1977 es 335

[markbosko]

I recently purchased a '77 335, all original. I like the guitar but I'm not crazy about the trapeze style bridge. Bending notes feels different and restringing is a hassle. I am curious about replacing the bridge with a Tone Pro style bridge. Will there be much difference sound wise? Any downside to the change? It's not too likely that I will sell the guitar.

[Rick360]

Howdy,

Mark, surely you aren't contemplating a "stop" tailpiece? Perhaps I've mis-read your post?

[dspellman]

Originally Posted by markbosko

I recently purchased a '77 335, all original. I like the guitar but I'm not crazy about the trapeze style bridge. Bending notes feels different and restringing is a hassle. I am curious about replacing the bridge with a Tone Pro style bridge. Will there be much difference sound wise? Any downside to the change? It's not too likely that I will sell the guitar.

I'd suggest leaving it alone. Get used to the trapeze style bridge. I've found that guitars that have unique characteristics are generally more fun than making everything the same. And you'll be tossing away some serious money by losing its originality (moving to a stop tailpiece is a drastic change) and you'll probably find that it's not really an "upgrade" anyway.

[musicofanatic5]

There is no such thing as a trapeze "bridge". Can we assume you mean trapeze "tailpiece"?

I would not hesitate to change to a stop tailpiece on a '77 Gbsn, if that's what you would prefer. As long as it is professionally done, no worries about devaluation on a gtr of that era.

[jay42]

Stop is good, Bigsby is good. It depends on what you like.

[HRydarcik]

Originally Posted by musicofanatic5

There is no such thing as a trapeze "bridge". Can we assume you mean trapeze "tailpiece"?

The first Les Pauls had a trapeze bridge.

[Jef Bardsley]

Originally Posted by HRydarcik

The first Les Pauls had a trapeze bridge.

Which is why we're all sure a '77 doesn't!

[markbosko]

Yes, I meant a trapeze tailpiece, bridge, whatever. I don't really consider a '77 a vintage collectable but I will probably play it as is for now. I need to play it for a few months to get to know the guitar better. Any comments though tone wise with the trapeze vs stop tailpiece?

Thanks,
MB

[Rockinrob86]

starting in the early 70s, they made the solid block inside much smaller. I am not sure if you can drill one of these era 335s for a stop tailpiece. I think the block ends right around where it would go.

[bluesjuke]

You may be right Rockinrob.
IIRC there is a gap right around that area.

[Jim S]

I think they look great and sound fine. Changing strings isn't that bad IMHO, and that's coming from a guy who hates changing strings.

Mine:

[markbosko]

I'm sure I will get used to changing strings. I wouldn't want to screw up a nice guitar because of a little inconvenience. Besides, the more I play it, the more I like this guitar as is.

[CharAznable]

Changing strings can't be the ordeal that is changing strings on a Bigsby.

[guitardork]

I got a 335 like this in the late 70's. It was a player not a collector so I put a stop tail on it. I like the change, more sustain and better feel. It is still my #1 guitar.

[Dubious]

after watching the new Rush Doc and all the vintage footage of Lifeson DESTROYING on a trapeze 335 i think you might want to reconsider - TONE!!!!!!