Replacement parts for a 1979 Les Paul

[Aceman]

So, I have a Paul that I'm moving to Black Hardware.

Tuners are grovers, so that is easy

But...what size bridge, screws/wheels, stop bar, and studs?

Regular old same old same old as would fit any LP??? Does anyone know the numbers?

I'd rather not hit the LP Forums....

 

[MrZen]

Definitely not same old same old. First determine what kind of bridge you have, eg is it an ABR-1 type, a Nashville style, or wraparound for example.

I recently went through this and found out the hard way that ABR-1 bridge sets have multiple widths and the bridge posts can be either thick, thin, or direct screw in. Best to double check

Once you determine what type you have then measure yours with a caliper and compare the dimensions with the products you want to buy. If it's within a mm or so you're probably fine.

 

[Aceman]

Thank you Mr. Zen.

That said, it is a Nashville. My question is really "Will any Nashville for a Gibson" fit. Or - have the specs changed from the 70's to 80's to whenever.

No Calipers handy. I can measure center to center with a decent ruler.

 

[MrZen]

I think all the official Nashville's were the same size and so if you are going with a Gotoh or Gibson official you should be good to go. If you are getting an off brand then you probably want to confirm the specs are the same. It's the cheapos that have some wild variances on size you gotta watch out for.

Obviously there may be some difference in sizing with Epi vs Gibson as well so be wary of any of the cheapos that say they fit both.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Thank you Mr. Zen.

That said, it is a Nashville. My question is really "Will any Nashville for a Gibson" fit. Or - have the specs changed from the 70's to 80's to whenever.

No Calipers handy. I can measure center to center with a decent ruler.

I'd go for Schaller. Those old 70's bridges were Schaller, and Schaller still makes those. They're called the GTM. Zinc bridge with Brass saddles and Zinc tailpiece.

 

[Mincer]

Also, if you are using modern parts, make sure you measure! There are a lot of people who are selling replacement parts for Gibsons that would be a mm or 3 off of what Gibson used at the time. So don't buy anything unless it has actual measurements.

 

[Aceman]

Also, if you are using modern parts, make sure you measure! There are a lot of people who are selling replacement parts for Gibsons that would be a mm or 3 off of what Gibson used at the time. So don't buy anything unless it has actual measurements.

Definitely. On these, 1mm will make a success/failure.

 

[ehdwuld]

I would leave the inserts in the guitar and change out everything above the insert
it will be hardly noticeable at all

it will look like a reflection in the top

 

[Chistopher]

Yes, especially for wood that old, removing the studs would be a bad idea.

 

[Aceman]

Good idea on the studs.