Can I ruin my UV? - Making a fixed-bridge guitar out of a UV

[stoopid]

I don't know if this is the right forum for this, but this is the forum that I visit the most.
I have a 1999 UV which I love(The binding and all fancy details), But I hate the Lo-Pro.
I was thinking of dropping a fixed bridge in this guitar.
My questions are: Can I just sculpt a Piece of basswood so that it fits in the cavity and then glue it? Do I have to remove the finish in the cavity first?
After it is repainted will you still see the corners of the piece of wood?
Can I get the Ibanez fixed bridge that they use on the RG7621? Not the one that sits on the RG7421 and AX. I could also go for a Carvin bridge, but I like to keep it authentic.
Is this a good idea?

[Noodles]

The uv/jem area would have been a better choice to post this thread in. Why would you want to destroy it's beauty and value, I say block the trem instead hurting your uv. If it's the neck you like you could buy a 7621 and switch necks that way you preserve value and you can switch back if you change your mind.

[jemsite]

I would simply block the bridge fixed. I think from there it will have all the benefits of a fixed bridge 7 minus ruining the UV777BK.

I don't believe doing anything else will improve the guitar and the LoPro7 as a fixed bridge will be dynamite. replacing involves many issues such as filling the body, refinishing the top, etc. Not recommended.

If you insist on a new fixed bridge, i suggest a replacement body done with the tailpiece of choice or simply a new guitar. Good luck... glen

[30yroldpig]

Well, It will certainly not be authentic any more. *

However, maybe if you tried blocking the bridge by inserting a block of wood (wrapped in protective covering, of course ) between the bottom of the bridge and the top of the cavity.

Your bridge will the not float anymore and it will keep it's authenticity should you ever decide to sell it. If you wish, complement with some locking tuners.

Your other option (and probably best one) is to discuss this with a professional Luthier, whose opinion you should consider before attempting do complete such massive "renovations"!!

IMHO, do not attempt to fill the cavity and repainting (especially on such a nice guitar). Glueing is bad...very bad. Speeking as somebody who has witnessed far to many tragic Floating bridge operations, I would not change anything without professional consulting.

Hope this helps !!

[stoopid]

I allready have the bridge blocked, but I like to play around with action and intonation, and that is very hard with a floyd-rose bridge in my opinion. With a fixed bridge I would have a unique guitar though

[Getthis]

for easier intonation/action adjustments get a intonation toolset from stewmac.com(it gives the tool for three floyd types, including the lopro and edge and also includes shims for action) for about $60

[littlegreenman]

Ya know what dude. *I think *if you want a fixed bride 7 string, you're farther ahead to sell the UV (even if you like how it looks) and buy an RG with a fixed bridge. *Then with the left over UV money, upgrade the pickups, refinish it, whatever you want, then you get a guitar specifically designed for the purpose you want. *
If you fill the trem cavity, not only are you bastardizing a wicked guitar IMO, but you will have to refinish the whole thing to make it look proper, losing the binding and inlay on the body anyway and it will never be the same *as a true fixed bridge guitar. *Besides, for the amount of work it will be for something that will never be quite right anyway, it's not worth it IMO.
Just my two little pennies.
Jeremy

[stoopid]

You are probably right.
I think I'm going to learn how to setup floyd-rose bridges properly. Just to improve my setup skills.
I bought this UV because it was the only seven string I have ever seen here in Belgium, and I bought it for around 800$. Enough PRS and Les Paul Customs, but it's really hard to find seven strings here. I allready imported an RG7621 from the US but the shipping cost where very high. And trying to sell a UV here is insane.

(Edited by stoopid at 10:30 am on Feb. 23, 2001)

[30yroldpig]

Lets see,

Hmmm, how about if you sell ME your UV (for 800$), and then you will have enough $$$$ for a fixed bridge RG.

Now that's a deal!! :biggrin:

Maybe not :lame:

[stoopid]

hehe, I don't think so