bkrownd Posted November 22, 2017 Posted November 22, 2017 Has anyone replaced the normal Tonepros bridge on a Standard with a roller bridge? (from any decent manufacturer that fits the current thread and hole spacing) I've read that the height of the roller bridge is different because it's intended for use with a Bigsby, so setting the action could be a problem?
RobB Posted November 23, 2017 Posted November 23, 2017 I'm not sure why you would want to replace the stock bridge? Tuning issues? Planning on a Bigsby install? The Schaller roller bridge has side-to-side adjustment for each string insert, so at least you'll be able to match string spacing. I'm not sure about the radius, though. Most latter-day Hamers have a 14" radius, using TOM bridges that have the standard Gibson radii (12"). I would leave it stock, if I were you. That said, I usually do hardware swaps on most of guitars, so don't listen to me.
zorrow Posted November 23, 2017 Posted November 23, 2017 38 minutes ago, bkrownd said: Has anyone replaced the normal Tonepros bridge on a Standard with a roller bridge? (from any decent manufacturer that fits the current thread and hole spacing) I've read that the height of the roller bridge is different because it's intended for use with a Bigsby, so setting the action could be a problem? I've done that on all my Deans, as they are string-through-body and I like to push the strings down after the bridge to raise the pitch --it can be done in some other ways, but it's cool gimmicks live. I did use Tonepros with roller saddles. Cannot tell however what kind of TOM bridges the Deans had, but I had no problem with adjusting the height of the bridge after the change. Also did the same modification to an import Standard many years ago, using a Schaller bridge. I no longer have that one and barely remember how it was, but I'm pretty sure it went smoothly. Hope this helps.
bkrownd Posted November 23, 2017 Author Posted November 23, 2017 I'm just doing a little minor personalization as I clean up the guitar. I may try black bridge/tailpiece on it. Just drop-in cosmetic changes, no modifications to the body and no tremolo. Some people seem to like the roller bridges because they don't have the edges that grab the strings, so I was wondering about trying them. Just considering the options. The Schaller roller bridges seem to be designed for guitars where the bridge is mounted at a bit of an angle. (maybe it doesn't matter much, dunno...)
RobB Posted November 23, 2017 Posted November 23, 2017 2 hours ago, bkrownd said: The Schaller roller bridges seem to be designed for guitars where the bridge is mounted at a bit of an angle. (maybe it doesn't matter much, dunno...) It doesn't. All TOM bridges are mounted on an angle.
bkrownd Posted November 23, 2017 Author Posted November 23, 2017 Ah, faulty memory I guess. I removed it a couple days ago when I did the cleaning. I'm a noob
tbonesullivan Posted November 23, 2017 Posted November 23, 2017 The sound may change a bit. I think some have said they can be "warmer" sounding? If you have a bigsby or even a vibrola they can really help with tuning stability.
humfree Posted November 24, 2017 Posted November 24, 2017 Stew Mac has a roller bridge with a 14" radius for around $35.. been looking at it for a Slammer Series Eclipse but haven't pulled the trigger. Don't know the manufacturer though.
bkrownd Posted December 3, 2017 Author Posted December 3, 2017 By an odd miracle I found NOS Schaller roller bridges locally, but not in black. Maybe i'll revisit that at some later date, but my interests have shifted a bit and I guess I'll just fix up the old Tonepros bridge and put it back on. My $$$ is flowing in so many directions during the holiday season.
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