How to Convert a Gibson Nashville Bridge to ABR-1 Style

To convert a Gibson Nashville bridge to ABR-1 style, you replace the stock one-piece Nashville posts with Faber conversion posts and fit a Faber ABRN or Tone-Lock bridge on them.

FaberUSA sells the ABRN, the Tone-Lock bridge and Tone-Lock Master Kits together with your choice of posts: NSWKIT “E-Z” (no modification), iNsert “Plus” (bushings replaced) or BSWKIT “Pro” (professional installation recommended).

Which ABR-1 bridges fit Faber’s Nashville conversion posts?

Two Faber bridges fit all three Faber Nashville conversion posts: the ABRN (non-locking) and the Tone-Lock bridge (locking). FaberUSA sells both, and the Tone-Lock Master Kit, together with the posts you choose:

• NSWKIT “E-Z” posts: ABRN “E-Z”, Tone-Lock “E-Z” or Master Kit “E-Z”
• iNsert “Plus” posts: ABRN “Plus”, Tone-Lock “Plus” or Master Kit “Plus”
• BSWKIT “Pro” posts: ABRN “Pro”, Tone-Lock “Pro” or Master Kit “Pro”

What is the easiest way to convert a Gibson USA Nashville bridge to ABR-1 style?

Choose a Faber bridge with NSWKIT “E-Z” posts. You unscrew the stock one-piece Nashville post/thumbwheels and screw the NSWKIT posts into the guitar’s original bushings. The bushings stay, and the guitar needs no modification. Then fit the ABRN or Tone-Lock bridge with the saddle screw heads facing the pickups.

Do the Nashville bushings stay in the guitar?

With the NSWKIT, yes. NSWKIT posts screw into the guitar’s original bushings and do not replace them. The iNsert replaces the bushings. With the BSWKIT, the stock bushings come out and the BSWKIT stud mounts in the body. It does not screw into the stock Nashville bushings.

How involved is each install?

NSWKIT “E-Z”: a simple remove-and-replace. The new posts screw into the original bushings with no modification. iNsert “Plus”: Faber calls it an easy install. Once the stock bushings are out, check the hole depth (the original holes are usually deep enough). Then tap the iNsert’s knurled lower section into the hole until the flange sits flush with the body, with the supplied metal collar protecting the threads. Follow the iNsert installation video. BSWKIT “Pro”: professional installation recommended. See the BSWKIT installation video.

What are the posts made of?

NSWKIT and BSWKIT studs are plated steel, and iNsert studs are plated German bell brass. All three come with plated brass thumbwheels and replace the stock zinc-alloy Nashville parts.

Step 1: Confirm you have a Nashville bridge

You’ll find the Nashville bridge on many Gibson USA models, including Flying V, Explorer, Firebird and Les Paul Classic, and on non-Custom Shop Les Pauls. Heritage guitars with Schaller bridges use essentially the same system.

Look at the height adjusters:

• Nashville: the post and thumbwheel are one piece, threaded only at the bottom, and screw into a metal bushing pressed into the body. There are no threads above the thumbwheel, and the post tops are smooth.
• Original ABR-1: thin 6-32 posts screwed straight into the wood, threaded along their full length, with a separate thumbwheel that rides up and down the thread. These guitars don’t need a conversion.
• USA/ABR-1 (2017 and later): an ABR-1 bridge sitting on one-piece posts in body bushings. It’s used on the Les Paul Traditional, some 2017–2019 Les Paul Standard and Classic models, 2019-on Original Collection Les Paul Standards, the SG Standard ’61 and the ES-335/345. This page doesn’t apply to those guitars. Use ABR-1 Bridge on a Gibson USA and Faber’s “EZ” USA/ABR-1 posts or “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 posts instead.

Not sure? See the Nashville vs ABR-1 comparison and the FAQ, or send photos through the Sales & Tech Support form.

Step 2: Choose your bridge

Every option below ships with conversion posts, which you pick in Step 3.

ABRN (non-locking)

The ABRN, from the ABR-59 line, is an ABR-1 sized bridge for Nashville and Schaller systems. It’s narrower than the stock Nashville bridge, so it has the vintage look and lets you set the tailpiece lower without the strings touching the back of the bridge. It has no saddle retaining wire, a 12″ saddle radius, and pre-notched saddles as standard (unnotched saddles are optional). Choose it as the ABRN “E-Z”, ABRN “Plus” or ABRN “Pro”, or browse ABRN Bridge with Conversion Bridge Posts.

Tone-Lock bridge (locking)

The Tone-Lock bridge locks onto the threaded conversion posts with a pair of 4mm lock nuts instead of set screws, so it stays on the guitar during string changes. The frame comes in the original aluminum alloy or optional machined bell brass. Choose the Tone-Lock “E-Z” (NSWKIT), Tone-Lock “Plus” (iNsert) or Tone-Lock “Pro” (BSWKIT). A Lock Nut/Tailpiece Stud Tool is included.

Tone-Lock Master Kit (bridge + tailpiece + studs)

A Tone-Lock Master Kit combines the Tone-Lock bridge, conversion posts, lock nuts, a TP-’59 lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece, and Tone-Lock INCH (5/16-24) locking tailpiece studs and spacers. Options are Master Kit “E-Z”, “Plus” and “Pro”. USA-made Gibsons use inch tailpiece studs. The Gibson Nashville Master Kits also suit Heritage guitars with Schaller bridges only if the guitar has imperial tailpiece bushings. Heritages with metric tailpiece bushings need a Master Kit for Heritage (for example #6000 “E-Z”).

Step 3: Choose your conversion posts

Posts	What it replaces	Modification level
NSWKIT “E-Z”	One-piece post/thumbwheel only; threads into your existing bushings	None
iNsert “Plus”	Bushing and post, replaced by a one-piece bell brass stud with separate thumbwheel	Bushings removed; check hole depth
BSWKIT “Pro”	Bushing and post, replaced by a steel stud with separate thumbwheel	Professional installation recommended

NSWKIT “E-Z”: no modification

The NSWKIT (#3051) replaces the stock one-piece post and thumbwheel with a steel post (M5 x .8 lower thread, M4 x .7 upper thread) and brass thumbwheel. It threads into your existing bushings, which stay in the guitar. It’s the simplest of the three options and needs no tools or special skills.

iNsert “Plus”: new bushing and post in one

The iNsert (#3116) replaces both the zinc-alloy Nashville bushing and the post. It’s a one-piece German bell brass stud with a flange that sits flush on the top. A separate machined brass thumbwheel rides on a 4mm threaded upper post, like an ABR-1 system. Each set includes a metal installation tool and a 5mm bolt for pulling the old bushings. Faber describes it as moderately easy to install, and there’s an installation video on the product page. Faber says the original holes are almost always deep enough, but occasionally one is too shallow for the flange to sit flush. Measure first.

BSWKIT “Pro”: steel studs, vintage-style mount

The BSWKIT (#3047) is a steel stud (M8 x 1.25 lower thread, M4 x .7 upper) with a separate brass thumbwheel and two 4mm installation nuts. The original bushings are removed. It gives the most ABR-1-like mount of the three, and Faber calls it more difficult to install and recommends professional installation. For the install itself, follow Faber BSWKIT Install. Watch that video before ordering.

What to measure before you order

1. Current bridge height at both posts. Measure from the body to the underside of the bridge, or photograph it against a ruler, so you can get back close to your current action.
2. Bushing hole depth (iNsert only). After a bushing is out, check that the hole is at least as deep as the iNsert’s 14.0mm (.55″) length below the flange, so the flange can sit flush with the top. A shallow hole is rare. If you need more depth, it is usually only about 1/32″ to 1/16″. Use a 1/4″ drill bit. That bit is smaller than the hole, and the bottom of the iNsert post is narrower than 7mm, so the bit matches that smaller tip. Keep the bit centered and do not let it touch the sides of the hole, or you will widen the hole.
3. Tailpiece bushings (Master Kits only). USA-made Gibsons use inch (5/16-24) tailpiece studs. On a Heritage, check whether the tailpiece bushings are imperial or metric before choosing a kit.

Tools and steps

Tools: calipers or a small ruler, a screwdriver, masking tape, a soft cloth, fresh strings, and a tuner. Tone-Lock orders include the Lock Nut/Tailpiece Stud Tool, and iNsert orders include the 5mm bolt and installation tool.

Steps:

1. Note your bridge height (see above).
2. Loosen and remove the strings. Tape off the finish around the posts.
3. Lift off the old bridge and unscrew the one-piece Nashville post/thumbwheels.
4. Install your conversion posts. NSWKIT: thread the new posts into the existing bushings. iNsert: thread the included 5mm bolt into the bushing. The bushing’s bottom is hollow, so as the bolt bottoms out on the wood it lifts the bushing out. Check the hole depth, then install the iNsert as shown in Faber’s iNsert video so the flange sits flush. If the hole is a little short, deepen it about 1/32″ to 1/16″ with a 1/4″ bit, kept centered so it does not widen the hole. BSWKIT: follow Faber BSWKIT Install.
5. Set the thumbwheels to roughly your old bridge height.
6. Fit the ABRN or Tone-Lock bridge with the saddle screw heads facing the pickups. That’s the opposite of how Nashville and Schaller bridges are usually installed. On a Tone-Lock, thread on the lock nuts and tighten them with the tool. Use the unnotched end when the top of the post is below the lock nut slot, and the notched end when the post protrudes into it.
7. Master Kit: swap the tailpiece studs for the Tone-Lock studs and spacers, fitting the TP-’59 between the spacer and the stud head. Don’t overtighten.
8. Restring, tune to pitch, set bridge height and tailpiece height, then set intonation. If a saddle runs out of travel, don’t force the screw. Remove the saddle and turn it around.

When to see a tech

• A bushing won’t come out with the bolt, or the finish around it starts to chip.
• A bushing is badly stuck, or you are not comfortable deepening a shallow iNsert hole. A slight shortfall (about 1/32″ to 1/16″) can be opened with a centered 1/4″ bit, as above.
• You’re installing the BSWKIT and would rather not follow the install video yourself. Faber recommends professional installation.
• You want saddles notched for a specific string gauge, or intonation won’t settle.

FAQ

Can I put an ABR-1 style bridge on a Gibson with a Nashville bridge?

Yes. The Faber ABRN is an ABR-1 style bridge for Gibson guitars with Nashville bridges and Heritage guitars with Schaller bridges. FaberUSA sells it, like the Tone-Lock bridge, together with conversion posts: NSWKIT, iNsert or BSWKIT.

Why do I have to buy conversion posts with the bridge?

FaberUSA sells the ABRN, the Tone-Lock bridge and Tone-Lock Master Kits only with conversion posts, so the new bridge always sits on matching Faber posts instead of the stock one-piece Nashville posts. You choose the post type based on how much work you want to do.

Do I have to drill my guitar to convert from Nashville to ABR-1 style?

Usually not. The NSWKIT needs no modifications. The iNsert replaces the body bushings and needs a hole deep enough for its flange to sit flush. The BSWKIT is the most involved, and Faber recommends professional installation.

What is the difference between the NSWKIT, iNsert and BSWKIT?

The NSWKIT (E-Z) replaces only the one-piece post and thumbwheel and screws into your existing bushings. The iNsert (Plus) replaces the bushing and post with a one-piece bell brass stud and separate thumbwheel. The BSWKIT (Pro) is a steel stud with a separate thumbwheel for the most vintage-style mount, and Faber recommends professional installation.

Should I choose the ABRN, the Tone-Lock bridge or a Master Kit?

The ABRN is a non-locking ABR-1 style bridge. The Tone-Lock bridge locks to the threaded conversion posts with lock nuts. A Tone-Lock Master Kit adds a TP-’59 aluminum stop tailpiece and Tone-Lock locking tailpiece studs and spacers to the Tone-Lock bridge and posts.

Which way should the saddle screws face after the swap?

Toward the pickups. Nashville and Schaller bridges are usually installed with screw heads facing the tailpiece, but Faber bridges are set up for screw heads facing the pickups, and the saddle orientation is set for correct intonation that way.

Can I use the ABRN or NSWKIT on a Gibson with an original ABR-1 bridge?

No. The ABRN and the NSWKIT, iNsert and BSWKIT conversion posts are only for Nashville and Schaller systems. An original ABR-1 guitar has thin 6-32 posts screwed straight into the wood, so it doesn’t need a conversion. For those guitars, choose the Faber ABRH.

Does this conversion work on a Gibson USA with an ABR-1 bridge on bushings?

No. ABR-1 bridges on body bushings started in 2017 on a few select Gibson USA models, and since the Original Collection launched in 2019, all Original Collection models have the bushings. These guitars already have an ABR-1 bridge sitting on one-piece posts in body bushings, so they use Faber’s “EZ” or “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 posts instead. See ABR-1 Bridge on a Gibson USA.

Which Gibson models have a Nashville bridge?

You’ll find the Nashville bridge on many Gibson USA models, including the Flying V, Explorer, Firebird and Les Paul Classic, and on non-Custom Shop Les Pauls. On a Nashville bridge, the post and thumbwheel are one piece, threaded only at the bottom, and screw into a metal bushing in the body. If you’re not sure, send photos through the Sales & Tech Support form.

When did Gibson switch from ABR-1 to Nashville bridges?

Gibson didn’t switch from the ABR-1 to the Nashville bridge all at once. The change happened gradually in the mid-1970s, and some sources say it wasn’t complete until about 1980, so guitars from roughly 1973 to 1980 could have either bridge. The year alone can’t tell you which one you have. Check the bridge itself, or send us a photo and we’ll confirm it.

Will a Gibson Nashville Master Kit fit my Heritage with a Schaller bridge?

Only if your Heritage has imperial (inch) tailpiece bushings. Heritage guitars are some metric, some inch. The Gibson Nashville Master Kits use Tone-Lock INCH (5/16-24) tailpiece studs. A Heritage with metric tailpiece bushings needs a Master Kit for Heritage, such as the #6000 “E-Z”.

What thread do the NSWKIT posts use?

The NSWKIT (#3051) steel post has an M5 x .8 lower thread that screws into your existing Nashville bushings and an M4 x .7 upper thread for the brass thumbwheel.

How do I remove the Nashville bushings for the iNsert?

Thread the 5mm bolt included with the iNsert into the bushing. The bushing’s bottom is hollow, so when the bolt bottoms out on the wood it lifts the bushing out. Then check that the hole is at least 14.0mm (.55″) deep below the flange before installing the iNsert. If a bushing won’t come out, or the finish starts to chip, see a tech.

What if a saddle runs out of intonation travel after the swap?

Don’t force the saddle screw. Remove the saddle and turn it around, then set the intonation again.

Which Faber® ABR-59 bridges fit Faber’s Nashville conversion posts?

Two Faber bridges fit all three Faber Nashville conversion posts: the ABRN (non-locking) and the Tone-Lock bridge (locking). FaberUSA sells both, and the Tone-Lock Master Kit, together with the posts you choose: the ABRN, Tone-Lock and Master Kit “E-Z” come with NSWKIT “E-Z” posts, the “Plus” versions with iNsert “Plus” posts, and the “Pro” versions with BSWKIT “Pro” posts.

What is the easiest way to convert a Gibson USA Nashville bridge to ABR-1 style?

Choose a Faber bridge with NSWKIT “E-Z” posts. You unscrew the stock one-piece Nashville post/thumbwheels and screw the NSWKIT posts into the guitar’s original bushings. The bushings stay, and the guitar needs no modification. Then fit the ABRN or Tone-Lock bridge with the saddle screw heads facing the pickups.

Do the Nashville bushings stay in the guitar?

With the NSWKIT, yes. NSWKIT posts screw into the guitar’s original bushings and do not replace them. The iNsert replaces the bushings. With the BSWKIT, the stock bushings come out and the BSWKIT stud mounts in the body. It does not screw into the stock Nashville bushings.