New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

[RockinProf]

Hi all,

Just received a new Gotoh 510T SF2 for my American Standard Strat. Has anyone done this bridge swap as well and if so, is swapping out the bridge studs and the embedded anchors worth it? If it's a difference that can be heard in a band mix, I'll change these, if not I'll just install the bridge its self.

Thanks all!

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

I installed a Callaham ABR and I changed out the studs too. I was surprised at how loose the stock studs were (Les Paul) and the new studs went in much more firmly. I did like that, just from a stability standpoint it has to help.

Now, do I think I can hear that difference in a band mix? Not likely. But I like my guitars to be the best they can be, so it was worth it to me.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

I replaced the wraparound bridge in my LP Special with a Schaller. I used the inserts that were already installed but I did use the actual screw in studs that came with the new bridge.
IDK if there would be a huge tonal difference either way.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

He is talking about a STRAT!
Changing the anchors (inserts) will definitely not make a difference you can hear. If the studs themselves will thread into those inserts then go ahead and change them, but I don't think you will hear a difference in the band mix. We are talking very, very subtle change if any as long as the new bridge seats properly on the old studs.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

Not something you want to swap out unless necessary. Pulling them 100 percent cleanly takes finesse, and usually some prior experience. If they are nicely seated from the factory, I vote to leave them be.

 

[AlexR]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

I'd not change the wood bushings, but the screw in parts. I'm assuming is a version of the 2-point bridge.....and the Gotoh version might have a slightly different profile for the knife edge and corresponding stud shape. You want to make sure any trem action returns to original position each time.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

^^^ Yes; my post was speaking of the anchors that are sunk in to the guitar body, not the thread-in adjustable bridge posts.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

As mentioned, unless your insets are creeping forward, leave them. The Gotoh inserts are larger, and you will have to drill out the body. Not something for the inexperienced.

 

[RockinProf]

Re: New bridge, is changing mounting studs worth it?

Thanks all,

I’ll try and change the studs/bolts if the threads are the same. I’ll leave the bushings alone unless there’s an issue, then I’ll go to a luthier. I was wondering if the bushings/studs were worth a pull out and push in, but with drilling that’s over my head. Looking forward to installing the new bridge though.

Thanks again!