Learn To Install Tune-o-Matic Bridge

On most of the guitars from Gibson Les Paul, Firebird and SG models Tune-o-Matic bridges are quite common. This type of bridge is available in various types of styles and shapes. There are some types of Tune-o-Matic bridge that have a retaining wire and others have self-contained saddles like Nashville and no matter what type of Tune-o-Matic bridge your guitar has it is very essential to inspect the bridge. It is because wear and tear can cause many issues with the bridge. It will be important to replace the bridge and let’s see why it is so.

When it comes to installing the Tune-o-Matic-style bridge many think that it is a challenging thing to do, but actually, it is not so difficult. You need to know what you require and simply avoid a few things. A few points are discussed below on how to do it on the 1960 Gibson Les Paul guitar. Though the techniques used here can be implemented on any guitar that has a Tune-o-Matic-style bridge.

First step of repair:

First you need to analyze the guitar for repairing or upgrading it. Then it is important to measure the action of the 12th fret and the neck relief. It is important to check the intonation. You need to see that the bridge should not warp between the adjustment posts. To correct this issue you must go for bridge replacement.

Install the new tune-o matic bridge:

You can think of choosing the Schaller Nashville Tune-o-Matic which is a bridge of supreme quality and it will last for a long time. It works better than the typical replacement units and there are many kinds of variables, which need to be considered when it comes to replacing the tune o matic bridge. You need to check the string angle, slot width and string spacing when you are thinking to replace the bridge.

First, you should take out the old bridge and then install a new one. Now you must tune the guitar and adjust the height of the string at the 12th fret.

Now measure the distance from the edge of the last fret to the edge located outside. The first and sixth string should be located at the same distance from the fretboard edge which should be nearly 1/8”. The guitars will differ on this aspect as per the neck width and the thing is equal spacing from the outside edge of the string to the fretboard edge. This needs to apply to both strings.

For seating the first and sixth string you have to carve the shallow slot in the saddles. Once you have set the outside strings then you need to position the four things over the saddles that are not slotted. It should be done till the strings are spaced at an equal distance that must measure from the outside edge of every adjacent string. There are 5 gaps and should be nearly 25/64″. Measuring from the center of each string is not going to be helpful because this will cause treble strings and bass strings to come closer.

Once you have measured the space and checked it properly with the help of a ruler, cut a shallow slot on each saddle with the nut files so it matches the gauge of each string. If you are not able to deal with the Guitar Bridge on your own then consulting a qualified technician is a better thing to do.

How To Clean And Maintain Your Electric Guitar Fretboard

Finished and Unfinished Fretboards The guitar community is torn in a debate about whether the material of a fretboard makes any difference. Some believe that a rosewood fretboard is markedly different from ebony, while others say there’s hardly any difference. But when it comes to cleaning, you will need to be cautious. Primarily, the focus is on fretboard cleaning, but other guitar parts are involved, like the neck and tuning pegs. And if your electric guitar has a fretboard that uses unfinished wood, things are tricky, demanding extreme caution. So, it’s recommended to oil unfinished fretboards for obvious reasons. When you leave wood for a long time, it turns hard, thereby making it difficult for the truss rod-neck adjustment. Unoiled fretboards can also crack in places that look bad and hamper your guitar play. How To Start Cleaning Your FretBoard For maple fretboards, you don’t have to spend time oiling. Typically, they are pre-hydrat...

5 Gibson Guitars You Should Go For

Gibson SG is a model that was introduced in the year 1961. The splendid feature of this guitar is that it is lightweight. You can easily find the vintage Gibson guitar parts very easily for this one. It is made of mahogany wood which is quite durable and strong. It has a small and extra-thin neck that can be played by anyone. This increases the playability of the guitar in a big way. It is also cheaper than the previous Gibson models. The versatile design makes it repairable and parts for Gibson guitars are easily available. It also produces sounds that are fully balanced. However the joint on the neck is slightly weak that can affect sound quality. It can break easily and is fragile due to its super thin nature. The Les Paul model is the model that was released before the SG or Solid Guitar. This Ultima model from Les Paul is a little expensive and is a total vintage collection. These look classy, luxurious and has explicitly handcrafted features. It ha...

How to Repair Binding around the Body of an Acoustic Guitar

What is Acoustic Guitar Body Binding? Almost all acoustic guitars have some type of binding around the edges where the top and back meet the sides. Many acoustic guitars also have binding around the fretboard and peghead. Acoustic guitar binding can be made out of many different kinds of material including: various woods, plastic, or celluloid. A “true” binding around the body of the guitar is inlayed or glued in a channel cut from the body. A router is used to cut a small channel or shelf on the edges of the guitar for the binding to sit on. The binding is then bent and shaped to fit the body and glued in place. Most of the time decretory purfling strips are usually inlayed next to the binding. Purfling strips are thin laminate pieces of wood dyed different colors. You might ask, what is the purpose of binding on an acoustic guitar and why don’t all guitars have binding. Acoustic guitars have the edges bound to create stronger joints between the top, sides, and back of the...

Nethan Vines

Search This Blog