Bridge change

Well, tailpiece actually. I'm considering changing the stopbar tailpiece on my Epi Dot Studio to a trapeze style tailpiece as shown in this pic:

The guitar in the picture is also a Dot Studio. Is there anything that could be done with the old stud holes to cover or fill them? Being a semi-hollow I really don't think there is but wanted to ask here. Thanks.

Unless you wish to fill and refinish there isn't much you can do short of making a cool looking plate to cover the holes. It would still look like a hack job.

Gibson installed plates that read "Custom Made" on 335's in the 60's so that they could put Bigsby's on guitars without having to retool the production line.

http://www.gruhn.com/features/60-335red/EH5551c.jpg

You could also remove the anchors and dowel the holes. Maybe even inlay a dot of something over the top of the dowel to hide the end grain. I guess it depends on how handy you are at woodworking.

Thanks for the replies. I didn't think there was much that could be done but thought I would ask. The dowel and inlay option sounds pretty good. And, maybe I could find one of them Custom Made plates somewhere ...

I plan on putting a frequensator on my dot and removing the stopbar to get that feel on the strings.

I'll likely just stick some rubber plugs in the stopbar holes or find some decorative bolts that screw in flush.

The frequensator changes the feel of the strings and makes the tone and flexability better. Tightens uo the

lower strings. You can leave the stud holes in case you want to switch back at some time.

I'd like to see a pics of your finished results...

You may be able to get that custom made plate, uh, custom made. Something else that would really look cool is one of those V shaped plates you see on a Flying V. Bling this geetar up.

Leaving bushings in place and the holes open actually doesn't look that bad. I'd rather leave them there just in case I wanted to go back to the old config. I've seen some people put bolts with decent looking heads in the holes just to give it a more finished look. Figure out what threads you need and look at the hardware store or on Mcmaster for a nice looking bolt, something with a decent finish,

Agreed. If there's a chance that you might want to go back to the original configuration, then don't dowel the holes. I've also used plugs like this: http://www.amazon.com/Crown-Bolt-50374-Chrome-5-Count/dp/B004XMZR40/ref=zg_bs_16409481_20/178-5775847-2572734 to cover all kinds of holes in guitar bodies when doing mods. They work great for hiding holes where pots and switches have been removed, etc. The one pictured is chrome, but I also keep black and white plastic ones on hand, too. I can find them at the local hardware store. The one in the picture wouldn't be the right diameter, but they come in a variety of sizes. I haven't used any for this particular application, though, so I can't guarantee a fit.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. True, I might want to go back to the stopbar some day so I'll keep that in mind when deciding a plan.

I like that chrome plug idea.