NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 I'm upgrading my bridge. I used some long Machine Screws, inserted through the Ferrules and placed the bridge inserting the screws into the bridge string holes. Alignment is so tight I'll have to back the screws back out to remove them. So warning, dumb question coming - Before I drill the holes in the wood to secure the bridge to the guitar, this is correctly aligned right? Straight through, no offset? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 Did a few google searches and think I'm doing it right but I've never done this before and I'm nervous, I only get one shot and need to hit the bullseye. On this image I placed red X's on the holes I've not drilled yet. Just want reassurance that alignment is correct before I drill the holes in question and screw the bridge down to the guitar. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 I’ve just looked at my US jazz and it’s hard to tell with the strings in the hole but it looks like the bridge is slightly forward of the holes, maybe to give it a slight break angle, I’m sure someone more qualified will be along soon 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 50 minutes ago, Reggaebass said: I’ve just looked at my US jazz and it’s hard to tell with the strings in the hole but it looks like the bridge is slightly forward of the holes, maybe to give it a slight break angle, I’m sure someone more qualified will be along soon 🙂 Yeah, that makes sense, wonder how far? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 7 minutes ago, NewUser said: Yeah, that makes sense, wonder how far? It’s hard to measure because of the body shape ,but I’d say about 8-10mm by eye, as long as it doesn’t alter your intonation too much 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Something here may help or reasure... https://warmoth.com/index.php/bass-bridge-routs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Prob the most important thing when installing a new bridge is to make sure it's set correctly for the scale length of the bass with enough room for +/- saddle adjustment. It might be an idea to mark a line 34" from the front edge of the nut (or whatever the scale length is) and use that as a guide. Position the bridge where you think it needs to be for the ferrules, then place the G and E saddles on the plate with the break point on the scale length line. The G will need some room for forward and back adjustment. The E will need more room to adjust back (towards the tail end). Do you have a pic of the bass wearing the original bridge? That would also be a useful point of reference. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 43 minutes ago, ikay said: Prob the most important thing when installing a new bridge is to make sure it's set correctly for the scale length of the bass with enough room for +/- saddle adjustment. It might be an idea to mark a line 34" from the front edge of the nut (or whatever the scale length is) and use that as a guide. Position the bridge where you think it needs to be for the ferrules, then place the G and E saddles on the plate with the break point on the scale length line. The G will need some room for forward and back adjustment. The E will need more room to adjust back (towards the tail end). Do you have a pic of the bass wearing the original bridge? That would also be a useful point of reference. This is exactly like my bass. https://reverb.com/item/42414874-traben-array-limited-4-string-bass-guitar-w-gig-bag-spalt-burst-new-active-preamp This is my bridge, string spacing is correct. https://reverb.com/item/43555417-hipshot-transtone-bridge-black Hipshot transtone PS you people are awesome, thanks for the help! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 This is my bass before I removed the bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 If I have to move the position of the Ferrules I think I can do it. I'm repainting the guitar anyway. Some woodfiller in the old holes and drill out the new ones. Shouldn't be too hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 7 minutes ago, NewUser said: If I have to move the position of the Ferrules I think I can do it. I'm repainting the guitar anyway. Some woodfiller in the old holes and drill out the new ones. Shouldn't be too hard. In that case, if it was me I would try it with 2 fixing screws and fit the E and G strings to make sure the scale length/ intonation works, if it does you know the A and D will be be okay , if that makes sense 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Looking at how close the saddles were to the pickup with the original bridge, I think the new bridge needs to be positioned quite a bit further north than you currently have it. Looks like the ferrules will need to be redrilled to get the scale length and intonation right. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 2 minutes ago, ikay said: Looks like the ferrules will need to be redrilled to get the scale length and intonation right. Would drilling them at an angle work ,so the back stays the same ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 Don't see why not. Would be similar to the 45 degree angle Yamaha use on their new BBs. Much better geometry than vertical IMO. Drilling accurately at an angle might be a bit tricky though! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 Hey, thanks you all for the help. It worked. E and G are turned both open and on the 12th fret reading perfect. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewUser Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 I will redrill the ferrules, not a big deal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 9 hours ago, NewUser said: Hey, thanks you all for the help. It worked. E and G are turned both open and on the 12th fret reading perfect. That’s great, glad it worked out for you and I think that bridge looks better , nice project 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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