Could anybody tell me why...? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive through January 07, 2011 » Could anybody tell me why...? « Previous Next »

Author Message
toma_hawk01
Advanced Member
Username: toma_hawk01

Post Number: 284
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 12:03 pm:   Edit Post

...Alembic stopped making their original brass bridge from the 70's, is there a reason for this?

Also, could I custom order a new legacy bridge made in the same 70's style?


Peace and Love,

Hal-
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2605
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 12:22 pm:   Edit Post

My guess would be that they preferred the current design as an improvement on the original design. You might also consider the fact that the "new" bridge hasn't changed much since it was introduced around 30 years ago.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6988
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 12:35 pm:   Edit Post

The current bridges are greatly improved over the original design (called "channel bridge"). Originally there was no stabilizing pin in the saddle, the saddle rested on the bottom of the rough channel. These were made before we had the means to machine the metal here, and used standard stock available at any metal house.

There are several problems with the design, which is why we improved it. The current bridges can also be plated, where that's not possible with the channel style (and still have it function). The newer bridges have more intonation throw as well. Channel bridges used a variety of fasteners, including some large black plastic nuts, we now use tidy aircraft fasteners. The intonation screws used to be slotted - kinda dangerous to the top.

On request, we make a decorative channel bridge now, but using the stabilizing pin and intonation screw, and the saddle does not contact the bottom of the channel. If I run across one, I'll post an image.
toma_hawk01
Advanced Member
Username: toma_hawk01

Post Number: 285
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - 1:01 pm:   Edit Post

A wonderful and very concise understanding Mica. Thank you for this information.

Peace and Love,

Hal-
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7006
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010 - 4:56 pm:   Edit Post

As promised, here's a picture of the "retro" style bridge:

retro bridge

So this has the look of the original channel bridge, but with the improvements we introduced years ago.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 9771
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010 - 5:48 pm:   Edit Post

Very cool Mica!
jedisan
Intermediate Member
Username: jedisan

Post Number: 139
Registered: 3-2008
Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010 - 5:54 pm:   Edit Post

Yea Dave, me agrees... that bridge is hot! It has such a cool open look to it.
toma_hawk01
Advanced Member
Username: toma_hawk01

Post Number: 339
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010 - 6:59 pm:   Edit Post

I am loving that style much better than the new bridge. That's what I am talking about -

"Take me Back to the Future!"

Can I change mine, to those in chrome?

Peace and Love,

Hal-
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 1360
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010 - 9:53 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Mica,
I like the" retro" style bridge . Perhaps an option for my 81-1940 Series 1 .

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration