Gibson tune-o-matic (two-point) bass bridge

Gibson / Epiphone two-point bass bridge. Introduced in around 1967, the two point bridge was Gibson's first attempt at a combined bridge/tailpiece that also allowed separate intonation of each string. The main body of the bridge attaches to two posts and are locked in place with two hex/grub screws, one on each post; Gibson's famous 'sustain sisters'. The posts themselves screw down into metal anchors, embedded into the bass body. When the hex screws are worn, the bridge itself can tip forward to some extent (some call this bridge the 'evertilt'), which can cause problems with action and intonation. This is common in basses with no under-bridge mute, but can be remedied by filing the tips of the grub screws, ensuring they are flat. But also don't ever loosen these grub screws to change bridge height whilst under string pressure. It will pull the bridge baseplate forward into a tilt. Adjust bridge height, tighten grub screws, and only then (re)attach strings.

Notice also that the silk wraps at the ball end of the string don't always stop before the bridge saddle (image 1), avoided, by removing some of the wraps with a razor blade; or buying strings without silk wraps at the ball end. Again this is important to ensure good intonation.

The two-point tune-o-matic bridge was fitted with four plastic (Delrin) saddles (images 1-4), each threaded onto a screw/bolt. These were adjustable by turning the bolt from the rear of the bridge, moving the saddle backwards or forwards. This can be set whilst the bass is strung (although it helps to slacken the string slightly). In 1972 the saddles were upgraded to metal (image 5), shortly before this bridge was replaced by the three point.

As used on the EB-0, reissued EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4L, Melody Maker, Les Paul Bass, Triumph, SB350/450, and Epiphone Newport and Rivoli basses.