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First Les Paul, ABR-1 question

CanutoMadrid

New member
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
4
Hey guys, I just bought my first Les Paul, it’s the 2020 Gibson LP Standard 50’s. Anyways, it has the new style ABR-1 on it. I know people really like them, but the saddles falling off when the strings are off is kind of bugging me. So my question is: are my only options the wired one that buzzes or the non-wire that falls apart? I want to know my options for replacing it, because the saddles falling out is not what I want. Thanks!
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
The non-wire is all in the name of accuracy. If you do not care about that, change it out. I cannot see how the wire would change the sound but the brass in there does. I never had an issue with the wired one buzzing.
 

CanutoMadrid

New member
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
4
The non-wire is all in the name of accuracy. If you do not care about that, change it out. I cannot see how the wire would change the sound but the brass in there does. I never had an issue with the wired one buzzing.
What makes the wire version less accurate?
 

JoeC

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2019
Messages
92
The original 57-60 LPs did not have the wire. I am unsure when that changed. For the sake of accuracy some things have changed that may not be better, just more historically accurate. This case for one should be modified. Is this a Custom Shop you own? There are a lot of replacement parts out there not for Gibson. Unsure if you can buy wired direct from Gibson??
 

CanutoMadrid

New member
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
4
The original 57-60 LPs did not have the wire. I am unsure when that changed. For the sake of accuracy some things have changed that may not be better, just more historically accurate. This case for one should be modified. Is this a Custom Shop you own? There are a lot of replacement parts out there not for Gibson. Unsure if you can buy wired direct from Gibson??
When you were talking about it being more accurate, I thought you meant intonation wise. It’s a Gibson LP Standard. I’m not too worried about it being historically accurate, just want it to sound and play good.
 

Señor Verde

Active member
Joined
Jan 13, 2005
Messages
621
To keep the saddles from falling out, I put a drop of fingernail polish on the bridge at the contact point where the saddle screw rests in the bridge. Been doing this for years and it works great.
 

CanutoMadrid

New member
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
4
To keep the saddles from falling out, I put a drop of fingernail polish on the bridge at the contact point where the saddle screw rests in the bridge. Been doing this for years and it works great.
Oh that’s interesting, I might try that.
 

poor man's burst

Active member
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
You can also make a retaining wire with a piece of G string, round nose and flat nose pliers. Cut it a little bit longer so the wire holds under the bridge, next to the thum-wheels, instead of inserted in the two small holes, which are obviously missing from your non-wire ABR-1.
 

Wallaby

New member
Joined
Dec 14, 2019
Messages
12
I'm watching this thread with interest, I have the same issue with one of my saddles falling out and have followed advice I've seen with clear nail polish, which worked for me.

After setting up the guitar and intonation, and making sure the saddles were bedded solidly I put a drop of clear nail polish at the pointy end of each of the saddle adjustment screws where the point fits in the hole on the back of the bridge. It's invisible, reversable and non-damaging - So far, so good!

But I'm annoyed by it and wonder if there is a way to slightly peen the gap closed where the neck of the screw fits.
 

DutchRay

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
872
In many years of playing and servicing Les Paul's, I have never, not even once, lost a saddle from a non wire ABR-1. As far as I'm concerned this is not an issue to worry about.
 
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