dvd5300 Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I just bought a 1989 ES 175, mahogany back/side version. Really nice. However, the bridge on the guitar is not original. Does anyone know where I can buy a new bridge that is correct for this instrument? Thanks. BTW. Can anyone tell me more about these mahogany versions of the 175? What's your take on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Why do you say it is not original, and just what do you expect it to be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvd5300 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Why do you say it is not original, and just what do you expect it to be? The technician that worked on the guitar (strings / setup) told me that it was not an original Gibson bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Well then, it must be true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyWheat Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Well then, it must be true! +1 L5Larry J/W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dponzi Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I just bought a 1989 ES 175, mahogany back/side version. Really nice. However, the bridge on the guitar is not original. Does anyone know where I can buy a new bridge that is correct for this instrument? Thanks. BTW. Can anyone tell me more about these mahogany versions of the 175? What's your take on them. I'm not positive, but the bridge should be an ABR-1 on top of a rosewood base. I have a 76' with that setup, and every newer one than that, that I've ever seen had that same setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyWheat Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I'm not positive, but the bridge should be an ABR-1 on top of a rosewood base. I have a 76' with that setup, and every newer one than that, that I've ever seen had that same setup. That's pretty much what I am used to seeing, also. Regards, B) J/W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvd5300 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Any ideas about where to by one? ebay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyWheat Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Any ideas about where to by one? ebay? If it were me, I would buy an original Gibson part. I grumble about the cost of them all the time, but - in the final analysis - they are the real deal and always look and fit right. You are going to want to make sure that the rosewood base is properly radiused to the top of your 175. Bear in mind that I have friends on this Forum who tell me in private that I must have more money than brains... and that is perhaps true, but IMO, a fine old ES 175 (especially a mahogany one) deserves the best. I'm curious: what have you got for a bridge now? J/W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvd5300 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Not sure of the make/model. It is the "roller" type bridge. It has an issue with the height adjustment screws. They're slightly bent (I think because they're not centered under the bridge - bad design) and the bridge leans slightly back. This gives the string tension a "pushing" effect on the bridge. It nudges the bridge forward slightly over a day or two, causing minor issue with tuning. The other concept here, like you said, is to keep the Guitar fitted with proper Gibson parts. I'm not rolling in dough, but I don't mind spending $65 on a correct bridge to make it stay in tune and keep the intonation correct. Thanks for your comments. I love this 175. While I was looking and seeing lots of 175's out there in the $4,000 range, many people on this forum said I could get one in the $2,000. I waited, looked and finally bought this one for $1,750. Dare I say I'm done searching for the perfect guitar? BTW. I have a nice 1978 Cherry 335 on ebay currently. Also very nice. Mint. Straight neck, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dponzi Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Stewmac has them here: My link I'm not sure how good they are, but it's only $23.79 for the nickle one, $27.90 for the gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Watsky Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 The Gibson part is available. Buy the Gibson part. IMO YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Watsky Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 The Gibson part is available. Buy the Gibson part. IMO YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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