60-62 SG Standard and Custom bridge?

[Dolebludger]

These are the SG Les Pauls that have the side pull trem as original equipment on them. If you have one, you know that these trems NEVER return to tune, and there is no fix. But there is another problem.

The string retainers on the trem are so high off the body of the guitar that it seems impossible to get a sufficient string angle over the bridge. I took the cover off the trem and found a screw on it near the bout that could be tightened, and this would lower the string attachment point and thus give a better string angle over the bridge. But still, the angle is too little, IMO.

As we all know, a string angle over the bridge that is too shallow robs the guitar of sustain. So, does anybody have any ideas on a fix for this problem?

[58burst]

I've found a solution for this exact issue that I've used sucessfully on two '62s-
Set up the height of the bridge perfectly- then get some very thin shim brass sheeting, and cut small tapered strips from it maybe 1/16" wide or 3/32" at the widest, by about 1/4" length, so that they will wedge down into the two holes in the top of the bridge that the tops of the support bolts are in, pointier end down.

Wedge the pieces in, being sure that they are cut so they fit quite tightly, with none of the brass sticking up to the top surface of the bridge.

If you do this successfully, the bridge won't rattle and will be solid even with no string tension- which greatly improves tone and sustain.

Height can still be adjusted, only with more force required.

Completely reversible.

[58burst]

In addition, you can get further sustain improvement this way.

After doing the above shimming so the bridge is in its final position, intonate the saddles precisely with new strings of your choice, then use clear nailpolish, a drop at each end of each saddle. The nailpolish will eliminate saddle rattle, is invisible, and will easily chip off to reintonate or to undo to stock condition.

This trick is very effective for any abr-1 type bridge on any gibson, and saves against losing saddles during string breakage on non-wire abr-1's.