When you remove the bridge (strings off) do the posts turn freely into the bushes?
With the bridge off and posts removed, can you turn the posts in the post holes of the bridge piece without resistance?
I ask these questions because the bushes may not be perpendicular to the bridge/pickups/fretboard IYKWIM. If the holes in the body weren't drilled straight, the bushes won't be straight therefore the posts may be sort of splayed outwards and not mating properly with the post holes in the bridge.
Note: if the posts turn hard into the bushes, it just might be the threads need a bit of cleaning up.
You may need to sand/file the holes in the bridge to accommodate the leaning posts. This is made more difficult with black hardware, because you run the risk of chipping it in places that may be visible. I'm sure there are ways of touching it up though I 've never done it. I'm not a fan of black or gold hardware personally.
I have done the hole modification on nickel hardware but that's a bit more forgiving and harder to see if the finish is minorly damaged.
I'm sure there are some here that have worked with black hardware and can offer advice, as well as offer other ideas on the fitting issue.
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