Gibson ES-165 bridge questions.

[wengr]

The ABR-1 on my 1998 ES-165 rattles loudly. It is the loose adjustment screws. The wire that I assume is designed to eliminate this seems properly in place compared to pics of new units.
What can be done?
And, where can I obtain a separate new rosewood bridge base?

[icr]

The wire keeps the saddles from falling out if you break a string. Sometimes the best way to eliminate the rattles is to change to a Nashville bridge. As far as I know Gibson won't sell the base unless there is a guitar with it.

[wengr]

The wire keeps the saddles from falling out if you break a string.

Thank you. I did not know that. Maybe it's actually the wire that is rattling. That should prove easier to remedy.

[vinlander]

Adjust intonation then drop some nail polish to seal the screws and wire, not permanent but enough to prevent rattling.

[wengr]

Ok will do.
Is anyone reproducing the bridge bases?

[icr]

This place has some that look close:
Acoustic, classical & archtop guitar repair parts, archtop pickguard, acoustic bridge pins, acoustic guitar bridge, classical guitar bridge, classical guitar tuners, acoustic guitar nut, classical guitar nut

Things to keep in mind. Some foreign bridges have posts at oddball spacing (for example Gibson ABR-1 won't fit). Others have the posts in place but with metric threads (Gibson adjuster washers won't fit). Others are flimsy with two feet that bow out under string tension.

You may have to buy a few. I have a small collection that I bought or crummy ones that got replaced.

Do you think the bridge base on your guitar is not an original Gibson?

[SamBooka]

I hate to say it but the ES165 bridge and TP were generic MIK or MIC pieces.
I second what vinlander says. If that doesnt do it there may be issues with the bridge or saddles themselves but we burn those bridges when we come to them (pun intended)
Why do you need to replace the base?
I have a 96 ES165 so if you have questions post them here and we will take it from there.

[neatomic]

amazons got a bunch..so cheap..you get a saddle too..just check size..you want usa gibson spacing not epi metric

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...od+bridge+base


cheers

[stoneground]

Stewmac stock tune-o-matic bridges for archtop which have plenty of good reviews:-

Tune-o-matic Bridge For Archtop Guitar | stewmac.com

They also provide all the fine detail of the bridge measurements so you can check before you buy.

[John A.]

This trick works.

Buzz Kill ? Resolve Rattle From Your Gibson Bridge | Guitarless

I once had a buzzing retainer wire (whose function I did not fully grok), which I removed because it annoyed me. Broke a string on a gig, lost a saddle in the darkness. Understood retaining wire better. I subsequently replaced the wire with a plain guitar string (IIRC, a 13 fits in the hole). I figured out the bending trick by trial and error, + some scotch tape.

John

[wengr]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

[wengr]

Why do you need to replace the base?

Nothing to do with the buzz but, in order to achieve the action I desire, the ABR sits higher than I would like. This is because, (with 13's at least) the arch depresses more than I would like. If I had a thicker rosewood bridge base, then the same bridge height would look better imo.

[Herbie]

Some companies make ABR bridges without the retainer wire.

I have tried a bunch of different manufacturer's bridges in my LP's & ES-guitars. I thought that I've heard them all and there is nothing to learn.

But then I bought an used ABM bridge from Mylespaul-forum (~50€) and put it in my ES-175 VOS. What a difference! It made the guitar play like never before! More musical! More resonant! Do I sound like an idiot from some commercial? Yes I do! I recommend!

[redwater]

I hate to say it but the ES165 bridge and TP were generic MIK or MIC pieces.

Are you sure?
Mine is a 96 ES-165 and has a original ABR Bridge. The Tailpiece seems like MIK or something. Not the bridge nor the STP.

Maybe Gibson screwed on these guitars whatever they had at that time...

[Herbie]

I had a late 00's ES-165 for some years and the bridge was not the strongest part of the guitar. It felt soft and the wire resonated a lot. I don't know where they are made but when I had to change it (to a TonePros, those days it was best substitution) I did not miss the original part.

Here is the site of my latest love in bridges. Note that they are not molded but accurately machined from brass bell.

Glocken-Messing - ABM

[wengr]

What is the material of the original ABR-1?
Guitar is a 1998 Es-165.

[Herbie]

I have read that Gibson uses diecast zinc alloys for its standard products (non Custom Shop).

Some people know and care these things more. As far as I know one can play great music, sell myriads of records and make listeners cry for the beauty of one's playing even his/hers guitar has a bridge made of zinc, brass, plastic or anything. Cheap bridge does not make You bad player.

But if Your bridge disturbs You, there is all kinds of alternatives. Ebony, machined brass, zinc, teflon etc. Without that darn retainer wire!

[MaxTwang]

Gibson makes a non-wired ABR-1 but it is about $100. Kluson also makes a non-wired ABR-1 for about $40 (made in USA). The Kluson is nearly identical to the Gibson but doesn't say 'Gibson' on the bottom.

[reedy]

I've got a '94 ES-165 and I changed out the rosewood base for an ebony one that didn't have the two feet but rather was one solid piece that connect with the soundboard. This made a big difference in the sound and stability of the guitar. I found that that the base was just cut too thin to be stable especially with heavier strings on it. The ebony bridge is much more solid. In fact, I'm not even sure the original base is rosewood, it's very yellowish which makes me think its something else. Regardless a small investment in a new base may be a good place to start.
A word of advice, if you do get a one piece base you'll likely have to shape it to the top arch of your soundboard, I had to. It's fairly easy if you're careful and go slow.

You don't need the uber expensive jig, just go slow and take your time.

[SamBooka]

it is unforuntate that the post spacing for stewmacs one foot bridge is not the same as the two foot. It is fixable but I like drop in replacements sometimes..