Hamer, Eclipse Bridge Part II

[Sprinter]

Is it possible that the Hipshot, Baby Grand bridge that is on my Eclipse was factory installed? I bought a Wilkinson bridge and regular Gibson style wrap around bridge and neither one will work. The studs won't screw into the bridge inserts. I removed the inserts, and discovered that the Baby Grand inserts were bigger than the ones for the two bridges that I had bought. The insert holes appear to be factory drilled. There isn't any sign of the holes being enlarged to accommodate the Hipshot bridge. Does Hamer have production logs? I'm really curious to know if this is indeed a factory installed bridge.

Sprinter

[BadgerDave]

Is it possible that the Hipshot, Baby Grand bridge that is on my Eclipse was factory installed? I bought a Wilkinson bridge and regular Gibson style wrap around bridge and neither one will work. The studs won't screw into the bridge inserts. I removed the inserts, and discovered that the Baby Grand inserts were bigger than the ones for the two bridges that I had bought. The insert holes appear to be factory drilled. There isn't any sign of the holes being enlarged to accommodate the Hipshot bridge. Does Hamer have production logs? I'm really curious to know if this is indeed a factory installed bridge.

Sprinter

I'm nearly positive that Eclipses were out of production before the Hipshot BabtGrand bridge was introduced.

Studs and inserts come threaded to either U.S. (5/16-24) or metric (M8 x 1.25) spec. The Hipshot uses U.S. studs and inserts. You probably just need a set of U.S. threaded studs from Tone Pros or an old set of Gibson studs.

Can you simply use the Hipshot studs with your new bridge? The stud spacing should be identical since the Hipshot was made to retrofit "Gibson" stud spacing.

[Sprinter]

Can you simply use the Hipshot studs with your new bridge? The stud spacing should be identical since the Hipshot was made to retrofit "Gibson" stud spacing.

The Hipshot studs are smaller in diameter than the Wilkinson or Gibson style bridge studs. The bridges don't fit tight and move side to side. I'm just going to stick with the Hipshot bridge. I finally got the Hipshot working correctly.

Sprinter

[mirrorimij]

I don't think any Eclipse were built with the Hipshot from the factory.

I've got a Wilky bridge right here. Measurements are as follows:

Bushing Outer Diameter (part that goes into the body) .443"

Bushing Inner Diameter (thread major diameter where stud screws into) .277"

Outer Diameter of threads on Stud .302"

Diameter of post where the bridge mounts .294"

Diameter of opening on bridge that fits on the post .315"

all measurements could be +/- .002" with my cheap dial calipers. Let me know if you need other measurements or a better explanation of what I said above.

[AdmiralB]

The Wilkinson wrapover used SAE threads and studs, and (fairly large) brass body bushings that are smooth over most of their outer surface (i.e. not knurled).

Hamer used/uses Schaller stop tailpieces, which use metric studs and bushings. IIRC the bushings are smaller in diameter (not interchangeable) and are knurled.

I replaced the bushings on several Wilkinson-equipped Hamers with steel bushings, also in SAE threads, and they were correct fits. I suspect whoever added the Baby Grand just used the stock bushings.

[BubbaVO]

Waitaminute? Is that a tobacco burst Eclipse? That's pretty damn cool! I don't remember seeing too many of those.

[Bloozguy]

Waitaminute? Is that a tobacco burst Eclipse? That's pretty damn cool! I don't remember seeing too many of those.

I was thinking that very same thing...except I've never seen one

[Sprinter]

Waitaminute? Is that a tobacco burst Eclipse? That's pretty damn cool! I don't remember seeing too many of those.

I was thinking that very same thing...except I've never seen one

Gene, (BTMN) has also told me that the tobacco burst finish is rare. I was considering selling this guitar, but maybe I should keep it.

Sprinter

[BubbaVO]

Waitaminute? Is that a tobacco burst Eclipse? That's pretty damn cool! I don't remember seeing too many of those.

I was thinking that very same thing...except I've never seen one

Gene, (BTMN) has also told me that the tobacco burst finish is rare. I was considering selling this guitar, but maybe I should keep it.

Sprinter

You can sell it to me for threefitty!

[cmatthes]

Badger is correct - the Eclipse run was over by a few years when the Hipshot BG bridge was out.

I'd say definitely not original.

[Sprinter]

Is it possible that the Hipshot, Baby Grand bridge that is on my Eclipse was factory installed? I bought a Wilkinson bridge and regular Gibson style wrap around bridge and neither one will work. The studs won't screw into the bridge inserts. I removed the inserts, and discovered that the Baby Grand inserts were bigger than the ones for the two bridges that I had bought. The insert holes appear to be factory drilled. There isn't any sign of the holes being enlarged to accommodate the Hipshot bridge. Does Hamer have production logs? I'm really curious to know if this is indeed a factory installed bridge.

Sprinter

I'm nearly positive that Eclipses were out of production before the Hipshot BabtGrand bridge was introduced.

I contacted Hipshot and they said that the Baby Grand bridge was introduced in 1999. The Eclipse is a 1996, so it's definitely not original. Thank you, to everyone for your help.

Sprinter