Need to find a bridge...

[Steve Sawyer]

Thanks for all the info/suggestions, folks. I decided that rather than hack at the bridge-in-hand, or trying to recess it in some way, or (shudder) remove and re-set the neck, I ordered that Schaller roller bridge. I know that a Lester should have some variation on a TOM bridge, but it really doesn't upset me at all to have a "fender" style bridge instead. The Schaller measures .466" so it's really a perfect size for this build. I seem to have a few more builds in my head, so I'll get another chance to take a crack at getting this neck-angle process worked out and use the bridge and tailpiece that I have.

[Steve Sawyer]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions. Rather than hack up the bridge-in-hand, or cut a recess for it, or <shudder> removing and re-setting the neck, I decided to go with the Schaller roller bridge mentioned above. I know a Lester-style guitar should have a TOM-style bridge, but that doesn't worry me overmuch. I've never been much of a purist! I have enough builds in the queue in my head that I'll have more chances to get this neck-angle thing mastered, and will have other opportunities to use this bridge.

The Schaller bridge comes in at .466" so it's really the perfect height for the current geometry.

[Mark Wybierala]

Another idea,
Recess the bridge into the body but install 6-32 but inserts into the body for the bridge studs. Order 6-32 set screws with Allen key heads and 6-32 locking nuts from McmasrCarr. Adjust the bridge height via the set screws.

[Steve Sawyer]

Another idea,
Recess the bridge into the body but install 6-32 but inserts into the body for the bridge studs. Order 6-32 set screws with Allen key heads and 6-32 locking nuts from McmasrCarr. Adjust the bridge height via the set screws.

Thanks, Mark - good suggestion. Unfortunately, I've already drilled for the Schaller roller bridge, so I'm going to continue down that path. Will tuck that excellent suggestion away for future use though!

[Gordon Bellerose]

Did you get a response from Babizc Full Contact Hardware?
It has been a while since I used their T.O.M. style bridge, and the guitar it was on has been sold, other wise I would have given you the measurements.

[Steve Sawyer]

Did you get a response from Babizc Full Contact Hardware?
It has been a while since I used their T.O.M. style bridge, and the guitar it was on has been sold, other wise I would have given you the measurements.

I did, and their measurements would be too tall without making the same kind of modifications I would have needed to do with other TOM-style bridges. They do make nice stuff though! Tempted to design a future build around one of their bridges!

[Gordon Bellerose]

I have used their bridges on a half dozen or more guitars, and have been very satisfied with them.
Players love them, as there are no sharp screws to bother the heel of your hand.
I like them to work on too.
The tone I get is an improvement also.

I know I have talked about them a lot on this forum, but I am not getting an endorsement!
Wish I was!