Brandon. Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Sorry if this is a repetitive or previosly asked question. I own a 2005 Les Paul USA. To my understanding, there are the Vintage ones that the screws face toward the pick ups, and on the 2008 models they face away from the pick ups? If this is correct then i have a question, mine face away from the pick ups. Is this right? I know that it was serviced before i bought it (used) so is it possible that a new bridge was fitted? Anyway, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXE® Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 You're good. As long as it intonates properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon. Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 Sounds good - thanks for the reply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Your guitar has a Nashville bridge. Those vintage ones, and historic reissues, have an ABR-1 bridge. ABR-1 typically faces the pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AXE® Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Yep what he said. *hi timmy* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 *Hi...uh...AXEy* My (Memphis) 335 has an ABR-1. They flip the bridge the opposite way on this, for some reason. I guess because the historic 335s have the bridge facing the pickups. Anyways, I flipped mine. Thinking about selling it now as a historic and charging an extra $2,000 for it. (I'm kidding, I'm kidding) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstar232007 Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 It depends, if you have a Bigsby installed (which I suspect you don't) the screws should be facing away from the p/ups (so the there isn't a chance of them working there way up and hitting the strings), but, other than that, it really doesn't matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobv Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 Sure it matters. The intonation will be off if you inadvertently flip the bridge around (another reason to change strings one at a time). Also the notches, if they were ever properly cut, are going to be spaced for the strings so the heavier wound strings are farther apart than the plain strings, and everything lines up properly on the fingerboard. Aside from the spacing, if the notches were cut for the strings, they are going to be different sizes. If you have a really new GibsonUSA guitar with pre-notched saddles it won't matter as much (until you replace the saddles with un-notched ones for a tech to install properly). So, yes, there are rules. ABR-1 bridge with the retaining wire and the freewheeling little knurled wheels, the screws should face the pickup. Nashville bridge without the wire, but with heavy all-in-one stud thumbwheels, the screws should face the tailpiece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstar232007 Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Sure it matters. The intonation will be off if you inadvertently flip the bridge around (another reason to change strings one at a time). Also the notches' date=' if they were ever properly cut, are going to be spaced for the strings so the heavier wound strings are farther apart than the plain strings, and everything lines up properly on the fingerboard. Aside from the spacing, if the notches were cut for the strings, they are going to be different sizes. If you have a really new GibsonUSA guitar with pre-notched saddles it won't matter as much (until you replace the saddles with un-notched ones for a tech to install properly). So, yes, there are rules. ABR-1 bridge with the retaining wire and the freewheeling little knurled wheels, the screws should face the pickup. Nashville bridge without the wire, but with heavy all-in-one stud thumbwheels, the screws should face the tailpiece.[/quote']Sorry, I forgot to mention that when turning the bridge around, you'd also have to flip the saddles around as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Is there a tonal difference when using one bridge or the other? I know somw guys that have changed from one to the other and cant find the reason why they would do that, aside from looks. Isnt that wire holding the screws in place a pain in the @ss? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Thunder, I think there is a difference but can't tell you what exactly. Nashville bridge posts screw into bushings; whereas, ABR-1s screw directly into the wood. I'm sure those bushings rob something. With all these historic type questions you've been asking, I think it's time you bought an R8. Tell your in-laws you want one as a wedding gift. Then threaten to back out of the marriage if they say no. That type of stuff always works out well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I forgot about that tiny little detail: they go directly to the wood. You got me... I'm considering a historic (already talked to the girl) and am currently getting as much knowledge as I can so that I know what to expect when trying one and hopefuly can get the right one. I will probably get the SG this week too if I dont find a special faded doublecut. EDIT: I'm also GASsing really bad for a Firebird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 Sorry' date=' I forgot to mention that when turning the bridge around, you'd also have to flip the saddles around as well.[/quote']All things properly installed, I prefer the screws facing the tail for saddle adjustment. Proper or not, I don't care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 All things properly installed' date=' I prefer the screws facing the tail for saddle adjustment.[/quote']Looks aside, the one disadvantage of having the screws face the tail is that you may not be able to slam your tailpiece against the body. That's why I flipped the bridge on my 335. I couldn't lower it anymore without flipping the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I would say that it doesn't really matter which way the bridge is positioned. What really matters is that the saddles are positioned properly. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverbursted Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 You would know it if you had the bridge on backwards or not. You would have a hell of a time getting it in tune, if at all. Yep, been there done that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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