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radius discrepancy


hgl

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Posted

The answer from Schaller... ( they say it's a 14" radius bridge )

 

FAQ20130 Would it cause problems if I were to fit a Schaller STM or GTM bridge (which has a 14" fretboard radius) to a Les Paul that has a 12" fretboard radius?

No, that will not cause any problems. In relation to the narrow width of the fretboard, the difference between the 12" and the 14" radius is so small that there is no discernible difference.

Posted

Since we're talking about the fretboard radius, I'll add this. I got a G&L with an old style Fender 7" radius. I read all sorts of negative things about fretting out and the need for compound radiusing. None of this turned out to be true. I can bend strings just as well as on a H150. And the action isn't high.

 

I also read that the short radius helps with fingerpicking by separating the string heights more. I didn't appreciate any difference either.

 

There is a noticeable difference to the feel, which is fun. But no functional pluses or minuses.

Posted

No mods necessary :) Have a chat with the guys at Marquis Distribution in CA who are very familiar with the fitments for Heritage models and can supply all finishes (nickel, chrome, gold, aged, black, etc) from stock. They're on the web so you can google them.

 

I've dealt with them personally and recommend their great service.

I just checked out marquis, looks like you can get a bridge and tailpiece for about $132 not too bad. May try replacing the Schallers on my 157. Other than finish, they only seem to come in two variations; standard or metric. Seems pretty simple (hopefully not famous last words).

Posted

I just checked out marquis, looks like you can get a bridge and tailpiece for about $132 not too bad. May try replacing the Schallers on my 157. Other than finish, they only seem to come in two variations; standard or metric. Seems pretty simple (hopefully not famous last words).

 

In the back of my mind, it seems like the Heritage tailpiece studs are English 7/16-24 and the bridge studs are M5. Bridge width (post to post) on the standard 150/157 is 2-29/32" (i.e. 73.8 mm)

Posted

Since we're talking about the fretboard radius, I'll add this. I got a G&L with an old style Fender 7" radius. I read all sorts of negative things about fretting out and the need for compound radiusing. None of this turned out to be true. I can bend strings just as well as on a H150. And the action isn't high.

 

I also read that the short radius helps with fingerpicking by separating the string heights more. I didn't appreciate any difference either.

 

There is a noticeable difference to the feel, which is fun. But no functional pluses or minuses.

 

I think these are Just opinions, not scientific studies. They could be wrong as well as subjective which means you may not get the same results when performing the same task. Do and play what you want because it is what "you" want, not because someone else said you could do it.

Posted

the neck on my 535 definitely feels like a different radius than my 150, which seems flatter when playing...and wider, although I believe they are the same width

Posted

the neck on my 535 definitely feels like a different radius than my 150, which seems flatter when playing...and wider, although I believe they are the same width

 

I know what you mean. They say the fretboards are the same though.

 

To me, thin necks give the feel of a flatter fretboard.

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