Hip-Shot and Wilkinson ?

[Mojohand40]

Hip shot question:
(This may have been answered before, but I'm not sure)

If I have a Wilkinson bridge that is drilled for a top loader OR string through (3 brass saddle, Vintage style, standard Wilkinson affair), AND I use the top loader string holes can I install a standard Hip-Shot B bender with E-D toggle and G palm lever WITHOUT modding the Bridge at all?
In other words, If one used a toploader Wilkinson Vintage Bridge, would he be able to install a Hip-Shot system using the existing bridge string holes instead of modding bridge. (If not....why not?)

Thanks!!!


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[bender-freak]

yes...see no reason why not...you might want to use some kind of teflon tubing to place in the hole for the B string and G string if you're going B and G bender both....if you are using a unit with the de-tuner on the big E string you really should use tubing for the E or you may having binding and tuning issues...i have several "hippies" installed on dual load type bridges on Teles and really have no problems with the B and G strings as far as tuning or coming back to pitch....just been my experience...good luck with it and keep us posted

[Mojohand40]

Originally Posted by bender-freak

yes...see no reason why not...you might want to use some kind of teflon tubing to place in the hole for the B string and G string if you're going B and G bender both....if you are using a unit with the de-tuner on the big E string you really should use tubing for the E or you may having binding and tuning issues...i have several "hippies" installed on dual load type bridges on Teles and really have no problems with the B and G strings as far as tuning or coming back to pitch....just been my experience...good luck with it and keep us posted

Thanks for the info.
I'll keep everyone posted, but it might be awhile. My bender tele is still in the planning stage.

[jmiles]

Should work just fine. If you don't have the Teflon tubes, you can go to a bike shop and get a brake cable liner. You may have to slightly enlarge the holes in the bridge. This is the method that I prefer, as it provides better down force on the saddles. Cutting a groove decreases that down force, and , in my experience, robs some tone and sustain from those strings.