Using 2-point trem on body drilled for vintage (6-screw)?

[joelavely]

I think this is my first post here.  I have read LOTS of stuff and I hope to be a regular contributor going forward.  This looks dangerously obsessive...

I like buying used stuff.  There are LOTS of used bodies for sale that have had "vintage" 6-screw trems on them, but relatively few that have been drilled for 2-hole trems (Wilkinson, etc.).  I am new to building partscasters, but I would like to build a few with 2-hole trems.

My question:  The 6-screw trems looks like they have relatively small holes in the body.  It looks like you could simply drill the two larger diameter holes over the 6-holes, and frankly, just leave the extra holes.  Forget cosmetics, I'm worried about structural issues.  Does this work OK?

I'm hoping yes, which would open up the world of bodies I can consider.  I know I could also fill the holes and repaint or touch up, and I may do that as well.  Mostly curious about structural issues.

Thanks in advance!

Joe Lavely

 

[gjacob]

Most non-Floyd trems have the same post mounting as the outer two screw holes.  Enlarge with a drill and press in the bushings.  No structural issues.

 

[Cagey]

My question:  The 6-screw trems looks like they have relatively small holes in the body.  It looks like you could simply drill the two larger diameter holes over the 6-holes, and frankly, just leave the extra holes.  Forget cosmetics, I'm worried about structural issues.  Does this work OK?

You might want to look at Super-Vee's "Bladerunner" bridges. They're designed to replace 6-point units without issue. Not the best solution in the world, but it does solve a lotta problems if you happen to be stuck with a body that's already drilled/routed for a 6-point.

From the pictures, it looks like they're just cutting down on the pivot points, but actually those are hard mount points using existing holes. The pivot point is a piece of spring steel between the mounting flange and the bridge itself.

Ideally, you want the two-point knife-edge fulcrum, but you also really want to start with a body drilled/routed for that. Otherwise, it's more work than it's worth.

 

[Kostas]

...The 6-screw trems looks like they have relatively small holes in the body.  It looks like you could simply drill the two larger diameter holes over the 6-holes, and frankly, just leave the extra holes.  Forget cosmetics, I'm worried about structural issues.  Does this work OK?

Yes it will work and the tremolo will probably cover the holes. You just need to place the tremolo in the correct position or harmonics and intonation will be screwed. If you can't do that a tech can do it. He can also fill the other holes with hardwood.