In order to get the bridge on this 335 back to its original 1964 specs, the “Nashville bridge” bushings have to go. And it turns out, it looks like this was a good decision. As David put it, “The install of those bushings was, shall we say, ‘less than Ideal’”
In this pic you can see remnants of the original post holes at the bottom of the bushing holes. Archeology! David’s concern here is to get those old bushings out and the holes filled without compromising the integrity of the area where the new holes will be drilled. Don’t try this at home with a vintage instrument!
Those are some snugly filled holes. And David has smoothed out the old plugs too. Nice. Next he will make sure the new posts will be in the right place for good intonation. New holes drilled – ready for the posts.
David says it’s obvious that the old bridge was installed too close because all the saddles were pretty much maxed out rearward.
When I got the guitar it had been fitted with oversized Grover tuners. Over the years people told me that this changes the amount of mass on the headstock, which might not be a good thing. I don’t know about that, but the tuners were getting a bit funky, so David recommended these original style Grover Vintage tuners as a replacement. They look like originals but are better than the ones Gibson was using back then.
FYI:
David took all these pictures himself and sent them to me as he did the work to keep me up on the progress. It’s been so great to see the transformation because this is a special instrument to me. Thanks, David!!
The guitar is pretty much done. Can’t wait to sit down and spend time with this old friend. I’ll do another post with more pics of the completed renovation. And maybe a vid so you can hear it if possible!
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