Hipshot Contour (specific) bridge route

[Jet-Jaguar]

So, quite a few people here on the forums have installed Hipshot contour bridges, and they used a recessed Wilkinson route. 

That's what I did here:
http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=11161.msg151948#msg151948
(Although I had a tech, who knew what he was doing (as opposed to myself, who just kinda "wings it")  install the studs.)

There's another example here:
http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=3789.0

The only problem with that is that you have to install the studs yourself, as Warmoth won't install the Hipshot studs in the Wilkinson route (as per an email conversation today with Warmoth.)  It would be easier for those of us apartment-dwellers (with no room for a press) if we had Warmoth install the studs.

Warmoth, please consider offering a Hipshot contour bridge route/stud install.  The bridge is really nice and smooth.

 

[BigSteve22]

I used a Hipshot American Flat Plate on my Strat, with a Fender American Strat route. The Flat Plate uses the same studs as the Contuor. I was able to push them in using a block of hard maple. Just made sure the studs were vertical, and sitting in the center of the holes, and then leaned down on the block until they were flush with the face of the body. I didn't even need to remove any finish overspray from the hole.

My only problem was with the route itself. Hipshot says the bridge is a drop in replacement for the American Fender. I found that the trem block hit the back of the route and did not allow full movement. I removed appx 1/8" from the back of the route and it fit just fine. I'd read that Warmouth American routes are a little tight, so I was prepared for it.

Another thing I noticed, was that the entire bridge/studs set up could have been moved rearward about 1/8" to better center the intonation range. As it is, I had to remove the spring from behind the saddle on the low E string to get it back far enough for proper intonation. This could have been caused by differences in manufacturing lots at Hipshot.

What I didn't notice at the time, is that Warmoth offers a Hipshot route as a custom option for $45.  I would have definitely gone with  that option. Anyway, I love the Hipshot bridge, and didn't have a problem installing the studs.