Andy Eagle ( Guitar repair tech for 30 years )

[Eagle]

Hey Andy,

I have this PRS style guitar kit I got a million christmasses ago as a gift. I like it, but it cost like 90€ and it's not more than a fiddle.

Anyway, I was bored and hated the trem anyway (2 point style). Filled the Trem hole (top) and the cavity (back) with solid hardwood and 2 component.

Can you recommend a good, non-hassle fixed bridge? Maybe a top mount bc I don't want a string-thorugh (but also doable, just not my fav).

Or a wraparound?

Top is solid so I can drill in whatever I want.

Just a "Fender style" hardrail top mounter is preferable to me.

The hight off the body is the important part with this type of fit .
With a set neck you will need something that fits between the fixed parameters .
PRS use a wraparound on fixed bridges but once again same issue.
Also price?
I’m assuming you want value for money over flat out best?

 

[Eagle]

Top loading Strat style bridges are thin on the ground and mostly very poor quality.
Something like this works better than one with Strat style saddles because the intonation screw doesn’t get in the way of the string:

If you don’t mind spending more anything from Gotoh or Hipshot is good but these will require through body drilling.

 

[Eagle]

There are a couple of premium top loaders from ABM and Schaller though;

 

[Eagle]

And last my favourite, the Hipshot;

Through body stringing only though.

 

[BahamaDada]

The hight off the body is the important part with this type of fit .
With a set neck you will need something that fits between the fixed parameters .
PRS use a wraparound on fixed bridges but once again same issue.
Also price?
I’m assuming you want value for money over flat out best?

Thank you for the insights!!

It's a bolt on neck.

The first one reminds me of a Tele. Not my fav look, bur function is key here I guess.

Of course, as always, looking for the bang for the buck

 

[Eagle]

Thank you for the insights!!

It's a bolt on neck.

The first one reminds me of a Tele. Not my fav look, bur function is key here I guess.

Of course, as always, looking for the bang for the buck

These bridges all sound good because it’s hard to get something this simple wrong. I would go for the top one for cheap and simple. Check string spacing on your guitar as well. You don’t want the strings closer to the edges of the fingerboard.

 

[BahamaDada]

Sorry to bother you again with Bridge stuff. I know it's gonna be top loader. Don't want to drill through. Right know I am tending between the Göldo one (the "barrel") and the Schaller 3D. 100€ difference. As I said, still evaluating if that is worth it on a 90€ guitar kit.

At Meinl I saw they sell Ibanez Gibraltar bridges for like 40-50€. I know them from a Ibanez ART a buddy of mine.

What's your opinion on those Ibanez fixed bridges?

IBANEZ Gibraltar Standard Brücke 2014 - Cosmo Black (2GB2JAA024)

BRIDGE GRIBRALTAR STD. IBANEZ 2014 IN COSMO BLACK

www.meinlshop.de

 

[Eagle]

Sorry to bother you again with Bridge stuff. I know it's gonna be top loader. Don't want to drill through. Right know I am tending between the Göldo one (the "barrel") and the Schaller 3D. 100€ difference. As I said, still evaluating if that is worth it on a 90€ guitar kit.

At Meinl I saw they sell Ibanez Gibraltar bridges for like 40-50€. I know them from a Ibanez ART a buddy of mine.

What's your opinion on those Ibanez fixed bridges?

IBANEZ Gibraltar Standard Brücke 2014 - Cosmo Black (2GB2JAA024)

BRIDGE GRIBRALTAR STD. IBANEZ 2014 IN COSMO BLACK

www.meinlshop.de

It’s ok but no better the the budget one I pictured in tone or function.

 

[Stone]

Hey Hey @Eagle have you ever worked or heard anything about Jet Guitars
thoughts Opinions? and yes it is a budget guitar

JET JS-380 RD G

JET JS-380 RD G

jetguitars.com

As always thank you for your expertise and advice

Cheers

Mike

 

[Eagle]

Hey Hey @Eagle have you ever worked or heard anything about Jet Guitars
thoughts Opinions? and yes it is a budget guitar

JET JS-380 RD G

JET JS-380 RD G

jetguitars.com

As always thank you for your expertise and advice

Cheers

Mike

Indonesian Squire territory. Pretty solid but spend a bit more and find a second hand Mexican Fender. Better core materials and components. Also compatible with replacement parts for direct fit instead of nearly.
The value second hand is also nothing should you decide it’s not for you.

 

[Stone]

Yeah the Only thing ill do is change to Dimarzio Noiseless Are and Injector Since I require Noiseless
Very true about the fit and also the resale value

I did put an offer $950 CDN QC taxes included with shipping for a MiM Player Plus Practically new and checks the boxes (almost) :)
but shop reached out to me and said yes there is fret sprout
Might be worth it for my tech to fix this issue and if he can accept my offer I may go that route

Loading…

reverb.com

Thank you Sir again for the advice

 

[Eagle]

Yeah the Only thing ill do is change to Dimarzio Noiseless Are and Injector Since I require Noiseless
Very true about the fit and also the resale value

I did put an offer $950 CDN QC taxes included with shipping for a MiM Player Plus Practically new and checks the boxes (almost) :)
but shop reached out to me and said yes there is fret sprout
Might be worth it for my tech to fix this issue and if he can accept my offer I may go that route

Loading…

reverb.com

Thank you Sir again for the advice

Fret sprout is nothing to worry about , a ten minute job that should not put someone off an otherwise solid buy.

 

[HomespunEffects]

I have a Washburn A-15V that I’m restoring. It’s currently routed for a Kahler. However I’m thinking of making it a hardtail. Probably going to drill it for a Hipshot. Should I route the bridge pocket out a little larger and install a wood block to match its dimensions? Should i taper the hole and block like an inlay? Is this just a trucker idea that I’ll regret?

 

[Eagle]

Not needed. Just make it a good interference fit.
Should be fine.

 

[HomespunEffects]

Not needed. Just make it a good interference fit.
Should be fine.

Thanks.

 

[Warmart]

Shouldn't this thread title be updated every year?

Have to be at least 32 years by now, if not even more.
Yes, I'm here to be helpful.

 

[Eagle]

Shouldn't this thread title be updated every year?

Have to be at least 32 years by now, if not even more.
Yes, I'm here to be helpful.

It was vaguely that it’s probably closer to 35 now thinking back and I was part time before that.

 

[AFKAEjay(retired)]

Any experience with neck resets? Do they always come out sounding the same?

 

[Eagle]

Any experience with neck resets? Do they always come out sounding the same?

Totally depends on the method required and how you go about it. For example the type of glue and the quality of the fit. It will be pretty close even if it’s not exactly the same.

 

[AFKAEjay(retired)]

Totally depends on the method required and how you go about it. For example the type of glue and the quality of the fit. It will be pretty close even if it’s not exactly the same.

I own a Byrdland who may ..or may not need some work in a couple of years in this department.
With high risk of tonal changes I’d rather shave more off the bridge/sadles…if the risk is minimal, I’d rather leave the bridge as is, and bite the bullit earlier