Anthem install on Guild D-55 - Bracing issue and pre existing holes...

[randallstevens]

I'm installing an Anthem this weekend on my D-55 that has had a Baggs Ribbon Transducer in it for about 15 years. The Ribbon was installed by a shop, and as I pulled it out to prepare and investigate for the Anthem install, I noticed that the main feed hole is straight down, 90 degrees. Since this needs a 45 degree angle, should I redrill/redirect that hole in the treble side (that sounds like too much cavity in the guitar to me), or drill the bass side that has a 1/8" deep excess-hole the shop (errantly?) made for the ribbon 15 yrs ago?

The other issue I'm concerned about is that the bracing seems to be right in the way of a 45 degree angle. If I do less of an angle, I could possibly come out the other side of the bracing (still makes me nervous), rather than through it (which seems like a terrible idea). I've done two undersaddle jobs with no problems, and this is making me a little nervous. I may have to take this to someone.

Anyone done a D-55 with success? What do you do when there's a pre-existing 90 degree hole in the slot?

Thanks for any advice!

[randallstevens]

Here's a pic of the bridge plate on the D55... there's so little room to work with. Also, the shop guy who installed the ribbon transducer years ago seemed to try to install it on the bass side but then filled that hole with glue, and then seemingly clipped the treble side brace with a drill... not sure what the damage is on the peg holes there. Ugh. For reference, I also included a pic of my larrivee bridge plate with a fishman installed... so much more space.

d55_bridge_plate2.jpg

larrivee_bridge_plate2.jpg

[Caleb_Elling]

Hey Randall,
I mentioned in that other thread that the 90 degree hole shouldn't be an issue at all. The 45 degree hole offers a less-drastic angle for the pickup, but a 90 degree hole is perfectly usable. I've done it many times without any problems.

The mic should still fit on the bridgeplate too. If it doesn't work in front of the pins, you should be able to position the mic towards the back side of the pins without any major sacrifices tonally.

[randallstevens]

Hey Randall,
I mentioned in that other thread that the 90 degree hole shouldn't be an issue at all. The 45 degree hole offers a less-drastic angle for the pickup, but a 90 degree hole is perfectly usable. I've done it many times without any problems.

The mic should still fit on the bridgeplate too. If it doesn't work in front of the pins, you should be able to position the mic towards the back side of the pins without any major sacrifices tonally.

Thanks again!

[T-Ross]

I'm having a similar issue with an install on my Seagull S6. The brace falls about 1/8" outside the saddle slot. If I drill at 45 degrees I'll hit the brace. Drilling at 90 degree I'll be fine. I'll just round the corner a bit more to brake the angle.