Wraparound Tailpiece Stud Question

[jwc574]

I bought a Gibson 24-3/4" Scale Fingerboard (compensated and based on a true scale of 24 9/16) from stew mac for a LP Special I am building. I would like to get the stud placement for the wraparound bridge right on the first try so any help would be appreciated.

I entered 24 9/16 (24.5625) in stewmacs Fret position calculator to get the bridge placement and I get this result

[24.623" (±0.030") from nut to center of mounting studs.]

Does this mean 24.593" for the bottom stud and 24.653" for the top?

[John Catto]

Couple of points here, first being that not all wrap tailpieces have their studs placed inline with the point the strings roll over. Once you establish that point of function place the studs based on this. Forget the fret position calculator and measure from the nut to the 12th fret. That distance from the 12th fret to the bridge is your starting point however the only string that will intonate close to that point will be your high E. Beyond that you only ADD length never take it way so place the studs so with the adjustment screws backed right out the high E "saddle point" is at that distance (same as nut to 12th fret) and the Low E is about a 1/4" back. In fact you said it's a compensated bridge and those are meant to be placed straight NOT at an angle though a tiny amount (1/32 - 1/16) may make it intonate better.

[BCRGreg]

A Compensated bridge is supposed to have uniform spacing for both studs.



The earlier style bridge is tilted, with the bass side stud about 5/16" back....



IF you are using a non compensated bridge, you have to remember to shift both studs 5/32" to the bass side, to account for the strings angling over the bridge. If you drill with the bridge centered, the high E string will be too close to the edge of the board.

Great avatar, John, as usual.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by John Catto

... measure from the nut to the 12th fret.

Center of the 12th fret?
Or the actual fret wire?

btw ... love the avatar.

[BCRGreg]

Break point of the nut to center of the fret.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

Break point of the nut to center of the fret.

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure.
Thanks Greg.

[BCRGreg]

Thank John, too, Dino. Be polite or we'll withold your food for a while.....

[Dino]

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

Thank John, too, Dino. Be polite or we'll withold your food for a while.....

THANKS JOHN!
I'm Sorry .... I must have been totally distracted by your avatar.

[BCRGreg]

HAHAHA!!!!!

Catto with the WIN!

[jwc574]

Thanks guys. I took your advice and drilled for the posts last night. Strung it up today and intonation is perfect.

[BCRGreg]

Excellent.