|
Post by asdaven on Nov 21, 2022 13:20:41 GMT
Hi- Got a DC-60 Junior (SG style) with the wraparound bridge and the bridge studs are pulling out of the body slightly and its at an angle. Should I send it back or is this common and fixable? Would rather be able to fix it and not send it back.
Also, what bridges would be a direct replacement upgrade for this bridge? I dont like the two screws sticking out but would like this style bridge with the intonatable saddles. Some of these bridges are just like the stop bar that strings wrap around with no adjustment.
Thanks-
|
|
advb
Harley Benton Expert
|
Post by advb on Nov 21, 2022 23:24:07 GMT
Hi- Got a DC-60 Junior (SG style) with the wraparound bridge and the bridge studs are pulling out of the body slightly and its at an angle. Should I send it back or is this common and fixable? Would rather be able to fix it and not send it back. If the posts are tilted and slightly out of the body, it's possible that the post holes were not drilled accurately and are not holding the posts firmly enough. I imagine that the fix would be to drill out and plug the holes with a suitable hard wood and then re-drill the holes at the correct size. I've not had this problem on any of my guitars but, if I did, my only option would be to send it back as I'm not a woodworker. Of course, the first step is to check the holes. Once you remove the bridge, it should be fairly obvious if the posts are loose. If you can post some pictures of the problem, other forum members may be able to comment on your options.
|
|
|
Post by asdaven on Nov 22, 2022 13:46:51 GMT
I took it apart and it wasnt as loose as I thought. They drilled the top of the hole a little wonky but the bottom was tight. Kinda just needed to be forced in the hole more. They also used a wood chip to shim it tighter but in the wrong direction. Towards the tension of the strings versus against so which is why the bridge was leaning when I recieved it. Flipped the wood chip around to push back on the bridge and also did the paper and glue and hopefully the glue will glue that wood chip shim in place. Seems flush and pretty tight. One pole seems to drift slightly towards the outside of the guitar but pulls true when the stoptail/bridge is put on. Im letting it dry with the bridge installed.
|
|
advb
Harley Benton Expert
|
Post by advb on Nov 22, 2022 19:05:54 GMT
|
|
|
Post by asdaven on Nov 25, 2022 12:34:05 GMT
Yes thats the bridge I ordered for it. I wouldve bought something more expensive but dont want to spend $100 plus for a bridge. Dont like that theyre all zinc pot metal. Wouldve liked aluminum, brass, or steel. But apperently some higher quality guitars use pot metal zinc hardware. I know there was a Gotoh unit but it looked alot difference and kindve want to just keep a more classic and similar look and want something that uses set screws instead of screws sticking out the bottom. The Gotoh im pretty sure is zinc too. Musiclily and Wilkinson are the two I found that fit on peoples SG JR or DC JR or DC-60 JR.
I pretty much fixed the stud issue...studs are more firmly in the wood but the bridge still has a forward tilt just not as bad. Dont know if its a problem or not. Looks like the tilt now is just tolerances in the metal parts like the bridge and screw or the screw and the stud.
That being said, does anybody know of anybody that sells seperate saddles and hardware made of brass, steel, or aluminum thatll work on this bridge? Would be kindve nice to at least change the zinc saddles out for Brass. Im aware of Graphtech saddles but really just looking for brass.
I know the Harley Bentons are cheap guitars. But I feel make a great modding platform and you can get them to sound like a Gibson or Epiphone if you just upgrade the stuff. And thats part of the fun. And customizing the guitar to how you want it. The wood work and all that is great on the two I have and have a premium feel. Pickups arent bad. Starting with the cheaper electronics like upgrading pots/capacitor/switch/jack and wiring. Plus the hardware. Pickups later and eventually a setup which my local shop polishes and levels frets really good included with the setup. Frets arent horrible probably just need edged and polished. With these upgrades I feel the Harley Benton can be a premium guitar with the only downside of not having the Epiphone or Gibson name on it.
|
|