Swope Descendant Vibrato

[Larry Mal]

For those who've played both a Mastery and Swope Descendant Vibrato, which has more overall range of pitch bend? I had an old MIM that sucked and never used, bought a swope descendant earlier this year and have been happy with it, though I'd love to have a bit more range.

FWIW I use 12-52 gauge strings

You know, I'm glad you posted, I was intending to follow up with this. I do have both of those units.

The Mastery has considerably more range. For one, the Mastery can pitch upwards, which I cannot make the Descendant do. Maybe you can? But the Mastery also has more pitch downward.

The Mastery is the superior unit all around.

[jondom22]

You know, I'm glad you posted, I was intending to follow up with this. I do have both of those units.

The Mastery has considerably more range. For one, the Mastery can pitch upwards, which I cannot make the Descendant do. Maybe you can? But the Mastery also has more pitch downward.

The Mastery is the superior unit all around.

Thanks for the response. While I have your attention, do you happen to also have a mastery bridge on your JM? If so, do the saddles move like this when using the vibrato, or do your strings glide freely? https://youtu.be/01bhlfFyxM4

[Larry Mal]

Thanks for the response. While I have your attention, do you happen to also have a mastery bridge on your JM? If so, do the saddles move like this when using the vibrato, or do your strings glide freely? https://youtu.be/01bhlfFyxM4

I will check when I get home, I certainly have never noticed that happening.

Do you want me to check with the Descendant vibrato or the Mastery, or is that not important to you?

[jondom22]

I will check when I get home, I certainly have never noticed that happening.

Do you want me to check with the Descendant vibrato or the Mastery, or is that not important to you?

Thanks so much, that’s super kind of you! Ya either vibrato is fine, really just wanna see if the way the saddles rock on my mastery bridge is the way it’s supposed to be, or if the strings are supposed to glide over the saddles. I feel like the rocking movement is causing tuning issues, and my saddles keep wearing down quickly (I just replaced them but already saw some tarnishing of the finish).

Appreciate all your help!

[jondom22]

I will check when I get home, I certainly have never noticed that happening.

Do you want me to check with the Descendant vibrato or the Mastery, or is that not important to you?

Thanks so much, that’s super kind of you! Ya either vibrato is fine, really just wanna see if the way the saddles rock on my mastery bridge is the way it’s supposed to be, or if the strings are supposed to glide over the saddles. I feel like the rocking movement is causing tuning issues, and my saddles keep wearing down quickly (I just replaced them but already saw some tarnishing of the finish).

Appreciate all your help!

Was able to get a used mastery vibrato which will arrive next week. Will see how it compares to the descendant.

[Larry Mal]

Be sure to let us know, but I have a guess about what you will say.

[MechaBulletBill]

i had a quick go on a friend's guitar that was descendant-equipped and it really is a lovely feeling vibrato. my only quibble was that the arm sat very high relative to the strings/body. i know there is some way to adjust the floating plate height (which is cool but am unsure why one would. break angle? vibrato tension?) but was wondering if there is a specific adjustment for the arm height (google has not helped in this instance. perhaps if i write " descendant arm height" a few more times it will help someone else wondering about their own " descendant arm height " dilemma find this post in reference to the "descendant arm height "

[mekhem]

I "believe" that the vibrato comes with some adjustment plates that will affect the depth.

Also - about the arm - I would just email him via the website. He has been pretty responsive in the past.