Gretsch Streamliner P90s
- Thread starter PelliX
- Start date
Eric'45
Well-Known Member
A string problem would be logical. Especially the wound strings can wear fast on a guitar like this, as the Bigsby "pulls" them through the saddle slots with each use. I have heard some like to have roller bridges for that reason, but I could imagine that those are also prone to noise and rattling.
That's nice. How are the adjustment screws working on these? Is it like a P- Bass, with a Foam piece pushing the PU outward and the screws pulling it towards the body?
OP
PelliX
Well-Known Member
I don't know what's inside, but it seems to work that way, altering one side will inversely affect the other. The left (low side) screw of the bridge doesn't work which is why I was confused about setting the angle. I'm going to see about the bridge (and strings) first. When I change the strings I might try to already swap out some pots and see about that pickup. I don't have the right pickup switch though, and that's what needs replacing first really.
I was wondering about those when contemplating the bridge problem. I might well go for a roller if I have to replace this one. Haven't had one since my first electric.
Eric'45
Well-Known Member
Could be the easiest fix, as the original Bridge might not be of the highest quality.I was wondering about those when contemplating the bridge problem. I might well go for a roller if I have to replace this one. Haven't had one since my first electric.
OP
PelliX
Well-Known Member
Well, I decided I'd try a Wilkinson roller bridge - might as well put something decent on there. Seemingly they're next to impossible to find in the EU.... and on that note, the Brussellian Empire has once again screwed me (and millions of other people) over. Particularly as someone who orders small amounts of specific parts this hits hard.
commission.europa.eu
Fairness and safety, right. Fairness in that it hits the little guy like me ordering a replacement IC, resistor and diode for an extra 9 Euro fee. If they had been aiming for fairness, perhaps they should only tax items that are made and sold here, too. It's a bit late for "fairness" after they've destroyed the economic conditions that supported localized production. Perhaps they should inspect the packages and determine the value that way... oh wait, these are the same clowns who rated a 2nd hand Fender jack plug at USD $1000.
Obviously, this is going to translate into a price increase when buying components from local sellers, too, as practically none of them are made in the EU.
Anyway, does anyone have any solid suggestions [pun vaguely intended] for a replacement bridge? All I can find in the right size are no-brand things...
Ensuring fairness and safety: €3 customs duty for low-value parcels
On 1 July 2026, the EU will introduce a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels to protect consumers, support businesses, and ensure fair competition.
Fairness and safety, right. Fairness in that it hits the little guy like me ordering a replacement IC, resistor and diode for an extra 9 Euro fee. If they had been aiming for fairness, perhaps they should only tax items that are made and sold here, too. It's a bit late for "fairness" after they've destroyed the economic conditions that supported localized production. Perhaps they should inspect the packages and determine the value that way... oh wait, these are the same clowns who rated a 2nd hand Fender jack plug at USD $1000.
Obviously, this is going to translate into a price increase when buying components from local sellers, too, as practically none of them are made in the EU.
Anyway, does anyone have any solid suggestions [pun vaguely intended] for a replacement bridge? All I can find in the right size are no-brand things...
Happy NGD! I have a pair of Gretsch, a 6120 (hollow) and a Pearl Jet (chambered solid). Fun guitars, you'll love yours I suspect!
Look no further than TV Jones if you decide to do a FilterTron. He makes some high end stuff. I have his PAF style FilterTron on the bridge of my Pearl Jet and its really good. Sounds nothing like a PAF mind you, and more like a FT on steroids, but still not as hot as even a 57 Classic.
I thought I would have no use for the Bigsby but after using them love them on these guitars. Very different from using a Strat type...
If you like feedback, you can have some fun getting close to the amp and let the body shake...it can be musical and its pretty easy to control it.
Roller bridges are a YES here (mine came with them). Fortunately for you, no floating bridge on that one. I had to de-mobilize them on both of mine...
Look no further than TV Jones if you decide to do a FilterTron. He makes some high end stuff. I have his PAF style FilterTron on the bridge of my Pearl Jet and its really good. Sounds nothing like a PAF mind you, and more like a FT on steroids, but still not as hot as even a 57 Classic.
I thought I would have no use for the Bigsby but after using them love them on these guitars. Very different from using a Strat type...
If you like feedback, you can have some fun getting close to the amp and let the body shake...it can be musical and its pretty easy to control it.
Roller bridges are a YES here (mine came with them). Fortunately for you, no floating bridge on that one. I had to de-mobilize them on both of mine...
OP
PelliX
Well-Known Member
So I gave the Gretsch a bit of a break while I work on other projects. I experimentally moved a couple of strings 'along' about a centimeter to see if it was just 'wear' causing the rattle. Nope, same thing. New roller bridge should be arriving today. After a little (really not a lot of) force I managed to get the bridge pickup to adjust in both directions. Ended up leaving it roughly where it was, I think. I tend to adjust pickups by ear more than anything else.
Oh yes, it feeds back like Gary Moore on a good day, wowsa...!
Oh yes, it feeds back like Gary Moore on a good day, wowsa...!
OP
PelliX
Well-Known Member
Update: Yes, perfect. Apart from the fact the rollers dropped out of the bridge (the only other roller bridge I've had had a 'fixed' arrangement) I set it up, intonated it and... no more rattle. The trem feels a little silkier/smoother, but that could by psychosomatic. It felt pretty good from the get-go. Didn't need the new posts that came with the bridge, it was a drop-in replacement.
Unfortunately, at least two projects that won't require the guitar to be used, so just noodling around for now. The next song is a request from our drummer and he doesn't put in all that many, so I try to honor them as best I can. This is going to take a 5-string bass (I've got a P-bass...), a superstrat (I have a 'regular' Strat) and a Les Paul (pfew, at least I've got one of those) to be true to the original. I'll see what I do about the superstrat, might just wing it with a Tele. If I had a pound for everytime I've "wing'd something with a Tele", I'd be starting my private jet right now...
Ah well, let's just say that there will be some George Thorogood in the near future!
Unfortunately, at least two projects that won't require the guitar to be used, so just noodling around for now. The next song is a request from our drummer and he doesn't put in all that many, so I try to honor them as best I can. This is going to take a 5-string bass (I've got a P-bass...), a superstrat (I have a 'regular' Strat) and a Les Paul (pfew, at least I've got one of those) to be true to the original. I'll see what I do about the superstrat, might just wing it with a Tele. If I had a pound for everytime I've "wing'd something with a Tele", I'd be starting my private jet right now...
Ah well, let's just say that there will be some George Thorogood in the near future!
Congratulations! I hope it all settles in for you!Update: Yes, perfect. Apart from the fact the rollers dropped out of the bridge (the only other roller bridge I've had had a 'fixed' arrangement) I set it up, intonated it and... no more rattle. The trem feels a little silkier/smoother, but that could by psychosomatic. It felt pretty good from the get-go. Didn't need the new posts that came with the bridge, it was a drop-in replacement.
Unfortunately, at least two projects that won't require the guitar to be used, so just noodling around for now. The next song is a request from our drummer and he doesn't put in all that many, so I try to honor them as best I can. This is going to take a 5-string bass (I've got a P-bass...), a superstrat (I have a 'regular' Strat) and a Les Paul (pfew, at least I've got one of those) to be true to the original. I'll see what I do about the superstrat, might just wing it with a Tele. If I had a pound for everytime I've "wing'd something with a Tele", I'd be starting my private jet right now...
Ah well, let's just say that there will be some George Thorogood in the near future!