T-100D bridge setup

[emerre]

hi there!!
I have a T-100D with the rosewood bridge and base and would like to know if anybody can show some tips on the setup.
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[jp]

Hi emerre,
There are quite a number of threads about this here, as well as on the net. Do a search and you're sure to come up with good info. Consider what type of strings you're using too--round wounds or flat wounds? Wound or unwound 3rd string. Choose a bridge accordingly. Many here have switched over to a wooden base with a tuneamatic-type bridge, for more accurate intonation.

Here are some links to basic setup.
http://www.archtop.com/ac_setups.html
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/Archtop/ArchtopSetup/atsetup.html

 

[emerre]

Thanks a lot!! I'll see what I can do with all this.
I'm using Dean Markley 11-52's and the real problem comes with the 18plain G string. When using the 20wound G string the problem almost disappears, but the string becomes very heavy and it's painful for bending.
A friend of mine has given me a tunomatic-style bridge, taken from a Dearmond's guitar (I don't know which). I'm going to try if it fits with the wooden base and if it has the correct string spacing and height. Has anybody experienced with these bridges?
Cheers!

 

[dklsplace]

I'm using Dean Markley 11-52's and the real problem comes with the 18plain G string. When using the 20wound G string the problem almost disappears...

Ah, in that case, there's little you can do with your current wooden bridge. You can replace it, at a minimal cost, with a bridge that is compensated for using an unwound G string. I personally prefer using a wound 3rd.

 

[firestarter]

Howdy, I'm just new here (yesterday) but am going after the same thing with my '73 T-100-D. The Hagstrom adjusto-matic metal bridge on my '67 Hag Viking is an exact fit on the old wooden bridge thumb wheel posts (75 mm center-to-center) but there is a height shortage, esp. if you want full contact between the wooden base and the metal bridge. Still working on finding another Hag unit (was one on eBay last week but I missed it - BIN $65.) Heck, I might try a Bigsby B6 conversion anyway which will change the kind of bridge I use. Bigsby makes a gold or chrome "rocker bridge" that pivots back & forth; it's also compensated for wound "g" string however. Elderley has 'em, Stew-Mac too I think.

Oh yeah, if you look for an old Hag bridge, they made two kinds: one with indents underneath to sit on the thumbwheel bolts, the other with holes that the bolts can fit through. You want the latter kind; lets you adjust the height more.

My T-100 had a previous major neck repair (4 screws right through the wood, filler putty on top!!!) It's ugly but only from the back side. That neck ain't goin' nowhere. Anyhow, if it were mint I wouldn't do the Bigsby but for $475 last summer I've found my dream live axe; puts to shame most Gibby 335s I've played, both in comfort and tone, love them HB-1 'buckers!
Good Luck!

firestarter

1973 T-100-D-BLD
1974 D-50-NT
1976 D-35-NT
1984 F-42-NT
1988 FJ-30-12 BLD

(and....
1940 Martin 00-17
1950 Martin 00-18
1967 Martin 000-28 Braz.
1975 Martin D-35
2003 Larrivee LO3 R
various electrics & basses
yeah, I know, get a life...)

(or maybe a dark colored Guild)