first time I am positing here, so if you see anything inappropriate, let me know.
I recently had the chance to obtain a vintage (1970s) Maya MJ-200, a really nice Gibson J-200 copy. Since it was really cheap, and looks great, I am intending to keep this and to make some modifications to it. First it will need a new nut, as the old one was not original and did not fit.
But the modification that I am trying to gather your input on is a change of the bridge setup. Right now it has one of these infamous adjustable brige saddles, where a brass rod carries the saddle. This rod rests on the bridge only via two thumb screws, and I guess this setup is responsible for the sound of the guitar, which is loud and powerful, but lacks clarity and definition.
My first question is for options to install a regular style bridge saddle without completely making a new bridge (which is beyond my ability for the time being). I know that there is a TUSQ saddle for such guitars, anyone have any experiences with such a saddle? Also, I was thinking of inserting a piece of roeswood with the appropriate slot for a blade saddle, and glueing this in for optimal transer.
My second question is about installing a pickup in this guitar. Coincidentally it has a large ding where the preamp would sit, and it would not hurt so much cutting an opening for the preamp box. And as I am installing a new saddle anyway, this would be a good opportunity. The guitar is X-braced, so I could even install a Fishman iBeam on the bridge plate.
Maya J-200 Bridge Saddle Modification
in Acoustic and Hollowbody Guitar Chat
Posted · Edited by LP Linus
Hi folks,
first time I am positing here, so if you see anything inappropriate, let me know.
I recently had the chance to obtain a vintage (1970s) Maya MJ-200, a really nice Gibson J-200 copy. Since it was really cheap, and looks great, I am intending to keep this and to make some modifications to it. First it will need a new nut, as the old one was not original and did not fit.
But the modification that I am trying to gather your input on is a change of the bridge setup. Right now it has one of these infamous adjustable brige saddles, where a brass rod carries the saddle. This rod rests on the bridge only via two thumb screws, and I guess this setup is responsible for the sound of the guitar, which is loud and powerful, but lacks clarity and definition.
My first question is for options to install a regular style bridge saddle without completely making a new bridge (which is beyond my ability for the time being). I know that there is a TUSQ saddle for such guitars, anyone have any experiences with such a saddle? Also, I was thinking of inserting a piece of roeswood with the appropriate slot for a blade saddle, and glueing this in for optimal transer.
My second question is about installing a pickup in this guitar. Coincidentally it has a large ding where the preamp would sit, and it would not hurt so much cutting an opening for the preamp box. And as I am installing a new saddle anyway, this would be a good opportunity. The guitar is X-braced, so I could even install a Fishman iBeam on the bridge plate.
Any input in this project is greatly appreciated.
Thanks - LP
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Some pictures of that guitar: