"Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts."

diceman · 08-17-2008, 12:07 AM

The title says it all. I finally called Gibson today to find out where the hell I can get some extra thumbwheels for my Elitists - to do the double thumbwheel ABR mod. Well, Gibson Customer Service says "We do not sell replacement parts for Elitists over the counter." I said that SURELY I can special order some parts from my Gibson dealer... RIGHT? "No, only an authorized Gibson Repair Center can get parts for the Elitist line." I bitched a lot just to make myself feel better, and then called the nearest repair center. They thought that they could only get thumbwheels in a complete bridge set - but said that they'd check on it for me. They did need my guitar's SN to even make a request for the parts

I guess that I'll keep everyone posted on this issue - which is a kick in the balls. It was actually suggested to me by the rep on the phone that I install a Gibson ABR so that I could get wheels that fit! Gibson decides to make a (very fine) line of guitars which use unique parts, and then doesn't make aftermarket replacement parts available... What gives?

lp_junkie · 08-17-2008, 12:10 AM

sounds par for the course. At one time I swapped out most of my parts for Gibson parts so I could get replacements. Epiphone would be better served with USA made parts.

You could try Gotoh parts since they are MIJ and most likely it's what the Elitist is equipped with, I don't know that for fact but it would make sense.

captain tightpants · 08-17-2008, 12:11 AM

Figures. I love Gibson guitars, but the company can be a real pain in the ass.

BCRGreg · 08-17-2008, 12:12 AM

I have a box full of those thumbwheels.

diceman · 08-17-2008, 12:12 AM

The problem is that the Elitists use a small post ABR bridge - much different than an Epi, but very similar to a Gibson. In fact, a Gibson ABR bridge WILL fit on an Elitist, BUT, the threads on the small posts for the ABR are METRIC... There lies the problem. Neither USA nor Epiphone parts will work with the small posts and metric threads.

Worth checking with Gotoh though, for sure. If Gibson doesn't hook me up - I'll surely go that route.

diceman · 08-17-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

I have a box full of those thumbwheels.

The metric thread small post wheels? That would be SWEET!

I'll need a couple of days to see if Gibson "comes through" or not - they've already put in the "request" for them. If they don't, I'll be sure to get in touch with you. Thanks Greg!

Guido · 08-17-2008, 12:28 AM

Ive been thinking of doing this. I didnt even know this was so complicated...let me know what they tell you, so If you order order 2 sets and Ill pay you the set and the shipping

diceman · 08-17-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guido.c

Ive been thinking of doing this. I didnt even know this was so complicated...let me know what they tell you, so If you order order 2 sets and Ill pay you the set and the shipping

We'll see what they say... I had to stress that I had *noticed* that my posts were starting to lean, slightly, and that I wanted the extra wheels as a preventative measure. It does NOT sound like it'll work out very smoothly!

I think that Greg will be our best bet. As soon as I hear back from Gibson that they can't do anything for me, I'll be giving him a call!

djwilbanks · 08-17-2008, 12:40 AM

See, this is why I play... uh... crap... nevermind...

Guido · 08-17-2008, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

We'll see what they say... I had to stress that I had *noticed* that my posts were starting to lean, slightly, and that I wanted the extra wheels as a preventative measure. It does NOT sound like it'll work out very smoothly!

I think that Greg will be our best bet. As soon as I hear back from Gibson that they can't do anything for me, I'll be giving him a call!

Yeah but has Greg got the special for the elitists? Im really looking forward to a BB or vintage look, but I havent got a lot of money and Im pressing my father to buy me an iphone

Does someone know someone that has an iphone for sale?

djwilbanks · 08-17-2008, 01:36 AM

Apple has them, AT&T does too.

lol

diceman · 08-17-2008, 01:55 AM

Damned Pirates...

Guido · 08-17-2008, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djwilbanks

Apple has them, AT&T does too.

lol

Yeah, I actually told my father ''its only $200''

I think they come with a plan, but fuck it, his friend will take care about that

djwilbanks · 08-17-2008, 02:05 AM

sorry, dice, bwa ha ha

stryker59 · 08-17-2008, 11:21 AM

ill be keeping an eye on this thread as well cuz i wanna do the same thing!

Dave67 · 08-17-2008, 01:10 PM

Well that sucks. Will these work, PostsThumbwheels for 'ABR-1' Tune-o-matic Bridges at Stewart-MacDonald

diceman · 08-17-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave67

Well that sucks. Will these work, PostsThumbwheels for 'ABR-1' Tune-o-matic Bridges at Stewart-MacDonald

Most likely YES! Thanks for the link!

lp_junkie · 08-17-2008, 01:12 PM

being that they are metric it would be very possible.

Dave67 · 08-17-2008, 01:24 PM

They only down side is the $30 min order.

hbucker · 08-17-2008, 03:13 PM

How about these:

PostsThumbwheels for 'ABR-1' Tune-o-matic Bridges at Stewart-MacDonald

sasquatch · 08-17-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

The problem is that the Elitists use a small post ABR bridge - much different than an Epi, but very similar to a Gibson. In fact, a Gibson ABR bridge WILL fit on an Elitist, BUT, the threads on the small posts for the ABR are METRIC... There lies the problem. Neither USA nor Epiphone parts will work with the small posts and metric threads.

Worth checking with Gotoh though, for sure. If Gibson doesn't hook me up - I'll surely go that route.

Man when I go to Sam Ash or GC I see 'All Parts' (Gotoh) they have the small post hole bridge that you would need in either chrome or gold. They are Always available. I am having to special order the Epi metric bridge, but the Allparts Gotoh bridge(s)that I see regularly should work for you like a charm.

diceman · 08-18-2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatch

... but the Allparts Gotoh bridge(s)that I see regularly should work for you like a charm.

I'm fine with the stock bridge, just looking for the metric thumbwheels. Sounds like there are enough places to get them if Gibson won't hook me up.

Has anyone with an Elitist tried any of these other wheels (stew mac?)

lifele55 · 08-18-2008, 02:30 AM

Lol our dealer here also asks for a S/N when I asked about a Gibson truss rod cover...

GNR4EVR · 08-18-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain tightpants

Figures. I love Gibson guitars, but the company can be a real pain in the ass.

Sounds a lil' like a Microshaft thing- Want a small component, "youre gonna have to get the whole assembly" kind of thing.

hbucker · 08-18-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

Has anyone with an Elitist tried any of these other wheels (stew mac?)

I've used a lot of StewMac products and from a quality standpoint, I have no reservations what-so-ever.

Will these wheels fit your Elitist??? It looks like they will but clearly, you won't know unless you order them and try them out. They are for small posts and have metric threads...

They have a good return policy so if they don't fit you can easily return them.

inxs996 · 08-18-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diceman

The title says it all. I finally called Gibson today to find out where the hell I can get some extra thumbwheels for my Elitists - to do the double thumbwheel ABR mod. Well, Gibson Customer Service says "We do not sell replacement parts for Elitists over the counter." I said that SURELY I can special order some parts from my Gibson dealer... RIGHT? "No, only an authorized Gibson Repair Center can get parts for the Elitist line." I bitched a lot just to make myself feel better, and then called the nearest repair center. They thought that they could only get thumbwheels in a complete bridge set - but said that they'd check on it for me. They did need my guitar's SN to even make a request for the parts

I guess that I'll keep everyone posted on this issue - which is a kick in the balls. It was actually suggested to me by the rep on the phone that I install a Gibson ABR so that I could get wheels that fit! Gibson decides to make a (very fine) line of guitars which use unique parts, and then doesn't make aftermarket replacement parts available... What gives?

Hey Dice,

give Classic Axe a try, they were able to get me my Epiphone parts, its worth a try..

Eric

heres the link...

Welcome to The Classic Ax!!

diceman · 08-18-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inxs996

Hey Dice,

give Classic Axe a try, they were able to get me my Epiphone parts, its worth a try..

Eric

heres the link...

Welcome to The Classic Ax!!

Thanks - I'll give that one a look as well.

overdriver · 08-18-2008, 01:03 PM

Dice those posted from stew mac are the ones , pretty sure M4 X .7,
Is not the stock Elitist the Gotoh standard abr (small hole)?

The larger post holes ones for reg. Epis are M8 X1.25 M= Metric?

08-17-2008, 12:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,322 Thanks: 308 Thanked 90 Times in 32 Posts	"Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." The title says it all. I finally called Gibson today to find out where the hell I can get some extra thumbwheels for my Elitists - to do the double thumbwheel ABR mod. Well, Gibson Customer Service says "We do not sell replacement parts for Elitists over the counter." I said that SURELY I can special order some parts from my Gibson dealer... RIGHT? "No, only an authorized Gibson Repair Center can get parts for the Elitist line." I bitched a lot just to make myself feel better, and then called the nearest repair center. They thought that they could only get thumbwheels in a complete bridge set - but said that they'd check on it for me. They did need my guitar's SN to even make a request for the parts I guess that I'll keep everyone posted on this issue - which is a kick in the balls. It was actually suggested to me by the rep on the phone that I install a Gibson ABR so that I could get wheels that fit! Gibson decides to make a (very fine) line of guitars which use unique parts, and then doesn't make aftermarket replacement parts available... What gives? __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

08-17-2008, 12:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 5,752 Thanks: 22 Thanked 94 Times in 19 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." sounds par for the course. At one time I swapped out most of my parts for Gibson parts so I could get replacements. Epiphone would be better served with USA made parts. You could try Gotoh parts since they are MIJ and most likely it's what the Elitist is equipped with, I don't know that for fact but it would make sense. __________________ LP_Junkie my personal MySpace _____________________________________________ Disclaimer- The opinions expressed on this site may cause incontinence, wadded panties, indigestion, insecurity and other serious maladies. Use as directed, not intended for the overly sensitive and humor impaired.

08-17-2008, 12:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
captain tightpants V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orland CA Posts: 4,768 Thanks: 58 Thanked 8 Times in 3 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Figures. I love Gibson guitars, but the company can be a real pain in the ass. __________________ What the? Where's my sig?!!

08-17-2008, 12:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,975 Thanks: 157 Thanked 731 Times in 95 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." I have a box full of those thumbwheels. __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

08-17-2008, 12:12 AM	#5 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,322 Thanks: 308 Thanked 90 Times in 32 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." The problem is that the Elitists use a small post ABR bridge - much different than an Epi, but very similar to a Gibson. In fact, a Gibson ABR bridge WILL fit on an Elitist, BUT, the threads on the small posts for the ABR are METRIC... There lies the problem. Neither USA nor Epiphone parts will work with the small posts and metric threads. Worth checking with Gotoh though, for sure. If Gibson doesn't hook me up - I'll surely go that route. __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

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08-17-2008, 12:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
Guido The Gweeeed Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Posts: 7,280 Thanks: 40 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Ive been thinking of doing this. I didnt even know this was so complicated...let me know what they tell you, so If you order order 2 sets and Ill pay you the set and the shipping __________________ Gweed

08-17-2008, 12:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 16,146 Thanks: 125 Thanked 207 Times in 38 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." See, this is why I play... uh... crap... nevermind... __________________ º\|\|\|\|\|º

08-17-2008, 01:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 16,146 Thanks: 125 Thanked 207 Times in 38 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Apple has them, AT&T does too. lol __________________ º\|\|\|\|\|º

08-17-2008, 01:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,322 Thanks: 308 Thanked 90 Times in 32 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Damned Pirates... __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

08-17-2008, 02:05 AM	#14 (permalink)
djwilbanks V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Arkham Asylum Posts: 16,146 Thanks: 125 Thanked 207 Times in 38 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." sorry, dice, bwa ha ha __________________ º\|\|\|\|\|º

08-17-2008, 11:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
stryker59 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: staunton, va Posts: 3,316 Thanks: 21 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." ill be keeping an eye on this thread as well cuz i wanna do the same thing! __________________ *you've been weighed, measured, and found wanting!*

08-17-2008, 01:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
Dave67 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Well that sucks. Will these work, PostsThumbwheels for 'ABR-1' Tune-o-matic Bridges at Stewart-MacDonald

08-17-2008, 01:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 5,752 Thanks: 22 Thanked 94 Times in 19 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." being that they are metric it would be very possible. __________________ LP_Junkie my personal MySpace _____________________________________________ Disclaimer- The opinions expressed on this site may cause incontinence, wadded panties, indigestion, insecurity and other serious maladies. Use as directed, not intended for the overly sensitive and humor impaired.

08-17-2008, 01:24 PM	#19 (permalink)
Dave67 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." They only down side is the $30 min order.

08-17-2008, 03:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
hbucker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." How about these: PostsThumbwheels for 'ABR-1' Tune-o-matic Bridges at Stewart-MacDonald __________________

08-18-2008, 02:30 AM	#23 (permalink)
lifele55 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Reddot Singapore Posts: 2,341 Thanks: 53 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Lol our dealer here also asks for a S/N when I asked about a Gibson truss rod cover... __________________ Ebony MIJ Epiphone Custom + Buncha Pedals. Laney LC15R www.youtube.com/psychotubes sis ♥ lin

08-18-2008, 01:03 PM	#28 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kanata Posts: 5,446 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: "Gibson Doesn't Sell Elitist Replacement Parts." Dice those posted from stew mac are the ones , pretty sure M4 X .7, Is not the stock Elitist the Gotoh standard abr (small hole)? The larger post holes ones for reg. Epis are M8 X1.25 M= Metric? __________________

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