• Ernie Ball
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bassman08

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Jan 24, 2005
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7
Hello, I'm new to this forum, so I hope I'm posting this in the appropriate area. I'm in need of the entire mute pad assembly (thumb screws, metal "pad mountings" and the pads themselves for a Pre-EB Stingray bridge (top-loader). I have dated my bridge to between '79 and '83 approximately. Any assistance on where to get either an entire assembly or just pieces of it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
 

BassThing

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Jan 22, 2005
Messages
25
Have you tried a search on the forum? I'm sure I read somewhere that these parts are now made of unobtanium. :(
 

Aragorn35016

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Apr 3, 2004
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Arab, AL.
Gav is in the process of getting a couple of sets from a place in Germany. Just contact him and see if he has received them. Im waiting on the green light from him for a set myself. :D
 

Moondog

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Jan 15, 2004
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They ARE unavailable. Check Ebay regularly.
I saw a couple over the past 6 months, the
last one sold for around $55.
 

jongitarz

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How cool is this forum. Al(the guy who started this thread) called me to ask if I had any. I told him to post here. You guys rock.
 

Rod Trussbroken

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Here's the position:

A German outlet has put aside 3 sets of mutes for me. That's the last of their stock. A friend over there is going to buy them for me and send them to me in Australia.

There's a slight holdup at the moment in that the guy who works for the outlet only works Saturdays. Also my friend has a family member who's taken ill. So it's a matter of coordination.

Aragorn has put his name down for a set. All I'm charging is cost + 1/3 the cost to post to Australia from Germany + postage to whoever wants a set. They shouldn't cost an arm and leg.

The sets are original Ernie Ball. They date from 1995. Some of you may know that around that time, EB removed the mute assembly from the bridge to prevent cutting fingers. The kits were made for those who wanted to add the mutes at a latter stage.

The kits include "period-correct" hex screws and an allen key for adjustment. They don't include thumb screws.

However, I'm getting 2 sets of 4 thumbscrews (from an earlier period). These will be an additional charge but I'll be only asking cost (+ postage as described above). Aragorn has first option on a set of these aswell if he wants them.

The mute kits also fit Pre-EB 'Rays.

.
 

Rod Trussbroken

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Ok,

I'm actually getting 4 kits (made a typo error).

Lucky winners are:

*Aragorn35016

*Hein (if he's still around...he's missing in action)

*scottbass71

*bassman08

As to thumb screws, I'll see how many sets they're are. Aragorn was first to ask for them.

I'll let you know when they're on their way. If anyone decides to cancel, let me know as others are interested.


P.S. I believe the kits are approx 10 Euro ($14 US) and screw kits 15 Euro ($20 US)

.
 
Last edited:

bassman08

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2005
Messages
7
Thanks Gav - Stingray String Pad Mute Assembly

Gav, thank you so much. I got an e-mail from the seller of that ebay auction (noted above) that his father already sold the set, so they are no longer available. Thus, I'll be happy to take one of those four sets off your hands. If any one else has thumb screws (or a knows of a source), please chime in as it looks like Gav will only get two sets.

Since I may be looking for the thumb screws on my own, can anyone provide the exact dimensions (length of screw and width and thickness of head) so that I can look for the appropriate screw? Thanks everyone!
 

Rod Trussbroken

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I've been asked a few question so I'll try and explain the best I can.

Mute_Thumb_Screws.JPG

In the pic above are the three screws that have ever been used for mute adjustment. The first two are thumb screws (adjusted with fingers) and the last one is a hex screw (adjusted with an allan key).

The screw on the left was used on Pre-EB Bass bridges and early EB Basses that utilized old Pre-EB bridge stocks.

EB also made their own bridge similar to the Pre-EB design but one of the differences was to slightly down-size the diameter of the round piece at the top. The screw in the middle is from this type of bridge.

Both bridges (and both screw types) are found on EB Basses up to 1988.

From 1988, the EB designed bridge appeared exclusively (screw with smaller diameter top).

The thread on both screws is exactly the same. Both screws will fit both bridge types.

Circa 1993, EB began removing the mute assembly. The last screw, in the pic above, was used in the hole previously occupied by the 2nd thumb screw in the pic above. It is also threaded and is either inserted or removed with an allen key.

All three screws have exactly the same thread and can be interchanged on both bridge designs. The hex screw can infact be used on a Pre-EB Bass if the need arises.

Mutes.JPG

Mute_Instructions.JPG

Although EB decided to delete the mute assembly at the factory end, they made the above kit available to those who wanted to add the mutes at a latter stage. It includes the hex screws. The mutes are raised (or lowered) using an allen key which is also included. The larger allan key is used to loosen the bridge.

As the mute springs and hex screws fit both style bridges, the kit can be used on Pre-EB Basses if needed but the kit wasn't made for that purpose and wont be period-correct.

Trans%5FBridge%5F1995%2EJPG

This is how a bridge looked when it left the factory without the mute assembly fitted.

With regards to the screws I'm getting, I'm not sure whether they'll be the ones with the larger or smaller diameter tops.

.
 

Rod Trussbroken

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>>>>I'm happy to have been proved wrong!!

You weren't wrong.

They're not made anymore and aren't generally available. It's only by coincidence that I came across them.

I don't think many stores would have them on the shelf.

.
 

Rod Trussbroken

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Jul 25, 2002
Messages
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Bris Vegas. AUSTRALIA.
They're on their way and should be here by the weekend. I'll email you all when they arrive.

Again, let me know if you change your mind. No obligations. I have a back list of takers.

.
 
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