School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

ImmortalSix

ImmortalSix

John Mayer's Mankini
I have a 2008 Epiphone Dot Studio, Made in Qingdao, China.

I have decided to upgrade it, similar to the "everything but the wood" job I did on my '51 --- new nut, bridge, pots, caps, switch, jack.

I am already set for pickups, nut, caps, pots, and switch, but I don't know what's out there as far as tune-o-matic bridges and stop tailpieces.

What all is out there?
Who makes em?
Adjustability?
Materials?
Tone?
Difference in dimensions between Made in China and Made in USA?

Thanks, gang!
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

Here's my experiences with aftermarket TOM style bridges:

TOM style bridges from Stewmac don't fit on Gibson USA guitars. Not sure about yours since its an Epi. Your Epi was probably built using metric specs...

I've purchased several TonePros locking TOMs and tails. I like 'em. Especially ones with Graphtech saddles. I won't say that they've done much to improve the tone, but it definetely has not made it any worse. I'm confident it has improved sustain and tone etc, but not to any degree measureable by the human ear. Its up to you if the price of the TonePros is worth it to you. I like the convenience of the hardware staying in place during string changes.

I also prefer the newer style TOM Gibson uses versus the old Nashville style TOM that uses a saddle retaining wire. The newer style just feels better since it seems more solid. I have swapped out some Nashville style TOMs for the "modern" ones...

edit: BTW, I have heard good things about aluminum stop tails. I want to try one, but have no need for a new tail on any guitar at this time. I've heard the aluminum stop tail is supposed to increase sustain and tone.
 
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Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

lex666 said:
Here's my experiences with aftermarket TOM style bridges:

TOM style bridges from Stewmac don't fit on Gibson USA guitars. Not sure about yours since its an Epi. Your Epi was probably built using metric specs...

I've purchased several TonePros locking TOMs and tails. I like 'em. Especially ones with Graphtech saddles. I won't say that they've done much to improve the tone, but it definetely has not made it any worse. I'm confident it has improved sustain and tone etc, but not to any degree measureable by the human ear. Its up to you if the price of the TonePros is worth it to you. I like the convenience of the hardware staying in place during string changes.

I also prefer the newer style TOM Gibson uses versus the old Nashville style TOM that uses a saddle retaining wire. The newer style just feels better since it seems more solid. I have swapped out some Nashville style TOMs for the "modern" ones...

edit: BTW, I have heard good things about aluminum stop tails. I want to try one, but have no need for a new tail on any guitar at this time. I've heard the aluminum stop tail is supposed to increase sustain and tone.
Click to expand...

Thanks man, I appreciate the info

Keep it coming!
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

I actually have an '08 Qingdao Dot Studio. I'm 99% sure it's metric nashville compatible. I know the metric bridges with the slotted-top posts will fit, I don't know if they'll thread into the inserts. I haven't tried it.

As far as bridges go, I've been really satisfied with the tonal improvement of Gotoh nashville style bridges. I have an Electra LP clone and replacing the(very cheap) bridge really smoothed out the string balance and did away with annoying metallic plink.

I also used one on a Warmoth guitar I put together. Well, it was a TonePros but they start with Gotoh. That particular bridge had the Graph Tech saddles as well and I have to say I was impressed. They seemed to add a little smoothness all around, both tonally and in a little bit of slinkiness. It seemed intonation was a bit nicer, too.

I'm also impressed with aluminum tailpieces. I tried a Gotoh and it was very light compared to the cast ones. Installed on the guitar I could swear it added some acoustic openness to the sound. Or maybe I should say it pretty much removed the last of that pot-metal clank from the pick attack.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

You can tell whether it's a metric bridge by the fact that the top of the post has a screwdriver slit.

A Gotoh metric bridge fits and is better quality than what they mount by default.

I think Gotoh still isn't nearly good enough but it will be a huge improvement. A tonepros metric is a Gotoh metric with holes, don't do that.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

Stay away from the allparts tun-o-matics. I bought a Harmonica style tune-o-matic and had problems with the saddles moving up as I play and the screws coming loose. I paid $50 for the danged thing!
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

Regarding TonePros, I'm not sure the little set screws make a tonal difference, but having it locked together is dang handy when you have the strings off.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

ParameterMan said:
Regarding TonePros, I'm not sure the little set screws make a tonal difference, but having it locked together is dang handy when you have the strings off.
Click to expand...


agreed.. the locking bridge is great for not clanking up the top of your gtr during routine maintenance! i have the tonepros lightweight aluminum tailpiece as well and it definitley increased the punch (in the form of an overall "brightness" with very good, even from low to high, string "definition") and sustain (61 reissue SG).

i prefer the difference as it forces me to be less sloppy since everything is so well defined tonally and all flarnks and flams come through ... at least it forces me to TRY to be less sloppy...

nice bridges by tonepros... kinda pricey but i have no complaints
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

The key to a good sounding bridge is lightness, so that it is a relatively transparent conduit between the strings and the body. This also involves the idea of inertia relating to the energy created by a struck string, i.e. there's less interference, as it were, in terms of response. Steel is a denser material, creating more interference.

I believe that's why aluminium tailpieces and ABR-1 style bridges which screw directly into the wood are highly regarded as tonally flattering and therefore desirable. Perhaps some gurus with a luthiery bone in their body can chime in with any corrections..

As others have said, Tone-Pros make aluminium tailpieces and an locking ABR-1 with a wire, which seems to take a good thing and make some improvements.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

uOpt said:
You can tell whether it's a metric bridge by the fact that the top of the post has a screwdriver slit.
Click to expand...

Not exactly correct, since several years ago (Mid-80's) Gibson made Nashville bridges with slotted post (e.g., PBBR-030s and PBBR-040s [Gibson stock part numbers]) and included the wheel under the bridge in the assembly.

As far as I know, those particular bridges are no longer made by Gibson.

The difference between US and Metric, as well as ABR-1 and Nashville style bridges can be summed up as follows:

US verses Metric will not interchange due to the difference in thread size and pitch.
Important metric bridge dimensions- Bridge stud diameter - (1/4 inch) 6 mm, slotted top bridge center to center spacing - (2.95") saddle spacing - 10.4mm

ABR-1 will not interchange with the Nashville Tune-O-Matic. The studs and stud mounting devices embedded in the guitar body are different sizes (Nashville is larger diameter).

http://store.gibson.com/Products/Hardware/Bridges.aspx

So if you are thinking of swapping out a Nashville for an ABR-1 you have some additional work ahead of you.

--- SOLUTION ---

Bridge (Nickel)
http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/product.cgi?group=3988&product=3989


Set (Nickel)
http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/product.cgi?group=18226&product=18231

Tonepro and Graphtech (Nickel)
http://www.guitarpartsdepot.com/product.cgi?group=19410&product=19418
 
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Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

My next project on my Epiphone LP is upgrading the bridge and the nut. I'm very interested to hear some opinions on Graphtech products. I personally don't bend any more than usual as far as I can tell - and to be honest I don't have any string breakage problems, but if they sound just as good as regular nuts/saddles then I think might spring for a set.

Now, before I thought about getting myself some Graphtech saddles, the best choice for a bridge seemed to be Tonepros (gauged by this and many other forums and general internet scouring). Graphtech does sell a Tonepros bridge pre-fitted with Graphtech saddles as well as a separate 'Supercharger Kit' complete with Graphtech Nut, Graphtech 'Resomax' Bridge and assorted other goodies (sandpaper etc.)

So, my questions - is tonepros as good as I am lead to believe? Has anybody played on or heard of the Graphtech Resomax Bridge? And lastly, which of these would you recommend, why, or do you have another suggestion for me.

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard soon to be equipped with P-Rails and Triple Shot Mounting Ring. The Bridge and nut in current state (out of the factory) are pretty ... meh.

Tonepros Graphtech : http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?ProductID=247&CurrencyID=2

Graphtech Supercharger Kit w/ Resomax Bridge : http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?ProductID=369&CurrencyID=2

Thanks in advance,

Penguin.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

Again. A tonepros is a Gotoh with holes (at least for the metric one) and the quality on either semi-stinks, IMHO.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

uOpt said:
Again. A tonepros is a Gotoh with holes (at least for the metric one) and the quality on either semi-stinks, IMHO.
Click to expand...

I would like to hear why you say that. The (relatively limited amount of) Gotoh hardware I've encountered has been impeccable in the fit and finish department. Not sure what kind of metal they're using but it seems to sound all right.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

I didn't find good metric TOMs.

I really need a video camera with audio capabilities, then I would youtube a video of me taking a Gotoh/Tonepros and a Gibson ABR-1 and slam both into my hand. Clack Clack Clack is how the Gotoh goes as the loose saddles move around and hit the opposite side of their play. The Gibson, and also the stuff that's mounted on my 1980ties MIJ LPs, doesn't do anything like that.

Of course a Nashville is always hopeless. Even if you like the bridge design itself, the posts going into these metal anchors in a huge hole in the guitar top are a lost cause.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

I cant reccomend the Wilkinson roller bridge highly enough,I was looking to replace the saddles on my Epi Goth's TOM because of string breakage when I came across this http://cgi.ebay.com/Wilkinson-Rolle...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

It locks on the studs too! I dont notice a difference in sustain or tone to tell the truth, but I have not broke a string at the bridge in the 1 1/2 or so yrs I had it.
I use 10-52 gauge and they stay put on the rollers ,no slippage.
They say its wilkinson,Im not sure about that,its not stamped on it anywhere,but its solid totally adjustable and lockable.
 
Re: School me on aftermarket Tune-o-matic bridges!

Karmadog777 said:
I cant reccomend the Wilkinson roller bridge highly enough...
It locks on the studs too! I dont notice a difference in sustain or tone to tell the truth, but I have not broke a string at the bridge in the 1 1/2 or so yrs I had it.
I use 10-52 gauge and they stay put on the rollers ,no slippage.
They say its wilkinson,Im not sure about that,its not stamped on it anywhere,but its solid totally adjustable and lockable.
Click to expand...

karmadog, do you find they rattle at all? i was interested in one of those bridges and went on a quest for knowledge about roller bridges in general, i checked out the gretsch forum and to a lesser extent the tele forum and generally those guys are loving the bar bridge and don't trust rollers.
but i figured being wilkinson it wouldn't be total crap, and is a pretty good design with locking posts etc...

so you like it? it doesn't rattle? how's it sound compared to your TOM bridge?
 
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