• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Replace wraparound bridge by tune-o-matic style bridge?

Mr.Moore

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
Messages
3
Hey there


I was wondering if there's an easy way to replace the traditional (Gibson Les Paul Junior like) wraparound bridge by an "adapted" tune-o-matic or even roller bridge? Sometimes I see people playing LP juniors with bigsby trems but I can't tell how these kinds of bridges are called.

For example:

P5vTZpP.jpg



or

wIGZFNI.jpg



So any ideas how to handle the bridge issue that will come up by adding a tremolo behind the wraparound bridge?
Would love to read somes ideas!

FB
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,023
Gibson did make guitars with a wraparound style bridge and trem...Les Paul/SG Specials and non-reverse Firebirds.
I don't know why the bridge stays put, but it seems to.
It does on my FB III.
 

Mr.Moore

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
Messages
3
Thank you for your answer Charlie!
Unfortunately I can' find that particular bridge (displayed in my attached pics) anywhere online. Gear pages say that the Gibson Firebird III is equipped with a ABR-1 bridge but it's obviously not true since I can see that it's bolted on the tune-o-matic kind of screw routings.
 

poor man's burst

Active member
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
Thank you for your answer Charlie!
Unfortunately I can' find that particular bridge (displayed in my attached pics) anywhere online. Gear pages say that the Gibson Firebird III is equipped with a ABR-1 bridge but it's obviously not true since I can see that it's bolted on the tune-o-matic kind of screw routings.
These bridges were made by Bigsby and came with the vibrato. It exist different models depending on the vibrato type. The ones on the pics were intended for the solid body guitares with a low base nicknamed "the dog-bone". I don't think Bigsby makes them anymore but you can find them sometimes on the market, also usually quite pricey.
The Firebird III with tremolo was equiped with the 50s wrap-around bridge (with the compensating ridge on top) as found on the cheaper Firebird I. The Firebird V and VII had the ABR-1.
 

Mr.Moore

New member
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
Messages
3
Thanks PMB!

I found this:


However it's not really fixed with screws to the body but rather pushed down by the strings itself when they come in a steep angle from the Bigbsy, I guess?
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,023
Philadelphia Luthier Supply.
It's colloquially known as a lightning bar bridge, and they may call it that.
Many of us with wraptails need new ones because the originals were compensated for a wound 3rd way into the 60s.
The chrome one will stay shiny and the nickel one will develop a patina quickly and look good on an old guitar.
 

poor man's burst

Active member
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
Thanks PMB!

I found this:


However it's not really fixed with screws to the body but rather pushed down by the strings itself when they come in a steep angle from the Bigbsy, I guess?
Good find, and you're guessing right. They seem to be out of stock though.
These are simple parts that anyone with basic mechanic skills could reproduce if necessary.
 
Top