TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

[BloodRose]

Hi! Have 2 questions about the bridge on my new Epi LP.. First, aren't the saddles supposed to face the same direction? One in my guitar is backwards. (its properly intonated tho, but looks odd)

Second, what is the purpose of the little wire they put on the screw side of the bridge? And is that wire supposed to be touching the strings?? On Epis Ive had before, the wire just kinda laid flat against bridge across the top of the saddle adjust screws. On this new one, the wire stands up to where the strings run from them tailpiece, through the saddle slot, over top of the wire then to the nut and tuning posts. So, whats the deal? Thank you!

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

The saddles can face either way. They put them that way from the factory because its more likely that you'll need them that way for intonation. But you can flip them if you need to.

And that wire is a retainer for the screws.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

The saddles can face either way. They put them that way from the factory because its more likely that you'll need them that way for intonation. But you can flip them if you need to.

And that wire is a retainer for the screws.

so, the wire shouldn't be up touching the strings? I didnt think so. Wonder what the heck happened to this guitar?? Its supposed to be new, but the tailpiece is tarnished and that wire is bent to where its up atouching the low E string and prob the A. On the high string side, its bent against the bridge. Otherwise, the guitar is awesome! Wonder how its supposed to retain the screws unless it is supposed to go across the heads of the screws. If thats the case, Ive never seen one do that. Other Epis I've had, the wire usually lays across the tops of the screws (sides of the screws) and against the bridge itself. Thanks for the input

 

[Mr. B]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

The purpose of the half-backward saddles and the rattly retaining wire is to remind you that you need to order a Gotoh Bridge for your Epiphone. Less rattle, wider intonation adjustment, no retaining wire, no backward saddles. Make sure you get the correct large post metric size. Don't worry about the tailpiece being tarnished, because you are going to top-wrap those strings anyway.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

The purpose of the half-backward saddles and the rattly retaining wire is to remind you that you need to order a Gotoh Bridge for your Epiphone. Less rattle, wider intonation adjustment, no retaining wire, no backward saddles. Make sure you get the correct large post metric size. Don't worry about the tailpiece being tarnished, because you are going to top-wrap those strings anyway.

You see that in your crystal ball?? haha Ive never top wrapped a guitar.. maybe I should give it a whirl. thanks for the input

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

That Gotoh bridge is a nice upgrade from the stock Epi. It's the same thing my USA Jackson came with.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Yeah may look into a bridge change.. Tore her down last night and I didnt realize how the saddles just sit in there till I turned it over and they all fell out.. %#@%@$! So, cleaned everything up, lemon oiled the board, turned all the saddles the same direction. Once the saddles fell out, I realized how the wire works and where it goes.. So bent the wire back to proper shape and put everything back together.. I was stunned that the intonation was correct, cuz I had to turn some saddles around and put em all back in the bridge and Im sure they were in a diff order. Anyhow, good news is that the guitar played and sounded good before, but its even better now since that wire isnt up against the underside of the strings.. Suprised it didnt mute out the low E and A when I first got it... But I figure with all the saddles loose like that, sound transfer is being hindered.. Not to mention it being a pita to work with. So gonna save up and get a diff bridge. Gotoh is good?? Anything else I need to know other than get metric? thanks

 

[Darg1911]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

There may be, but I haven't seen a better price than AES on the Gotoh TOM's. Just be careful when ordering because they have both types. The metric is listed as studs/bushings post. Here is a link to the nickel just so you can check them out.

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-GGT-23-N

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Wow! only $22 bucks? i was expecting $80 plus. May get on that right away then... thanks

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Epi may replace it,if you want.
My CS claim was pretty painless...

 

[Wattage]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Epi puts an ABR bridge on a guitar? hmm didn't realize that. Large posts still?

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

There may be, but I haven't seen a better price than AES on the Gotoh TOM's. Just be careful when ordering because they have both types. The metric is listed as studs/bushings post. Here is a link to the nickel just so you can check them out.

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-GGT-23-N

Darg, that the correct one you have listed? Thanks

 

[Darg1911]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

That's the metric in nickel. I don't own an Epi but as far as I know, that should drop in. They also have gold and chrome.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

That's the metric in nickel. I don't own an Epi but as far as I know, that should drop in. They also have gold and chrome.

Ok, cool! Thanks! now, the big question... do I need nickel or chrome? haha

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

LONG after the fact, but I found this thread again and thought Id update. Within a week of this thread, I ordered the Gotoh bridge darg gave me the link to, got it in days, installed in a few min (I was floored that the intonation was nearly spot on right out of the box) And I couldnt be happier. To most, looks about the same. But to me I can see it's obviously better quality and doesn't have the saddles that are loose in the bridge. That has to help tone and sustain. So thank you all again for the input!

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Did you get nickel or chrome?

 

[BloodRose]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

chrome to match the tailpiece and pup covers and tuners..

 

[blueman335]

Re: TOM bridge (specifically Epi) questions..

Typically the saddles on the 3 high strings point one direction, and the other 3 point the opposite direction. I reverse the saddle direction on the D and G strings, which gives them more room to travel in case I need it for intonation. Since intonation can change with the temp, humidity, and season, it's nice to have the added flexibility.