why would one need a roller bridge with no trem?
All Gretsch guitars should have a roller bridge.

Interesting. But, I'm more interested in single-cut models with a Bigsby, and I'm pretty settled on models with the trestle bracing. This one uses the center block, which is more like a semi-hollow guitar. I certainly like semi-hollow guitars! But, it's not what I'm looking for in a Gretsch.
My "must-haves" point me, at least, to something in the Electromatic line, sort of like this:
![]()
G5420T Electromatic® Classic Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby®, Laurel Fingerboard, Airline Silver
The G5420T Electromatic® Classic Hollow Body Single-Cut with Bigsby® features a laminated maple body with vintage-inspired perimeters and refined arches, as well as all-new trestle block bracing to help reduce unwanted feedback. By increasing rigidity and contact between the top and back of the...www.gretschguitars.com
When does Gregor ever make a guitar not sound amazing?This cat makes everything sound good
While not intended as a roller bridge, Gretsch used to use a bridge called the "Space Control" bridge. The purpose was not really to be a roller bridge; it was more to allow players to adjust individual string spacing, such as for finger picking. Nevertheless, it doesn't take too much of a stretch of the imagination to see how this could provide some sort of "roller" function.
Unfortunately, this bridge lacked individual intonation adjustments.
View attachment 82153
An interesting derivative of this idea is the Schaller STM bridge.
Like the Space Control bridge, it uses wheels on a threaded axle. Instead of a single, long axle, each saddle has it's own small wheel and finely threaded axle. Schaller advertises this not only as being adjustable for spacing, but also being suitable for systems like a Bigsby.
I have one of the STM bridges and have used it. The threaded wheels do, in fact, smoothly rotate back and forth with Bigsby use. I would always lube mine with a drop of fine machine oil with string changes.
![]()
STM
Schaller STM – high quality roller bridge Compatible with post spacings from 74.0 to 74.5 mm Adjustable for height, intonation and string spacing Low-friction roller saddles for excellent tuning stability – perfect for...schaller.info
Even that design is an improvement over the "rocking" bridge. On some Gretsch models, the holes for the saddle screws are elongated to allow most of the movement to take place in the saddle itself.
guitargirlmag.com