Refinishing/plating existing hardware

[Bass Culture]

I've recently picked up Lfalex v1.1's Zoot Chaser and, although I've yet to pick it up, am thinking about changing the hardware from chrome to black (never been a fan of chrome hardware and I think black will look a bit classier with the flamed maple top). However, the Zoot has a proprietary bridge which allows only through body stringing and looks like it would be very difficult to find something with the same footprint to change it for, whilst retaining the through body option. Single string bridges are an option but this would involve some work on the body to retain the earthing. So, thinking laterally, I'm wondering if it's possible to simply take all the existing hardware off and get it stripped and refinished. Might even be cheaper than replacing everything. Anyone ever tried this or have any links to companies who might be able to undertke it for me or who I can at least discuss the possibilities with?

Thanks,

Mark

[Ou7shined]

You could get single string bridges and position them so they line up with the existing through body holes.

[Bass Culture]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1014273' date='Nov 6 2010, 01:51 PM']You could get single string bridges and position them so they line up with the existing through body holes.[/quote]

Yeah, that had occured to me but all of the saddles would need to be earthed, which would involve some routing of the body, and there's the possibility that the finish under the existing bridge could be discoloured compared to the rest of the body. It's all do-able, of course, but I thought it might be worth exploring other options first.

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='Bass Culture' post='1014276' date='Nov 6 2010, 01:55 PM']Yeah, that had occured to me but all of the saddles would need to be earthed, which would involve some routing of the body, and there's the possibility that the finish under the existing bridge could be discoloured compared to the rest of the body. It's all do-able, of course, but I thought it might be worth exploring other options first.[/quote]
Presumably the current bridge is earthed. It would take nothing more than a wire or copper band being passed beneath them all or if that seemed too intrusive you could fit a brass/chrome nut. I've done it myself.

Can you post a pic of the bridge?

[Bass Culture]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1014297' date='Nov 6 2010, 02:22 PM']Presumably the current bridge is earthed. It would take nothing more than a wire or copper band being passed beneath them all or if that seemed too intrusive you could fit a brass/chrome nut. I've done it myself.

Can you post a pic of the bridge?[/quote]

Here's a links to Lfalex's for sale thread: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=104492&hl=zoot"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=104492&hl=zoot[/url]

I've not come across a bridge that looks anything like it from another supplier so changing it for the same model in black doesn't seem to be an option. That said, as it's proprietary someone, somewhere made it!

There's a luthier I know in Liverpool who could do the work if I decided to go down the single bridge pieces route, and I know Hipshot, for one, do single bridges that accommodate through body stringing too. I guess the hardware refinishing query was motivated more with cost in mind. If I decided to change the bridge for single saddles I'd need to change the ccntrol knobs, tuners and strap buttons too, of course.

[Ou7shined]

I don't think you are going to have a problem finding a replacement for that bridge.

[Bass Culture]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1014335' date='Nov 6 2010, 03:03 PM']I don't think you are going to have a problem finding a replacement for that bridge. [/quote]

Is there a specific one you've got in mind? I can't find one that would do anything other than cover the string through holes, as they're off set. I've seen a a few string through option bridges but the holes always seem to be drilled in a straight line across the bridge.

[Ou7shined]

I don't have a specific link right now but I'm pretty sure I've seen those bridges recently. Actually it is almost identical to an old Hondo thing I have. I'm on my phone just now but when I get near a pc later I'll have a look online for you and see what turns up.

[Bass Culture]

[quote name='Ou7shined' post='1014389' date='Nov 6 2010, 03:27 PM']I don't have a specific link right now but I'm pretty sure I've seen those bridges recently. Actually it is almost identical to an old Hondo thing I have. I'm on my phone just now but when I get near a pc later I'll have a look online for you and see what turns up.[/quote]

Much appreciated - thanks.

Mark