Gretsch Lovers

[jrockbridge]

I may possibly have the screws you need, but they're not special screws at all. As long as you get the correct thread your local hardware store should have them. Those would be metric.

That said, you could always upgrade the bridge on the cheap, too. I just put this bridge on my Harley Benton since the stock bridge was a bit buzzy and had the dreaded lean. For under $20 shipped with tax it gives you individual saddle adjustment, but getting longer screws for your current bridge will probably cost you a $1.

It would seem that my Gretsch fingerboard radius is 12" like a Gibson. Would a pigtail style, adjustable wraparound made to fit Gibson work on a Gretsch?

 

[GilmourD]

Technically, since I'm adding the trapeze tailpiece, I can replace the wraparound with any bridge that will fit and has grooves in the saddles. It no longer needs to be a wraparound.

I was originally thinking, I would simply start the strings at the trapeze tailpiece, tuck the strings under the bridge, thread them through the holes and wrap them around like usual. So, the trapeze would simply be there for looks. However, since the trapeze is going on anyway, it may as well serve its proper function. I should be able to pass the strings over the top of a standard adjustable bridge similar to what's on an LP.

The part I'd worry about is the bridge sliding back since it won't have string tension pulling it. You'd want to upgrade to a locking bridge like a TonePros, then, which is adding more cost than I think you may be thinking about.

That's if we're still talking about the Jet with the LP Jr/Special-type bridge.

 

[jrockbridge]

The part I'd worry about is the bridge sliding back since it won't have string tension pulling it. You'd want to upgrade to a locking bridge like a TonePros, then, which is adding more cost than I think you may be thinking about.

That's if we're still talking about the Jet with the LP Jr/Special-type bridge.

I’m going to have to stick with a wraparound bridge because of fit. Will a Gibson style wraparound bridges will fit Gretsch?

If I can find longer screws, the stock bridge may work ok. But, the pigtail style adjustable wraparound bridges are cheap enough. They all say they’ll fit Gibson. If that also means they’ll also fit Gretsch, I favor getting one of those as a best solution.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

The issue with the trapeze, besides fiiguring out the bridge issue, is neck angle. There won’t be enough downward pressure unless you shim the neck to a steeper angle.

I’d just get some longer screws for the stock wrap around instead of hunting everywhere for an aftermarket that’s basically the same thing. Or just keep it adjusted with the old string end and fuggetaboutit. If it works it works and it’s not a visual issue.

That said the critical measurement is the distance between the posts. It will be a metic measurement, good luck.

 

[GilmourD]

I’m going to have to stick with a wraparound bridge because of fit. Will a Gibson style wraparound bridges will fit Gretsch?

If I can find longer screws, the stock bridge may work ok. But, the pigtail style adjustable wraparound bridges are cheap enough. They all say they’ll fit Gibson. If that also means they’ll also fit Gretsch, I favor getting one of those as a best solution.

Just make sure you order the metric version. The one I linked to above will fit nicely and give you individual saddle adjustment, too.

 

[jrockbridge]

Just make sure you order the metric version. The one I linked to above will fit nicely and give you individual saddle adjustment, too.

Ok. I just ordered that bridge. Thanks.

When I received this cheap Gretsch, the action was so high that I had doubts it would work out for me. But, I adjusted the truss rod, the bridge, action, string scale-length (intonation), etc. Eventually, I dialed it in close to a perfect player. Even with the intonation slightly off, it sounds good in the neck and middle positions. After achieving a good setup, I started looking into the Blacktop bridge pup and Gibson-style mounting plate.

It's a nice looking guitar with the faux binding on the neck and body. I like the mint green with sparkles paint job. The fret work is good. It stays in tune. Just that big empty space after the bridge looks odd to me. A Bigsby would make it look really nice and would be fun to play. At this point, I can't justify a Bigsby and I have never installed one.

I think the trapeze tailpiece will make it look more aesthetically pleasing even though it will serve no real function. It will actually make stringing the guitar slightly more complicated because the strings will need to go from the trapeze, under the bridge, through the holes, wraparound and over the saddles. But, that's the great thing about modifying a cheap guitar. I can do whatever I want and not worry about reducing the value of a pricey guitar.

 

[GilmourD]

Ok. I just ordered that bridge. Thanks.

Awesome. Just so you know, you don't have to pull the bushings out of the body or anything. The included studs should screw into the bushings already installed.

When I received this cheap Gretsch, the action was so high that I had doubts it would work out for me. But, I adjusted the truss rod, the bridge, action, string scale-length (intonation), etc. Eventually, I dialed it in close to a perfect player. Even with the intonation slightly off, it sounds good in the neck and middle positions. After achieving a good setup, I started looking into the Blacktop bridge pup and Gibson-style mounting plate.

Honestly, I think most guitars these days are pushed out of the factory with just enough of a setup that it's not going to buzz no matter what. There's probably more returns for buzzing from beginners than for high action (which absurdly is something that seems to be accepted if not expected). I've played Gibsons fresh out of the box that you could fit a forklift between the strings and fretboard.

It's a nice looking guitar with the faux binding on the neck and body. I like the mint green with sparkles paint job. The fret work is good. It stays in tune. Just that big empty space after the bridge looks odd to me. A Bigsby would make it look really nice and would be fun to play. At this point, I can't justify a Bigsby and I have never installed one.

I think the trapeze tailpiece will make it look more aesthetically pleasing even though it will serve no real function. It will actually make stringing the guitar slightly more complicated because the strings will need to go from the trapeze, under the bridge, through the holes, wraparound and over the saddles. But, that's the great thing about modifying a cheap guitar. I can do whatever I want and not worry about reducing the value of a pricey guitar.

That's how I felt about my G5220. So I got a Vibramate V7, a Bigsby B7, and a Reverend spring.