to say Gibson's is by far the best of the three. The tolerances are much better on the bridge itself and most importantly the ferrules for the bridge mounting posts will countersink into the basses body (Allparts and Epi ferrules have a pronounced "lip" at the top which will increase your action noticably) and the Allparts version will need some filing on the side mounting lugs if you want to use it with Gibson posts.
My best advive is to try to find a complete Gibson one ig you like low action.

Chris, Have you seen Doug Fyghter around? He's so dreamy!

dave120 · June 18, 2009, 01:33:44 PM

Original look is sort of what I'm going for, as this is my first TBird so I don't want to go too far off with it. I guess I'll just have to keep a look out for a Gibson one.

Thanks for the information everybody!

Nocturnal · June 18, 2009, 10:06:42 PM

I checked the extra Hipshot bolts and they don't fit into the side hooks on the Gibson bridge. They also aren't as long as the Gibson threaded posts so I don't know that they would work anyhow. Might not give you any room to adjust the bridge for proper action. I do have the black Gibson bridge and 3 posts that I'd sell if they will work on the threads of the Epi inserts. Anyone know for sure if they would work? Comparing the extra Hipshots bolts to the Gibson posts, the treads seem different to me.