American Standard setup?

[Dan Berkowitz]

Thanks for the further ideas...

Arnold, the outer edge of the post is 2" from the edge of the f-hole. It is about one finger width behind the foot of the bridge and the outer edge aligns with the middle of the curve of outer foot...does that sound about right. I'll give it a listen without the pickup and have the bridge checked out, too. Maybe it's about time for a new one.

Also, the scale length is now set up at about 42.25", which puts the bridge about 3/4" ahead of being centered at the notches. Would this make a meaningful difference in the sound compared to moving the bridge back to its nominal 43"?

David, I'm wondering if the older American Standards were different somehow. Mine is #3015, which places it from about 1963.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Dan Berkowitz

Thanks for the further ideas...

Arnold, the outer edge of the post is 2" from the edge of the f-hole. It is about one finger width behind the foot of the bridge and the outer edge aligns with the middle of the curve of outer foot...does that sound about right. I'll give it a listen without the pickup and have the bridge checked out, too. Maybe it's about time for a new one.

Also, the scale length is now set up at about 42.25", which puts the bridge about 3/4" ahead of being centered at the notches. Would this make a meaningful difference in the sound compared to moving the bridge back to its nominal 43"?

Is the post about the same distance in from the f-hole as the bass bar is on the other side? Moving the post a little farther out than the bass bar usually beefs up the bottom. Make sure the bass bar has not pulled loose at either end...

Your bass will probably have more oomph with the bridge closer to its original position. Consider installing a false nut of about 1/2" and moving the bridge about halfway back. That should give you around 42" of playing length. Also, what is the width of the bridge? AS's have a very inboard bass bar and work best with a narrow bridge (145-150mm).

[Dan Berkowitz]

The false nut certainly sounds like a better idea than the relocated bridge. I'll look inside at the bassbar, too, to make sure it's okay. These are the kinds of details I was hoping to learn about. Again, thanks!