Hi, I'm building my first guitar. I started wood-working during the pandemic and also did a lot of upgrades on my electrics (complete replacements of hardware and re-wiring), so I figured there wasn't much more to do to build one from scratch (*cue laughter).
So, after several weeks of research, I'm ready to get started. I ordered a load of wood and parts, but the bridge just arrived and I'm not impressed.
It's a Gotoh GE103-B-T and the bridge wobbles really badly on the posts. I know this won't happen when the strings are on, but it seems shitty and I am wondering if this is a good sign or not. I can't understand why they'd do this. One other thing, the mounting screws (the ones that also adjust the height) wobble slightly even when they are fully screwed into the studs. That's definitely a bit odd.
So, I'm looking (again) for a decent bridge without a tail-stop. I'm going to drill through the body to anchor the strings with ferrules, so I'm just looking to manage height and intonation at the bridge. I don't want to go with the babicz or hipshot(?) as they seem hugely overpriced for the money. I know what things are worth and £200 for a even well-machine metal is crazy. I'm happy to spend £50-100 for something good.
What brands/models would you suggest I look at?
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Few details about my build:
Through-body neck in black-limba. Ash wings.
Ebony fingerboard, bone nut.
BL 500xl Bridge, SD '59 neck. (yes, this is inspired by the Washburn N4, which I've always coveted but would never buy)
Will decide on the shape when wood arrives or when it's glued up, but probably something like a Yamaha Revstar with good fret access. Not sure if it's going to be 22 or 24 frets, never owned a 24 so I'm tempted, but will I use them?