btoth76 Posted June 5, 2014 Posted June 5, 2014 Hello! I have recently changed the stock Nashville unit to an aftermarket ABR-1 unit. A retainer-wire version. I just noticed, that the adjustment screws are not seating flush in their slots when string are tuned to pitch. They lean upwards! Actually, the screw for A-string saddle was so close to the string, that it caused buzzing. However, I fixed that by filing below the shoulder of saddles... Anyone been through this? Anybody with an idea what might be wrong? Thanks in advance... Bence
capmaster Posted June 5, 2014 Posted June 5, 2014 Guess your talk is on a chrome-plated one which may be more critical. As far as I know, Gibson offers them in nickel or gold only, so chrome ABR-1 style bridges would be available as third-party parts only. Even the much softer nickel coat may cause the screws to get stuck and not slip into position. Tilting under string force may lead to seizure one can't break free easily. Tolerances may be a problem when chrome or gold tops the nickel - on most metals, chrome or gold platings require a preceding nickel plating. I guess they make the parts for additional chrome or gold platings according to the same tolerances valid for only nickel, and this would be likely to cause these troubles.
surfpup Posted June 5, 2014 Posted June 5, 2014 I just noticed, that the adjustment screws are not seating flush in their slots when string are tuned to pitch. They lean upwards! Weird, what if you back them out all the way and re-thread properly? Who made the aftermarket ABR?
capmaster Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 Weird, what if you back them out all the way and re-thread properly? Who made the aftermarket ABR? Guess it's not about the threads. At least they aren't on real Gibson parts, and I read it out of Bence's words, too. Screw recess diameters and slot widths are the problems here I think.
btoth76 Posted June 6, 2014 Author Posted June 6, 2014 Hello! Thank You for Your replies. What is strange, that screws/saddles seat perfectly when the bridge is removed. So I don`t think it`s a clearance issue. When the strings apply the pressure, that`s when they lift off... I googled it. As it seems it is a common problem with - even Gibson`s own - ABR-1. Donny comfirmed it too. However, I couldn`t find a satisfying explanation on the net. Some recommend bending the retainer wire between screws... Hello Surfpup! I gladly send You the brand in PM, if You are interested. I don`t want to do it publicly...It`s one of those better Nashville/ABR-conversions. Cheers... Bence
btoth76 Posted June 6, 2014 Author Posted June 6, 2014 Hello again! I've found this. It is a description of a cutting-edge product: "The Advanced Vintage Replacement II is the exact replacement for the bridges found on older or vintage electric guitars originally fitted with ABR-1 style bridges. The AVR-II locking model has the complete appearance of the vintage part, but has many upgrades including more intonation range, and saddles that are "engineered in" solid, preventing "lift" against the retainer wire. Retrofit for most Vintage and reissued USA guitars without modification. Extra tight construction eliminates rattles and improves sustain." That is what happening.
capmaster Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 ... Tilting under string force may lead to seizure one can't break free easily. ... ... What is strange, that screws/saddles seat perfectly when the bridge is removed. So I don`t think it`s a clearance issue. When the strings apply the pressure, that`s when they lift off... I googled it. As it seems it is a common problem with - even Gibson`s own - ABR-1. Donny comfirmed it too. However, I couldn`t find a satisfying explanation on the net. Some recommend bending the retainer wire between screws... ... My comment was on the original Gibson non-wire ABR-1. The problem seems to be similar to yours. In particular, the reverted bridges with the edge facing to the tailpiece for increased compensation range, i. e. usually E6th and G3rd for sets featuring a plain G3rd, may need holding down while tuning up a string. I consider switching to the wired ABR-1 like on my Epiphone. In case of breaking a string, saddle and screw could be lost, which could cause an awkward situation.
L5Larry Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 I have recently changed the stock Nashville unit to an aftermarket ABR-1 unit.... not seating... They lean... caused buzzing.... Seems to me all the problems you have encountered with the ABR-1 conversion IS the reason Gibson came out with the "Nashville" in the first place. Put the "Nashville" back on and your problems are all solved!
AXE® Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 I replaced all my Nashville bridges with Faber ABR wireless bridges. No problems. Love the look and the reliability.
surfpup Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 I replaced all my Nashville bridges with Faber ABR wireless bridges. No problems. Love the look and the reliability. Did you use the Callaham conversion studs? Or something else?
capmaster Posted June 6, 2014 Posted June 6, 2014 Seems to me all the problems you have encountered with the ABR-1 conversion IS the reason Gibson came out with the "Nashville" in the first place. ... Seems very likely to me, too.
btoth76 Posted June 10, 2014 Author Posted June 10, 2014 Hello Donny! Hello guys! Thank You for all Your support... As it turned out to be, the pressure of strings pulling the saddles towards the tailpiece. However, it wouldn't have caused the issue itself in such a drastic way. This effect was most significant on the A-string. The notch on that saddle was cut way too deep by the luthier. I swapped it with low-E string's saddle and it became much better. But still, I can move the saddles my fingers when the guitar is tuned up to pitch - and that's not a good thing. Faber's conversion stud is a clever idea, and their bridges do seem well-made. I will consider buying them. If Mr. Axe® is satisfied with them, it should do it for me too. ;) Cheers... Bence
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.