New Bridge, Drastic Change

Cadorman

Cadorman

Ambassador of the Catocaster
Country flag
So I've had this Tone Pros System II bridge sitting around for a couple of years and decided to pull it out and install it on the Blueberry this morning.
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I didn't think much about it and then I plugged in and holy heck it sounded like a different guitar! I'm not sure how much of the change has to do with locking the bridge down to the studs versus going from aluminum to Zamac. This is the ABR style bridge for Nashville guitars. Super easy to remove the saddles since the screws are held in with an e-clip and I like the nylon washers under the screw heads.

Sound wise I would say the Harmonics are more defined, there is more sustain and the bass and mids are more aggressive. I actually had to pull down the 63hz and 128hz sliders on my equalizer. I may need more of these. Anyone else using them? I sold a set of the locking tail piece studs to @SG John and may have to take another look at those.
 
Lovely guitar. I looked into those, but too expensive here in Korea...

It's great that you've found these improvements, but I've experienced the same when changing an Epi SG to Tonepros - just a huge improvement. Tonepros/Gotoh are my favourite hardware because they are top notch and at reasonable (less so in the Tonepros case) prices. And, being able to make the bridge/tail more rigid definitely ups the playability and sounds (locking down my SG Special massively improved the distinctly average design of the lightening bar).

Looks great, sounds, great - happy days! :dood:

Just like S5s new tele, the cream switch tip and binding work great with the blueburst.
 
Cadorman said:
So I've had this Tone Pros System II bridge sitting around for a couple of years and decided to pull it out and install it on the Blueberry this morning.
View attachment 57243
I didn't think much about it and then I plugged in and holy heck it sounded like a different guitar! I'm not sure how much of the change has to do with locking the bridge down to the studs versus going from aluminum to Zamac. This is the ABR style bridge for Nashville guitars. Super easy to remove the saddles since the screws are held in with an e-clip and I like the nylon washers under the screw heads.

Sound wise I would say the Harmonics are more defined, there is more sustain and the bass and mids are more aggressive. I actually had to pull down the 63hz and 128hz sliders on my equalizer. I may need more of these. Anyone else using them? I sold a set of the locking tail piece studs to @SG John and may have to take another look at those.
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All I use on Gibson style guitars is aluminum bridges and tailpieces from Faber. I have found nothing better for a TOM style bridge.

On my Black Garage-Built Les Paul, I'm using a hybrid aluminum roller Nashville (small pin) bridge, made for me by a guy in Budapest and a gold plated, Faber TP-59 aluminum tailpiece.

(This is the guitar used on my recording of 'Heaven & Hell.')

On the Chibster Les Paul I got from @esge, I'm using a Gotoh nickel played brass, small-pin ABR-1 with a nickel plated Faber TP-59 locking aluminum tailpiece.

No better tone, IMHO.

Many times, I see old ABR's/Nashvilles with worn, ragged string grooves and a new bridge really "wakes them up."
 
Jethro Rocker said:
Hmm I should look into that. So did you change out the studs or just bridge? I see it locks as you say. I womder if that creates less movement?
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It comes with the studs. The stock Nashville studs don't fit into the holes on this particular model. Once you get your action and intonation dialed in you tighten the Allen set screws that lock the bridge to the studs. They make a standard Nashville model, but I like the narrow abr design and never run out of adjustment.
 
Don’t remember particulars anymore. But I swapped the epi bridge and tail for a Tonepros. Both have the set screws to lock to the studs. Like you. Made a different guitar out my G400. My major issue was intonation. I could set it with the stock pieces and it wouldn’t stay in tune. Stuck on the Tonepro and problem went away. Stays in tune and intonations stays spot on.
 
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Cadorman said:
Inspired? Sure. Uplifting? Not if I can help it. I just made this up. I think I shall call it: Satan Made You Want Me.

View attachment 57303


Or maybe: Hold My Beer Whilst I Grab Your Hair.
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I'll hit you with a melody
Righteous as a felony
Rhythm so tight
It's gotta be sin
Up all night just to rock it again

It's a groove you can feel
Like a bitch on her knees
Your heart is the steal

Satan made you want me

Yep...we can do that...
 
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