what is period correct bridge for '76 LP Custom?

[johnnyk]

ok, I have a funky roller type tunomatic bridge on my '76 Custom. It was this way when I bought the guitar. What I'd like to do is replace it with a period correct bridge for a 70's Custom. I'm not sure if that is an ABR type or Nashville. Also, can anyone steer me to a good source for used vintage Gibson parts? Thanks.
Here's my LPC . (I am changing the speed knobs over to period correct reflector knobs.)

 

[slither]

Firstly, a lovely looking Custom. And a Norlin too, very sweet. Congrats.

I'm afraid I don't know which is the correct bridge for a 76, but a more knowledgeable soul will be along soon.

You are right though, that bridge does look a little odd, and the speed knobs do not suit it at all. The reflectors will look the ducks guts! (i.e. brilliant).

 

[duane v]

1976 was about the transition year for the Nashville bridge..... If the bridge threaded insert anchors are the originals on your 1976, the thread pitch should be 10-32 which is for the Nashville.

The ABR bridge height adjustment post threads are smaller in diameter, and I believe screw directly into the wood without threaded insert anchors.

 

[duane v]

Oh BTW...... Your BB is a true beauty.... Congrats

 

[monroe]

Should be a Nashville style bridge on that guitar

 

[b-squared]

Here's my '76 LP Custom:

Hope that helps!

BB

 

[Boleskinehouse]

To the OP...

Do you have anymore pics? I've seen that type of bridge before, but I don't know what it is nor have I seen one up close.

 

[duane v]

Also, can anyone steer me to a good source for used vintage Gibson parts? Thanks.

Vintage Guitar Parts, Fender parts, Gibson parts and more

 

[johnnyk]

Thanks for the comments and input guys, much appreciated.
This appears to be a tunomatic ROLLER bridge - I checked on Ebay and found one that looked a lot like mine, just brand new. http://cgi.ebay.com/GOLD-TUN-O-MATI...s?hash=item3a4f5289b1&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

I have bought this from a dealer who received it, along with other gear, from the widow of a deceased local musician (original owner supposedly). Yeah - that bridge is "unique" The dealer thinks it's possibly a Mighty Mite brand bridge (?) but I will await my techs' appraisal when I swap it out. It's been in there awhile.
Guitar has original tuners and pickups, 3 of 4 pots original, changed nut. Couple of plugged mini holes

The strap button been moved a couple times - this bugs me but this is the worst cosmetic wear & tear- yes its a heavy guit

Guitar has been used extensively over 30 years - used not abused

Guess I will look to find a nashville bridge - the vintage pieces are too expensive, but I hope to find a suitable Gibson replacement that won't cost $300. Thanks again

 

[krapac]

Hi, cool Custom. Nashville bridge is correct, but if you want really restore to the original, search a used or new Made in Germany Nash bridge made by Schaller. In the '70 (after abr) and '80 Gibson used Schaller forniture, now Gibson use Ping forniture. Under the bridge Schaller has written Made in Germany, new Gibson Ping have PW. The quality is really, really better with the old one.

 

[johnnyk]

Hi, cool Custom. Nashville bridge is correct, but if you want really restore to the original, search a used or new Made in Germany Nash bridge made by Schaller. In the '70 (after abr) and '80 Gibson used Schaller forniture, now Gibson use Ping forniture. Under the bridge Schaller has written Made in Germany, new Gibson Ping have PW. The quality is really, really better with the old one.

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll check it out.

 

[Eric]

I almost bought that same guitar a month ago!
I dated it for months on gbase.com, but the store didn't accept paypal

I ended with another black 70-72 one owner from ebay that was a bit cheaper
mine came with the huge schaller harmonica bridge that came in all SG and some weird Les Paul models, but it looks much newer than the rest of the parts, so I guess it's not original

the bridge in your guitars looks like another schaller model

 

[johnnyk]

Eric - there is nothing on the bridge to identify the make, but i haven't removed it from the guitar to check the bottom - it may be a Schaller, and maybe the name is etched on bottom plate somewhere.... I'll soon find out - I plan to post a pic of the guit after changing over knobs and bridge.
The guitar sounds AWESOME, like I was hoping it would! The volume/tone taper isn't very good, (my only beef) but the electronics are mostly original and I prefer to leave it that way

 

[paul les]

dude im too jealous!

 

[freddarl82]

I recently sold my '76 Les Paul, but from what I can remember:
Definitel a Nashville bridge. Original had warped, but said "Made in Germany" on the bottom. It was replaced with a genuine Gibson replacement which, at the time (about 1998) was also Made in Germany. Mine was a Tobacco burst I bought used in 1977 - it always had black speed knobs on it.

 

[johnnyk]

Updated pics with these changes:
I found a correct bridge, came from an 80's LP Custom, Made in Germany (there was no brand marking on the bridge that was removed)
period correct knobs

original frets in good condition
10 lbs. 4 oz.
fresh set-up with 11's. She's got the tone I crave

 

[Eric]

how does the lindy fralin pickup sound?

 

[johnnyk]

The pickups are original, but according to Mike, the bridge was re-wound by Lindy Fralin. The pickup has plenty of balls and bite , but is not harsh/brittle sounding like some Gibson bridge pups I have had in guitars. The neck is sweet and warm sounding - I use all 3 positions on a regular basis, unlike other LPs I've owned. I am very happy with the tone of this beast!

 

[krapac]

Hi,this is the right one but the intonation screws with this type of bridge must be near tailpiece and not near bridge pickup.

 

[johnnyk]

Hi,this is the right one but the intonation screws with this type of bridge must be near tailpiece and not near bridge pickup.

You have a sharp eye Krapac! I have changed it over since I took the pics.
Thanks again.