Change hardtail bridge from 2-7/32" to 2-1/16"

[StringTheory]

I've got some 2-7/32" E-to-E spaced hardtail bodies that I'd like to convert to modern 2-1/16" spacing. I want to emphasize _hardtail_ cause this puts a different spin on it. Not as easy as converting a vibrato, which just requires filling 6 holes and redrilling.

The hardtail would require respacing the holes for the strings, and maybe the ferrules as well. The difference in spacing is so close (5/32") that it could make things more difficult than simply filling and redrilling. I'd expect bits to skid off center.

Has anyone tried this?

 

[Strat Avenger]

Nope.
Just buy a 2-1/16" spaced hardtail bridge like the three that I have.

 

[Spud]

It'll never work.

 

[StringTheory]

Nope.
Just buy a 2-1/16" spaced hardtail bridge like the three that I have.

The strings go thru the body, and those holes are already drilled to 2-7/32" so they won't line up with the holes in the 2-1/16" spaced bridge.
Maybe I'm overlooking something in your reply?

I was thinking that there may be a way to drill holes at a very slight slant so they still match up with the 2-7/32" centered ferrules.
Warmoth techs advised checking here to see if someone may have solved this.

 

[Spud]

It MAY be time to investigate the exciting world of top loaders!!!

 

[teleme01]

I'm just spit ballin here, but I think your idea, slightly slant, would work or widening the string hole; it's covered by the bridge. Spit ballin

 

[supertruper1988]

Nope.
Just buy a 2-1/16" spaced hardtail bridge like the three that I have.

I have done this the low E can catch some times but ultimately goes through.

 

[teleme01]

I'm thinking you could even use top ferrules

 

[StringTheory]

Some creative ideas here. That's what I was looking for. Thanks.

 

[Spud]

I think it of course could be done. The main concern would be fishing the strings through up to the bridge accurately. You could route it and use a catalyzed filler and drill or filler with brass "straws" thru to guide the strings. You could get a plate style string retainer instead of ferrules.

 

[Strat Avenger]

The strings go thru the body, and those holes are already drilled to 2-7/32" so they won't line up with the holes in the 2-1/16" spaced bridge.
Maybe I'm overlooking something in your reply?

I was thinking that there may be a way to drill holes at a very slight slant so they still match up with the 2-7/32" centered ferrules.
Warmoth techs advised checking here to see if someone may have solved this.

'Sorry. My reply was only addressing the bridge itself, not ferrule holes in the body.

 

[stratamania]

Perhaps just enlarge the string through holes slightly.

 

[DuckBaloo]

This one is pretty much as narrow as it gets...

https://warmoth.com/sfmh1

Note...

This bridge can be mounted using vintage spec mounting holes. To do this, the string-thru holes must be enlarged from 1/8" to 3/16" (4.7mm). This allows the strings access to the narrower string holes in the base plate.

It will retrofit a vintage Fender hardtail bridge, but it only gets you to 2-1/8". If you really want 2-1/16", then it's best to plug the old holes and drilling new mounting and string-thru holes,

 

[Strat Avenger]

This one is pretty much as narrow as it gets...

https://warmoth.com/sfmh1

Note...


It will retrofit a vintage Fender hardtail bridge, but it only gets you to 2-1/8". If you really want 2-1/16", then it's best to plug the old holes and drilling new mounting and string-thru holes,

That would seem to me to be the best compromise.

 

[StringTheory]

I think it of course could be done. The main concern would be fishing the strings through up to the bridge accurately. You could route it and use a catalyzed filler and drill or filler with brass "straws" thru to guide the strings. You could get a plate style string retainer instead of ferrules.

Those are a couple more very good ideas. I was originally thinking about teflon tubing for guiding the strings, but brass tubing might actually be easier to manage.
I also hadn't considered a plate style string retainer. Mostly cause I hadn't seen those. I'll look.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Spud]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412kR3R6UcL._AC_SL1024_.jpg