TOM Bridge Collapse

G

guitarzinc10

New member
Has anyone dealt with a TOM bridge collapse on their Les Paul?
Did you repair or replace?
How's the results?
I'm thinking about repairing first and if that does'nt work then I will replace maybe with a $Callaham bridge$.
Thanks ins advance for any help or suggestions.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

what do you mean by "collapse"? can you show us a pic?

and fwiw...i have gotohs on both my gibsons
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

I'm at work so no pics for now. Over time the pressure of the strings on the inferior zinc bridge causes the center of the bridge to sag and the radius is now concave instead of convex.
Google "tune o matic bridge collapse" and you will find some examples.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

its unfortunately too common an issue. i typically replace the bridge
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

I replaced one a while back and have tried to keep the break angle at a less acute...er...angle, ever since
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Is this an ABR-1?

There isn't a need to go Callaham if you don't want to. Very few bridges are of low enough quality to just collapse. I assume you mean break in the middle.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

uOpt said:
Is this an ABR-1?

There isn't a need to go Callaham if you don't want to. Very few bridges are of low enough quality to just collapse. I assume you mean break in the middle.
Click to expand...

They bend very noticeably in the middle after a while if you have the break angle set too acutely.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

right. the bridge doesnt break just flattens out in the middle a little so what ends up happening is you cant get consistent action across the fretboard. the middle strings will be too low or the outside strings will be too high
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Just replace the bridge. That would be the easiest to do. The current bridge can be fixed, but it could cost more than a new bridge.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Is this mostly just with stock TOM bridges? I have my tailpeice set all the way down to the body and top wrap the strings....
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

It is possible to reverse the sag using clamps but there is no guaranteed permanent solution.

If you are obliged to replace, why not take the opportunity to upgrade to one of the locking assemblies?
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Funkfingers said:
It is possible to reverse the sag using clamps but there is no guaranteed permanent solution.

If you are obliged to replace, why not take the opportunity to upgrade to one of the locking assemblies?
Click to expand...

Does it not happen with locking bridges? I just got a locking bridge....
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Andrew Lamprecht said:
Is this mostly just with stock TOM bridges? I have my tailpeice set all the way down to the body and top wrap the strings....
Click to expand...

If youre top wrapping the break angle will not be anything like as acute so it should not be an issue.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

Its not something I actively worry about. I like my break angle no to be too acute anyway as it makes the strings feel less stiff, but even if you DO have to replace a bridge once every few years, its not a major expense.

Unless youre doing it on an original 59 LP.
 
Re: TOM Bridge Collapse

That's one of the side-effects of having the tailpiece screwed all the way down... lots of tension and the bridge collapses over time.

Dan Earlewine had a way to fix it but the simpler and easiest fix is just to buy a new one... and reduce the angle by raising the tailpiece of course...
 
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