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Converting wrap-around to T-O-M bridge?


antwhi2001

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I'm looking for a new project and GAK in UK are selling Epi LP Specials in limited edition colours at a good price.

Has anyone put a tune-o-matic on one of these? I'm wondering if the post holes for the wrap-around are the right spacing for a t-o-m bridge. If they are, it will be fairly easy to fit a stopbar.

 

Anyone know? Thanks....

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I'm looking for a new project and GAK in UK are selling Epi LP Specials in limited edition colours at a good price.

Has anyone put a tune-o-matic on one of these? I'm wondering if the post holes for the wrap-around are the right spacing for a t-o-m bridge. If they are, it will be fairly easy to fit a stopbar.

 

Anyone know? Thanks....

I've converted from a wraparound to a hardtail bridge, basically a fender style bridge sans tremelo, the guitar didn't have the length to add a stop bar, it was a custom CBG. The wraparound was the same length, between posts, as a T.O.M. bridge.

 

The best way to work it out would be to browse a website like stewmac.com, who provide measurements such as pole spacing, look for an LP Special wraparound replacement, that will give you the spacing distance to aim for, then look for a T.O.M. bridge with the same spacing.

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Antwhi,

 

Currently, Asian wraparound bridge post holes are 82mm center-to-center. Asian TOM bridges are 72mm center-to-center so will not work with the wraparound post holes. You can fill the post holes with doweling and redrill, or you can buy an all-in-one intonatable wraparound bridge from Stew Mac (or a hunert other places). The cheapest I've found is the Leo Quan type, which run about $25. The Tone Pros, Schroeder, Pigtail and Hipshot versions are nice but expensive: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_tailpieces.html

 

More about Jr bridges can be found here: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/56623-speaking-of-juniors-upgrades-complete/page__hl__wraparound

 

or here: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/56613-epi-sg-junior-bridge/page__p__762290__hl__wraparound__fromsearch__1&do=findComment&comment=762290

 

or here: http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/48709-78-lp-junior-makeover/page__p__662226__hl__wraparound__fromsearch__1&do=findComment&comment=662226

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If it's any consolation, I've converted back to the stock wraparound on several Jrs because I don't think the intonatable versions do much unless the guit is just impossible to intonate. I've been able to get extremely close to perfect intonation just using the set screws on the stock wraparound on the five I've had. Plus, I think it improves the tone slightly - less bits to rattle, and a more direct conection of the strings to the body.

 

I would recommend that the tuners be swapped out right away however. They are very poor quality - inconsistent turn resistance and hard to make fine adjustments. I would also look at the neck pocket - if it's full of paint, tape, shims, etc. that should be removed. Also the wiring and pickup mods as shown in the pervious threads. Once the mods are completed, they make really great backup, starter, or rec room bangers for short coin.

 

BTW, you seem to be able to get colors over there we can't get. Gloss black, red or suburst only here.

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