Guild bridge build

drbassman · June 13, 2008, 11:23:44 AM

OK, my machinist tells me he can make 3 of the Guild harp-shaped bass bridges for $150 each. I'd like one, but I'd need 2 other folks to join in. So, please let me know if you're interested.

Just to build one would cost $400.

Bill

chromium · June 13, 2008, 06:27:11 PM

Bill,
I know I mentioned getting another from Marko if he was up to building one, but I don't think I'd be interested in a vintage spec bridge (I'm pretty sure that's what you are going after here).

I'd like to find a 70s Starfire-II restoration project someday that is within my ability to repair/refinish, and one where I wouldn't feel as bad about routing it for the bridge. I have a 2-pc Alembic style bridge waiting, but I might consider doing one of these on the off chance that your machinist is building it up with the sustain block - like the one on my JS-II that Marko built. It would keep the options open.

Rvl · June 13, 2008, 06:31:45 PM

Wood or brass saddles ?
Will it be an exact copy or more like MPU's version with the brass bottom plate?
Would it be cheaper if I didnt have it plated?

Thanks

Robert

drbassman · June 16, 2008, 09:18:38 AM

Quote from: Rvl on June 13, 2008, 06:31:45 PM
Wood or brass saddles ?
Will it be an exact copy or more like MPU's version with the brass bottom plate?
Would it be cheaper if I didnt have it plated?

Thanks

Robert

I would go with wood saddles and not with the brass plate like MPU's bridge. Forgoing plating would probably save $30 or so.

SKATE RAT · June 16, 2008, 08:00:48 PM

doc i think you should make one yourself.its just 2 bends.you should be able to find a small piece of metal.$400 is crazy.i bet you have a Dremmel and some files.

drbassman · June 16, 2008, 08:29:29 PM

Quote from: SKATE RAT on June 16, 2008, 08:00:48 PM
doc i think you should make one yourself.its just 2 bends.you should be able to find a small piece of metal.$400 is crazy.i bet you have a Dremmel and some files.

I just got my MPU Guild bridge in the mail today. He made me one, although I had to talk him into it since he doesn't have much time to make them for other folks. He uses brass and solders it together. A nice technique I think. I'll post some pictures. I'm gonna have it chrome plated soon.

SKATE RAT · June 16, 2008, 08:54:12 PM

well,there you go.

drbassman · June 17, 2008, 07:55:57 AM

Now that I have it, I'm trying to figure out a way to copy it!!!

drbassman · June 18, 2008, 06:49:54 AM

Here it is. It's going in for chrome plating tomorrow! For something made by hand, he did a pretty nice job and my M-85 will be very happy with it!

shadowcastaz · June 18, 2008, 07:10:32 AM

My machinist buddy has been busy due to his shop mate being out sick for almost 6 weeks . he is retiring in a year. I bet I can get him to make a few for $0. It may cost me some Gosslings rhum and prob a n orvis gift certificate. ill save the pics and feel him out. Nice stuff. hey doc, another neck???!!! Your a machine . Im on the next one for sure.M

drbassman · June 18, 2008, 08:58:18 AM

Quote from: shadowcastaz on June 18, 2008, 07:10:32 AM
My machinist buddy has been busy due to his shop mate being out sick for almost 6 weeks . he is retiring in a year. I bet I can get him to make a few for $0. It may cost me some Gosslings rhum and prob a n orvis gift certificate. ill save the pics and feel him out. Nice stuff. hey doc, another neck???!!! Your a machine . Im on the next one for sure.M

Hey Mike, if you can get him to make one for barter, I'm in! I can buy plenty of rhum, etc!

Yep, I thought I'd grab it for my Starfire 3 project. That one will probably be a winter thing.

The next neck is yours, I've really got to quit being so lazy and start making my own. It's not really that difficult, just time consuming.

shadowcastaz · June 18, 2008, 02:02:12 PM

I did not know you had a starfire in the wings .Pics?

drbassman · June 18, 2008, 04:48:45 PM

Quote from: shadowcastaz on June 18, 2008, 02:02:12 PM
I did not know you had a starfire in the wings .Pics?

I didn't post about it? Geez, I'm losing it. I've got so many things in the hopper, I can't keep track. It's actually a virgin Starfire III body (never been routed or finished) I grabbed off eBay sometime ago. It's a true HB, no sound block, so it'll have to have a floating bridge, of which I have a couple already. I'll post some pics when I get a minute.

drbassman · June 18, 2008, 05:10:23 PM

It's essentially this body, but you know I'm gonna make it a short scale bass!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320261374703&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

Dave W · June 18, 2008, 10:08:24 PM

I don't remember you posting about a Starfire body.

The brass bridge looks nice, hopefully the extra mass will help the sound.