Full-Size Vibrato, Finally!!!

[Bigwave]

Raygun85...you've out done yourself, awesome job. The vibrato looks Fantastic!! Can't wait for the unveiling of the 63 American.

[Dillon]

Just wondering, would there be any bridges with Fender-style spacing that would work with these vibratos? I'm interested in getting one for a Jazzmaster project I'm building

[TerryTNM]

Nice job! A real neat hand-made look.

Are the string bores staggered or have you made them straight across? I myself would be interested if you could make them straight. The Moseley pieces have uneven down pressure on the bridge because of the high-low bores. When you're working with low angles every advantage must be used. I've talked to Bob Shade about this. I don't want to start up the 'stays in tune better' discussion again . I'd probably use the Schaller bridge as I do use their string spacing capability and their 14" radius. Would your unit have the same post to post dimensions or be delivered to drill yourself?

A good looking piece!

[oigun]

I have it here! Its a real nice piece of ART!! The holes are staggered but I'm sure matt can drill them any way you like.
When I have fitted and adjusted the guitar I will post my findings. But I think it will be great just like Olavs.

[raygun85]

Hey Terry, we can drill them any way you like. They come out of the mold without any drilling or milling. We do prefer the Mosrite pattern for the string bores, just as Bob Shade does on his vibrato. However, we hired a machinest a while back when we got behind on some orders and he inadvertently drilled a few vibratos with them straight across on the string anchor. I think Olav got one of them when we did our first batch of lefties. Anyhow, I'm not sure if the Schaller's posts align with the ABM bridge but I will find out.

Dillon, as for the Fender spacing, Mosrite bridges were a little narrower than the bridges we're using - 2-1/16". Most Fenders are between 2-1/16" and 2-1/8" so the ABM or Rollermatic-style bridge would both work for your Jazzmaster project. Heck, we could even drill it out for Jazzmaster thimbles if you wanted to use a Jazzmaster or a Mustang bridge.

[Olav]

The holes in my M3 vibrato are drilled straight across the string anchor. I have no way of comparing with a stagger-drilled vibrato, but mine works just brilliant.

[Dennisthe Menace]

Hey Meng, that came out suu-weet!!

[raygun85]

The holes in my M3 vibrato are drilled straight across the string anchor. I have no way of comparing with a stagger-drilled vibrato, but mine works just brilliant.

Thats good to know for comparison's sake. I suppose a lot of players would probably prefer the staggered bores for vintage correctness. Personally, I prefer whatever stays in tune better. We'll have to do a side-by-side comparison. Maybe we can post the results on YouTube or something.

[MWaldorf]

Matt,
Have you guys played around at all with string bores at different heights? Since bores that are farther from the axis of rotation would cover a greater distance per amount of arm movement, the higher up the bore relative to the axis, the greater the pitch range of the vibrato ought to be. I'm not sure there's enough room for there to be a significant difference, and it would also affect the string angle over the bridge, so maybe it's more pedantic than practical?
Mel

[olrocknroller]

Matt,
Have you guys played around at all with string bores at different heights? Since bores that are farther from the axis of rotation would cover a greater distance per amount of arm movement, the higher up the bore relative to the axis, the greater the pitch range of the vibrato ought to be. I'm not sure there's enough room for there to be a significant difference, and it would also affect the string angle over the bridge, so maybe it's more pedantic than practical?
Mel

It may be of interest for you to know that the tremolo on Nokie's HitchHiker has two rows of mounting holes or bores. For the dive-bombers, the upper row provides greater deflection, but in my experience, requires heavier strings to maintain a buzz-free contact with the bridge. I am using the lower range of bores with .009 - .046 strings (I have such tender fingers! ) and find the trem to have all the note-changing range I require, much like a Bigsby.