Gibson Nashville Bridge Replacement: ABRN and Tone-Lock Parts
Also fits Heritage Guitars brand models made after the early 2000s
Gibson started using the Nashville bridge in late 1973. It sits on one-piece posts screwed into metal bushings, at 74.4mm post spacing. To replace it with a slimmer, wire-free ABR-1 style bridge, pick the Faber ABRN (non-locking) or the Tone-Lock bridge (locking), then choose your posts:
- NSWKIT “E-Z”: screws into your original bushings, with no modification.
- iNsert “Plus”: replaces the bushings. bell brass. See the installation video.
- BSWKIT “Pro”: the stock bushings come out and a steel stud mounts in the body. Professional installation is recommended.
Each comes as a bridge-and-posts package (ABRN “E-Z”, ABRN “Plus”, ABRN “Pro”) or as a Tone-Lock Master Kit.
Tone-Lock™ Master Kit
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Tone-Lock™ Tailpiece Kit
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Tone-Lock™ Bridge
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Tone-Lock™ Studs/Spacers
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ABR-'59 ABRN Bridge
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TP-'59 Tailpiece
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Conversion Bridge Posts
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Tuning Machines
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"Vintage Steel" Tailpiece Studs
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Faber® Bridge Saddles
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Faber® Bridge Screws
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Miscellaneous & Spare Parts
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Compare the conversion posts
| Posts | Install | Stud material | Lower thread | Upper thread | Overall length | Bridge pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSWKIT “E-Z” #3051 | Remove and replace, no modification | Steel, plated | 5M x .8, 12mm | 4M x .7, 9.2mm | 24mm | ABRN “E-Z” / Tone-Lock “E-Z” / Master Kit “E-Z” #5004 |
| iNsert “Plus” #3116 | Replaces the bushings (see the installation video) | bell brass, plated | 7.0mm lower section (knurled) | 15mm above flange | 31.75mm | ABRN “Plus” / Tone-Lock “Plus” / Master Kit “Plus” #5008 |
| BSWKIT “Pro” #3047 | Professional installation recommended | Steel, plated | 8M x 1.25, 15mm | 4M x .7, 15mm | 30mm | ABRN “Pro” / Tone-Lock “Pro” / Master Kit “Pro” #5012 |
All three come with plated brass thumbwheels (16mm diameter). The ABRN has 2.923″ / 74.4mm spacing and a .165″ / 4.2mm post hole. More help: Choosing conversion bridge posts, all Nashville/Heritage conversion posts, Which Gibson guitar do I have?.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Gibson start using the Nashville bridge?
In late 1973. The 1973–74 Les Paul Specials use a wraparound, so they are not Nashville guitars.
Does this fit Heritage guitars?
Yes. These parts fit the Heritage Schaller bridges on Heritage Guitars brand models made after the early 2000s.
ABRN or Tone-Lock?
The ABRN is the non-locking replacement. The Tone-Lock locks to the posts with lock nuts.
Which posts are easiest?
The NSWKIT “E-Z” screws into your original bushings, with no modification.
Can I keep my Nashville tailpiece studs?
Yes. Gibson tailpiece studs are INCH 5/16-24. If you want to upgrade them, Faber’s Tone-Lock INCH studs (#3000) and “Vintage Steel” studs (#3095) fit 5/16-24 bushings.