Scott Ballew Posted May 20, 2022 Share Posted May 20, 2022 Hey There, I'm looking for 2 screws to fit a 1968 hummingbird adjustable saddle bridge. It would be the two on either side used for adjusting the height. Been scouring Reverb and Ebay and local vintage shop in Austin but no luck... thought I'd try here. Would even buy the entire saddle set up if it came with screws. ThanksĀ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 20, 2022 Share Posted May 20, 2022 (edited) Gibson should have them, but not sure if they would sell to you, maybe if you go to an authorized repair shop they could order them? I have a 1965 J-50 with the adjustable saddle and also a 2020 J-50 "sixties original" which has the contemporary version of the ADJ bridge. The screws on the 2020 sure look the same as the 1965 to me. You can see them in the close-up if you move the "magnifier' across the picture here: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Guitar/ACC26R79/60s-J-50-Original/Antique-Natural Edited May 20, 2022 by Boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted May 20, 2022 Share Posted May 20, 2022 Scott, I recently did some simple repairs to a vintage guitar for a friend. Among the materials I needed were some tiny screws for a couple of the machines. I couldn't get them from a couple of music stores or even a Home Depot. In the end I found replacements at a specialty store that caters to machinists and tool and die makers. I took the guitar to the store, and we tried a number of different sizes until we found some that fit. You might have to find a similar specialty store unless someone has a few spares they can give or sell you. RBSinTo Ā Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 The ADJ saddle screws aren't like a regular screw at all, they are very specialized. The shaft under the screw head is smooth and there is a "shoulder" about 3/8" below that. This forms an opening that the bridge sits inside, so that it rides up and down as you turn the screw. I think you will need the real thing, although a machine shop could probably fabricate them, given a sample, but that would likely be very expensive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 Yes, the old nice Bird needs them. If you can't find them now, they'll show up later. They frequently do - of course often with the rest of the adjustable components included.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Still it should be possible to bring a pair home. Don't forget how many adj. bridges/saddles people switched the last 25 years. Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Keep all eyes open and good luck.Ā Ā Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 13 hours ago, Boyd said: The ADJ saddle screws aren't like a regular screw at all, they are very specialized. The shaft under the screw head is smooth and there is a "shoulder" about 3/8" below that. This forms an opening that the bridge sits inside, so that it rides up and down as you turn the screw. I think you will need the real thing, although a machine shop could probably fabricate them, given a sample, but that would likely be very expensive. If anyone here can provide me the screw's specs and a photo I'll go to the specialty store which is closeby, and try to get the screws Scott needs. RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 (edited) You can see them here, I really don't think you will find this off-the-shelf. There is also a special bushing that it screws into. Edited May 21, 2022 by Boyd 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 1 hour ago, Boyd said: You can see them here, I really don't think you will find this off-the-shelf. There is also a special bushing that it screws into. Thanx for that photo, Boyd. It will go straight down into the Kalamazoo files here.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What we see above is btw the (hollow) plastic bridge version. For beginners and 'green' readers of these pages, it could have been massive rosewood - and the insert r-wood too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 (edited) Yeah, I just googled "vintage gibson adjustable saddle" images and that was one of the results, from an old sale on reverb (it is not my picture). After posting I realized it was the plastic bridge so you might want to do more searching on your own to see if the rosewood version is different. But really, why not just contact Gibson? Since they are still making guitars with the ADJ saddle they surely have access to the parts. https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Support/Repair-And-Restoration Edited May 21, 2022 by Boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Ballew Posted May 22, 2022 Author Share Posted May 22, 2022 Thanks for all the feedback here, very very helpful. I was able to track down two screws from a friend in California.Ā Here's a crazy question, and seems like the right place to ask it...The bridge seems to be a replacement of some sort, not sure if Gibson...but is missing the two pearl inlays on either end of the pegs. Do you think it's worth finding a new bridge from that era to make it authentic to the time or not to mess with it if it sounds great? Ā Thanks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 4 hours ago, Scott Ballew said: Here's a crazy question, and seems like the right place to ask it... Not all Gibsons from that period had pearl dots on their so called belly down bridges.Ā My Southern Jumbo from 1968 fx lived without them ~Ā Ā Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J185cat Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 Gibson also has a restoration and repair service in Nashville. Typically this would be for instruments that you return to them but who knows, may be worth contacting them to see if 1) they have anything like that or 2) if they would sell just a part. Good luck, hope you get her back right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 (edited) I posted a link to Gibson Restoration and Repair above with contact info, you can even schedule a video consultation. Edited May 22, 2022 by Boyd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted May 22, 2022 Share Posted May 22, 2022 (edited) Beautiful guitar.Ā The bridge may be original. Edited May 22, 2022 by Leonard McCoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 (edited) On 5/21/2022 at 11:24 AM, E-minor7 said: Thanx for that photo, Boyd. It will go straight down into the Kalamazoo files here.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā What we see above is btw the (hollow) plastic bridge version. For beginners and 'green' readers of these pages, it could have been massive rosewood - and the insert r-wood too. The ADJ hardware is identical for both the plastic bridge and the wood bridge, since it goes through and is attached to the wood top, and has no structural connection to the bridge itself. The adjustment screw is completely proprietary, and appears to have been made for the purpose. The barrel nut (the large-diameter part with the external threads in the photo) also appears to be a proprietary design. The adjustment screws are very thin and fragile. If they do not turn easily in the barrel nut,Ā don't force them. They will snap off. Use a bit of penetrating oil and a lot of patience. Don't ask me how I know they will snapĀ off. I assume the OP is just looking for the adjustment screws, rather than all the parts. A good machinist could make them, but it would be cost-prohibitive. I have a complete ADJ setup, but unfortunately, it's the only one I have, and I need to keep it. Sorry, but just keep looking. They do show up on ebay. Edited May 24, 2022 by j45nick added additional thought Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 21 minutes ago, j45nick said: I assume the OP is just looking for the adjustment screws, rather than all the parts. Actually, he Ā posted that he already found them.Ā š On 5/21/2022 at 11:26 PM, Scott Ballew said: Thanks for all the feedback here, very very helpful. I was able to track down two screws from a friend in California. Ā Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 40 minutes ago, Boyd said: Actually, he Ā posted that he already found them.Ā š Ā Thanks. Didn't see that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 6 hours ago, j45nick said: The ADJ hardware is identical for both the plastic bridge and the wood bridge, , , Yes, important to underline that the inserts/screws/nuts/washers are identical - come wood, come plastic. Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā And to complete the picture we need to add the loooong metal plate some call the spring. Seen here in the top of the pic ~Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā , , , which also shows both the rosewood and the ceramic saddle/insert. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 11 hours ago, E-minor7 said: Yes, important to underline that the inserts/screws/nuts/washers are identical - come wood, come plastic. Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā And to complete the picture we need to add the loooong metal plate some call the spring. Seen here in the top of the pic ~Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā , , , which also shows both the rosewood and the ceramic saddle/insert. That particular set is from a plastic bridge.Ā The two lag screws with washers at lower right go up through the bridgeplate and hold the plastic bridge in place.Ā If you have a loose plastic bridge, you and often seat it tightly just by tightening those lags with a wrench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 On 5/21/2022 at 10:26 PM, Scott Ballew said: Thanks for all the feedback here, very very helpful. I was able to track down two screws from a friend in California.Ā Man, you owe that guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 1 hour ago, j45nick said: That particular set is from a plastic bridge.Ā The two lag screws with washers at lower right go up through the bridgeplate and hold the plastic bridge in place.Ā If you have a loose plastic bridge, you and often seat it tightly just by tightening those lags with a wrench. Yes - I'm beginning to believe there could have been more than 1 set of (plastic-bridge) screws. The 4 bridge-screws in 'my' pic are divided in 2 pairs.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā This photo however, shows 4 identical screws, 1 with a smaller washer.Ā ,,,, Ā Even clearer here -Ā And as the watchful will have discovered we obviously now have 2 versions of the p-bridge in play =Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The 1 with hole/ direct top-contact - and the version with a groove and 'floor' for an ordinary sized saddle. Ā 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted May 26, 2022 Share Posted May 26, 2022 11 hours ago, E-minor7 said: Yes - I'm beginning to believe there could have been more than 1 set of (plastic-bridge) screws. The 4 bridge-screws in 'my' pic are divided in 2 pairs.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā This photo however, shows 4 identical screws, 1 with a smaller washer.Ā ,,,, Ā Even clearer here -Ā And as the watchful will have discovered we obviously now have 2 versions of the p-bridge in play =Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The 1 with hole/ direct top-contact - and the version with a groove and 'floor' for an ordinary sized saddle. Ā That one appears not to be an ADJ saddle. I believe we have now seen plastic bridges with 2, 3, and 4 screws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted May 26, 2022 Share Posted May 26, 2022 22 hours ago, j45nick said: That one appears not to be an ADJ saddle. I believe we have now seen plastic bridges with 2, 3, and 4 screws. Definitely not - we see the ordinary sized saddle resting on the top under the B-string pin. It is an LG-1, , , , of course from 1963.Ā Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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