(Probably) dumb MM bridge question

[adouglas]

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]

Anchor bolts!

 

[adouglas]

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]

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

 

[adouglas]

Thanks....makes good sense.

 

[bovinehost]

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]

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

http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/showthread.php?t=4235

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

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

 

[bovinehost]

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

That's when I get you.

 

[adouglas]

Dry rot?

Termites?

Particle board?



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

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

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

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

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]

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.

 

[AnthonyD]

Smart, very smart...

 

[bovinehost]

The two large headed bridge bolts are also there to keep the bridge saddles from moving side to side.

So you're saying that absolutely no thought was given to the bridge breaking free and knocking teeth out?

See, I would have put money on that.

 

[Aussie Mark]

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

I love them for the aesthetics. Granted, Gibson quality control ranks somewhere near Russian automobile companies, and would be 1 on a 1-10 scale, with Ernie Ball and G&L being 10's, but Gibson basses have lots of character and are great basses for rock. I love my Musicman basses as much as any of the guys here, but I can also appreciate good products from other manufactuers. Well, other than Warwick and boutique coffee table basses.

 

[mike not fat]

Granted, Gibson quality control ranks somewhere near Russian automobile companies, and would be 1 on a 1-10 scale.

Watff dvuft what i notifed...

MNF

 

[Aussie Mark]

Watff dvuft what i notifed

I'd suggest leaving the vodka drinking to Jack. He seems to handle it a lot better.

 

[bassmonkeee]

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

I've always wondered--the bolts are offset, and they always seem to be pretty close to lining up with the saddles when the intonation is correct. Are they offset like that to give a visual guideline for a good starting point for setting intonation during production? Or, are they offset for a different reason?

 

[Big Poppa]

Those bolts are one of life great mysteries....they rank up there with the thermos...those crazy eight ball answering toys and the ouigi board.....

Also don't tell anyone but it has a whole lot to do with the secret sound of the MM