1978 Gibson Ripper - 3-point Bridge replacement with HipShot SuperTone Chrome 5G400C

Replacing the 3-point Gibson Bridge on ‘Jack’ my 1978 Gibson Ripper With a HipShot SuperTone Chrome 5G400C bridge.
It is about the easiest bridge replacement you can do and well worth it.
/ warriorbassist

[@kevmac1230]

Good job, I'm looking to replace my Tune o Matic in my Epiphone Embassy bass for the same reasons you stated.I was considering the Babitz but this may do the same job for less.I have a bit of worry as to it fitting correctly on my Embassy pertaining to proper scale length for intonation.I had a 70s Gibson Grabber and regret to this day selling it.

[@ufoabove]

I put a couple of washers under the bridge to keep the inserts from wanting to lift out of the bass body. Not sure if it would be better for tone to have left the washers out

[@xnmcguire]

I hadn't considered that. I didn't notice the inserts in my Ripper requiring such a treatment. And so far, all is going well with mine. But I will definitely keep checking to see if it becomes an issue. Thank you for the tip.

[@kevmac1230]

I've read of people using Gorilla glue on the bushings with good results.

[@frenchfanclub]

Helpful video, thank you! Any further thoughts on the replacement bridge six months on?

[@xnmcguire]

The HipShot Supertone bridge really opens up this bass. With the increased sustain for each string the notes really have definition and ring with clarity. The bridge also enables lower string action than the original bridge. It is definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

[@frenchfanclub]

@@xnmcguire Thanks for taking time to respond, and duly noted about the bridge's ability to help lower action. Best wishes!

[@tommyapplegate30]

How good is the sustain or is there any noticeable difference?

[@xnmcguire]

It is a HUGE improvement in playing and tone all around. I tend to use Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Round Wounds (currently Ken Smith Metal Masters .050-.110 ) - With this bridge, I can adjust the action as close to the fingerboard as I want. The Sustain is epic. It contributes greatly to the overall Tonal clarity. Plus the overtones / harmonics really shine. And the Ripper is such a versatile bass anyway, but this simple modification Has just made this my favorite of the 12 basses I use.

[@xnmcguire]

Here is this Ripper with the new Hipshot in action kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIeZmGaZhM6EfbM

[@DanielYance]

do you know if it fit on an epiphone bass? exactly, the EB-0

[@xnmcguire]

I was just at a used music store yesterday where I saw a bolt-on neck Epiphone EB-0 with a Hipshot SuperTone - so I am assuming yes. But definitely check with HipShot to make sure