Aluminum Stop Bars:

Inspector #20

Inspector #20

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All my Gibson's get aluminum tailpieces....even the replica. It's as if the guitar just comes alive...more string vibration....louder acoustically...more definition and clarity.

Thoughts???

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All that lightness at the base of the body. You're going to get horrible neck dive...

The new sound? Maybe. Maybe not. I presume these new stopbars were accompanied each time by new strings?
 
DonP said:
All that lightness at the base of the body. You're going to get horrible neck dive...

The new sound? Maybe. Maybe not. I presume these new stopbars were accompanied each time by new strings?
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I dont get neck dive. Not even with my SG! My double neck is very neck heavy though....

Even with new strings, the aluminum sounds livelier than zinc
 
I like aluminum on most guitars. Not all. I do think they bring a “presence” out in most but every once in a while a guitar gets too zingy-sounding with one and I switch back. One very important thing though: aluminum tailpieces NEED steel studs to sound good (IMO).
 
gball said:
I like aluminum on most guitars. Not all. I do think they bring a “presence” out in most but every once in a while a guitar gets too zingy-sounding with one and I switch back. One very important thing though: aluminum tailpieces NEED steel studs to sound good (IMO).
Click to expand...

Yes!

I use those Faber ones with the stepped steel washers.
 
I think it's a hit or miss on how some guitars react to the mass of a stoptail. Maybe, even between two of the same guitars.

Case in point: A long time ago, my old 70/71 SG Standard was modified from it's original Vibrola to a stoptail that I think was made from zinc. A couple years later, it was suggested that I try a lightweight aluminum stoptail for the purpose of adding a bit more chime and sustain to the guitar's natural response. I did not notice much of a difference at the time. No big deal, cuz the SG sounded pretty darn good after I finally found the magical pickups that complimented this guitar.

Then just a few years ago, I read at another forum about this same subject on switching from aluminum to a solid steel stoptail to counteract a "wooly" guitar. Enter Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supply with their Precision Machined Steel Tailpiece. This type of stoptail made a difference... a difference for the better at least for this guitar!

The aluminum tailpiece that Robert posted shows a weight of 31.5 grams. In comparison, the solid steel stoptail on my old SG is 3.3 ounces, or 93.5 grams... almost 3x heavier. And, NO NECK DIVE!
 
I even had aluminum claws made for the double neck. I just love how bright the aluminum seems to make them sound.
 
Looks like I have another Les Paul coming to replace my SG....

Going to need a nickel plated aluminum stop bar for that so the setup is identical to my other Les Paul's...
 
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