Damaged My LP Custom Already!

[ufboy73]

well, like an idiot i was screwing around raising the tailpiece, without proper tools (because I am inept when it comes to anything with even a hint of mechanics to it) and ended up stripping/denting one of the large screws.

 

So, i have got a shiny new looking LP but a screw that has chrome exposed all over the top. I would like to replace this with another gold screw, particularly because I am assuming that since it is new now would be the opportune time to replace so that all the gold still matches before any wear sets in?

 

I have a couple of questions though that i am hoping you guys could help me with....please bear in mind though the previous statement about my being a complete novice at things like this:

 

1) can i buy just the screw? I cant seem to find it online - only entire tailpiece sections that would come with the screw i need

 

2) Is this the part that I would need for a LP custom? http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-Tailpiece-Stop-Bar-306101-i1128029.gc

 

3) How do you guys make adjustments via the screws without damaging them? the metal seemed really soft. Either i need a screwdriver that had a width to cover the whole screw (and applies equal pressure across the whole screw) or maybe wrap the screwdriver in some sort of 'padding' (i.e. rag) or something?

 

4) Assuming i get the screw/part i need, how hard is the replacement going to be? Take the strings off, unscrew the existing tailpiece, put the new one (or replace the screw with the old one) but how do i get it to the exact height that it is at now? Should I just take it somewhere and let a pro do it?

 

Any input would be great on this. It obviously doesnt affect playability but it hurts every time i see one shiny gold screw and the other that has almost completely flaked off.

 

thanks

[AXE®]

1-Wrap your tool for the tailpiece adjustments.

2-Never do it under full string tension

3- As you already stated you are inept, ask first.

4- Yeah I'm a D*ck.

[modoc_333]

first, never do it with the strings tuned up. always slack. at that point you can probably just turn it by hand. if you can't b/c it has been cranked down hard then it's not bad to have this: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/1/Tune-o-Medic_Bridge_and_Tailpiece_Tools/Pictures.html#details however, i have also found that a normal american half-dollar fits the slot perfectly. the plating is small, so you need a perfect fit.

[Bluemoon]

Call Gibson. They should be able to give you the right part number. FYI--they are very responsive to emails. And you can buy screwdrivers that have coated/protective tips.

[AXE®]

And prior to any more tinkering. Please post first, you will have an answer within the hour usually.

 

ps: don't listen to :oilpit:

[Bluemoon]

And prior to any more tinkering. Please post first' date=' you will have an answer within the hour usually.

 

ps: don't listen to :oilpit:[/quote']

 

+1 always do the opposite of what oilpit says. And ignore anyone with a clown avatar or a name that includes the word "flick"

[RichCI]

One way to look at it is that the gold is going to start wearing off eventually anyway. Note the tailpiece screws on my LP:

 

[Thundergod]

well' date=' like an idiot i was screwing around (because I am inept)

[/quote']

 

FIXED!

 

(sorry man, I just had to do it... nothing personal and just kidding around).

 

 

I always do that with a 50 cent coin wrapped in a cloth. No marks, no damage.

[Thundergod]

 

+1 always do the opposite of what oilpit says. And ignore anyone with a clown avatar or a name that includes the word "flick"

 

 

 

 

Or anyone that says his name is Colin.

[modoc_333]

well, that's 2 votes for the coin.

btw, the problem with finding a screwdriver (even a shielded one) is that most aren't thick enough... even if they are wide enough

[bobv]

One of my kids' toys came with some rudimentary tools for assembly (I think it was a bicycle that hooks up to a computer game on the TV) that included a nifty flat bar with a right angle on the end - it works beautifully on stop tailpiece studs. Don't be afraid to improvise but make sure you've protected yourself and the guitar top. A coin is probably the best advice since it's hard to apply too much force with it.

 

As far as a replacement goes, if you're unable to buy just one post, then think about Tone Pros locking tailpiece studs ( http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_tailpiece_parts/TonePros_Locking_Studs.html ) which will allow you to lock down the tailpiece so it won't fall off if you take off all the strings to clean the fretboard. It's also said to increase sustain.

[Dynadude]

As a side note, I learned a log time ago that slotted screws equal finish damage, to the screw and the guitar finish.

 

Make yourself a guard to use around screws to protect the finish on the guitar. I use and old scrap of pick guard material, with some stick on felt on the bottom. It has some irregular shapes cut out, that allow it to fit around most areas where adjustments are needed.

 

The coin trick does work great, if you can't get the correct specialty tool.

 

You don't want to learn this stuff the hard way, especially with a new Gibson.

[ufboy73]

thanks a lot for the quick feedback guys. I will definitely post here before even thinking about screwing around anymore with the guitar.

 

i wonder, is there a 'standard' height that the tailpiece should be set at once i get replacement screws? I wouldnt want it impacting the action that i already have or anything like that.

[weeladdie]

I always use a 6" metal ruler on it's side if I need to adjust the stoptail posts.

 

One of the few times in my life I've had some sense and sat and looked at the part before applying tools of any kind!

 

[otaypanky]

Mike has almost any nut, screw, or part you might find on a guitar.

http://www.mikes-music-shop.com/

[deepblue]

Tough break but not the end of the world.

 

I usually stick some masking tape on the end of the screwdriver to soften it up a bit.

[butch]

Try these: http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/gbridge_studs.htm

[Les Paul Fanatic]

Always loosen your strings up before doing any bridge work because if not you will pretty much strip the screws out.

[cajunman831]

cut out a piece or rubber mat or something and lay it flat near ares you work.in case you slip.Stewmac sells guitar kits.