TOM bridge preference

[Aardvark]

I am working on a custom build LP style guitar. What TOM style bridge and bushings (not tailpiece) do you LP gurus favor? I would be interested to know about both materials and manufacturer. Thanks in advance!

[frankencat]

I just put one of these on my Power/Duo-Jet and it's great. I would love to put one on an LP. :aok

http://www.comptonbridges.com/sites/default/files/images/Stainless_bridge.gif

http://www.comptonbridges.com/home

[Aardvark]

I just put one of these on my Power/Duo-Jet and it's great. I would love to put one on an LP. :aok

http://www.comptonbridges.com/sites/default/files/images/Stainless_bridge.gif

http://www.comptonbridges.com/home
That is really interesting. Does it adapt to standard TOM posts? Are you happy with the intonation and tone?

[Aardvark]

Any other thoughts on bridge preferences?

[Rock Johnson]

The general consensus is that ABR bridges are better than Nashville. I've heard nothing but good things about the various bridge makers - pigtail, Callaham, etc.

I tend think, though, that the posts matter more than the bridge. Having bridge studs anchored deep into the wood makes for better tone than the Nashville style bushings.

So, bottom line, I'd probably use an ABR and just make sure it's positioned properly so you can intonate it. I'd make VERY sure to use deep mounting posts (see the Mapleflame mod) to get the best coupling I could.

[Aardvark]

The general consensus is that ABR bridges are better than Nashville. I've heard nothing but good things about the various bridge makers - pigtail, Callaham, etc.

I tend think, though, that the posts matter more than the bridge. Having bridge studs anchored deep into the wood makes for better tone than the Nashville style bushings.

So, bottom line, I'd probably use an ABR and just make sure it's positioned properly so you can intonate it. I'd make VERY sure to use deep mounting posts (see the Mapleflame mod) to get the best coupling I could.
Thanks for the info. What is the Mapleflame mod?

[bluesjuke]

MapleFlame Mod;
http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139132&highlight=MapleFlame

[Carl_Tone]

My luth recommends the callaham.

[Aardvark]

Thanks for the addl info on MapleFlame and Callaham!

[walterw]

big ups on the callaham abr-1. it's steel, as opposed to the usual zinc pot metal, so it's a lot stronger. also, it locks like the tonepros stuff.

it added sustain and fatness, as opposed to brightness, to both gibsons i put it on.

[walterw]

I just put one of these on my Power/Duo-Jet and it's great. I would love to put one on an LP. :aok

http://www.comptonbridges.com/sites/default/files/images/Stainless_bridge.gif

http://www.comptonbridges.com/home
hmm.

there's no compensation zig-zag for the transition from the plain G to the wound D, and no way to adjust overall placement for intonation (not a big deal for a gretsch with a moveable bridge, but no good for a solidbody gibson.)

a very pretty near-miss. :(

[EADGBE]

I haven't tried one yet but I'd go with the Callaham. It's made from steel.

http://www.callahamguitars.com/g_brdg.jpg

[Aardvark]

Walter, thanks as always for the insight and advice.

[captain_bob]

I really like TonePros.

[rushcentrale]

i like the pigtail aluminum ABR. it's got a swirly air to it and it's really lightweight yet strong. it's my favorite ABR material and i have used and use steel and zinc versions as well.

[Demioblue]

That's a cool looking bridge. The only problem I'd have with that would be the inability to adjust the intonation when you do odd tunings.