Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

[zeegler]

I received my Washburn HM20-V that I won on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...ERFB%3AIID&rd=1

Since it had a Wonderbar trem on it, I have pretty much free reign deciding what kind of bridge to use on it. I was originally thinking of a Kahler Steeler, because I happen to have a brand new gold one with no home. However, after some measuring, I'm kinda stumped. Here's the problem:

Because there is no neck angle on this guitar, the trem has to be recessed. It works out that the top of the saddles have to be about 3/8" above the body to provide nice low action. From this, I figure the trem recess has to be about 3/8" and the knife edges with have to sit pretty much flush with the body. Unfortunately, this means that the trem block will be too long, and will stick out the back of the body about 1/16". So, the Kahler is out. So, I can go with a tune-o-matic, and recess it, or try to find a gold Schaller Floyd with a short trem block. I prefer the look and functionality of the trem, but the simplicity of the t.o.m has it's merits too.

Please give me your opinions, and other suggestions.

[StukaJU87]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

Can't you just shave or grind the block down 1/8th inch for clearence and deepen the holes for the trem springs a little with a tiny drill bit? Or just get a shorter block. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[noodlesatf]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

I guess a Kahler cam trem is right out in your book? I have a stage series Washburn that someone replaced the Wonderbar with a Kahler.

[plon]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

This would probably work without recessing if you decide to go without a trem.

Schaller non-tremolo roller bridge

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

[ QUOTE ]
Can't you just shave or grind the block down 1/8th inch for clearence and deepen the holes for the trem springs a little with a tiny drill bit? Or just get a shorter block. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

That is another option. I wish I had access to a machine shop so I could do it properly so it doesn't look mangled. Buying a shorter block is pretty much a non-issue with a Kahler. These things are pretty rare to begin with.

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

[ QUOTE ]
I guess a Kahler cam trem is right out in your book? I have a stage series Washburn that someone replaced the Wonderbar with a Kahler.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, to be honest, if they were readily available, and not ludicrously expensive, I would probably be going with a Kahler Pro. First off, try to find one in gold/brass.

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

[ QUOTE ]
This would probably work without recessing if you decide to go without a trem.

Schaller non-tremolo roller bridge

[/ QUOTE ]

That would probably work, but it's hideously ugly.

[StukaJU87]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Can't you just shave or grind the block down 1/8th inch for clearence and deepen the holes for the trem springs a little with a tiny drill bit? Or just get a shorter block. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

That is another option. I wish I had access to a machine shop so I could do it properly so it doesn't look mangled. Buying a shorter block is pretty much a non-issue with a Kahler. These things are pretty rare to begin with.

[/ QUOTE ]You don't need a machine shop bro, just find someone with a grinder on their bench and have at it, a little at a time.

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

I know what you're saying Scott, but It will look kinda chewed, unless it is done on a milling machine. I have a bench grinder, and an angle grinder, so I suppose I could give it a shot, and maybe clean it up with a file afterwards.

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

Or, perhaps I should do something really evil, like cutting the wings off the guitar, glue on new ones, and make something different. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[toejam]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

Get a Wonderbar! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Actually, a TOM or hardtail would be my choice. My Carvin has a low-profile TOM bridge on it (it's either a Gotoh or Schaller, I can't remember offhand). Maybe see if you can order one from them. I'm not sure if they're still using that model or not since the newer models have a slightly different bridge that is recessed slightly into the body now, but it should pretty much be about the same since they don't have tilted necks. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[zeegler]

Re: Opinions needed on my Washburn HM20 project.

Well, after taking another look at it, it appears the neck does have a slight angle, and I believe I might get away with shaving 1/16" from the back of the trem block.

I'm still considering chopping the wings off though. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]