(Probably) dumb MM bridge question

**adouglas** · 08-31-2005, 12:40 PM

When I was checking out the Bongo last weekend, something about the bridge (nice piece of work, BTW) caught my eye. On the bridge plate, under the saddle screws, there are the heads of three Philips screws that obviously attach the bridge to the body.

But what are the two big protruding posts with holes in them on either side of the bridge, outboard of the saddles?

I didn't look closely to see if those holes are hex-shaped...if they are, then the posts must be more screws holding the bridge in place. But if so, then why make them with big-ass heads like that?

Just idle curiosity.

**bovinehost** · 08-31-2005, 01:02 PM

Anchor bolts!

**adouglas** · 08-31-2005, 01:04 PM

So the bridge is held in place with three screws and two big bolts? And...bolts mean nuts...so there are threaded inserts in the body?

**Dargin** · 08-31-2005, 02:13 PM

Yes there are threaded inserts. The are put in there in milling.

**adouglas** · 08-31-2005, 06:24 PM

Thanks....makes good sense.

**bovinehost** · 08-31-2005, 06:48 PM

Well, we do know that the bridge will not suddenly pop off and knock teeth out.

(Happened to a guy playing a G*bson bass recently.)

**Steve Dude Barr** · 08-31-2005, 06:49 PM

Too bad Gibson didn't do similar...read this...

http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepi...ead.php?t=4235

**Steve Dude Barr** · 08-31-2005, 06:49 PM

Jack's reading my mind again...Mommy please make him stop!!

**bovinehost** · 08-31-2005, 07:28 PM

I told you to not take off the tin foil hat to eat.

That's when I get you.

**adouglas** · 08-31-2005, 07:33 PM

Dry rot?

Termites?

Particle board?

I never liked Gibson branded basses much anyway, for some indeterminate reason. Probably aesthetics.

**Steve Dude Barr** · 08-31-2005, 07:34 PM

See?? He just did it again!! How'd you know I'm eatin right now??

**Steve Dude Barr** · 08-31-2005, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by adouglas

Dry rot?

Termites?

Particle board?

I never liked Gibson branded basses much anyway, for some indeterminate reason. Probably aesthetics.

Nahh...just weak anchors in the body I'd say. I've seen it happen on those 3 point bridges before

**enjoneer** · 08-31-2005, 08:30 PM

The two large headed bridge bolts are also there to keep the bridge saddles from moving side to side. Notice on the StingRay5 the bolts are staggered so that the out saddles end up next to the bolts when the bass is properly intonated.