PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

[SJ318]

Hello,
There is something I cannot explain, but I just can't get a decent sound out of my (UNPLUGGED) PRS single cut SE Zack Meyer model semi-hollow guitar.
I have the neck (fingerboard, frets, etc.) set up like all my other guitars. I do my own fret work. I know the scale length is different, so I have tried different string gauges, from .009, .095, .010 sets. I always use .026, .038, .048 on my bottom, non trem guitars these days. Regardless, it just has a rattle type of sound that I can't lose and is not present in any of my other guitars. I have had a 335 before and it sounded great, so semi-hollow is not the problem.
I have seen, in the past, complaints about this bridge before, and remember there were some strongly worded ideas for better bridge replacements for these guitars that were NOT PRS brand, things like Manmade, Resomax, TonePros, etc. I do not remember what the consensus was. I have tried looking it up again but cannot seem to find it in the Forum history. Is there any recommendation that for a replacement that most players agree on? I have replaced all the electronics and put in the S.Duncan pups that I like, and even plugged in, there is a sound that the bridge makes the pickups or volume don't fix. The bridge sounds cheap, sounds like it rattles, although everything is definitely locked down as tight as I can humanly make it. Any thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks,
Steve Buffington

 

[nexion218]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

Does this bridge have those little pieces of wire keeping the intonation screws n place like the TOM bridges? I reckon those are fine candidates for rattling...

 

[SJ318]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

No, it has no wire.
Maybe "rattle" is a bad choice of words. It just sounds, I don't know - like the metal is cheap and "twinky sounding". Like the worst guitar bridge Sears ever made. It sounds thin and
bodyless. As I say, I have heard others say similar things, and some actually like this bridge. Damn, that thread I read was at least 3- 4 years ago. It was specific and recommended a PRS replacement that made the guitar sound great to the person who originally posted it. I might just put on a very old Gibson steel stop tail I have, if it will fit. See if that causes an improvement in sound.
I apologize for not being able to convey just exactly the "****ty" (excuse my language) sound this bridge makes. I don't think it is the guitar.
Steve

 

[Mincer]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

I think that a 335 sounds nothing like a semi hollow PRS (which sounds like a semi hollow LP to me). How does it sound plugged in? I am pretty sure that PRS didn't consider the unplugged sound when designing it.

 

[SJ318]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

It sounds weak when plugged in. As if the strings are connected to the body with hard tin-foil. The vibration just doesn't Eem to transfer from the bridge to the body. It is only semi-hollow on one half of the body. Supposedly the middle is all one piece of maple. Even my basswood guitars sound much deeper than this guitar. The wood is all mahogany, maple, rosewood and a maple block in the main part of the body. It should sound much, much deeper.
Steve.

 

[SJ318]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

After further searching, I have found other complaints similar to mine and that a good solution is an unslotted Stewmac Wraparound Intonatble nickle bridge. Apparently it is a direct fit and addresses my complaints. All say it gives the body and sustain I am looking for.
So Thanks for your thoughts, and I will close this thread.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

Keep the thread open for others to refer to. I was looking for a replacement for my SE bridge too.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

http://www.mannmadeusa.com/

These guys make replacement bridges for PRS. I believe the guy may have had a hand in designing the bridges with PRS...

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

Just got an old SE Tremonti last night. It has the original compensated cast bridge, only adjustment is height and set screws for intonation. Just restrung it with 11-50 and tweaked the height a little, but it sounds great.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

Just got an old SE Tremonti last night. It has the original compensated cast bridge, only adjustment is height and set screws for intonation. Just restrung it with 11-50 and tweaked the height a little, but it sounds great.

I have one of these and I really like it.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: PRS SE replacement intonatable wraparound bridge

I have one of these and I really like it.

Same here. I've had it less than a day, but the neck profile is great, and it just feels and plays really good. Haven't messed with the intonation yet, but it's gonna have to be really, really screwed up for me to want to replace the bridge. Had a Melody Maker with a Badass bridge, and very much prefer this one.