Tune-o-matic Thumbwheels: Which Thumbwheel Fits Your Bridge Posts and How to Replace One
A replacement thumbwheel has to match the thread of your bridge posts. Vintage-style Gibson ABR-1 posts are 6-32 (inch): use Faber #3131. Faber BSWKIT posts and 4mm metric posts, including Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom, use #3130. Both come in Gloss Nickel, Aged Nickel, Gloss Gold and Aged Gold, sold as single pieces. Slacken the strings, spin the old thumbwheel off, thread the new one on and reset bridge height.
Jump to: Which thumbwheel fits · Finishes · How to replace · FAQ
Which thumbwheel fits your bridge posts
| Post thread | Common on | Faber thumbwheel |
|---|---|---|
| 6-32 (inch) | Vintage-style Gibson ABR-1 posts threaded into the wood; Faber ST #3082 and Extra Long ABR-1 #3084-XL posts | #3131 |
| 4mm metric | Faber BSWKIT posts; 4mm direct-mounted import posts; Faber ST #3087 posts | #3130 |
| 4mm metric in body bushings | Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom (separate thumbwheels), original posts or Faber IBG-Sert posts | #3130 |
Not sure which posts you have? See Guitar Bridge Posts Explained.
Gibson Nashville and Epiphone large-bushing guitars use one-piece post/thumbwheels. For an upgrade, see Faber conversion posts: Nashville & Schaller or Epiphone & imports.
Thumbwheel finishes
Match your thumbwheels to your bridge and tailpiece. Every finish is sold as a single piece, so you can replace one or a full set.
- Gloss Nickel: #3131-0 (6-32) · #3130-0 (4mm)
- Aged Nickel: #3131-1 (6-32) · #3130-1 (4mm)
- Gloss Gold: #3131-2 (6-32) · #3130-2 (4mm)
- Aged Gold: #3131-3 (6-32) · #3130-3 (4mm)
How to replace a thumbwheel
Before you start
Slacken the strings, or take them off, so the bridge lifts free. Note your bridge height first: measure from the body to the bottom of the bridge, or count the turns as you spin the old thumbwheel off.
Swapping a missing or mismatched thumbwheel
- Lift the bridge off the posts.
- Spin the old thumbwheel off the post.
- Thread the new thumbwheel on and set it to your noted height.
- Set the bridge back on, tune up, then fine-tune height and check intonation.
Stuck or stripped thumbwheel
- Slacken the strings fully and lift the bridge off so the thumbwheel carries no load.
- Put a drop of penetrating oil on the threads, let it soak in, then turn the thumbwheel gently.
- If the post threads are damaged, replace the post: Faber ST #3082 (6-32) or ST #3087 (4mm metric) posts come with thumbwheels. On bushing-mounted guitars, see Faber conversion posts.
Upgrading posts at the same time?
Original thumbwheels can be reused with Faber E-Z, Plus and Pro conversion posts. Faber ST posts include thumbwheels, and Extra Long ABR-1 #3084-XL posts take #3131. More in Guitar Bridge Posts Explained and For New Builds & Kit Guitars.
Thumbwheels FAQ
What size thumbwheel does an ABR-1 bridge use?
Vintage-style Gibson ABR-1 posts are 6-32 (inch) thread. Use Faber #3131 thumbwheels.
Which thumbwheel fits 4mm bridge posts?
Faber #3130 metric thumbwheels fit 4mm posts, including Faber BSWKIT and ST #3087 posts.
Are thumbwheels universal?
They’re made per thread: 6-32 inch or 4mm metric. Match the thumbwheel to your post thread.
Can I replace just one thumbwheel?
Yes. Faber #3131 and #3130 thumbwheels are sold as single pieces in Gloss Nickel, Aged Nickel, Gloss Gold and Aged Gold.
How do I fix a stuck or stripped thumbwheel?
Slacken the strings, lift the bridge, add a drop of penetrating oil and turn gently. If the post threads are damaged, replace the post.
Do Faber thumbwheels fit Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom posts?
Yes. Faber #3130 fits the original IGC 4mm posts in their body bushings and Faber IBG-Sert posts.
Can I reuse my thumbwheels with Faber conversion posts?
Yes. Original thumbwheels can be reused with Faber E-Z, Plus and Pro conversion posts.