Nashville to ABR-1 bridge convertion

[Nothinspecial]

Hey all!

Well this is a topic that I know will help out members with USA guitars that like the look of the ABR-1 bridge.

First the main reason I did the conversion on my old faded was the tailpiece was way too high off the body for my taste. I bought some conversion studs for the bridge from Guitar Fetish "Nashville" ABR-1 Studs for USA Gibson Les pauls

I'll let you know now that the studs they sell look correct for an ABR-1 bridge when installed, but do not fit the Gibson brand ABR-1 bridge. I bought a genuine Gibson and still had to drill them out. Guitar fetish's website says they fit the ABR-1 style bridges they sell. The holes in their bridges for the studs are the same size as the Nashville bridge post studs. If you’re thinking that you’re going to use your original Nashville post so save money, don’t. The Nashville posts have a “lip” on the platform where the bridge rides. Plus they will not look like proper ABR-1 thumbscrews.

If you want to use an original Gibson ABR-1 bridge or just one with the proper size stud holes, you will have to drill.

If your going that route don’t worry, it’s not that hard. First you will need to get a power drill and a 5/32 drill bit. The stud posts measure .159 inch and the drill bit measures .156 inches. The just work it a little bit around. Not too much! You can hold the bridge in you hand to do this but I recommend using a washrag to be safe just in case the bridge hangs up on the bit.

Don’t worry about the difference in the width of the stud spacing from factory ABR-1 and the Nashville.

The Nashville is 2 15/16”
The ABR-1 is 2 29/32”
Which is only a difference of 1/32” or .0312 of an inch.
Your factory Nashville has more than 1/32” slop in it.

Here’s some pics of what my Standard faded looked like after it was done.





I ended up top the only down side is as you can see the “break angle’ of the strings over the bridge is a little too steep when the tail piece is on the body. Truly the only way to get the tailpiece down is to top wrap it. If you want the ABR-1 for looks. Go for it. It’s your guitar. If your looking at doing it for tonal improvements...well, that's in the ear of the player if it make any or not.
One thing you will loose is some intonation adjustment room. You have to decide if it's worth it to you.

Happy modding!

[HolyGrail]

Nice Presentation and Info. !
Thanks ! It and your time is much appreciated !

[Nothinspecial]

Originally Posted by HolyGrail

Nice Presentation and Info. !
Thanks ! It and your time is much appreciated !

No problem. Just trying to help get the ball rolling. I don't have much info but I'll help out by posting what I know to help get the train rolling at full steam!

[ibis]

Farntastic! I was after that info! Thanks.

[Weldaar]

Truly the only way to get the tailpiece down is to top wrap it.

Not true. You can make spacers out of TP bushings, cut them to the desired height, and install them on the TP studs under the TP. This will let your TP be tight against the body.

[TheWellGoodShow]

OO I love the Screwless pickguard, wasnt that on ebay sometime ago?? How do they hold?

[Paul46]

Nice post.I did exactly the same mod to my Standard.I would just say that when reaming out the holes,drill from the underside of the bridge - and you don't need to go more than about half way.You are removing such a small amount of metal that you could even tackle it with emery paper but it would take a bit longer.
Also,I have had absolutely no issues with break angle or intonation with the tailpiece screwd down.

[C Squared]

Great Post. I bought one of their ABR style bridges and it did come with studs and washers, I however just elected to plop it onto my Nashville Style adjusters and it worked out fine. Doesn't have the complete vintage look, but it does have a great vintage feel and the tone I'm getting now is what my ears prefer.

[Peaceman]

Again, nice work! i did the same thing on my standard also, but did it with emery and needle files! it did take a little while to do but well worth it.

i cant get the tail piece to sit on the body without that harsh break angle either, i tried taller saddles but its just the same, anyone know a reason not to over wrap the strings anyway?