Bridge replacement and bushing customization

[kench]

Hi all,

I'm going to replace my Gotoh TOM bridge with the Schaller roller bridge with adjustable string spacing. Because the Gotoh's spacing is slightly wide for the neck. Both bridges have the same post spacing (74 mm), but use different size bushings and studs. Gotoh bushings are 11 mm in diameter and have M8 threads, while the Schallers are only 7mm/M5. Since the post spacing is the same, I can easily fabricate new bushings on the lathe, which will go into the 11 mm holes on the guitar, and will accept Schaller's smaller studs. But then there will be too much metal meat between the studs and the wood. I am wondering if it will effect the tone. What would you guys do?

Would you plug the old holes with wood and drill new holes for the new bridge?

Or would you just make 11 mm studs with M5 thread that will go into the existing holes? (this is easier to do for me)

Btw, the guitar is a LP style guitar with sapele body and neck, maple top and ebony fingerboard. I had built it back in 2005 with a lot of help from this forum.

[ScottR]

Or would you just make 11 mm studs with M5 thread that will go into the existing holes? (this is easier to do for me)

If this is easier, that's what I'd do. If you think about it, there will be no more metal in those post holes than there origially was, just different proportions of bolt and bushings.

Changing the bridge will likely have a bigger influence on the tone, and even then you will have to talk yourself into believing you can hear it.

SR