Thinking of replacing IBG 335 bridge with a roller bridge

The Robot Devil · Mar 8, 2023

I have an Epiphone IBG 335 with a factory Bigsby.

I love the guitar, but the Bigsby is largely useless as the strings keep binding and grabbing at the bridge.

I've been looking at the Schaller STM bridge, but I notice that it comes with M5 posts vs. the M8 posts that is needed for an Epi (I think).

Does anyone have any suggestions for places to look for the necessary parts to make this bridge work?

Noodling Guitars · Mar 8, 2023

Schaller actually makes an M8 (insert into body) to M4 (bridge mounting portion) conversion post. I'm not sure where you can get them in the States (assuming that's where you are), but it seems like they're available in the EU.
Just search for "Schaller M8 studs Height Adjusting Screws STM Bridge " on Ebay.

STM - pair of studs (M8)

Pair of height-adjustment screws (M8) The technical drawing with all dimensions can be found under the relevant product. For reasons of simplification, we only show the picture in nickel for the replacement kits....

schaller.info

RR-Ramblers · Mar 8, 2023

I put this bridge on my Gretsch 2420T with a Bigsby. Not sure if it would help or work on a 335. Superior to the stock T-O-M bridge.

Space Control Bridge For Gretsch Guitar - CHROME | Reverb

Space Control Bridge For Gretsch Adjustable String Spacing Fits Wood Bases With 2-29/32" Stud Spacing CHROME Distributed by Allparts #GB-0514-010

reverb.com

dodona · Mar 9, 2023

I remember when I assembled the Bigsby on my Epi Gold Top it fitted immediately. Same dimensions. So I wonder on your prob.

Lou-Hela · Mar 9, 2023

It fits a Custom Pro. I'm sure you'll be fine. And a brilliant bridge it is.
But the best thing you can and should do is fit a bone nut.
Your Bigsby will shine with one. No trouble at all. Forget all that lube nonsense ;-)
I 100% bet it's your nut, not your bridge that's giving you grief!

Lou-Hela · Mar 9, 2023

Watch Sam Deeks "Unloved Guitars" for how to fit and file a new nut.
I disagree with him on how to level frets, but his nut tutorial is gold.

Whaa.. RELOVED guitars

The Robot Devil · Mar 9, 2023

Noodling Guitars said:
Schaller actually makes an M8 (insert into body) to M4 (bridge mounting portion) conversion post. I'm not sure where you can get them in the States (assuming that's where you are), but it seems like they're available in the EU.
Just search for "Schaller M8 studs Height Adjusting Screws STM Bridge " on Ebay.

That's perfect! Exactly what I needed.

The Robot Devil · Mar 9, 2023

RR-Ramblers said:
I put this bridge on my Gretsch 2420T with a Bigsby. Not sure if it would help or work on a 335. Superior to the stock T-O-M bridge.

That looks like an interesting option. I'll do a bit more digging in to it.

The Robot Devil · Mar 9, 2023

dodona said:
I remember when I assembled the Bigsby on my Epi Gold Top it fitted immediately. Same dimensions. So I wonder on your prob.

I'm not sure. This was a factory installed Bigsby too, so I'm at a bit of a loss here.

The Robot Devil · Mar 9, 2023

Lou-Hela said:
I 100% bet it's your nut, not your bridge that's giving you grief!

That does seem like a cheaper replacement.

Would the bone be an improvement on the GraphTech NUBone that comes stock from the Epiphone?

Raiyn · Mar 9, 2023

The Robot Devil said:
That does seem like a cheaper replacement.

Would the bone be an improvement on the GraphTech NUBone that comes stock from the Epiphone?

In truth, no. Not at all. You *might* want a tech to ease the D&G strings a bit (most common with ANY nut).

I tend to gravitate towards the Black TUSQ XL nuts as they tend to work better with wiggle sticks as they have Teflon baked into the mix, but even the white TUSQ I had in the Strat was fine, but it was cut too deep when we installed it.

Later I had a shop replace it with bone - partly as an experiment, but mostly because they were gonna charge me the same price to install the brand new TUSQ nut I brought with me as they would to install their bone.

Now I get to keep a pencil in my guitar case.

,

The Robot Devil said:
I've been looking at the Schaller STM bridge, but I notice that it comes with M5 posts vs. the M8 posts that is needed for an Epi (I think).

If you haven't bought the Schaller yet, I'd suggest looking at a TonePros locking roller bridge.

TonePros TPFR-C Metric Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Roller Saddles | Reverb

Tone Pros Locking Metric Tunematic BridgeRoller saddles, large postsThe TonePros TPFR is a locking Nashville style bridge with flat head saddle adjustment screws, TonePros "Roller" saddles, large posts, and metric thread. The TonePros design roller saddles are engineered to allow the strings to r...

reverb.com

It's slightly cheaper, look more "stock" (FWIW) and I use them even on non-wiggle stick guitars.

I can also confirm that they work quite well with Bigsbys.

The Robot Devil · Mar 12, 2023

Raiyn said:
If you haven't bought the Schaller yet, I'd suggest looking at a TonePros locking roller bridge.

That looks promising. Especially if I don't have to buy additional pieces to make it fit like I would the Schaller.

Now, just to find a supplier in Canada!

Raiyn · Mar 12, 2023

The Robot Devil said:
That looks promising. Especially if I don't have to buy additional pieces to make it fit like I would the Schaller.

Now, just to find a supplier in Canada!

They exist. : cheers:

While we're on the "what helps wiggle sticks stay in tune" topic:

Another thing that •could• aid you further is a set of locking tuners. They won't help with bridge / nut binding, but eliminating the string wraps around the post IS more stable than wraps loosening and resetting - despite what the "tie yer strings" folks would have you believe. Plus, string changes are way easier.

A particular favorite of mine are the Hipshot lockers in their open gear configuration. The optional, but included, Universal Mounting Plates make them virtually idiot proof to install.

The Robot Devil · Mar 13, 2023

Raiyn said:
Another thing that •could• aid you further is a set of locking tuners.

On the list of upgrades!

I was looking at some Gotoh Klusson style locking tuners.

Raiyn · Mar 14, 2023

The Robot Devil said:
On the list of upgrades!

I was looking at some Gotoh Klusson style locking tuners.

Not a fan of the K style tuners, just an aesthetic thing, but the Gotohs are a solid choice.

This should help too.

Typically, in a seated position, I grip the string with a pair of pliers and suspend the guitar over my feet while I lock the string down. I also like to bend the string 90° away from the headstock once it's tightened, but that's a me thing. Everything else in the video applies.

EDIT: I only lift the guitar by the string enough to get it barely off my feet. It doesn't need to swing from the ceiling fan. All you're doing is letting gravity do the work tensioning the string.

Secondary edit: I've been experimenting with pre-tensioning (or more correctly compressing so when released it tensions the fresh strings) on the Bigsby with positive results. Some of the purists would pass a Beetle through a Bagel at the thought, but so far so good.

The Robot Devil · Mar 16, 2023

Raiyn said:
It doesn't need to swing from the ceiling fan.

If it's not hanging from the ceiling fan, is it really worth doing?

AJ6stringsting · Mar 17, 2023

I got a great Wilkinson Roller bridge for two Gibsons and one Epiphone.
Here's one to look at .
One from Ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030221471?hash=item425d20069f:g:d20AAOSwfBFjaV8r

And one from GFS

Wilkinson Brass Roller Bridge- Locking studs- GOLD-B33

Here are some bridge post adapters, if you have an older Gibson .

"Nashville" ABR-1 Studs for USA Gibson Les pauls-B25

Raiyn · Mar 17, 2023

The Robot Devil said:
If it's not hanging from the ceiling fan, is it really worth doing?

I mean...

AJ6stringsting said:
I got a great Wilkinson Roller bridge for two Gibsons and one Epiphone.
Here's one to look at .
One from Ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285030221471?hash=item425d20069f:g:d20AAOSwfBFjaV8r

And one from GFS

Wilkinson Brass Roller Bridge- Locking studs- GOLD-B33

Here are some bridge post adapters, if you have an older Gibson .

"Nashville" ABR-1 Studs for USA Gibson Les pauls-B25

I always thought those were way too fiddly having the intonation lock under the string like that.

ThreeChordWonder · Mar 17, 2023

Guyker roller saddle bridge. 17 bucks on Amazon.

Just fitted one to my 335 alongside the Bigsby B5. Fits the standard M8 posts IIRC

Guyker Guitar Tune-O-Matic Roller Saddle Bridge Replacement Part Compatible with Gibson Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar - GM005, Chrome https://a.co/d/hxG2uCe

Raiyn · Mar 17, 2023

ThreeChordWonder said:
Guyker roller saddle bridge. 17 bucks on Amazon.

Just fitted one to my 335 alongside the Bigsby B5. Fits the standard M8 posts IIRC

Guyker Guitar Tune-O-Matic Roller Saddle Bridge Replacement Part Compatible with Gibson Les Paul LP SG Style 6 String Electric Guitar - GM005, Chrome https://a.co/d/hxG2uCe

The only snag on that is the fact that it has a 14" radius instead of the Gibson / Epi 12".

It's not a huge, unworkable deal, having run a 14" generic roller for years, but the 12" TonePros feels better as you work up the board.

Thinking of replacing IBG 335 bridge with a roller bridge

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