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7/8 bridge selection and string spacing

jdroost

Junior Member
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Going over the details on my 7/8 build.
Since I am planning on robbing parts from my 96 Lonestar I need to decide on bridge selection.
Originally I was going to use the stock trem...but have decided with a smaller guitar a fixed bridge
might offer some more sustain.
I am running into an issue here.

String spacing on my bridge is 2.08 (53MM).
They only offer vintage drilling for fixed bridge (2 1/4 57mm).
This puts the string spacing too wide for my Humbuckers...and guessing potentifally might feel strange
with a 1 5/8 nut on the other end.

Any other options here?
Should I just get it routed for my trem?
Opinions are super helpful here.

Thanks
 
The spacing across your pickup is not going to be any kind of a problem. Might not look perfect, but it's not a problem sonically. But, the spacing on your neck will. Standard neck width at the heel on a Fender-style neck/body joint is 2 3/16, so a 2 1/4" spaced bridge is going to be too wide. There will only be 1/32" between the high/low E strings and the edge of the fretboard, which means you're going to be pushing or pulling the strings off the neck all the time. So, any bridge with what is often referred to as "modern" spacing (2 1/8" or 54mm) is what you're looking for.

Note that those numbers are all slightly off, because the strings don't follow a straight path. They're spaced more narrowly at the nut than at the bridge. But, they're close enough to understand what the difference is between "vintage" and "modern" spacing is about. I suspect on earlier guitars, the playing style didn't involve as much bending/vibrato as modern styles do, so having strings that close to the edge was as big an issue as it is today.
 
jdroost said:
They only offer vintage drilling for fixed bridge (2 1/4 57mm).
...
Any other options here?

They offer these two options as well:

153638507794722300_resized.jpg


Ie these two:

FASH1C.jpg


SFMH1C.jpg


These are 2,08” (53mm) and 2 1/8” (54mm) respectively.

I use the Am.std.flat mount (the first one) on two of my builds.




 
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