Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
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YeRedHouseOverYonder
New member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
You can get a Faber Nashville to ABR conversion kit. The description says that you'd be able to use their abr, but I don't see why you couldn't use another abr.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/271820303403
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You can get a Faber Nashville to ABR conversion kit. The description says that you'd be able to use their abr, but I don't see why you couldn't use another abr.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/271820303403
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Ayrton
New member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
The Faber will NOT work with another ABR in my experience.
You can plug and redrill for a true conversion or use various available conversion studs.
The easiest and least expensive option appears to be the conversion studs from Philadelphia Luthiers
The Faber will NOT work with another ABR in my experience.
You can plug and redrill for a true conversion or use various available conversion studs.
The easiest and least expensive option appears to be the conversion studs from Philadelphia Luthiers
dystrust
Well-known member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
I have this on my Les Paul Standard. All you need are the conversions studs and a Gibson-compatible ABR bridge. I have a Gibson ABR, so I'm not sure which aftermarket bridges are compatible.
If you're changing bridges for cosmetic reasons, keep in mind that the tone will change too. You'll notice less low end and possibly a bit more 'air' in the highs. On my Les Paul I like an ABR better, while on my SG I liked both ABR and Nashville for different reasons. I have a Nashville bridge on there now because I think the single coil modes of the P-Rails sound a little thin with the ABR. My Explorer OTOH sounded like thin, nasal crap with an ABR.
I have this on my Les Paul Standard. All you need are the conversions studs and a Gibson-compatible ABR bridge. I have a Gibson ABR, so I'm not sure which aftermarket bridges are compatible.
If you're changing bridges for cosmetic reasons, keep in mind that the tone will change too. You'll notice less low end and possibly a bit more 'air' in the highs. On my Les Paul I like an ABR better, while on my SG I liked both ABR and Nashville for different reasons. I have a Nashville bridge on there now because I think the single coil modes of the P-Rails sound a little thin with the ABR. My Explorer OTOH sounded like thin, nasal crap with an ABR.
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YeRedHouseOverYonder
New member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
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Ah, there you go. They're cheaper to boot. I buy my raw covers and nylon saddles from them. They're a good spot to shop for a lot of bang for buck.
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Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
I second the PL conversion screws, especially if you're not 100% sure you'll like the change. If you do love the ABR, then there are several with conversion studs that do help the sound of the ABR sound closer to a guitar with the proper ABR studs sunk directly into the maple top.
There are several brands out there with good reputations; Faber and Callaham are at the top. Both can change the sound of your guitar, so research well and ask questions beforehand. I have used the Callaham and like the ABR part especially. I want to try the Faber next. Sounds like I need to hit Ayrton up for a trade or something, since he has a drawer full.
I second the PL conversion screws, especially if you're not 100% sure you'll like the change. If you do love the ABR, then there are several with conversion studs that do help the sound of the ABR sound closer to a guitar with the proper ABR studs sunk directly into the maple top.
There are several brands out there with good reputations; Faber and Callaham are at the top. Both can change the sound of your guitar, so research well and ask questions beforehand. I have used the Callaham and like the ABR part especially. I want to try the Faber next. Sounds like I need to hit Ayrton up for a trade or something, since he has a drawer full.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
There isn't much reason not to just plug and install whatever ABR-1 bridge you want to. It's a fairly easy operation, it gives you the originally intended type of ABR-1 installation, and it's easily reversible, should you ever want to return the guitar to stock. You should be able to get the required plug cutter fairly cheaply. You will need a drill press in which to mount the cutter, though. If you don't have one, you can try to find pre-cut mahogany plugs of the right length and diameter.
There isn't much reason not to just plug and install whatever ABR-1 bridge you want to. It's a fairly easy operation, it gives you the originally intended type of ABR-1 installation, and it's easily reversible, should you ever want to return the guitar to stock. You should be able to get the required plug cutter fairly cheaply. You will need a drill press in which to mount the cutter, though. If you don't have one, you can try to find pre-cut mahogany plugs of the right length and diameter.
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Ayrton
New member
Re: Nashville to ABR-1 conversion Help
This is what I do now. Maple plug, and longer ABR post.
Jeff, I bought several sets thinking I would convert all my Gibsons. I tried two or three Les Pauls and none of my bridges would fit. The Faber studs spread to wide for the standard ABR holes. I gave up and just plugged the holes. I should have sent them back, just forget about it.
This is what I do now. Maple plug, and longer ABR post.
Jeff, I bought several sets thinking I would convert all my Gibsons. I tried two or three Les Pauls and none of my bridges would fit. The Faber studs spread to wide for the standard ABR holes. I gave up and just plugged the holes. I should have sent them back, just forget about it.
