Sourcing a bridge with string mutes?

[Fender32]

Greetings fellow Stingray lovers.

This is my first post on the forum, let's hope that one of you guys or gals can help.

Basically, I own a 2004 4-string Ray and (for cosmetic reasons, more than functional reasons) would like to replace the modern bridge with the larger, Ernie Ball type that featured the foam string mutes.

I know that these things are hard to come by (especially in pristine condition), but do any of you know of anyone who's selling one, or any "pattern part" accessory versions, please?

I realise that there were many different designs, prior to the current one, but I need one without string-thru-body holes and that will line up with the mounting holes on a modern Ray.

Any suggestions?

 

[bovinehost]

*crickets chirping*









Anyone?

 

[TSanders]

I know that when John was on the quest he seemed to have a very hard time finding a set. I believe it was Gav that came through with a few sets, but I believe they were all dealt away.

 

[jongitarz]

Yeah..It's gonna be tough to find one, but you never know.

 

[bdgotoh]

I think Gav is the man for this question but it's very likely that you'll have to drill a number of holes in your bass to do the switch assuming you can find a bridge for a reasonable price. I think the only mute bridge that will work is the post-Flea from the early 90s that has the strings off center compared to the mutes, the earlier ones probably won't fit the stock bridge holes you have. I'd look here for way too much info... http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/TOWN8019/mycustompage0004.htm

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Fender32...

The guys have foreseen the problems.

Saddle designs changed over a period of time. String grooves were cut in different locations on the saddles. To compensate, the bridge had to be re-aligned so the strings would be centred along the full length of the Bass. If you fitted a muted bridge, you'll most likely find, at the very least, that the strings aren't centred over the pickups pole pieces. You'd have to experiment with saddles from other bridges to get a reasonable result. A complete bridge is going to be very hard to find and will cost $$$s. Likewise with trying to find saddles that may or may not do the job.

Putting that aside, you still have to drill holes to accommodate the mute adjustment screws. The threaded shaft of the screws pass through the bridge and down into the body.

Mute assembly kits (metal springs, pads and screws) are very hard to locate. I got a few a couple of months back and passed them on to the guys here. But that was a rare find. EB sold their remaining kit last year. Mute springs and pads come up on ebay every now and then. But mutes wont fit the current bridges. When EB deleted the mutes, the area on the bridge used to accommodate them was also deleted soon after.

If you still want to try, I'd look for a bridge from circa 1980 - 1991 (92). They're top loaded so, putting aside drilling holes for the mute screws, there'll be no need to drill for the strings to pass through the body. The string grooves are also cut closer to the centre of the saddle. Because serials numbers are recorded on them, your Bass will end up with two serial numbers. A Flea bridge (1992 - 94) has the string grooves cut on the outer edge of the saddles.

IMO, you'd be better off getting a good second hand Bass with the muted bridge. Not to pull apart but keep. There's a lot of early EB Basses around at the moment. Some appear to be in very good condition at reasonable prices

.

 

[Aragorn35016]

I know that when John was on the quest he seemed to have a very hard time finding a set. I believe it was Gav that came through with a few sets, but I believe they were all dealt away.

Yep they're almost impossible to find. The kit I got Gav had found in Germany!! They shipped to him in Austrailia then from there to here in America!! Even more impossible will be to get an entire bridge!! Then as Gav said theres the issue with doing some routing for the mute adjustment screws. My advice is to save up for an older bass or look for a trade for an older bass.

John

 

[todd4ta]

I'm guessing that he didn't take into account drilling the holes for the mute adjustment screws. That would be a deal breaker for me.

Instead, I would just look to add another, earlier Stingray to your collection. Look over Gav's site for the history of bridge evolution, and you can educate yourself on which years have the features that you want most. And of course, ask questions here for anything you need help on.

You really never can have too many Stingrays!

 

[Fender32]

Reading you all loud and clear!

Well guys, I really wanna thank you all for taking the trouble to reply to my thread.

I have seen the excellent website that a couple of you mentioned and so am fully aware of the mind-bending number of different options that exist and now (thanks to you all) am aware of how ridiculously unlikely it is that I'll find one in a guitar store somewhere for 20 bucks!

So, the obvious thing to do (and let me say, I'm really grateful to you all for being tactful enough not to suggest this to me) is to just get on with playing the damn thing and find an excuse to buy another one as soon as I can.

As it happens, I had a trans-red swamp ash early Ernie Ball model in 1986 and it was a huge disappointment! Apart from the sound, which wasn't up to my high expectations, I also had trouble with my hands making the neck "gritty" and sticking to it.

Does anyone know if they used nitro cellulose lacquer at that time? I have the same trouble now with my US vintage '62 Precision bass reissue (which certainly has NC lacquer), but I love that too much to let it put me off playing it.

Of course, I love my new Stingray too (the 3 band eq and the non-stick neck are massive improvements in my opinion), but I do hanker after a nice pre-Ernie Ball model. (Am I allowed to say this on the "Ernie Ball Forum"?)

Anyway, my compliments to the users on this forum. It's far more "proffessional" and constructive than some of the forums that I've had the misfortune to frequent (try Steinberger Cubase for instance, if you want to see "experts" bickering and point-scoring amongst themselves)!

Keep up the good work!

Fender 32

 

[jack_]

 

[bovinehost]

In 86, the necks were finished with poly, not nitro. Some of that stuff could be a little sticky depending on the reaction your hands have to the finish.

Lots of guys here love the pre-EB basses - we let them stay, although sometimes we eat all the good appetizers without telling them the food's here.

 

[AnthonyD]

Lol :d

 

[Fender32]

In 86, the necks were finished with poly, not nitro. Some of that stuff could be a little sticky depending on the reaction your hands have to the finish. I guess I should have tried washing my hands first?

Lots of guys here love the pre-EB basses - we let them stay, although sometimes we eat all the good appetizers without telling them the food's here.